Biomechanics

Original Editor - Lucinda hampton

Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Blessed Denzel Vhudzijena  

Introduction

Although the human body is an incredibly complex biological system composed of trillions of cells, it is subject to the same fundamental laws of mechanics that govern simple metal or plastic structures. The study of the response of biological systems to mechanical forces is referred to as biomechanics.

Although it wasn’t recognized as a formal discipline until the 20th century, biomechanics has been studied by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Aristotle.

• The application of biomechanics to the musculoskeletal system has led to a better understanding of both joint function and dysfunction, resulting in design improvements in devices such as joint arthroplasty systems and orthotic devices.
• Additionally, basic musculoskeletal biomechanics concepts are important for clinicians such as physical and occupational therapists and orthopaedic surgeons.
• Biomechanics is often referred to as the link between structure and function.

A therapist typically evaluates a patient from a kinesiologic and biomechanical perspective.

Basics

Biomechanics is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of physics to biological systems to understand how organism move and interact with their surroundings. Biomechanics is concerned with everything from microscopic systems like muscle contraction in cells, all the way to large-scale, whole-body motions like a sprinting athlete .

Biomechanics applies the laws of physics with regards to levers, pulleys and other known functions to define and understand the complicated forces involved in biological systems.

Medicinal Biomechanics

Medicinal biomechanics deals with the human body, and is involved in many areas of expertise eg:

• Biomechanics in prosthetic rehabilitation: An understanding of biomechanics is important when working with amputees and people with prosthetic limbs. It is especially relevant to understanding how gait deviations and pressure problems occur and how they can be remedied. An understanding of biomechanics is essential for Prosthetists as it influences so many aspects of their work during prosthetic rehabilitation. See alsoBiomechanics for Cerebral Palsy Orthotics
• Biomechanics In Sports: Biomechanics in sport incorporates a detailed analysis of sport movements in order to minimise the risk of injury and improve sports performance. Sport and exercise biomechanics encompasses the area of science concerned with the analysis of the mechanics of human movement. It refers to the description, detailed analysis and assessment of human movement during sport activities.See also:Running BiomechanicsCycling Biomechanics
• Ergonomics studies the body’s natural position and how stresses are created. Biomechanics (the science of movement of a living body) and Ergonomics (workplaces, products and systems) should be considered together, as two parts of a whole. Ultimately, an ergonomically optimized workspace, with consideration for each individual’s unique biomechanics, can mean more comfort and less pain throughout the day.See also Sitting Ergonomics And The Impact on Low Back Pain
• Rehabilitation specialists, practice biomechanics eg Clinical Biomechanics of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Dynamic Stabilisers of the Shoulder Complex, Biomechanical Assessment of Foot and Ankle, Biomechanics and Dynamics of the Pelvic Girdle.
• See also the great biomechanic topics listed here Category:Biomechanics

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