Biomechanics

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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:

• Orthotics and Prosthesis are the fields that deal with replacing lost or missing limbs. These scientist integrate invention with biology as they seek to reverse debilitating conditions.
• Sports biomechanics, focus on physics involved during complex sports. eg provide estimates for the damage being done, and ways to avoid that damage, like wearing a helmet or preventing the strain of repetitive tasks.
• Ergonomics studies the body’s natural position and how stresses are created.
• Rehabilitation specialists, practice biomechanics to eg give bedridden patients zero-strain exercise.

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