Product Description

Biomechanics of Human Motion: Basics and Beyond for the Health Professions presents a straightforward approach to the basic principles, theories and applications of biomechanics and provides numerous techniques and examples for approaching biomechanical situations enhanced by healthcare professionals.

Building on his previous work, Dr. Barney LeVeau uses clearly defined, concise terms and real-life applications rather than advanced mathematics to make teaching and learning biomechanics easier. Based upon the concept of force, the text illustrates how force is applied to the human body and how the body applies force to various objects. The emphasis is upon the pertinent factors that guide the reader to an understanding of biomechanics at a beginning level.

Chapter Topics Include:

• Strength of material such as loading and stress-strain relationships
• Composition and Resolution of Forces such as graphic method and mathematical method
• Equilibrium such as static, first condition and second condition
• Dynamics such as kinematics and kinetics
• Application such as stability and balance, motion analysis, and gait

What's Inside:

• Simple explanations of biological & mechanical concepts
• Contemporary articles at the end of each chapter providing readers with information beyond the basics
• Over 240 images illustrate biomechanical situations and computations
• User-friendly, uncomplicated mathematical formulas and examples

Biomechanics of Human Motion: Basics and Beyond for the Health Professions provides students and clinicians of all allied health professions with a basic background and solid foundation on which to build a solid understanding of force and biomechanics.

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Contents

Dedication
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction

Chapter 1: Force

Definition, Description, and Scope

Force

Types of Force

Gravitational

Contact

Frictional

Muscular

Inertial

Elastic

Buoyant

Electromagnetic (Eddy Currents)

Related Terms

Torque

Strength

Load

Pressure

Fluids in an Open Container

Fluids in a Closed Container

Mass

Moment of Inertia

Work

Efficiency

Energy

Power

Newton's Laws of Motion

Chapter 2: Strength of Materials

Loading

Three Principle Stresses and Strains

Axial Loads

Bending Loads

Torsion Loads

Rheological Properties

Elasticity

Viscosity

Plasticity

Stress-Strain Relationship

Effects of Loading Biological Tissue

Chapter 3: Composition and Resolution of Forces

Introduction

Composition

Graphic Method (Triangular)

Graphic Method (Parallelogram)

Mathematical Method

Linear Force System

Concurrent Force System

Resolution

Graphic Method

Mathematical Method

Chapter 4: Equilibrium

Static Equilibrium

First Condition of Equilibrium

Examples

Pulleys

Fixed Pulley

Moveable Pulley

Second Condition of Equilibrium

Levers

First-Class Levers

Second-Class Levers

Third-Class Levers

Examples

Parallel Systems of Forces

General Systems of Forces

Human Body Examples

Chapter 5: Friction

Introduction

Definitions

Horizontal Plane

Inclined Plane

Chapter 6: Dynamics

Introduction

Kinematics

Displacement

Velocity

Acceleration

Linear/Angular Conversion

Example-Swinging Upper Limb

Kinetics

Acceleration Approach

Example-Fixed Pulley System

Resistance of Load-Slow Movement

Resistance of Load-Faster Movement

Resistance of Limb During Movement

Using Cuff Weight Instead of Pulley System

Impulse-Momentum

Linear Motion

Rotatory Motion

Work-Energy

Work Against Gravitational Load

Work Climbing Stairs

Work Against Frictional Load

Work Against Elastic Load

Work Against Damping Load

Examples of Energy Change

Mechanical Energy Loss

Power

Chapter 7: Application

Introduction

Stability and Balance

Stability

Balance

Posture and Center of Mass

Board and Scale Method

Segment Center of Mass and Weight

Factors in Recording Muscle Strength

Measuring Instruments

Biomechanical Factors

Body Position

Type of Contraction

Other

Analysis of Exercise Method

Gravity Resistance

Body Segment

Example

External Load

Example

Pulley Weights

Contact Resistance

Example

Friction

Muscular Resistance

Example

Inertial Resistance

Elastic Resistance

Example

Buoyancy

Electromagnetic Resistance (Eddy Currents)

Motion Analysis

Locomotion and Gait

Appendix

System of Units

Body Segment Characteristics

Index

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Reviews

“Given the intricacy and complexity of biomechanics in relation to human motion, I find that this book is simple and clearly written in a very skilful and concise manner. I would greatly recommend it for teaching purposes and for further reading at an advanced level.”

    -Maria Stein, The British Journal of Occupational Therapy

"The author does an excellent job of outlining the basic principles of biomechanics. This well-written book fulfills its objectives. It is written at an appropriate level for its intended audience while still providing ample scientifically-based information for readers to grasp the basic principles of biomechanics. It is successful in accentuating the key points of biomechanics while filtering out more advanced theory that is unnecessary for this audience."

— Erik H. VanIterson, MS, MBio (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine) Doody Enterprises, Inc

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About the Authors

Dr. LeVeau earned his BS degree in Education with emphasis in mathematics, physics, and physical education at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO; his Certificate in Physical Therapy from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN; his MS in Physical Education from the University of Colorado; and his PhD in Biomechanics from Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA.

He has taught mathematics and science at Horace Mann Jr. High School in Colorado Springs, CO, and served as faculty in physical education and physical therapy departments at West Chester State College in West Chester, PA; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX; Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA; and Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL.

He has published several research articles, book chapters, and 2 textbook editions related to biomechanics content. His texts have been translated in Spanish, French, and Italian. He has lectured nationally and internationally on topics covering biomechanics.

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Related Web Site

Instructor Materials

Instructors: Visit our new website especially for you at efacultylounge.com! Through this website you will be able to access a variety of materials including, Biomechanics of Human Motion, Instructor's Manual. Inside you will find practice problems, quizzes, and examination questions.

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