Mechanics of Human Movement I

This course covers the application of mechanical principles to human body movements.
Understanding the biomechanics of human movement is critical for musculoskeletal injury prevention and treatment, as well as the design of rehabilitation devices. This course will cover the required anatomy, modeling, and analysis methodologies, as well as some applications to assistive device design.

COURSE OUTLINE

WEEK ONE: INTRODUCTION TO THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM, JOINTS, MOVEMENTS, AND TERMINOLOGY

Week 2: Structure, function, and features of skeletal muscles

Week 3: Statics principles applied to the human body

Week 4: Statics principles applied to the human body – continued

Week 5: Statics principles applied to the human body – continued

Week 6: Kinetic principles applied to the human body
Week 7: Kinetic principles applied to the human body – continued
Week 8: Kinetic principles applied to the human body – continued
Week 9: Balance and inverse dynamics analysis
Week ten: Human Walking (Introduction)
Week 11: Normal and abnormal gait characteristics
Week 12: Designing assistive gadgets with applications

TARGET AUDIENCE: This course is intended for engineering, physiotherapy, prosthetics, and orthotics students.