Preface

The fourth edition of basic biomechanics has been significantly updated and redesigned from the previous edition. As the interdisciplinary field of biomechanics grows in both breadth and depth, it is important that even introductory textbooks. Reflect the nature of the science. Accordingly, the text material has been revised, expanded, and updated, with the objectives as well as to prepare students to analyze human biomechanics.

The approach taken remains an integrated balance of qualitative and quantitative examples, applications, and problems designed to illustrate the principles discussed. The fourth edition also maintains the important sensitivity to the fact that some beginning students of biomechanics possess weak backgrounds in mathematics. For this reason, it includes numerous sample problems and applications, along with practical advice on approaching quantitative problems.

Organization

The new edition incorporates minor organizational changes within several of the chapter to address the revision and expansion of material from the previous edition. Students will find that each chapter follows a logical and readable format, with introduction of new concepts consistently accompanied by practical human movement examples and applications from across the lifespan and across sport, ergonomic and daily living activities.

New content highlights

New content has been added to provide updated scientific information on relevant topics. All chapters have been revised throughout to incorporate the latest information from the biomechanics research literature. Topics added or significantly expanded include bone modeling and remodeling, osteoporosis, the female athlete, triad, bone changes during spaceflight, joint flexibility, articular cartilage function, osteoarthritis, muscle  fiber type conversion, eccentric muscle activity, the stretch shortening cycle, muscle injuries, rotator cuff impingement syndrome, ACL, rupture low back pain, and gait economy. Selected anatomical illustrations have been upgraded, with additional color content to increase clarity of instruction.

Balanced coverage.

The biomechanics Academy of AAHPERD recommends that preparation for undergraduate students in the area of biomechanics devote approximately one third to anatomical considerations, approximately one third to mechanical considerations, and the remainder to applications. The integrated approach to coverage of these areas taken in the previous editions of book is continued in this fourth edition.