Movement and locomotion have always been key activities for all animals, being related to the most crucial life functions: retrieving food, facing environmental issues and mating. Humans developed complex upper arms movements and bipedal gaits in order to move and locomote. To enhance their performance, they started inventing smart passive mechanical tools. This need arose from intrinsic limitations of their muscle–joint–bone systems and metabolic power availability. Newly invented devices were mainly introduced in order to cope with such constraints. The aim of this Special Issue is to advance knowledge regarding symmetry, biomechanics and energetics of passively assisted human movement and locomotion.

The classic book on human movement in biomechanics, newly updated Widely used and referenced, David Winter's Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human Movement is a classic examination of techniques used to measure and analyze all body movements as mechanical systems, including such everyday movements as walking. It fills the gap in human movement science area where modern science and technology are integrated with anatomy, muscle physiology, and electromyography to assess and understand human movement. In light of the explosive growth of the field, this new edition updates and enhances the text with: Expanded coverage of 3D kinematics and kinetics New materials on biomechanical movement synergies and signal processing, including auto and cross correlation, frequency analysis, analog and digital filtering, and ensemble averaging techniques Presentation of a wide spectrum of measurement and analysis techniques Updates to all existing chapters Basic physical and physiological principles in capsule form for quick reference An essential resource for researchers and student in kinesiology, bioengineering (rehabilitation engineering), physical education, ergonomics, and physical and occupational therapy, this text will also provide valuable to professionals in orthopedics, muscle physiology, and rehabilitation medicine. In response to many requests, the extensive numerical tables contained in Appendix A: "Kinematic, Kinetic, and Energy Data" can also be found at the following Web site: www.wiley.com/go/biomechanics

Focusing on the quantitative nature of biomechanics, this book integrates current literature, meaningful numerical examples, relevant applications, hands-on exercises, and functional anatomy, physics, calculus, and physiology to help students - regardless of their mathematical background - understand the full continuum of human movement potential.

How can geckoes walk on the ceiling and basilisk lizards run over water? What are the aerodynamic effects that enable small insects to fly? What are the relative merits of squids' jet-propelled swimming and fishes' tail-powered swimming? Why do horses change gait as they increase speed? What determines our own vertical leap? Recent technical advances have greatly increased researchers' ability to answer these questions with certainty and in detail. This text provides an up-to-date overview of how animals run, walk, jump, crawl, swim, soar, hover, and fly. Excluding only the tiny creatures that use cilia, it covers all animals that power their movements with muscle--from roundworms to whales, clams to elephants, and gnats to albatrosses. The introduction sets out the general rules governing all modes of animal locomotion and considers the performance criteria--such as speed, endurance, and economy--that have shaped their selection. It introduces energetics and optimality as basic principles. The text then tackles each of the major modes by which animals move on land, in water, and through air. It explains the mechanisms involved and the physical and biological forces shaping those mechanisms, paying particular attention to energy costs. Focusing on general principles but extensively discussing a wide variety of individual cases, this is a superb synthesis of current knowledge about animal locomotion. It will be enormously useful to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and a range of professional biologists, physicists, and engineers.

Every year workers' low-back, hand, and arm problems lead to time away from jobs and reduce the nation's economic productivity. The connection of these problems to workplace activities-from carrying boxes to lifting patients to pounding computer keyboards-is the subject of major disagreements among workers, employers, advocacy groups, and researchers. Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Workplace examines the scientific basis for connecting musculoskeletal disorders with the workplace, considering people, job tasks, and work environments. A multidisciplinary panel draws conclusions about the likelihood of causal links and the effectiveness of various intervention strategies. The panel also offers recommendations for what actions can be considered on the basis of current information and for closing information gaps. This book presents the latest information on the prevalence, incidence, and costs of musculoskeletal disorders and identifies factors that influence injury reporting. It reviews the broad scope of evidence: epidemiological studies of physical and psychosocial variables, basic biology, biomechanics, and physical and behavioral responses to stress. Given the magnitude of the problem-approximately 1 million people miss some work each year-and the current trends in workplace practices, this volume will be a must for advocates for workplace health, policy makers, employers, employees, medical professionals, engineers, lawyers, and labor officials.

First published in 1996. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The Second Edition of Kinesiology: The Mechanics and Pathomechanics of Human Movement relates the most current understanding of anatomy and mechanics with clinical practice concerns. Featuring seven chapters devoted to biomechanics, straightforward writing, and over 900 beautiful illustrations, the text provides you with detailed coverage of the structure, function, and kinesiology of each body region. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the quality of movement and overall human health. Special features include: New DVD containing about 150 videos provides dynamic examples of clinical demonstrations, principle illustrations, and lab activities. This powerful resource explores patient function, dysfunction, and injury for greater comprehension. Clinical Relevance Boxes reinforce the relationship of biomechanical principles to patient care through real-life case studies. Muscle Attachment Boxes provide easily accessed anatomical information and tips on muscle palpation Examining the Forces Boxes highlight the advanced mathematical concepts used to determine forces on joint structure. Evidence-based presentations deliver the most current literature and essential classic studies for your understanding of musculoskeletal structure and function. Whether you are a student or practitioner in the field of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or exercise science, this comprehensive book serves as an excellent resource for best practice techniques.