The basic understanding of human movement and control of human movement stems largely from laboratory measurements where human movement can be quantified with high precision and accuracy, but where the artificial environment compromises ecological validity. A good example for this issue was demonstrated in a recent investigation; specifically that the walking gait pattern of healthy individuals in a laboratory changed as a function of how many researchers were present during the experiment. Observations like these underscore that study volunteers adapt their behavior to the specific laboratory environment and warrant the question of how well we can transfer our lab-based understanding of gait patterns and the underlying neuromuscular control system to walking during daily living. Another research area where lab-based movement assessments have led to conflicting findings is the field of sports injury prevention: Many neuromuscular training programs have been shown to be effective in reducing the sport injury rate in athletes by 30-50% or more in a variety of different multi-directional sports. Nevertheless, lab-based assessments of the same athletes who completed those training programs were often not able to detect improvements in motor control of sport-specific movements or a reduction in joint loading, two factors thought to be closely linked with sport injury risk. This disconnect suggests that lab-based assessments of movement and motor control are often poor indicators of player behavior during real-game scenarios and may limit our ability to screen athletes for injury risk or monitor their progress in rehabilitation. These examples highlight that we should strive for the assessment and investigation of human movement and motor control in natural environments, i.e. where individuals, patients, athletes, or other groups of interest perform, explore, and interact under real-world conditions.

Human Motor Control is a elementary introduction to the field of motor control, stressing psychological, physiological, and computational approaches. Human Motor Control cuts across all disciplines which are defined with respect to movement: physical education, dance, physical therapy, robotics, and so on. The book is organized around major activity areas. - A comprehensive presentation of the major problems and topics in human motor control - Incorporates applications of work that lie outside traditional sports or physical education teaching

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

The most comprehensive physical therapy text available on the topic, Orthotics & Prosthetics in Rehabilitation, 3rd Edition is your one-stop resource for clinically relevant rehabilitation information. Evidence-based coverage offers essential guidelines on orthotic/prosthetic prescription, pre- and post-intervention gait assessment and outcome measurement, and working with special populations. Comprehensive coverage addresses rehabilitation in a variety of environments, including acute care, long-term care and home health care, and outpatient settings. Authoritative information from the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, 2nd Edition is incorporated throughout. World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Function model provides consistent language and an international standard to describe and measure health and disability from a biopsychosocial perspective. Case studies present real-life scenarios that demonstrate how key concepts apply to clinical decision making and evidence-based practice. A visually appealing 2-color design and a wealth of tables and boxes highlight vital information for quick reference and ease of use. Updated photos and illustrations reflect current clinical practice. Updated chapter on Assessment of Gait focuses on clinically useful outcome measures. Updated chapter on Motor Control and Motor Learning incorporates new insights into neuroplasticity and functional recovery. NEW! Integrated chapter on Lower Extremity Orthoses assists in clinical decision making about the best options for your patients. NEW! Chapter on Athletics after Amputation explores advanced training and athletics, including running and athletic competition to enhance the quality of life for persons with amputation. NEW! Chapter on the High Risk Foot and Would Healing helps you recognize, treat, and manage wounds for the proper fit and management of the patient. NEW! Chapter on Advanced Prosthetic Rehabilitation provides more thorough rehabilitation methods beyond the early care of persons learning to use their prostheses.

Biomechanics and Motor Control: Defining Central Concepts provides a thorough update to the rapidly evolving fields of biomechanics of human motion and motor control with research published in biology, psychology, physics, medicine, physical therapy, robotics, and engineering consistently breaking new ground. This book clarifies the meaning of the most frequently used terms, and consists of four parts, with part one covering biomechanical concepts, including joint torques, stiffness and stiffness-like measures, viscosity, damping and impedance, and mechanical work and energy. Other sections deal with neurophysiological concepts used in motor control, such as muscle tone, reflex, pre-programmed reactions, efferent copy, and central pattern generator, and central motor control concepts, including redundancy and abundance, synergy, equilibrium-point hypothesis, and motor program, and posture and prehension from the field of motor behavior. The book is organized to cover smaller concepts within the context of larger concepts. For example, internal models are covered in the chapter on motor programs. Major concepts are not only defined, but given context as to how research came to use the term in this manner. - Presents a unified approach to an interdisciplinary, fragmented area - Defines key terms for understanding - Identifies key theories, concepts, and applications across theoretical perspectives - Provides historical context for definitions and theory evolution

Providing a solid foundation in the normal development of functional movement, Functional Movement Development Across the Life Span, 4th Edition helps you recognize and understand typical functional movement in individuals from infancy to older adulthood, providing a framework from which to identify movement disorders and effectively manage patients with abnormal motor function. Divided into three units, this edition describes 1) theoretical frameworks of development, motor control/motor learning, and health/wellness; 2) anatomical and physiological development of the body systems comprising the movement system (muscular, skeletal, cardiopulmonary, nervous, sensory, integumentary, and endocrine); and 3) life span description of the movement functions of posture, balance, locomotion, prehension, and fitness. This edition integrates themes of the movement system, life span development, and health/wellness, providing you with the most current information needed for clinical decision making and to be an effective practitioner. Written by physical therapy experts Donna J. Cech, Suzanne "Tink" Martin, and William Staples, this book provides the evidence-based information and tools needed to understand functional movement and manage patients' functional skills throughout the life span. Dr. Staples brings his expertise in geriatric physical therapy and exercise in aging, enriching content on aging throughout the book. - More than 200 illustrations, tables, and special features clarify developmental concepts, address clinical implications, and summarize key points relating to clinical practice. - A logical, easy-to-read format includes 13 chapters organized into three units covering the definition of functional movement, movement system contribution to functional movement across the life span, and functional movement outcomes. - A focus on evidence-based information covers development changes across the life span and how they impact function. - NEW! The movement system framework is incorporated throughout, as well as a focus on health and wellness. - NEW! Clinical Implication boxes help you apply information into a clinical framework. - Revised content throughout provides you with the most current information needed to be an effective practitioner. - Updated references ensure content is current and applicable for today's practice. - NEW! An ebook version is included with print purchase. The ebook allows you to access all the text, figures, and references, with the ability to search, customize your content, make notes, and highlights, and have content read aloud.