PT 402 Biomechanics

This course provides a survey of various topics in the biomechanics of the human musculoskeletal system, with particular emphasis on understanding mechanics as applied to human movement and musculoskeletal tissue function, and the application of biomechanical principles to patient problems. The course covers three broad content areas: (1) basic biomechanical principles, (2) tissue mechanics, and (3) kinesiology and specific biomechanics of the spine and joints of the upper extremity. Basic biomechanical principles include kinematic and kinetic analyses and related mechanical variables. The study of tissue mechanics reviews the structural and mechanical characteristics of musculoskeletal tissues (including bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, and muscle), tissue adaptation to mechanical loading basic mechanics of deformable materials, and mechanisms of musculoskeletal injury. Normal (ideal) movement will be emphasized and topics in abnormalities and physical dysfunction will be included on a limited basis.