9.1 Biomechanics of Human Movement

Biomechanics of human movement is crucial for designing prosthetic and assistive devices. It covers kinematics, kinetics, gait analysis, and musculoskeletal mechanics, providing insights into how our bodies move and function.

Understanding these principles helps engineers create devices that mimic natural movement. From motion capture to force analysis, these tools and techniques are essential for developing effective prosthetics and assistive technologies that improve people's lives.

Kinematics and Kinetics

Motion Analysis and Force Dynamics

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• Kinematics describes motion without considering forces involves analyzing position, velocity, and acceleration of body segments
• Kinetics studies forces causing motion includes internal forces (muscles, ligaments) and external forces (gravity, ground reaction)
• Center of mass represents the point where body mass is concentrated crucial for balance and stability analysis
• Range of motion measures the maximum movement angle of a joint essential for assessing flexibility and joint health

Biomechanical Measurement Techniques

• Motion capture systems use cameras and markers to track body segment movements in 3D space
• Force plates measure ground reaction forces during standing, walking, or running
• Electromyography (EMG) records electrical activity of muscles to analyze muscle activation patterns
• Accelerometers and gyroscopes provide data on linear and angular acceleration of body segments

Gait Analysis and Locomotion

Gait Cycle Components and Analysis

• Gait analysis involves systematic study of human walking patterns includes temporal and spatial parameters
• Gait cycle divided into stance phase (foot in contact with ground) and swing phase (foot in air)
• Temporal parameters measure duration of gait events (stride time, step time, single support time)
• Spatial parameters quantify distances in gait (step length, stride length, step width)

Biomechanical Forces and Efficiency in Walking

• Ground reaction forces occur when foot contacts ground vertical, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral components
• Biomechanical efficiency in locomotion minimizes energy expenditure during movement
• Energy-saving mechanisms in gait include pendulum-like motion of legs and elastic energy storage in tendons
• Factors affecting gait efficiency include walking speed, terrain, footwear, and individual anatomical variations

Musculoskeletal Mechanics

Joint Biomechanics and Loading

• Joint mechanics studies how forces and moments act on joints during movement
• Types of joint motions include flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and internal/external rotation
• Joint loading patterns vary depending on activity (walking, running, jumping) and joint location
• Factors influencing joint mechanics include joint geometry, ligament properties, and muscle actions

Musculoskeletal Modeling and Analysis

• Musculoskeletal modeling creates computational representations of the human body
• Models used to simulate and analyze movement, estimate muscle forces, and predict joint loads
• Inverse dynamics calculates joint moments and forces from motion and external force data
• Forward dynamics simulates movement based on muscle activation patterns and external forces
• Applications of musculoskeletal modeling include sports performance optimization and rehabilitation planning