Clinical Exercise Biomechanics

Biomechanics explains the mechanical aspects of human movement. Clinical Exercise Biomechanics demonstrates the fundamental mechanical factors associated with human performance in exercise. The description of pathological movement characteristics and the forces associated with such movement will be explored with respect to concepts such as linear and angular motion. Movement screening and postural alignment will be demonstrated. Newton's Laws of motion will also be explored with specific application to a clinical context. The principles of gait will be discussed and include an in-depth examination of pathological gait mechanics and appropriate biomechanical assessment techniques. Variations to walking mechanics when changing directions (e.g. avoiding obstacles) as well as centre of pressure disturbances will also be discussed with reference to falls prevention in older adults. In addition, the changes to movement patterns with various chronic and acute injury are explored. Clinical Exercise Biomechanics provides a sound base of knowledge to apply biomechanical concepts in a clinical exercise setting.

Key Outcomes

 * 1) Demonstrate a thorough understanding of mechanical factors that influence human movement in a clincial context
 * 2) Demonstrated understanding of clinical exercise biomechanics assessment techniques
 * 3) Ability to conduct clinical biomechanical analysis and provide meaningful feedback

Topics

 * Background to clincal exercise biomechanics
 * Biomechanical measurement in a clincial context
 * Muscle and joint forces and moments in exercise
 * Ground reaction forces, impulse and momentum in exercise
 * Motion and joint motion
 * Work, energy and power in exercise
 * Inverse dynamics theory
 * Force and pressure analysis
 * Anatomical models and markers
 * Muscle function and measurement
 * Gait analysis including pathological conditions
 * Clinical assessments including sit-to-stand and stair ascent/decent

Resources

 * Richards, J. (2008), Biomechanics in clinic and research, Philadelphia, USA: Churchil Lvingstone Elsevier.

Assignments

 * Examination assessing application of biomechanical concepts and principles in a clinical context
 * Presentation involving a critical review of the scientific literature surrounding an area of interest in clinical biomechanics
 * Portfolio demonstrating an ability to conduct and present clinical biomechanics research effectively

Coordinator
Keane Wheeler