Biomechanics of human movement

Abstract

Biomechanical methods are frequently used to assess human performance in sports and ergonomics in both laboratory and field settings. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are often related to physical activity. Such disorders affect muscles, tendons, cartilage and ligaments and are often accompanied by pain. They are extremely difficult to diagnose/treat and preventing them is still considered as the best treatment. From this perspective, assessments of human performance and related biomechanical loads are primordial as these contribute to assess the physical risk factors in relation to motor activity. Human performance and biomechanical load are typically measured by means of physiological, kinetic and kinematic recordings. Physiological recordings can consist of surface electromyography or mechanomyography used to estimate the physical and muscular load. Force transducers, force-platform and pressure sensors are key elements for assessing reaction forces and pressure distribution profiles. Accelerometers, gyroscopes, flexible angular sensors and electromagnetic tracking systems are most popular solutions for kinematic assessments. 3D kinetic and kinematic measurements are often combined to estimate joint load using an inverse dynamics approach. The three types of recordings are reviewed in relation to sports and ergonomics focusing on the possibilities of each method. Further, computer simulation and modeling approaches are also presented in relation to sports and ergonomics. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.