Mechanics of the Musculoskeletal System

Abstract

Many professionals interested in human movement function need information on how forces act on and within the tissues of the body. The deformations of muscles, tendons, and bones created by external forces, as well as the internal forces created by these same structures, are relevant to understanding human movement or injury. This chapter will provide an overview of the mechanics of biomaterials, specifically muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bone. The neuromuscular control of muscle forces and the mechanical characteristics of muscle will also be summarized. The application of these concepts is illustrated using the Force-Time Principle of biomechanics. An understanding of mechanics of musculoskeletal tissues is important in understanding the organization of movement, injury, and designing conditioning programs.