Fundamentals of Biomechanics introduces the exciting world of how human movement is created and how it can be improved. Teachers, coaches and physical therapists all use biomechanics to help people improve movement and decrease the risk of injury. The book presents a comprehensive review of the major concepts of biomechanics and summarizes them in nine principles of biomechanics. Fundamentals of Biomechanics concludes by showing how these principles can be used by movement professionals to improve human movement. Specific case studies are presented in physical education, coaching, strength and conditioning, and sports medicine.

Dr. Duane Knudson is Associate Chair and Associate Professor of biomechanics in the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science at California State University, Chico. He earned his Ph.D. in biomechanics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has published extensively on the biomechanics of tennis and exercise. Dr. Knudson co-authored the first scholarly book on the qualitative analysis of human movement, and his research and writing have earned him fellow status in the American College of Sports Medicine and the Research Consortium of AAHPERD.

Preface. Part 1: Introduction. 1. Introduction to the Biomechanics of Human Movement. 2. Fundamentals of Biomechanics and Qualitative Analysis. Part 2: Biological/Structural Bases. 3. Anatomical Description and its Limitations. 4. Mechanics of the Musculoskeletal System. Part 3: Mechanical Bases. 5. Linear and Angular Kinetics. 6. Linear Kinetics. 7. Angular Kinetics. 8. Fluid Mechanics. Part 4: Applications of Biomechanics in Qualitative Analysis. 9. Applying Biomechanics in Physical Education. 10. Applying Biomechanics in Coaching. 11. Applying Biomechanics in Strength and Conditioning. 12. Applying Biomechanics in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. References. Appendix A: Glossary. Appendix B: Conversion Factors. Appendix C: Suggested Answers to Selected Review Questions. Appendix D: Right Angle Trigonometry Review. Appendix E: Qualitative Analysis in Biomechanical Principles. Index. Lab Activities. About the Author. Index.