KNS 310 Biomechanics of Human Movement

An in-depth study of human movement and physiological performance, specifically the musculoskeletal system. An appreciation of the basic principles of assessing the effects of physical activity on the human body. 

Credits

3

Prerequisite

KNS 217 or BIOL 208

Offered

Spring

Student Learning Outcome

1. Define the terms biomechanics, statics, dynamics, kinematics, and kinetics and explain the ways in which they are related.
2. Identify and describe the different types of mechanical loads that act on the human body.
3. Distinguish between vector and scalar quantities.
4. Solve quantitative problems involving vector quantities using both graphic and trigonometric procedures.
5. Explain how the material constituents & structural organization of bone affect its ability to withstand loads.
6. Describe the processes involved in the normal growth and maturation of bone.
7. Describe the effects of exercise and of weightlessness on bone mineralization.
8. Explain the significance of osteoporosis and discuss current theories on its prevention.
9. Explain the relationship between different forms of mechanical loading and common bone injuries.
10. Identify the basic behavioral properties of the musculotendinous unit.
11. Explain the relationships of fiber types and fiber architecture to muscle function.
12. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative approaches for analyzing human movement.
13. Discuss the effects of the force-velocity and length-tension relationships on muscle function.
14. Discuss the concepts of strength, power, and endurance from a biomechanical perspective.
15. Explain how anatomical structure affects movement capabilities of upper extremity articulations.
16. Identify factors influencing the relative mobility and stability of upper extremity articulations.
17. Identify muscles that are active during specific upper extremity movements.
18. Describe the biomechanical contributions to common injuries of the upper extremity.
19. Explain how anatomical structure affects movement capabilities of lower extremity articulations.
20. Identify factors influencing the relative mobility and stability of lower extremity articulations.
21. Explain the ways in which the lower extremity is adapted to its weight bearing function.
22. Identify muscles that are active during specific lower extremity movements.
23. Describe the scope of scientific inquiry addressed by biomechanists.
24. Describe the biomechanical contributions to common injuries of the lower extremity.
25. Explain how anatomical structure affects movement capabilities of the spine.
26. Identify factors influencing the relative mobility and stability of different regions of the spine.
27. Explain the ways in which the spine is adapted to carry out its biomechanical functions.
28. Describe the biomechanical contributions to common injuries of the spine.
29. Identify and describe the effects of factors governing projectile trajectory.
30. Correctly associate linear kinematic quantities with their units of measure.
31. Explain why the horizontal and vertical components of projectile motion are analyzed separately.
32. Distinguish between average and instantaneous quantities.
33. Distinguish angular motion from rectilinear and curvilinear motion.
34. Explain how to formulate questions for qualitative analysis of human movement.
35. Identify Newton's laws of motion and gravitation and describe practical illustrations of the laws.
36. Explain what factors affect friction and discuss the role of friction in daily activities and sports.
37. Define impulse and momentum and explain the relationship between them.
38. Explain what factors govern the outcome of a collision between two bodies.
39. Discuss the interrelationships among mechanical work, power, and energy.
40. Solve quantitative problems related to kinetic concepts.
41. Define torque, quantify resultant torques, and identify the factors that affect resultant joint torques.
42. Identify the mechanical advantages associated with the different classes of levers and explain the concept of leverage within the human body.
43. Define center of gravity and explain the significance of center of gravity location in the human body.
44. Explain how mechanical factors affect a body's stability.
45. Provide examples of linear, angular, and general forms of motion.
46. Define centripetal force and explain where and how it acts.
47. Identify and describe the reference positions, planes, and axes associated with the human body.
48. Define and appropriately use directional terms and joint movement terminology.
49. Explain how to plan and conduct an effective qualitative human movement analysis.
50. Define and identify common units of measurement for mass, force, weight, pressure, volume, density, specific weight, torque, and impulse.