Biomechanics is a discipline utilized by different groups of
professionals. It is a required basic science for orthopedic
surgeons, neurosurgeons, osteopaths, physiatrists, rheumatologists,
physical and occupational therapists, chiropractors,
athletic trainers and beyond. These medical and paramedical
specialists usually do not have a strong mathematics and physics
background. Biomechanics must be presented to these
professionals in a rather nonmathematical way so that they
may learn the concepts of mechanics without a rigorous mathematical
approach.
On the other hand, many engineers work in fields in which
biomechanics plays a significant role. Human factors engineering,
ergonomics, biomechanics research, and prosthetic
research and development all require that the engineers working
in the field have a strong knowledge of biomechanics. They
are equipped to learn biomechanics through a rigorous mathematical
approach. Classical textbooks in the engineering fields
do not approach the biological side of biomechanics.
Fundamentals of Biomechanics (Fourth Edition) approaches biomechanics
through a rigorous mathematical standpoint while
emphasizing the biological side. This book will be very useful
for engineers studying biomechanics and for medical specialists
enrolled in courses who desire a more intensive study of bio-
mechanics and are equipped through previous study of mathematics
to develop a deeper comprehension of engineering as it
applies to the human body.