Biomechanics and Functional Anatomy

Entry requirements

Basic anatomy 6 credit points (9 credits) in semester 1 should be passed.

Learning outcomes

The course should provide such knowledge of the functional anatomy of the locomotive organs that the student in a systematic way be able to analyse and evaluate reduced stability and/or mobility in the different joints of the body.

Knowledge and understanding

After completed course, the student should be able to: for the module Biomechanics

- add up force vectors and apply the concept of force equilibrium in order to calculate an unknown force and divide a vector into it's components when needed

- draw and calculate lever arms and torque, and state the torque's rotation direction

- use the concepts of force equilibrium and moment balance to calculate muscle force and joint force when static equilibrium prevails

- change the load in different training exercises from a biomechanical argument

for the module in Functional anatomy

- account for how the translatoric and rotatoric stability be maintained in a given joint or a given movement segment and use this knowledge to analyse and evaluate reduced stability

- account for the stability supplied by the muscles of a joint when included in an open respectively closed kinematic chain and the practical importance of this

- account for what gives origin to the movement-generating respectively motion restricting part at movement in a given joint or a given movement segment and use this knowledge to analyse and evaluate different mobility problems

- account for how muscle strength can be measured in a standardised way

Content

Biomechanics 1 credit point (1.5 credits)

Biomechanical concept and definitions. Summation of forces and torque.. Calculation of muscle force and joint force at static equilibria. Practical training exercises to change load based on a biomechanical argument.

Functional anatomy 3 credit points (4.5 credits)

Primary and secondary stabilising structures in joints and spine. Biomechanical aspects on clinical tests of translatoric and rotatoric stability. The movement axes of different joints and normal movement range. Analysis of motion restricting structures in outermost positions of joints and spine. Muscle activity, prime movers, muscle strength and different ways to measure the same in different movements in extremities and the spine. Open and closed kinematic chains. Practical training exercises connected to knowledge of the function of different muscles.

Instruction

Teaching is given in the form of lectures, group assignments and practical exercises.

Assessment

Satisfactory completion of the course requires:

Passed written examination. Compulsory attendance at practical parts.

Students who have not passed the examination have a right to attend 4 additional examinations (i.e. 5 examinations in total). If special circumstances apply, the programme committee may admit additional examinations. Every time the student participates in an examination counts. Submission of so called blank exam is counted as an examination.