Biomechanics ΙΙ

COURSE CONTENT   

Introduction in the relationship between the neuromuscular system and the response of the human musculoskeletal system. Neuromuscular human system. Neuron.  The current and the conductivity functions of Na and K ions into the neuromuscular system. Rest potential and action potential. Neuromuscular unit. Correlation of biochemical and/or bioelectrical functions of neuromuscular system with muscle contraction and forces producing. Electromyography. Methodologies to musculoskeletal fatigue estimation.

Μulti-link model of the human body; degrees of freedom and constraints. Βody segment anthropometric and inertial parameters; biomechanical characteristics of human joints: mobility and stability characterizing function; body centre of mass; centre of pressure.

Kinematics in biomechanics: linear and angular kinematics; reference frames for the kinematic analysis of body segments; human joint kinematics. Κinetic equations of motion; work & energy methods; momentum methods; Human motion analysis: basic notions of instrumentation for the quantification of human motion (stereophotogrammetry, inertial sensors, wearable sensors, etc); instrumentation for load measurement (force platforms, pressure platforms and insoles); experimental protocols for gait analysis. Statics and dynamics in biomechanics: 2-D and 3-D models of the musculoskeletal system.

Biomechanics of blood circulation: Anatomy and physiology. The heart as a pump. Circulation fluid dynamics. Systemic circulation in arteries, veins, bifurcations. Blood-Vessel interaction. Modeling of circulation for steady flow in vessels of constant diameter.

Keywords: Neuromuscular system; Musculoskeletal system; Mechanical behavior; Modeling, Structure-function of biological systems; Blood circulation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES   

The aims of the course for the student are to:

• Understand and quantify biochemical and electrical phenomena which are responsible to produce musculoskeletal work.
• Understand the phenomena that create the stimulus for the muscle contraction.
• Understand the forces and stresses that are applied or developed on parts of the human body, and the outcomes of these loads in a 3-dimensional frame.

Gain an understanding of the mechanical and anatomical principles that govern human motion and develop the ability to link the structure of the human body with its function from a mechanical perspective.