Module: Biomechanics of Human Movement

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Biomechanics of Human Movement
Module Code	MM228 (ITS) / MEC1007 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
Module Co-ordinator	Garrett Mcguinness
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

To introduce the students to the techniques of human movement and load analysis applicable to gait analysis. To introduce the students to a range of prosthetic and orthotic devices in contemporary use. Application of the biomechanics technique in the design, patient fitting and evaluation of orthopaedic prostheses and orthoses will be illustrated.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify, describe and explain the primary instrumentation techniques for biomechanical measurement, including anthropometrical measurement techniques
2. State the assumptions underpinning inverse dynamics and forward dynamics mechanical analysis applied to the study of human motion.
3. Analyse human gait mechanics using the inverse dynamics method, based on motion data, forceplate data and anthropometric data. Calculate link segment kinematic quantities, joint reaction forces, moments, energies and power flows. Relate these quantities to prosthesis or orthosis performance.
4. Describe, explain and mathematically represent the relationship between force and velocity for muscle behaviour. Describe and explain the Hill model for muscle behaviour. Develop an equation based on the model to represent muscle function.
5. Explain the principles of operation of mechanical prostheses and orthoses. Describe standard orthotic and prosthetic design features. Explain the principles used to control gait via alignment of prostheses.
6. Conduct a full mechanical analysis from published gait and force plate data, and, working in a group, generate a well organised report presenting and interpreting the results.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 hours per week for 12 weeks
Tutorial	12	1 hour per week
Independent Study	58	Study, problem solving.
Assignment Completion	25	Project to calculate dynamics, power and energy flows in gait
Laboratory	6	Computer tutorial session
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction
Human Gait Analysis, Gait deviations

Prosthetics and Orthotics
Clinical diagnosis, amputation levels, causes and statistics

Upper and Lower limb prosthetics; Upper and Lower limb Orthoses
Indications, principles and biomechanics; mechanisms; performance for stance and swing phase control; alignment; body and externally powered devices; Orthosis Indications, basic types, force systems;

Instrumentation and Experimental Methods
Anthropometry, Kinematic systems, Force plates, Electromyography (EMG).

Impulse – Momentum Methods
Linear and angular theorems

Link Segment Modelling
Inverse Solution, Power, Energy, Work, Forward Solution

Applications of inverse dynamics
Prosthetic gait, hemiparetic gait, pathological gait

Muscle Mechanics
Force-velocity relationships, muscular power

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Group assignment	n/a	30%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

D.A. Winter: 2005, Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human Movement, 3rd, John Wiley and Sons, 0-471-44989-X
Nihat Özkaya, Margareta Nordin; project editor, Dawn L. Leger; with forewords by Victor H. Frankel and Richard Skalak: 1999, Fundamentals of biomechanics, Springer, New York, 0-387-98283-3

Other Resources

None