Module: Biomechanics of Human Movement

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Biomechanics of Human Movement
Module Code	MEC1007 (ITS: MM228)
Faculty	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	20153	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Garrett Mcguinness	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	n/a	30%	Week 12
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	70%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

D.A. Winter: 2005, Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human Movement, 3rd, John Wiley and Sons, 0-471-44989-X
Nihat Ã–zkaya, 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

Articles:

Winter, D.A., and Sienko, S.E.: 1988, Biomechanics of below-knee amputee gait, Journal of Biomechanics, 21(5), 361-367,

Other Resources

None