Biomechanics is the application of mechanics to living systems. It helps us understand human movement during exercise, sport, and activities of daily living. This book covers an introduction to biomechanics and helps students understand describing movement in one and two dimensions, the forces of work, power, and energy, linear kinetics, linear movement and collisions, and more. Each chapter has examples from kinesiology, a glossary, summary, conceptual questions, and problems and excercises.
Type of Material:
Open (Access) Textbook
Recommended Uses:
In-class instruction – Suitable for lectures, discussions, and interactive demonstrations.
Homework Assignments – Reinforce learning through problem-solving exercises and conceptual questions.
Individual Study – Allows for self-paced learning with structured summaries, glossaries, and practice problems.
Team-Based Learning – Encourages collaboration through group projects, case studies, and peer discussions.
Laboratory/Experiential Learning – Supports hands-on activities such as motion analysis, gait assessment, and force measurement.
Online/Blended Learning – Can be integrated into digital platforms for virtual learning, quizzes, and simulations.
Flipped Classroom – Students review content independently and apply concepts in interactive classroom sessions.
Technical Requirements:
Internet access
Web browser (Chrome, Acrobat reader, and Edge work)
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The learner will
Describe fundamental terminology and concepts of biomechanics, including physical quantities, units, and principles of motion in one and two dimensions.
Describemathematical and physics formulas that they can apply to the movement of the human body.
Explain the relationships between force, motion, work, power, energy, and momentum in the context of human movement and mechanical interactions.
Apply Newton’s Laws, kinematic equations, and conservation principles to analyze motion, forces, and mechanical efficiency in biomechanical systems.
Analyze linear and angular kinetics and kinematics to assess human movement, gait, and resistance training techniques.
Demonstrate an understanding of measurement techniques, data interpretation, and the role of biomechanics in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and athletic performance.
Target Student Population:
College General Ed, College Lower Division; specifically aligned to undergraduate biomechanics course for kinesiology, exercise and sports science
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
High school algebra
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The book is written in a logical structure and each section builds upon previous information presented in the book. The learner can move through the book in a step-wise fashion.
Quality of content appears appropriate for exercise science in an organized approach. There is basic concept information with conceptual and practical application. The content summary and number of questions and problems is a formative approach.
Concerns:
Chapter 9 is incomplete. The page: 9.1 Whole body motion analysis has the heading but no content or activities or images. The page: 9.3 Measuring physical activity has the heading but is otherwise blank. Subsequent pages are the same. Parts of Chapter 9 include instructions for application to practice and others are blank. The previous 8 chapters are high quality.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Most chapters have at least one practice question at the end to check for understanding and application of the subchapter content.
The format of application in presenting conceptual questions, problems, and exercises for each chapter, except chapter 9, provides consistency and a means for potential measurement of understanding or mastery of content.
The material is somewhat effective for teaching and learning but could be significantly improved with more engaging content delivery, interactive elements, and a stronger focus on applied problem-solving and real-world examples.
Concerns:
Chapter nine was intended for the application of theory, but this chapter is incomplete. The missing parts of chapter nine limit the effectiveness of this book.
Engagement for the learner could be improved by using videos, and a variety of exercises to assess learning.
The conceptual questions, problems, and exercises lack answers for students to check their progress in learning.
Insufficient Real-World Case Studies: While the material includes some real-world applications, there is room for more detailed, diverse case studies that demonstrate how the concepts are applied in real-life settings. Incorporating more examples from different industries or real-life scenarios would help students better connect theory to practice and see the practical value of what they are learning.
Chapter nine was intended for the application of theory, but this chapter is incomplete. The missing parts of chapter nine limit the effectiveness of this book.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The chapters are short.
Easy to use forward and backward navigation.
Easy to use navigation through the dropdown content tool.
Chapter names and subchapter names establish the content of the section.
Accessibility features used in the book are headings, and subheadings.
the content is searchable.
The text is selectable.
Alt text for images is present.
Consistent layout in Chapters 1 - 8.
Concerns:
Software use is flat without engaging material (no videos or links). Inconsistent layout in Chapter 9, which is missing a summary, conceptual questions, problems, and/or exercises.
Creative Commons:
Search by ISBN?
It looks like you have entered an ISBN number. Would you like to search using what you have
entered as an ISBN number?
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
