Introduction and Course Outline
Biomechanics
School of Biomedical Engineering, IIT (BHU)
bhrigulahkar.bme@iitbhu.ac.in
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Logistics
• Instructor
Dr. Bhrigu K Lahkar, Assistant Professor
School of Biomedical Engineering
E-mail: bhrigulahkar.bme@iitbhu.ac.in
• Lecture schedule
Tuesday: 1:30 hrs to 14:25 hrs
Wednesday: 1:30 hrs to 14:25 hrs
Friday: 1:30 hrs to 14:25 hrs
• Lecture Room
LT3.4 A
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Textbooks and References
• Fundamentals of Biomechanics (4th ed) by N Ozkaya, D Goldsheyder, Margrate Nordin,
Springer Publication
• A primer of Biomechanics by G. L. Lucas, F. W. Cooke, E. A. Friis
Springer Publication
• Fundamentals of Biomechanics (2nd ed) by Duane Kundson,
Springer Publication
• An Introduction to Biomechanics (2nd ed) by J. D. Humphrey, S. L. O’Rourke,
Springer Publication
• Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human Movement, 4th edition by D. A. Winter,
Wiley publication
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Grading weightage
For OE and Medical Device students For BME students (IDD)
Quiz (n=2) 20% Quiz (n=2) 10%
Mid Semester Exam 25% Mid Semester Exam 25%
End Semester Exam 35% End Semester Exam 35%
Presentation 10% Presentation 10%
Class Attendance* 5% Lab 10%
Class Performance 5% Class Attendance* 5%
Class Performance 5%
*75% minimum attendance mandatory
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What is Biomechanics ?
Biological BIOMECHANICS
systems
Mechanics is the branch of physical science
that deals with the motion of bodies (and
bodies at rest) under the action of loads
BIOMECHANICS is the study of structure and function of biological systems by
methods of mechanics.
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Branches of Mechanics
Mechanics
Mechanics of Mechanics of Mechanics of
rigid bodies deformable bodies fluids
Rigid body Deformable body
𝒅 𝒅′
𝒅 = 𝒅′ 𝒅 ≠ 𝒅′
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Branches of Mechanics
Mechanics
Mechanics of Mechanics of Mechanics of
rigid bodies deformable bodies fluids
Statics Dynamics Elasticity Visco-elasticity Liquids Gases
Plasticity
Kinematics Kinetics
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Evolution of Biomechanics
Galen (129–199): Published De Motu Muscularum
(On the Movements of Muscles). He realized that
motion requires muscle contraction.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519): Made the first
accurate descriptions of ball-and socket joints, such
as the shoulder and hip.
• Drawings depicted mechanical force acting along
the line of muscle filaments.
• Bones of the arm with schematic indications of
muscles.
• Demonstration of muscles of the neck, shoulder,
and spine with concepts of agonist and antagonist
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Evolution of Biomechanics
Galileo Galilei (1564–1642): Studied medicine and
physics, integrated measurement and observation in
science, and concluded that mathematics is an
essential tool of science.
• Analyzed biomechanics of jumping and the gait
analysis of horses and insects
William Harvey (1578–1657): Developed an experimental basis
for the modern circulation concept of a closed path between
arteries and veins.
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Evolution of Biomechanics
Giovanni Borelli (1608–1679): A mathematician
who studied body dynamics, muscle contraction,
animal movement, and motion of the heart and
intestines.
• He published De Motu Animalium (On the Motion
of Animals) in 1680.
Etienne Marey (1830–1904): Analyzed the motion of
horses, birds, insects, fish, and humans.
• His inventions included Chronophotography, a
technique invented that detects displacement.
• He designed and created the first force platform in the
history of biomechanics.
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Why to Study Biomechanics ?
To understand structure and function of biological structure/systems
heart
skin
bone muscle
brain
knee joint
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Why to Study Biomechanics ?
To analyze and enhance performance of athletes (i.e., technique/skill)
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Why to Study Biomechanics ?
To improve performance of athletes (i.e., technique/skill)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79yH4fCXv88
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Why to Study Biomechanics ?
For animated film making
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Why to Study Biomechanics ?
To analyze, predict and prevent injuries
By analyzing movement pattern, mechanical loadings on soft tissues and muscle activity during
movement can estimate injury-risk.
Whiplash injury
Ligament injury
Back injury
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Why to Study Biomechanics ?
In diagnosis and rehabilitation of movement disability
By analyzing movement patterns, forces, and muscle function help proper diagnosis of movement
disability and to develop targeted rehabilitation programs
Beam walk test for balance assessment
Study of movements due to Use of computational models
Cerebral Palsy (CP) to get insights
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Why to Study Biomechanics ?
In design, development and evaluation of orthopedic implants
By analyzing effects of geometry, material selection, load distribution and kinematics leading to
devices that better mimic natural function and improve patient outcomes.
Arthritic knee After implantation
Implant load distribution assessment
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Why to Study Biomechanics ?
In design, development and evaluation of cardiovascular implants
To keep narrowed or blocked arteries open, restoring blood flow; biomechanical analysis aids in
the effective design and evaluation of cardiovascular implants (e.g. stents)
