Baghdad University

Al-Khwarizmi College of

Engineering

Biomedical engineering

Mechanics of muscles and body movements

By
‫زيد سامر غسان‬
‫أحمد هاشم‬
‫رقية مجاهد‬
‫ريهام أحمد‬
‫ذبيح الطف‬
‫جنة ماجد‬
‫عائشة ياسر‬
 Introduction

Biomechanics is the scientific field that focuses on the mechanical

principles governing the movement and structure of living organisms,
including the human body. It combines principles from biology, physics,
engineering, and anatomy to analyze and understand how the body moves
and functions. By studying biomechanics, researchers can gain valuable
insights into the forces, motion, and structure of the human body during
various activities [1]. Understanding human movement is a fundamental
aspect of biomechanics. By examining the mechanical aspects of
movement, researchers can uncover the underlying principles that govern
how the body generates and controls different types of movements. This
knowledge has practical applications in fields such as sports science,
rehabilitation, ergonomics, and orthopedics, where a deep understanding
of human movement mechanics is essential [2].

The importance of studying the mechanics of muscles in

comprehending how the human body generates and controls various
types of movements

Muscles play a central role in generating the forces required for human
movement and are responsible for producing various types of movements.
Studying the mechanics of muscles is crucial in understanding how the
human body generates and controls these movements. By studying muscle
mechanics, researchers can gain insights into the processes of muscle
contraction and force production. They can examine how muscles
generate force through the sliding filament theory, which describes the
interaction between actin and myosin filaments within muscle fibers.
Understanding these mechanisms helps explain how muscles generate the
necessary forces to produce movements. Furthermore, studying muscle
mechanics allows researchers to investigate concepts such as muscle
architecture, which refers to the arrangement of muscle fibers within a
muscle. Muscle architecture influences the force-generating capacity and
mechanical advantage of muscles, affecting their ability to produce
specific types of movements [3]. Additionally, studying muscle
mechanics provides insights into muscle coordination and the interplay
between different muscles during movement. Researchers can analyze
muscle activation patterns, recruitment strategies, and muscle synergies
to understand how muscles work together to produce coordinated
movements. This knowledge is valuable in fields such as sports science,
rehabilitation, and ergonomics, where optimizing movement patterns and
preventing injuries are essential [2].
 The mechanics of muscles and body movements are influenced by
factors such as muscle structure, joint mechanics, and neural
control

The mechanics of muscles and body movements are influenced by various

factors that interact to determine the performance and coordination of
movement. Three key factors are muscle structure, joint mechanics, and neural
control [3].

Muscle Structure: Muscle structure refers to the arrangement and

properties of muscle fibers within a muscle. It plays a crucial role in
determining the force-generating capacity and mechanical properties of
muscles. Factors such as muscle fiber length, cross-sectional area, and
pennation angle impact the force production potential of muscles. Muscle
architecture, including factors like muscle fiber arrangement and the
presence of tendons, influences the mechanical advantage and efficiency of
muscle contraction. By studying muscle structure, researchers can better
understand how these factors contribute to muscle function and movement
capabilities [4].
Joint Mechanics: Joint mechanics encompass the structure and function of
joints, including joint morphology, range of motion, and joint stability. Joint
structure and alignment affect movement patterns and the distribution of
forces across joints. Factors such as joint congruency, articulating surfaces,
and ligamentous support influence joint stability and movement precision.
Understanding joint mechanics is essential for comprehending the
constraints and range of motion during various movements and activities [5].
Neural Control: Neural control refers to the activation and coordination of
muscles by the central nervous system. The brain and spinal cord regulate
motor unit recruitment, muscle activation patterns, and movement
coordination. Motor neurons transmit signals to activate specific muscle
fibers, while sensory feedback from proprioceptors and mechanoreceptors
provides information about muscle length, tension, and joint position.
Neural control plays a critical role in modulating muscle activity, adapting
movement strategies, and maintaining balance and posture [6].
References:
1. Hall, S. J. (2015). Basic biomechanics. McGraw-Hill Education.
2. Enoka, R. M. (2008). Neuromechanics of human movement. Human
Kinetics.
3. Nordin, M., & Frankel, V. H. (2012). Basic biomechanics of the
musculoskeletal system (4th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
4. Dr.Ibtisam Khalaf Abd Ali, ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF
MUSCULAR SYSTEM.
5. Corinne R. Henak. et all., (2013), Subject-Specific Analysis of Joint Contact
Mechanics: Application to the Study of Osteoarthritis and Surgical Planning,
135(2): 0210031–02100326.
6. Anders enjin, (2011), neural control of movement: motor neuron subtypes,
proprioception and recurrent inhibition.