X FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOMECHANICS
part opener provides a concise summary of
the importance and content of that section
of text. The text builds from familiar ana-
tomical knowledge, to new biomechanical
principles and their application.
This book has several features that are
designed to help students link personal ex-
perience to biomechanical concepts and
that illustrate the application of biome-
chanics principles. First, nine general prin-
ciples of biomechanics are proposed and
developed throughout the text. These prin-
ciples are the application link for the bio-
mechanical concepts used to improve
movement or reduce injury risk. Some texts
have application chapters at the end of the
book, but an application approach and ex-
amples are built in throughout Funda-
mentals of Biomechanics. Second, there are
activity boxes that provide opportunities for
students to see and feel the biomechanical
variables discussed. Third, there are practi-
cal application boxes that highlight the appli-
cations of biomechanics in improving
movement and in treating and preventing
injury. Fourth, the interdisciplinary issues
boxes show how biomechanics is integrated
with other sport sciences in addressing hu-
man movement problems. Fifth, all chap-
ters have associated lab activities (located at
the end of the book, after the index) that use
simple movements and measurements to
explore concepts and principles. These lab
activities do not require expensive lab
equipment, large blocks of time, or dedicat-
ed lab space. Finally, Part IV (chapters 9
through 12) provides real-life case studies
of how the biomechanical principles can be
qualitatively applied to improve human
movement in a variety of professions. No
other text provides as many or as thorough
guided examples of applying biomechani-
cal principles in actual human movement
situations. These application chapters also
provide discussion questions so that students
and instructors can extend the discussion
and debate on professional practice using
specific examples.
There are also features that make it easy
for students to follow the material and
study for examinations. Extensive use of
graphs, photographs, and illustrations are
incorporated throughout. Aside from visual
appeal, these figures illustrate important
points and relationships between biome-
chanical variables and performance. The
book provides an extensive glossary of key
terms and biomechanics research terminolo-
gy so that students can read original biome-
chanical research. Each chapter provides a
summary, extensive citations of important
biomechanical research, and suggested read-
ings. The chapters in Parts I, II, and III con-
clude with review questions for student study
and review. The lists of web links offer stu-
dents the internet addresses of significant
websites and professional organizations.
I hope that you master the fundamen-
tals of biomechanics, integrate biomechan-
ics into your professional practice, and are
challenged to continuously update your
biomechanical toolbox. Some of you will
find advanced study and a career in biome-
chanics exciting opportunities.