Main description:

A standout among introductory biomechanics texts, Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise, Fourth Edition With Web Resource, takes a unique approach to introducing exercise and sport biomechanics. Using simple terms, the book presents mechanics before functional anatomy, helping students first understand external forces and their effects on motion; then explores how the musculoskeletal system responds and generates its own internal forces to maintain position; and finally shows how to apply biomechanical principles to analyze movement and ultimately improve performance.

The fourth edition expands its commitment to enabling students to discover the principles of biomechanics through observation. Easy-to-understand experiments are presented for students to try in the classroom or on their own. Sample problem sidebars guide students through choosing the appropriate equation to determine the forces acting or motion occurring in a specific scenario and then helps them solve the equation. This practical approach-combining clear illustrations, sample calculations, and encouragement for active learning-helps students develop a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanical concepts.

In addition to careful updates throughout the book, other new enhancements in the fourth edition include the following:

New content explores the technologies and devices available to coaches, athletes, and the general public to measure aspects of athletes' movements.
New full-color art and diagrams enhance the text and help students visualize mechanics in real-world scenarios.
Explanations of the equations used in the text make the content more accessible to students.
New concept application boxes provide deeper analysis of the field use of biomechanics, with topics such as the Magnus effect in baseball pitching, the wetsuit effect in triathlons, power output in cycling, centripetal acceleration when running a curve, and the work-energy principles in modern shot putting.

Other learning aids include bold key terms, chapter objectives, and a guide to key equations and abbreviations. The chapters include a total of 18 sample problems that students can solve using a step-by-step process. A companion web resource offers additional review questions and problem sets.

Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise, Fourth Edition, introduces the biomechanics of human movement in a clear and concise manner while promoting an active, engaged learning experience. Students will discover the principles of mechanics for themselves, resulting in a strong understanding of the subject matter.

Contents:

Introduction. Why Study Biomechanics?
What Is Biomechanics?
What Are the Goals of Sport and Exercise Biomechanics?
The History of Sport Biomechanics
The Organization of Mechanics
Basic Dimensions and Units of Measurement Used in Mechanics
Summary

Part I. External Biomechanics: External Forces and Their Effects on the Body and Its Movement

Chapter 1. Forces: Maintaining Equilibrium or Changing Motion
What Are Forces?
Classifying Forces
Friction
Addition of Forces: Force Composition
Resolution of Forces
Static Equilibrium
Summary

Chapter 2. Linear Kinematics: Describing Objects in Linear Motion
Motion
Linear Kinematics
Uniform Acceleration and Projectile Motion
Summary

Chapter 3. Linear Kinetics: Explaining the Causes of Linear Motion
Newton's First Law of Motion: Law of Inertia
Conservation of Momentum
Newton's Second Law of Motion: Law of Acceleration
Impulse and Momentum
Newton's Third Law of Motion: Law of Action-Reaction
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
Summary

Chapter 4. Work, Power, and Energy: Explaining the Causes of Motion Without Newton
Work
Energy
The Work-Energy Principle
Power
Summary

Chapter 5. Torques and Moments of Force: Maintaining Equilibrium or Changing Angular Motion
What Are Torques?
Forces and Torques in Equilibrium
What Is Center of Gravity?
Summary

Chapter 6. Angular Kinematics: Describing Objects in Angular Motion
Angular Position and Displacement
Angular and Linear Displacement
Angular Velocity
Angular and Linear Velocity
Angular Acceleration
Angular and Linear Acceleration
Anatomical System for Describing Limb Movements
Summary

Chapter 7. Angular Kinetics: Explaining the Causes of Angular Motion
Angular Inertia
Angular Momentum
Angular Interpretation of Newton's First Law of Motion
Angular Interpretation of Newton's Second Law of Motion
Angular Impulse and Angular Momentum
Angular Interpretation of Newton's Third Law of Motion
Summary

Chapter 8. Fluid Mechanics: The Effects of Water and Air
Buoyant Force: Force Due to Immersion
Dynamic Fluid Force: Force Due to Relative Motion
Summary

Part II. Internal Biomechanics: Internal Forces and Their Effects on the Body and Its Movement

Chapter 9. Mechanics of Biological Materials: Stresses and Strains on the Body
Stress
Strain
Mechanical Properties of Materials: The Stress-Strain Relationship
Mechanical Properties of the Musculoskeletal System
Summary

Chapter 10. The Skeletal System: The Rigid Framework of the Body
Bones
Joints
Summary

Chapter 11. The Muscular System: The Motors of the Body
The Structure of Skeletal Muscle
Muscle Action
Muscle Contraction Force
Summary

Chapter 12. The Nervous System: Control of the Musculoskeletal System
The Nervous System and the Neuron
The Motor Unit
Receptors and Reflexes
Summary

Part III. Applying Biomechanical Principles

Chapter 13. Qualitative Biomechanical Analysis to Improve Technique
Types of Biomechanical Analysis
Steps of a Qualitative Biomechanical Analysis
Sample Analyses
Summary

Chapter 14. Qualitative Biomechanical Analysis to Improve Training
Biomechanics and Training
Qualitative Anatomical Analysis Method
Sample Analyses
Summary

Chapter 15. Qualitative Biomechanical Analysis to Understand Injury Development
Mechanical Stress and Injury
Tissue Response to Stress
Mechanism of Overuse Injury
Individual Differences in Tissue Threshold
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Injury
Sample Analysis: Overuse Injuries in Running
Summary

Chapter 16. Technology in Biomechanics
Quantitative Biomechanical Analysis
Measurement Issues
Tools for Measuring Biomechanical Variables
Summary