Programme

Knowing how to identify the biomechanical model of the human body and be able to determine the most appropriate geometric and inertial parameters. Know the conceptual and mathematical tools useful for representing human motion in virtual reality and to describe joint kinematics. Being able to estimate the joint moments and forces acting on the hard and soft passive tissuestransmitted by the muscles during movement. Being able to describe a motoract using the language of the mechanical work and energy. Understanding the biomechanics of human joints and spine. Know the biomechanics of physicalactivities of daily living such as walking, climb and descent of stairs, getting up and sitting etc.. Know the basic biomechanical principles to describe and evaluate sports paradigmatic gestures (jumping, throwing, hitting). Being familiar with the tools that allow the measurement of human movement and external forces. Be familiar with the laboratory of movement analysisand experimental protocols. Knowing how to assess risks for the locomotor apparatus in sport and at work. Acquiring the ability to design an experimental procedure, based on the use of these instruments and protocols, for clinical purposes or with reference to sport and ergonomics.

Core Documentation

1) Kinematics of Human Motion e Kinetics of Human Motion di Vladimir M. Zatziorsky, 1998, Human Kinetics, Champaign, Illinois, USA.;
2) Kinematic Analysis of Human Movement, Cheze Laurence, John Wiley & Sons 2014;
3) Gait Analysis: Normal and Pathological Function Perry Jacquelin and Burnfield Judith, SLACK; 2010;
4) An introduction to biomechanics of sport and exercise James Watkins, Churchill Livingstone, 2007.

Reference Bibliography

Handouts of the classes and cited references

Type of delivery of the course

The course includes oral lectures, theoretical team works carried out in the class, laboratory activities entailing the use of instruments or software for human movement biomechanical analyses. The exam includes the development of an experimental work or drafting a research proposal; it is carried out through team work, followed by and individual contribution.

Type of evaluation

The exam is composed of two parts: the production of an essay and an oral examination. The essay is developed as follows: 1. Developing of a research question (state of the art, research question\objectives and methods) --> developed through team work during classes and at home, with an oral presentation to the class 2a. (experimental project) Performing experiments based on the proposed methods to answer the research question --> developed through team work during laboratories, methods and data summarised in a report 2b. (research proposal) Detailing the phases of the project and the expected results, applications, and exploitation. Eventually performing pilot experiments based on the selected methods --> developed through team work, summarised in a report 3. Drafting an essay in the form of a. short article: introduction (state of the art), objectives, materials and methods (including data analysis), results and discussion b. research project: introduction (state of the art), objectives, materials and methods (including data analysis), project phases, expected results, potential project applications and explotitation The oral examination includes: 1. The oral discussion\defense of the essay 2. Questions on the other parts of the program not included in the text (with special emphasis on joint mechanics, measurement instruments, gait analysis, and sports biomechanics research) During the COVID-19 emergency period, the exam will be carried out following the art.1 of the Rectoral Decree n°. 703 of May 5th 2020