Preface

The seventh edition of Basic Biomechanics has been significantly updated and redesigned from the previous edition. As the interdisciplinary field of biomechanics grows in both breadth and depth, it is important even introductory textbooks reflect the nature of the science. Accordingly, the text has been revised, expanded, and updated, with the objectives being to present relevant information from recent research findings and to prepare students to analyze human biomechanics.

The approach taken remains an integrated balance of qualitative and quantitative examples, applications, and problems designed to illustrate the principles discussed. The seventh edition also retains the important sensitivity to the fact that some beginning students of biomechanics possess weak backgrounds in mathematics. For this reason, it includes numerous sample problems and applications, along with practical advice on approaching quantitative problems.

Each chapter follows a logical and readable format, with the introduction of new concepts consistently accompanied by practical human movement examples and applications from across the life span and across sport, clinical, and daily living activities.

New content has been added to provide updated scientific information on relevant topics. All chapters have been revised to incorporate the latest information from the biomechanics research literature, and numerous new sport and clinical applications and examples are included. Topics added or expanded include barefoot running and running economy, stretching and performance, bone health and space flight, the golf swing, ACL injuries, muscle fatigue, and swimming technique.

Balanced Coverage

The former Biomechanics Academy of AAHPERD recommended that undergraduate students in biomechanics devote approximately one-third of study time to anatomical considerations, one-third to mechanical considerations, and the remainder to applications. The integrated approach to coverage of these areas taken in previous editions is continued in this seventh edition.

Applications Oriented

All chapters in this new edition contain discussion of a broad range of updated human movement applications, many of which are taken from the recent biomechanics research literature. Special emphasis has been placed on examples that span all ages and address clinical and daily living issues, as well as sport applications.

Laboratory Experiences

The integrated laboratory manual appears at the end of each chapter with references to simulations on the text's Online Learning Center. The soft-cover design with perforation allows laboratory manual pages to be completed and turned in to instructors.

Integrated Technology

Technology is integrated throughout the text, with an Online Learning Center box appearing on every chapter-opening page and directing students to resources online, while lists of related websites at the end of each chapter offer pertinent sources to students. Problems and laboratory experiences are incorporated throughout the text and updated to reference the Online Learning Center.

The seventh edition of Basic Biomechanics can be bundled (for a small additional price) with MaxTRAQ™ software. MaxTRAQ is a downloadable motion analysis software that offers an easy-to-use tool to track data and analyze various motion elected by the authors. The MaxTRAQ software includes video clips of motions such as golf swing and gait, 2D manual tracking, coverage of distance and angles—and more!

Visit www.mhhe.com/hall7e for more information about the MaxTRAQ software.

In addition to the sample problems, problem sets, laboratory experiences, Online Learning Center boxes, end-of-chapter key terms lists, and lists of websites, the book contains other pedagogical features from previous editions. These include key concepts, marginal defi nitions, sample problems, chapter summaries, introductory and additional problems, references, and appendices.

Online Learning Center

www.mhhe.com/hall7e

This website offers resources to students and instructors as well as a link to the MaxTRAQ motion analysis software. It includes downloadable ancillaries, student quizzing, additional student exercises and much more.

• Resources for the instructor include:

  • Downloadable PowerPoint presentations with annotated lecture notes

  • Instructor's manual, originally developed by Darla Smith, faculty emerita, University of Texas at El Paso

  • Test bank available as downloadable word files and through EZ Test Online, which allows instructors to create and print a test or create and deliver an online and printed (Word or PDF) test.

  • Interactive links

  • Online laboratory manual with simulations—Image library

• Resources for the student include:

  • Downloadable PowerPoint presentations

  • Self-grading quizzes

  • Online laboratory manual with simulations

I would like to thank developmental editor Andrea Edwards and managing editor Sara Jaeger for their quality work on the new edition of this book. Many thanks also to copy editor Sue Nodine and production editor Heather Ervolino for their very capable and professional work on this revision. I also wish to extend appreciation to the following reviewers:

• Marion Alexander

• University of Manitoba

• Keith N. Bishop

• U.S. Air Force Academy

• Melissa Cook

• Indiana Wesleyan University

• Adam Fullenkamp

• Bowling Green State University

• Chris Hass

• University of Florida

• Jeffrey Michael Willardson

• Eastern Illinois University

• Scott Zimmerman

• Missouri State University

Finally, I also very much appreciate the excellent suggestions I have received over the seven editions of this book from numerous students and colleagues.