Preface

The eighth 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 that 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 eighth 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

Biomechanics is a field that analyzes the mechanical aspects of biological organisms. In this book focused on human biomechanics, anatomical and mechanical factors, as well as functional applications are covered. The integrated approach to coverage of these areas taken in previous editions is continued in this eighth 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 Connect. The soft-cover design with perforation allows laboratory manual pages to be completed and turned in to instructors.

Integrated Technology and MaxTRAQ^TM

Technology is integrated throughout the text, with a Connect 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 Connect.

The eighth 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 http://www.motionanalysisproducts.com/Books/SH-BB-R6.html to purchase or download MaxTRAQ software.

In addition to the sample problems, problem sets, laboratory experiences, Connect 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 definitions, sample problems, chapter summaries, introductory and additional problems, references, and appendices.

Connect

The eighth edition of Basic Biomechanics is now available online with Connect, McGraw-Hill Education's integrated assignment and assessment platform. Connect also offers SmartBook for the new edition, which is the first adaptive reading experience proven to improve grades and help students study more effectively. All of the title's website and ancillary content is also available through Connect. Connect includes downloadable ancillaries, student quizzing, additional student exercises, and much more.

Resources for instructors and students 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

I wish to extend appreciation to the following reviewers:

  Jean McCrory

  West Virginia University

  Marcus William Barr

  Ohio University

  Alex Jordan

  Concordia University

  Matthew Wagner

  Sam Houston State University

  Mark Geil

  Georgia State University

  Jacob Sosnoff

  University Of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  A. Page Glave

  Sam Houston State University

  Nicholas Hanson

  Western Michigan University

  Eric E. LaMott

  Concordia University, St. Paul

  Michael Torry

  Illinois State University

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