The fifth 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 fifth 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.
Organization
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 Highlights
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
significantly expanded include bone modeling and remodeling, osteoporosis,
bone changes during spaceflight, articular cartilage function,
osteoarthritis, muscle fibertype conversion, the stretch-shortening
cycle, neuromuscular fatigue and injuries, ACL rupture, balance and falling,
and gait economy.
Balanced Coverage
The Biomechanics Academy of AAHPERD recommends 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 fifth 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.
The Use of Problems
Problems and laboratory exercises are incorporated throughout the text, with
some references to the
Dynamic Human CD-ROM and e-Human software,
which can be bundled with the book on an optional basis.
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 lists of related Websites
at the end of each chapter which offer pertinent sources to students.
Problems and laboratory experiences are incorporated throughout the text.
Pedagogical Features
In addition to the sample problems, problem sets, laboratory experiences,
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.
Ancillaries
Online Learning Center
www.mhhe.com/hall5e
This Website offers resources to students and instructors. It includes
downloadable ancillaries, Web links, student quizzing, additional
information on topics of interest, and much more.
Resources
for the instructor include:-
Downloadable PowerPoint presentation with annotated lecture notes
-
Online instructor's manual (developed by Darla Smith, University of
Texas at El Paso)
-
Test bank, available as Word files and with EZ Test computerized testing
software
-
Interactive links
-
Links to professional resources
-
Online laboratory manual with simulations
Resources for the student include:-
Flashcards of chapter key terms
-
Downloadable PowerPoint presentation
-
Interactive activities
-
Self-grading quizzes
-
Online laboratory manual with simulations
Susan J. Hall
Professor and Chair,
Department of Health,
Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences,
College of Health Sciences
University of Delaware