Biomechanics

Historical highlights
The XX th Century
Jules Amar (1920) – Published The Human Motor analysing physical and physiologic components
of work, focusing into efficiency of human movements
Nicholas Bernstein (1896-1966) – Conducted “biodynamic” studies of human gait based on
mathematical approaches. Approached to ergonomics and studied coordination and regulation of
movement in both children and adults, creating theories of motor control and coordination
A. V. Hill (1886-1977) – Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine in 1923, experiencing on the
explanation of mechanical and structural function of human muscle
Elfman (1939) – Quantified internal forces in muscles and joints. Concluded that muscles act
regulating energy exchange, by using the strategies of transmission, absorption, release, and
dissipation
A. F. Huxley (1924- ) – Explained muscle shortening in 1953 through the sliding filament theory,
lately expanded to his Cross-bridge Theory
Historical highlights
The XX th Century
- Biomechanics developed as a discipline at the Universities
- Biomechanical research results were increasingly used in
practical applications (sports, medicine, industry)
- Biomechanics become a player in a multidisciplinary attempt to
understand human and animal movement and the effects of
movement on the muscle-skeletal system
Historical highlights
The XX th Century
The first breakthrough of biomechanics into the curricula of Universities was in sport related
disciplines in the early XXth century. Some Faculties of Physical Education start teaching
Biomechanics
Biomechanics vs. Kinesiology
21-23 August 1967 – First International Seminar on Biomechanics – Zürich – Switzerland.
Chairman : Wartenweiler
International Council of Sport and Physical Education of UNESCO
Topics:
- Technique of motion studies
- Telemetry
- Principles of human motion studies: general aspects of coordination
- Applied Biomechanics in work
- Applied Biomechanics in sports
- Clinical aspects
1973 – ISB was founded during the Penn State conference – Wartenweiler (1st President)
(International Congress of Biomechanics, since 1975 in Jyväskylä, Finland)
(World Congress of Biomechanics, 1989, San Diego, USA)
BIO MECHANICS
Ergonomical biomechanics
Work biomechanics
Occupational biomechanics
Clinical biomechanics
(...)
Orthopaedical biomechanics
Traumatological biomechanics
Sports biomechanics