Unit information: Biomechanics and Locomotion in 2011/12

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Unit name Biomechanics and Locomotion
Unit code ANAT32120
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Bob Colborne
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None,
Co-requisites

None.
School/department School of Anatomy
Faculty Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will explore the mechanical basis of locomotion, with focus in two main sections. In the first, inverse dynamics analysis of gait will be reviewed and applied to normal gait. We will examine the influence of errors in the input variables on the inverse dynamics solution. In the second, we will evaluate motion and kinetic symmetry in normal bipedal and quadrupedal gait, against a background of gait analysis in lame animals, especially in relation to elbow and stifle joint lameness in dogs.

Aims:

The aim of this unit is to develop an understanding of the key mechanisms of normal gait in bipeds and quadrupeds, and how mechanical function is disrupted by lameness.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of:

  • The inverse dynamics method of quantifying gait mechanics
  • Issues associated with accuracy of modelling joint motion using link-segment models
  • How to interpret, given a description of a joint’s motion, moment and power profiles, the muscle groups that are controlling or producing a joint’s action
  • How limb loading and movement compensations that occur as a result of injury or joint disease affect the measured forces and moments at limb joints and how these are reflected in the patterns of work done across the joints
  • The effects on normal gait of laterality or ‘handedness

Teaching Information

Lectures and seminars

Assessment Information

Summative: Scientific essay (2500 words): 15%

Summative: Three-hour Sessional examination: 85%. Section A: 1.5 hour essay on integrative content of seminars; Section B: 1.5 hour essay on data interpretation and/or method analysis.

Reading and References

A list of papers and other readings will be provided in class.

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