Basics of Biomechanics and Assisting Human Movement (2cr)

Evaluation scale

1-5

Objective

Students are able to:
-list basic concepts of biomechanics and know about their effect on human movement
-analyze the effects of various postures, movements, and types of force production on the body
-interpret the effects of external and internal forces on the musculoskeletal system and its various structures
-apply the principles of biomechanics when counselling and assisting clients with activities of daily living and in therapy situations (assisting movements, ergonomics)

Content

Laws of mechanics
Force production, internal and external forces
Lever arms and torque
Center of gravity, base of support, balance
Mobility assistance (Kinesthetics)
Worload and ergonomics

Materials

Kauranen, K. & Nurkka, N. (2022). Liikkumisen biomekaniikkaa. Helsinki: Liikuntatieteellinen seura.

Tamminen-Peter, L. & Wickström, G. (2018). Potilassiirrot: Taitava avustaja aktivoi ja auttaa. Työterveyslaitos. (online publication)

Videos in Moodle.

Teaching methods

Lectures 3x2 h as independently studied online lectures in Moodle. Practical exercises 8 h and practical exam as face-to-face teaching. In addition, independent practice and studying partly online. Independent completion of learning tasks and Moodle exams, regardless of time and place.

Student workload

54 hours of student work that consists of contact studying in campus, self studying and assignments.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students can:
-list some basic concepts of biomechanics and can to some extent tell about their effect on human movement
-under supervision, analyze the effects of various postures, movements, and types of force production on the body
-under supervision, interpret the effects of external and internal forces on the musculoskeletal system and its various structures
-in familiar and simple situations, apply the principles of biomechanics when guiding clients in therapy situations (assisting movements, ergonomics)

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students can:

-list basic concepts of biomechanics and know a major part of their effects on human movement
-analyze the effects of the most important postures, movements, and types of force production on the body
- interpret to some extent the effects of external and internal forces on the musculoskeletal system and its various structures
-in some situations, apply the principles of biomechanics when guiding clients in therapy situations (assisting movements, ergonomics)

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students can:
-list basic concepts of biomechanics and tell about their concrete effects on human movement
-analyze comprehensively the effects of various postures, movements, and types of force production on the body
- interpret the effects of external and internal forces on the musculoskeletal system and its various structures
-apply the principles of biomechanics when guiding clients in therapy situations (assisting movements, ergonomics)