Biomechanics of the Upper Limbs

There is already a wealth of literature covering cumulative trauma disorders and medical management, as well as the biomechanics of manual material handling and lower back problems. However, despite a spike in the number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in the upper limbs—due to a sharp increase in the amount of computer-related jobs—few if any books have focused exclusively on WRMSDs, until now. Biomechanics of the Upper Limbs: Mechanics, Modeling and Musculoskeletal Injuries, Second Edition offers vital information and tools to improve analysis of external forces and their effects on the human body. This can help ergonomists better understand job stressors and the role they play in the development of disorders, enabling them to modify the work environment and educate practitioners to better control harmful situations. Using the author’s medical and engineering expertise to distill essential subject matter and useful technical data, this comprehensive text explores: Biomechanics of the upper limbs and the motor control system The structure and physiology of the human musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems Recent research findings and solutions to various ergonomic problems Models of various components of the neuromuscular systems, as well as larger systems in the upper limbs Risk factors for disorders and tools used to identify their causes Designed as a textbook for a typical semester-long graduate-level engineering or kinesiology course, this book includes a link to an ancillary website that offers materials such as PowerPoint® slides, sample exams, and an instructor's manual with complete solutions. It also serves as a practical, up-to-date, engineering-oriented resource for researchers, industrial ergonomists, industrial hygienists, and medical professionals who require supplementary material.

The repetitive tasks of various forms of manual work can lead to cumulative trauma disorders, increasing staff burn-out rates and the number of sick-days taken by employees. In addition, interest in upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders has grown as the service sector has claimed a larger share of the workforce. These factors introduce the need for an up-to-date text that combines basic biomechanics with practical bioengineering issues. Biomechanics of the Upper Limbs: Mechanics, Modeling, and Musculoskeletal Injuries is an engineering oriented book focusing on upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, as opposed to the more general introductions to cumulative trauma disorders and medical management related books. It covers musculoskeletal components of the upper extremities, their models, and the measurement and prediction of injury potential. Students and professionals will find it provides an excellent basic grounding in the subject.Topics include: a basic introduction to biomechanical principles; gross structure of the musculoskeletal system, including bone and soft tissue; organization of muscles and muscle anatomy, types of fibers, contractile theories, and muscle receptors; modeling of muscle mechanics; models of the upper limbs; types of musculoskeletal disorders and the scientific evidence for risk factors, as well as epidemiology; instrumentation for motion, pressure, force and nerve conduction measurements, and electromyography; job and worksite analysis; hand tools; and, office environment seating and computer devices.