AHPT 820: Kinesiology/ Biomechanics
Prerequisite: Admission to the doctor of physical therapy program or permission of
the Department
Credit Hours: (3)
An examination of the interaction of muscles, bones, joints, and external forces that
are responsible for human movement.
Detailed Description of Course
Content: The course will examine the interaction of bones, joints, muscles, and external
forces that are responsible for movement. Students will study the major joints complexes
of the human body. Learning objectives for each joint complex will include the basics
of kinetics, biomechanics in association with muscles, connective tissues and bones
connected to that specific joint. The origins, insertions, actions of the muscles
and, in some joint complexes, patterns of physical dysfunction will also be discussed
as it relates to normal movement.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Instructional methods used may be lecture, small group interactions, and journal submissions
and feedback. At designated times there may be in-class labs conducted to better experience
and explore concepts of movement introduced in class. There may be a group project
required which will involve cooperative learning, organizational management, and oral
presentation skills of group members.
Goals and Objectives of this Course
Will require students to:
1) Have an appreciation of joint complexes of the body required for normal movement;
2) Describe human motion in terms of anatomical planes and joints motions; 3) Understand
the loads and responses to which bones are subjected to during movement; 4) identity
joint structures, anatomy, and shapes of articular surfaces; 5) Understand muscle
structure, direction of muscle fibers, and muscle actions; 6) Describe muscle force
generation and resulting force vectors; 7) Apply concepts of vector analysis, effects
of gravity, force couple, and center of mass to basic human movement; 8) Describe
dynamic and static anatomical components during human movement; 9) Describe the kinematics
of both the upper and lower extremities on the trunk posture; 10) Relate how age influences
posture, biomechanics and mobility; 11) Develop an understanding of anatomical intrinsic
and extrinsic structures for movement; 12) Synthesize the elements responsible for
major joint movements of the human body; 13) Compare and coordinate kinematic terminology
in describing simple task components to more complex components of multi-joint movements;
14) Analyze and apply the effects of external physical forces in various aspects of
human motion; 15) Analyze components of static posture and balance as they relates
to age and gender; 16) Analyze the relationship of human motion affected by various
limitations imposed by aging; 17) Analyze a complex well-defined movement in biomechanical
terms and concepts; 18) Define a capsular pattern; 19) State the expected end feel
for each joint.
Assessment Measures
May include:
Weekly summaries/journals, examinations, and group projects
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
February 10, 2014