Biomechanics Information Center

Biomechanics is a diverse field that has made many lives better by its ideas and inventions. Biomechanics uses the concepts of engineering and physics to develop products and resources for various areas of work. This broad field incorporates research into different areas of study by using concepts of engineering and applying them toward practical inventions. Biomechanics is used in multiple fields and sectors. Research and technology has been done in areas such as rehabilitation, injury, workplace design, and many other subjects. This diverse field continues to discover many new ideas for these areas. The future of biomechanics offers many new leads for design.

WHAT IS BIOMECHANICS
Biomechanics is a discipline that incorporates a combination of engineering and biology. It also utilizes other fields of study such as physics, biochemistry, mathematics, and anatomy for research about and development of new products and resources to improve human lives. For example, biomechanics considers the energy exerted onto the human body to develop a new prosthetic device for those recovering from a leg injury. Biomechanics principles are used in medicine in developing new devices to keep people from succumbing to certain illnesses. Biomechanics helps people to begin walking again and develop stride. It has been used in neurological sensing to assist patients with neuromuscular disorders to gain use and sensation in their extremities. It is involved in the design of furniture and work spaces to reduce physical pressure on the body. Biomechanics has also been used in the study of plants and animals to determine their growth processes, living environments, and dormancy periods.

The possibilities for biomechanics are almost endless. There are many secondary educational institutions that offer classes and programs in the study of biomechanics. The job outlook is excellent, as companies continue to further their study into this type of engineering and strive to develop new materials. An undergraduate degree in biomechanics is fundamental for beginning in a position that usually starts with a mid-level salary. Many people choose to then continue their education and work toward a Master’s degree, which necessitates further research and involves teaching the principles to others.

BIOMECHANIC SOCIETIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND JOURNALS
There are several societies and organizations based on the field of biomechanics that are comprised of scientists and professionals in the field. These organizations offer conferences as a way of promoting and educating other professionals about new tools and ideas that are available. They promote continued knowledge of new techniques in the field and supply jobs and resources for those who are working or just starting out. Journals of biomechanics are places to post research findings done by other professionals, so that those working can keep up to date with new techniques and results in order to impact their own work.

NOTEWORTHY BIOMECHANISTS
One of the earliest biomechanists was Giovanni Borelli, who lived in the 17th century and is said to be the father of biomechanics. Borelli studied the body’s muscle design and discovered new principles related to force and output of muscles in both animals and humans. His work influenced many future scientists and biomechanists. More recently, biomechanists have invented materials that have improved and saved millions of lives. John Charnley developed the first modern hip replacement prosthesis to allow for wear and flexibility in the body; it was fundamental in its use to replace a hip joint. Samuel Alderson created a model in 1949 that was used to experiment with airplane escape seats, helmets, and collisions. This model went on to become the first crash-test dummy, a project that has proved invaluable in the research and testing of collision impacts on the body when riding in a car.

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Biomedical engineering is using the principles of engineering and biomechanics to invent products and systems that will improve human health. Biomedical engineering is a sub development of biomechanics. It ranges from the cellular level of engineering to care of the entire living being. Biomedical engineering has improved and saved many lives through research and invention of new products. Advances in medicine have been made in the areas of genetics, medical implant devices such as prostheses, medical imaging, and tissue organization, among many others. Biomedical engineering is a specific field of biomechanics that works directly with medical specifics to form products and make alterations that will affect many people and their health and longevity.

Orthopedics
Biomedical engineering in the field of orthopedics has improved the quality of life for many people. Orthopedics is the study of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, tendons and ligaments of the body. Biomedical engineering has initiated projects to replace joints, improve the overall health of bones, and strengthen their function. As people age, their bones and joints lose function and they need options for replacement. Those who have had injuries due to sports are offered help through rehabilitation programs that use products designed from biomedical engineers.

Ergonomics
Ergonomics is changing the design of a workspace so that it does not impinge on the ability to do work. Ergonomics includes changes made to assist in posture and activity, as well as using the best tools available to do the necessary tasks. Examples of biomedically-engineered products that have helped improved ergonomics in work spaces are specially designed chairs that promote posture and reduce pressure on the spine, and special screens for use by those who have visual impairment. Biomedical engineering in the field of ergonomics has improved workplace safety and occupational health standards.

Orthotics and Prosthetics
The field of orthotics and prosthetics has improved considerably in recent years due to research and implementation of work in the biomedical engineering field. Orthotics and prosthetics provide support mechanisms and artificial limbs for those who need them. Biomedical engineering has advanced the use of prosthetics to create those that function anatomically similarly to a physical limb. Improvements in orthotics in biomedical engineering have supplied people with splints and braces that they can use in rehabilitation to learn to walk or do everyday activities.

Gait and Locomotion
Biomedical engineers study the way a person walks to be able to design devices to improve gait and locomotion for a person who has difficulty walking. Computer aided technology is available to match stride where the engineer can determine what changes in gait should be made if they are walking incorrectly. They can then design products to assist a person with walking to reduce pressure on parts of the body and ensure they are able to have adequate mobility.

Motor Control
If a person has had an illness or event that has rendered them unable to use certain parts of their body, they are said to have difficulties with motor control. This frequently happens in cases of stroke or other neurological events. Biomedical engineers design structures to assist patients with motor control while they are recovering. They also work at the cellular level in research and technology to develop solutions and products that will mimic the regeneration of the neurological system.

Muscle
Older adults or those who are disabled and do not use some body parts tend to lose muscle strength in those areas. Biomedical engineers who work with muscle mass focus their efforts on establishing products that will help people with weakened muscles be able to perform daily activities. Engineers also look for ways to strengthen and build muscle mass through equipment that will provide exercise and stability.

Dentistry
Biomedical engineers have increased technology used by dentists, allowing them to perform imaging of the mouth to look for problems with the teeth and gums. Biomedical engineering has advanced dental prosthetics for those who are missing teeth and improved the tools used to perform oral surgery. Images of the mouth are available in 3D due to new technologies, allowing dentists to diagnose tooth problems at a more advanced level.

Sports and Exercise
Also referred to as kinesiology, sports and exercise involve much movement of the body. Biomedical engineering in these areas focuses on the impacts to the body, bodily injuries due to sports, and ways to improve body function to reap the full benefits of exercise. Sports and exercise is a broad category, with many types of methods and designs being produced, as well as further work being done for future use.