Biomechanics of the Upper Limbs Mechanics, Modeling and Musculoskeletal Injuries, Second Edition

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.

Introduction to BiomechanicsWhat Is Biomechanics?Basic ConceptsCoordinate SystemsForce Vector AlgebraStatic EquilibriumAnthropometry and Center of Mass DeterminationFrictionDynamics Structure of the Musculoskeletal SystemGross Overview of MovementsSkeletal SystemMechanical Properties of BoneSoft Connective TissueJoints Neuromuscular Physiology and Motor ControlIntroduction to MusculatureStructure of MuscleBasic Cell PhysiologyNervous SystemExcitation–Contraction SequenceMotor UnitsBasic Muscle Properties (Mechanics)Energy, Metabolism, and Heat ProductionReceptorsReflexes and Motor Control Modeling of Muscle MechanicsLaplace Transforms and Transfer FunctionsViscoelastic TheoryHill’s Muscle ModelsFrequency AnalysisFrequency Analysis of Passive MuscleHatze’s Multielement ModelApplications of the Hatze Muscle ModelControl Theory and Motor ControlRoot-Locus Approach to Muscle Modeling Models of the Upper LimbsAnatomy of the Hand and WristStatic Tendon-Pulley ModelsDynamic Tendon-Pulley ModelsComplex Tendon ModelsTwo-Dimensional Hand ModelDirect Measurement Validation StudiesCritical Evaluation of Modeling Approaches Musculoskeletal Disorders and Risk FactorsExtent of the ProblemCommon Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their EtiologyMedical Diagnosis and Treatment of MSDsEpidemiologic Approach to MSDsScientific Research and Evidence for Occupational Risk FactorsScientific Research and Evidence for Psychosocial Risk FactorsIatrogenesis: A Contrarian ViewLegal Issues InstrumentationIntroductionWrist- and Finger-Motion MeasurementsPressure- and Force-Distribution MeasurementsNerve-Conduction MeasurementsElectromyography Job and Worksite AnalysisThe Need for Job AnalysisReliability and Validity of Assessment ToolsInitial Identification of Musculoskeletal Injury ProblemsGross Posture and Task AnalysesQuantitative Upper Limb WRMSD Risk-Assessment ToolsData-Driven Upper Limb WRMSD Risk Index Hand ToolsIntroductionGeneral Biomechanical Considerations of ToolsHandles for Single-Handled ToolsHandles for Two-Handled ToolsOther Tool ConsiderationsAgricultural and Forestry ToolsIndustrial Tools The Office EnvironmentGeneral Musculoskeletal ProblemsSeated WorkplaceKeyboardMouse and Other Cursor-Positioning DevicesNotebooks and Handheld PCsInterventions for Office Work