Clinical Kinesiology and Biomechanics: A Problem-Based Learning Approach

This new textbook uses a problem-based learning (PBL) approach for teaching the fundamentals of kinesiology and biomechanics to undergraduate and graduate students in the biomedical, rehabilitative, and exercise science fields. Case vignettes and problems for each major region of the body are presented – cervical spine, thoracic spine and rib cage, lumbar spine and pelvis, shoulder girdle, elbow/forearm, wrist, hand, hip, knee, and ankle/foot. For the cases on the spine and upper extremity, biomechanics of posture are included; for cases involving the hip, knee, and ankle/foot, an extensive study of gait analysis is also incorporated. These case vignettes are not preceded by chapters that provide foundational information. Rather, relevant anatomical, biomechanical, and other information needed to solve/explain each case are embedded in the relevant chapters presenting the clinical cases. 

Gordon J. Alderink, PT, Ph.D., was a member of the faculty at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) for 38 years, where he was Director of the Biomechanics and Motor Performance Laboratory and taught musculoskeletal physical therapy. He has a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from Michigan State University, a BA in Biology from Hope College, a Certificate in Physical Therapy from the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences, and an MS in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Alderink started the Clinical Motion Analysis Center at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, in 1993, focusing on instrumented gait analysis for children with cerebral palsy. He is a Board member and Past-President of the Commission for Motion Laboratory Accreditation, the only free-standing accrediting body for clinical motion analysis laboratories in the United States, as well as a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, American Society of Biomechanics, andGait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society.

Blake M. Ashby, Ph.D., PE, has been a member of the faculty of the School of Engineering at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) for over 12 years, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical and biomedical engineering and conducts research on the biomechanics of human movement. He is currently serving as the chair of the Biomedical Engineering Program. Prior to joining GVSU, he worked for several years as a consulting expert in the field of injury biomechanics and accident reconstruction with Woolley Engineering Research Corporation in Provo, Utah, and Exponent Failure Analysis Associates in Phoenix, Arizona. He began studying human movement biomechanics almost 25 years ago as a graduate student at Stanford University, where he received Ph.D. and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to that, he received a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University. He is a member of the American Society of Biomechanics, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and American Society for Engineering Education.