Biomechanics

Biomechanics--the study of the motion and causes of motion of living things.

The Biomechanics program in the Department of Kinesiology is focused on applied biomechanics of human sport and exercise. The curriculum, resources, and faculty are all dedicated to using biomechanics to improve human movement and reduce the risk of injury.

Curriculum

Students in the bachelor’s and master’s program have the opportunity to participate in applied biomechanics research. All undergraduates are required to take the introductory biomechanics course that introduces the mechanical bases of human movement and the analysis of human movement technique. Students may take an advanced biomechanics course that allows them to perform and report applied biomechanics research. Students in the master’s program emphasizing biomechanics take three courses and complete a thesis.

Facilities & Equipment

The Biomechanics program is fortunate to have several areas (over 4700 square feet) dedicated to instruction and research. Two instructional areas (Yolo 124 & 119), a digitizing room, the Maglischo Research Lab (Yolo 116), and storage areas form the Biomechanics Suite. Biomechanics projects are also conducted in the Fitness Lab (2900 square feet) and other department sites.

Equipment available for student research includes:

• Three Kistler Force Platforms
• 2D and 3D Peak Motus Hardware and Software for Kinematic Analyses
• Analog & Digital Video Cameras (regular 30/60 Hz and high-speed 180 and 240 Hz)
• Four Channel Delysis EMG System
• Biodex System 3 Pro Isokinetic Dynamometer
• Hand dynamometers, electrogoniometers, & accelerometers
• Math Works Matlab Software
• Computers

Faculty

The biomechanics faculty are Jackie Hudson, Ph.D. and Duane Knudson, Ph.D. They are internationally known sport biomechanics researchers. Dr. Hudson is well known for her research on basketball, jumping, and coordination. She has published over 30 peer-review articles and several chapters. Dr. Knudson is well known for his research in tennis, stretching, and qualitative analysis. He has published over fifty peer-review articles, several chapters, and two books.