Biomechanics of the Upper Limbs: Mechanics, Modeling, and Musculoskeletal Injuries

The repetitive tasks of various forms of manual work can lead to cumulative trauma disorders, increasing staff burn-out rates and the number of sick-days taken by employees. In addition, interest in upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders has grown as the service sector has claimed a larger share of the workforce. These factors introduce the need for an up-to-date text that combines basic biomechanics with practical bioengineering issues.

Biomechanics of the Upper Limbs: Mechanics, Modeling, and Musculoskeletal Injuries is an engineering oriented book focusing on upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, as opposed to the more general introductions to cumulative trauma disorders and medical management related books. It covers musculoskeletal components of the upper extremities, their models, and the measurement and prediction of injury potential. Students and professionals will find it provides an excellent basic grounding in the subject.

Topics include:

A basic introduction to biomechanical principles

Gross structure of the musculoskeletal system, including bone and soft tissue

Organization of muscles and muscle anatomy, types of fibers, contractile theories, and muscle receptors

Modeling of muscle mechanics

Models of the upper limbs

Types of musculoskeletal disorders and the scientific evidence for risk factors, as well as epidemiology

Instrumentation for motion, pressure, force and nerve conduction measurements, and electromyography

Job and worksite analysis

Hand tools

Office environment seating and computer devices