The course focuses first on the anatomy and physiology of the human muscle-force system, then on biomechanical applications involved in human movement.  Fundamental topics of muscle physiology, anatomy, and treatment, and muscle modeling will be covered first.  From this foundation, the course will focus on methods to analyze biomechanical problems, including kinematics and kinetics of movement and the muscle force system.  Finally, relevant topics requiring such analyses will be discussed, with some emphasis on walking.  Emphasis is placed on analysis, interpretation and critical evaluation of results.

After the course, the student should be able to:

• Apply principles of classical mechanics to the study of human motion
• Describe motion with precise, well-defined mechanical and anatomical terminology
• Describe the internal and external forces acting on the body during typical human activities
• Understand how muscle actions control movements
• Model muscle activation and movement
• Understand the methods and limitations of different experimental and analytical techniques used

Instruction will be in the form of 2-3 lectures per week (a total of 16 lectures), at least one 2-hour session of experiments in the KTH MoveAbility lab, and ~4 computer labs (2 hours each).

Lectures will be held in lecture rooms according to the schedule as long as we are permitted. 

Computer labs will all be streamed.  Refer to the schedule for the zoom link. You are welcome to participate in the computer room if you’d like, but note that Ruoli may not be there. Bring headphones with a microphone.

Most students are expected to have complete courses in basic mechanics and dynamics, with possible exception to those studying Sports Technology.  No previous coursework in anatomy or physiology is required.

The course book will be: Biomechanics of Movement; The Science of Sports, Robotics, and Rehabilitation, by Thomas K Uchida and Scott L. Delp. ISBN 9780262044202.  It’s available for purchase from internet bookstores, both as a book and as an e-book (though the e-book is more expensive).  It’s also possible to rent the e-book via the publisher (MIT Press)

1) Matlab

2) The open source program OpenSIM version 4.0 from SimTK will be used in several assignments.  It is a free, open-source software (https://simtk.org/projects/opensim). It is installed in the computer lab, and I recommend you install it on your own computers.

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• PRO1 - Project, 7.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

The course grade is based on 5 at-home group assignments and 1 at-home group final project. Some of these are presented orally and some in written form.

Project ( PRO1 )

All projects must be completed satisfactorily.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.