Neuromechanics of Human Movement

Roger M. Enoka is professor in the department of integrative physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder and a professor in the departments of medicine (geriatrics) and neurology at the University of Colorado Denver. For more than 30 years, He has focused his research and teaching on the combination of biomechanics and neurophysiology of movement.

Neuromechanics of Human Movement, Fifth Edition, draws on the disciplines of neurophysiology and physics to explore how the nervous system controls the actions of muscles to produce human motion. This contemporary approach is much different from the traditional approach, which focuses solely on mechanics and does not consider the role of the sensorimotor system in the control of human movement. Authored by Roger Enoka, a widely recognized and esteemed scholar in neuromechanics, this influential text is an essential resource in biomechanics, motor learning, and applied physiology, making complex information accessible to students.

With material based on updated research in the field, this fifth edition provides a scientific foundation to the study of human movement, and as such it uses precise terms and definitions when discussing ideas. An appendix showcases both the base and derived units of  the metric system as well as other learning tools, including a glossary of terms and a comprehensive list of the equations presented throughout the text. The text includes 70 practical learning examples, giving students the opportunity to work through a variety of problems and explore current research and applications. Content is visually reinforced with 341 figures, including specific illustrations of the neuromechanics involved in sport and rehabilitation movements. References have been streamlined and moved to the end of each chapter to improve readability. And instructors will benefit from an image bank that includes most of the figures and tables from the text to use in course materials.

Significant content updates in the fifth edition present information relevant for both research and clinical environments, including more contemporary examples throughout the text and a new chapter on movement analysis. The following are additional key changes:

• New figures that highlight and clarify key points
• New information on energy costs
• Debunking the concept of motor unit types
• Detailed information on the center of mass trajectory
• Explanation of neuromodulation
• Additional content on PET imaging to help examine activity intensity

To encourage a comprehensive learning experience, this updated edition follows a logical progression where each part builds on the material from the previous section. It begins with an introduction to the biomechanical terms and concepts commonly used to describe movement, focusing on the relation between force and motion. Part II deals with the motor system and introduces essential concepts from neurophysiology required for understanding how movement is produced by the nervous system. Part III focuses on adaptability of the motor system, including the acute and chronic changes that can occur in response to deviations in an individual’s level of physical activity.

The fifth edition of Neuromechanics of Human Movement provides a scientific basis for the study of human movement while continuing to expand current knowledge in the fields of biomechanics and neurophysiology. By integrating these fields in a unique framework, this text offers professionals and students both valuable clinical information and inspiration to deepen their study of human movement.

Preface
Acknowledgments

Part I. The Force–Motion Relationship
 

Chapter 1. Describing Motion

Measurement Rules

Motion Descriptors

Constant Acceleration

Up and Down

Scalars and Vectors

Linear and Angular Motion

Curve Fitting and Smoothing

Summary

References
 

Chapter 2. Movement Forces

Laws of Motion

Describing Forces in Human Movement

Forces Due to Body Mass

Forces Due to the Surroundings

Musculoskeletal Forces

Summary

References
 

Chapter 3. Movement Analysis

Static Analysis

Dynamic Analysis

Momentum

Work

Summary

References
 

Chapter 4. Running, Jumping, and Throwing

Walking and Running

Jumping

Throwing and Kicking

Summary

References
 

Part II. The Motor System
 

Chapter 5. Excitable Membranes

Essentials of Electricity

Resting Membrane Potential

Neurons

Synaptic Transmission

Electromyography

Summary

References
 

Chapter 6. Muscle and Motor Units

Muscle

Excitation–Contraction Coupling

Motor Unit

Muscle Mechanics

Summary

References
 

Chapter 7. Neural Control of Movement

Spinal Reflexes

Automatic Behaviors

Voluntary Actions

Summary

References
 

Part III. Adaptability of the Motor System
 

Chapter 8. Acute Adjustments

Warm-Up Effects

Flexibility

Muscle Soreness and Damage

Fatigue

Muscle Potentiation

Arousal

Summary

References
 

Chapter 9. Chronic Adaptations

Muscle Strength

Muscle Power

Adaptations to Reduced Use

Motor Recovery After Nervous System Injury

Adaptations With Age

Summary

References

Appendix A: SI Units
Appendix B: Equations
Glossary
Index
About the Author