Basic Biomechanics Explained.

Low J, Reed A. Woburn, MA 01801-20441, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1996, paperback, 271 pp, illus, $35.

This book is part of a series of books entitled Physiotherapy Practice Explained. The purpose of this particular book is to provide an introduction to biomechanics and biophysical concepts. It is geared for physical therapists and other health science professionals. Overall, the authors have done a credible job of fulfilling their intended purpose. This book is different from some other texts available on biomechanics in that it encompasses a rather broad spectrum of biomechanical systems, rather than just orthopedic biomechanics. As would be expected in a biomechanics text, the authors discuss forces, lever system, torque, friction, and other physical principles. The authors present the material in a very readable format without the heavy mathematical treatment offered by other texts. This may be a disappointment for those individuals seeking a detailed mathematical presentation, but it will be a welcome relief for those therapists who lack a strong mathematical background.

In addition to discussing traditional biomechanical concepts, the book tackles a wide array of topics, including the following: (1) materials structure, (2) gravity, stability, and balance, (3) skeletal muscle contraction, (4) joint measurement, (5) properties of water related to hydrotherapy, (6) therapeutic uses of pressure, (7) human movement, (8) exercise physiology, (9) ergonomics, and (10) joint mechanics. Although the book is well written, the authors may have been somewhat ambitious in the number of topics they covered.

The book is well organized, with each chapter divided into subtopics. The book is well illustrated with simple yet effective drawings that help explain the text. Up-to-date references are provided for each chapter, and an index allows easy access to the topics.

The book offers the reader a concise review of biomechanics and biophysics, and most readers will find the coverage of the topics sufficient. The discussion of muscle contraction, gait analysis, joint structure, and exercise physiology, however, would be insufficient for most practicing therapists. The chapter on ergonomics provides an adequate discussion of basic principles, including lifting techniques, posture, chair design, and functional activities; however, therapists actively working in this area would probably require much more detailed information. The references for the ergonomics chapter would be useful for readers who desire more information on the basic principles.

Overall, the book would appeal to an audience looking for a good, general review of biomechanics. The material is appropriate for physical therapist students. The book would be an excellent reference book for clinicians or educators wanting a general reference on biomechanics that is concise and easy to read. For more advanced biomechanical principles or a higher-level mathematical treatment of the topics, however, readers would be better served by other books that are on the market.

Thomas M Mohr, PhD, PT
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

Dr Mohr is Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and teaches in the areas of neuroscience, physiology, biomechanics, and electrophysiology. He conducts research in electromyography, motion analysis, and electrotherapy.