Williams and Lissner's Biomechanics of Human Motion, 3d ed.

The third edition of this work provides an updated presentation of techniques for approaching biomechanical problems, with emphasis on applications that are relevant to physical therapists. Several changes enhance its utility as a textbook, including color enhancement of illustrations for clarity and outlines at the beginning of each chapter to provide guidance for locating specific topics. The figures and tables, along with the questions at the end of each chapter, are effective teaching tools. This edition is designed to make it easier for the student to learn the material without instructor assistance.

The book is organized into eight chapters, including chapters on the scope of biomechanics, terms and concepts, strength of materials, composition and resolution of forces, static equilibrium, friction, dynamics, and more specific applications. The appendixes include body segment parameters, glossary, and answers to selected questions.

A welcome update is the use of International System (SI) units throughout the book. Chapter 1 has a conversion table for English to SI units that is helpful to the student, as some of the questions at the end of the chapters are still using English units. Another new addition is the inclusion of nonbiological materials biomechanics in the chapter on strength of materials (chapter 3). Although the depth of discussion is somewhat limited in certain sections of the book (eg, prosthetics and orthotics in chapter 3), a large number of references are available to those interested in more detail. The chapter on dynamics, chapter 7, addresses applied biomechanical principles. References are updated and more broad, relating to the fields of occupational therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, physical medicine, and orthopedics.

The book provides a quality overview of biomechanics with a clinical focus. The revisions enhance the educational value of the book, making it more of a self-instructional textbook. They also allow more comprehensive coverage of biomechanics. Correct and up-to-date information is offered in a format that is easy for students to follow and is focused on clinical examples and applications. The book is well written and follows a logical progression from the presentation of different biomechanical theory and techniques to the application of these techniques to clinical problems. This book would be particularly useful to physical therapy educators, as well as to those who wish to expand their understanding of biomechanical approaches to problem solving.