Customer Reviews

Biomechanics of the Musculo-skeletal System

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This one of my two all-time favorite general textbooks on biomechanics; the other being Fundamentals of Biomechanics: Equilibrium, Motion, and Deformation by Ozkaya and Nordin. I generally recommend both to my students as strong foundational starting points.

Nigg and Herzog's exploration of the roots of this relatively new field of science was intriguing and unique. Their strong and clear emphasis on the "bio" aspect of biomechanics is particularly important for students whose background leans more towards physics and engineering. It is important to remember that human beings and animals are composed of living tissue that is a composite of complex tissues. Unlike aluminum or plastic, living tissue has non-linear and viscoelastic material properties, is anisotropic, and nonhomogenous. Moreover, unlike inert building materials, living tissue ages, degenerates, and is capable, to some degree, of healing. These properties are all variable throughout the body.

For my more medically-oriented students who are already quite familiar with human anatomy, histology, and pathology, I nudge them more toward Ozkaya and Nordin, whose approach is almost entirely mechanical. Both are excellent books and highly recommended.