The Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement - 2nd

The Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, Second Edition, is now fully updated with information and enhanced learning aids that increase the readability and value of the text. Like its predecessor, the new edition provides a balanced introduction to each of the major biophysical subdisciplines of kinesiology: anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control, and sport and exercise psychology.

This comprehensive book presents an integrated study of human movement and applies this knowledge to human performance and physical activity across the lifespan. The Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, Second Edition, considers basic methods and concepts, typical research questions, key historical developments, professional training and organizations, and suggestions for further reading within each subdiscipline. The authors offer a unique perspective on the subdisciplines by exploring not only the basic science but also the changes in human movement and movement potential that occur throughout the lifespan as well in response to training, practice, and other lifestyle factors.

The second edition includes these new features:
-A completely rewritten and reorganized section on the mechanical bases of human movement

-A significantly expanded chapter on integrative perspectives with more examples of the interdisciplinary research at the forefront of the field

-Listings of the latest Web-based resources that focus on topics relevant to human movement studies

-Clear learning objectives and brief summaries in each chapter The book provides students with an overview of the field and the many career options available to them. It highlights key organizations, prominent individuals, and studies from around the world that have contributed to our understanding of human movement. The book also contains numerous learning aids (including suggested readings, extensive illustrations, a detailed index, and a complete glossary) that improve comprehension and make review of the material easier.

The Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, Second Edition, is now fully updated with information and enhanced learning aids that increase the readability and value of the text. Like its predecessor, the new edition provides a balanced introduction to each of the major biophysical subdisciplines of kinesiology: anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control, and sport and exercise psychology.

This comprehensive book presents an integrated study of human movement and applies this knowledge to human performance and physical activity across the lifespan. The Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, Second Edition, considers basic methods and concepts, typical research questions, key historical developments, professional training and organizations, and suggestions for further reading within each subdiscipline. The authors offer a unique perspective on the subdisciplines by exploring not only the basic science but also the changes in human movement and movement potential that occur throughout the lifespan as well in response to training, practice, and other lifestyle factors.

The second edition includes these new features:  

 A completely rewritten and reorganized section on the mechanical bases of human movement
 A significantly expanded chapter on integrative perspectives with more examples of the interdisciplinary research at the forefront of the field  * Listings of the latest Web-based resources that focus on topics relevant to human movement studies 
 Clear learning objectives and brief summaries in each chapter

The book provides students with an overview of the field and the many career options available to them. It highlights key organizations, prominent individuals, and studies from around the world that have contributed to our understanding of human movement. The book also contains numerous learning aids (including suggested readings, extensive illustrations, a detailed index, and a complete glossary) that improve comprehension and make review of the material easier. 

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Matthew K. Seeley, M.S.(University of Kentucky)
Description:This second edition of a general introduction to the study of human movement covers functional anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, and sport/exercise psychology. It was originally published in 1997.
Purpose:The purpose is three-fold: 1) introduce the student to the anatomical, mechanical, and physiological facets of human movement; 2) provide an overview of the changes that occur in movement and movement potential throughout the life span; and 3) provide an overview of the changes that occur in movement and movement potential as a result of training, practice, and lifestyle changes. The accomplishment of these goals is essential to the effective study of human movement, making the book an important contribution to the field. The first objective is accomplished quite nicely. The second and third objectives seem to have been given less effort. Although there are numerous references to issues related to these objectives, they are not treated in depth. Consequently, I don't believe that objectives two and three are completely accomplished.
Audience:The authors define their target audience as "students and professionals involved in the many disciplines grounded in an understanding of human movement/kinesiology -- sport and exercise science, physical education, ergonomics, music and performing arts, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, medicine, health education and health promotion, and other rehabilitative sciences and health sciences, to name but a few." The book could indeed be beneficial for each of these professions, upon certain, limited occasions. The book is very well suited to accompany an introductory exercise science course. The authors' credentials and professional experience lend them the appropriate authority for a book in this field.
Features:The book is a complete summary of the divisions of the study of human movement; it introduces the reader to the subfields of functional anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, and sport/exercise psychology. Several features of the book are especially helpful: 1) examples are taken directly from the scientific literature; 2) numerous, clear figures are used in a manner that helps elucidate some of the more difficult topics; and 3) pedagogical objectives are clearly listed at the outset of each division. Most of the information seems appropriate for an introductory level, but some is not. For example, some of the concepts discussed in the biomechanics portions of the book seem unnecessarily detailed and complex, which may be unhelpful to a student beginning the study of human movement.
Assessment:I appreciate this book. I cannot think of another book, containing this level of detail, that combines such a wide variety of aspects of human movement. It would be an ideal textbook for an introductory exercise science course.

Bruce Abernethy, PhD, is professor and director of the Institute of Human Performance at the University of Hong Kong. Previously, he was professor and head of the School of Human Movement Studies at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. He is coeditor of Creative Side of Experimentation.

Dr. Abernethy earned his PhD from the University of Otago. He is an international fellow of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education, a fellow of Sports Medicine Australia, and a member of the Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science.

Stephanie J. Hanrahan, PhD, is an associate professor in sport and exercise psychology at the University of Queensland. She earned her doctorate in sport psychology from the University of Western Australia in 1989 and is a fellow of Sports Medicine Australia. Dr. Hanrahan is the 1997 recipient of the University of Queensland's Excellence in Teaching Award. She is the coauthor of The Coaching Process: A Practical Guide to Improving Your Effectiveness and Game Skills: A Fun Approach to Learning Sport Skills.

Vaughan Kippers, PhD, is a senior lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Queensland.

Laurel T. Mackinnon, PhD, is an associate professor in the School of Human Movement Studies at the University of Queensland. In 1992, Dr. Mackinnon authored Advances in Exercise and Immunology, the first book to explore the intriguing relationship between exercise and the immune system. In 2003 she coauthored Exercise Management: Concepts and Professional Practice. She has received grant funding for projects related to overtraining and immune function in athletes.

Marcus G. Pandy, PhD, is currently a professor of engineering in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. He is also an associate editor of the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, an executive member of the International Society of Biomechanics Computer Simulation Technical Group, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation.