Kinesiology & Biomechanics I

This 16-week course during the first term of the DPT curriculum is the first of a 2-part series. This is a comprehensive lecture/laboratory course in the first semester of the DPT curriculum, which establishes foundational knowledge of normal human movement and an introduction to aberrant human movement. Fundamental biomechanical and kinesiological principles, including kinematics and kinetics, of human movement are integrated with knowledge of anatomical structures under normal and pathological conditions. Each joint complex of the human body is scrutinized and integrated with a regional interdependence approach to human movement.

This course begins with an introduction to the biomechanical properties of connective tissue and muscle mechanics, followed by a discussion of the integral principles of biomechanics (i.e., gravity, friction, leverage, composition, and resolution of internal and external forces in producing movement). These topics are integrated throughout the kinesiology analyses of the human body, organized by anatomical region. Specific attention will be given to the relationship between anatomical structure and kinesiological function, joint classification, osteokinematics, arthrokinematics, muscle and ligament function, kinematic chains, and alignment. There is an emphasis on kinematics and muscle function in normal functional movements, while pathological movement is introduced. The laboratory component highlights surface anatomy palpation with emphasis on structure identification, positioning, body mechanics and hand placement. Additionally, the laboratory component will emphasize the identification of osteokinematics, arthrokinematics, and muscle actions during simple and multiple-joint movement assessments. Both lecture and laboratory incorporate observation and analysis of normal movement of the limbs and trunk, utilizing patient-specific case studies and selected examples. Optional open lab and lecture review sessions are small group review sessions and/or case discussions, organized by 3rd year DPT teaching practicum students. First year DPT students, who wish to attend, may utilize this time to review their lab/lecture material with their peers and 3rd year DPT students, while asking questions pertaining to the course material.