Studies involving applications of mechanics in the biological systems to understand different physiological processes date back to ancient times. The development of the subject gained momentum in the medieval and renaissance periods by different stalwarts in the field of science, like Galileo, da Vinci, von Helmholtz, to name a few. However, it is not very long ago that the computational approach was recognized and accepted as the potentially important avenue for exploring biomechanical phenomena. However, as the computers became more and more powerful, it was possible for the scientists and engineers to simulate more complex phenomena having complex three-dimensional geometries, dynamically changing loading conditions, and interaction between multiple phases, including fluid-solid interactions. This chapter gives a detailed description of the evolution of different computational approaches in the field of biomechanics, along with their comparative benefits and shortcomings from a historical perspective with future directions in the research.
TopIntroduction
Biomechanics is the study of why and how a living thing moves through a certain environment in order to complete a task. It is focused on the laws of mechanics applied to different biological systems including human body. Humans, like all other life forms on the earth, are constantly subjected to the universal force of gravitation, as well as internal and external influences. From a very general perspective of life every human being desires to improve their quality of lifestyle. The structure, function, and mobility of the human body may be analyzed, and the resultant knowledge can be utilized to assess and improve quality of life, by studying the interplay of these forces and their consequences in health and disease. The musculoskeletal system is responsible for the weight bearing and mobility of the human body, which in turn is regulated by a sophisticated neurological system that maintains a highly coordinated mechanical contact that exists between the bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints of the musculoskeletal system. Any kind of injury, bruises, lesion, degeneration or deformity, caused to any part of the musculoskeletal system will change the entire mechanical interaction, leading to inefficient movement, instability, and loss of normal ranges of motion for the joints. Proper understanding of the mechanical environment and its modification, manipulation, and control, on the other hand, can help prevent injury, correct irregularities, and speed up healing and rehabilitation and improve performance in normal and sporting activities. As a result, using different analysis techniques to understand the biomechanics of human movement is useful for determining root cause of a disease, formulating therapy recommendations, and assessing treatment outcomes and performance of the sportspersons.
Biomechanics is broadly divided as
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Kinematics
- a.
Quantitative analysis
- b.
Qualitative analysis
- 2.
Kinetics
- 3.
Anthropometry
The human body consists of numerous joints and muscles that are necessary for performing daily routine functions. As a result, numerous musculoskeletal movements might be used in coordination to complete a particular type of movement. A cognitive process used to compensate for a cognitive impairment. Someone, who is worse in terms of spatial than that of verbal abilities, for example, may employ compensating methods to address spatial challenges, such as mentally rotating a geometric figure using linguistic processes. While this compensatory mechanism is crucial for dealing with the effects of musculoskeletal injuries or diseases, it makes non-invasive assessment of internal forces challenging. Anatomical modelling and noninvasive movement data, such as segment position and strain on force-measuring devices, are being combined to produce reliable findings for estimating the physiological movements.
Computational biomechanics is a promising topic of study that analyzes different body parts ranging from the orthopedic ones like the foot, ankle, knee, hip, lower limb, spine, head, and teeth at the tissue level, as well as soft tissue organs. (Sweeting & Mock, 2021) One of the key areas where computational methods where employed is orthopedic biomechanics. It provides the information on the complex biomechanical characteristics of normal and abnormal human joints in order to bring innovative orthopedic therapy and rehabilitation strategies to light. The insight thus obtained allows the surgeons to map and perform surgical operations with more precision and with better outcome. Computer-assisted surgical systems have the potential to enhance clinical outcomes and healthcare delivery efficiency. It also aids in the establishment of a foundation for computer-integrated medicine by retrieving clinically relevant data on the physical condition of the underlying biology at the cell, tissue, organ, and system levels.