With the information found in this text, readers can prepare themselves to better understand the latest in cutting-edge research. Biomechanics of Skeletal Muscles offers a thorough explanation of whole muscle biomechanics, bridging the gap between foundational biomechanics texts and scientific literature. Chapter summaries and review questions provide an opportunity for reflection and self-testing, and reference lists at the end of each chapter provide a starting point for further study. Refresher sidebars offer brief reminders of mathematical and biomechanical concepts, and From the Literature sidebars present practical examples that illustrate the concepts under discussion. More than 300 illustrations and accompanying explanations provide an extensive visual representation of muscle biomechanics. Biomechanics of Skeletal Muscles also contains numerous special features that facilitate readers’ comprehension of the topics presented. Readers who choose to skip over these sections will find that the book still provides a strong conceptual understanding of advanced topics. Higher-level computational descriptions are placed in special sections in the later chapters of the book, allowing those with a strong mathematical background to explore this material in more detail. This advanced text assumes some knowledge of algebra and calculus however, the emphasis is on understanding physical concepts. The transformation from muscle force to joint movements, two-joint muscle function, eccentric muscle action, and muscle coordination are analyzed. Next, the various issues of muscle functioning during human motion are addressed. The architecture of human muscle, the mechanical properties of tendons and passive muscles, the biomechanics of active muscles, and the force transmission and shock absorption aspects of muscle are explored in detail. The book first addresses the mechanical behavior of single muscles-from the sarcomere level up to the entire muscle. Using a blend of experimental evidence and mechanical models, Biomechanics of Skeletal Muscles provides an explanation of whole muscle biomechanics at work in the body in motion.

Written by leading experts Vladimir Zatsiorsky and Boris Prilutsky, the text is one of the few to look at muscle biomechanics in its entirety-from muscle fibers to muscle coordination-making it a unique contribution to the field. Richly illustrated and presented in clear, concise language, Biomechanics of Skeletal Muscles is an essential resource for those seeking advanced knowledge of muscle biomechanics.

Vladimir m zatsiorsky