Dynamic Modeling of Musculoskeletal Motion introduces biomechanists at all levels of expertise to modern methods of modeling and analyzing dynamic biomechanical systems in three dimensions. Using vector kinematics, the reader is taught a systematic method which significantly reduces the complexity of working with multiple, moving limb segments in three dimensions. Operations which usually require the application of differential calculus are replaced by simple algebraic formulae. To derive dynamical equations of motion, a practical introduction to Kane's Method is given. Kane's Method builds upon the foundation of vector kinematics and represents one of the most exciting theoretical developments of the modern era. Together, these techniques enable biomechanists to decipher and model living systems with great realism, efficiency and accuracy. Using these methods, much more time can be spent on biomechanical issues, and much less time must be expended tediously deriving equations of motion. Interwoven with the theoretical presentation are chapters and examples which highlight the subtle differences between inanimate linkages and the biomechanical systems we seek to understand.
About the Cover - Dancer Alea Canning twirls a girl at the Lirio de los Valles orphanage in Baja California, Mexico. Photograph and artwork by Gary T. Yamaguchi.
Solutions Manual: Course instructors may request a copy of solutions to the exercises listed at the end of each chapter by sending a written request to: Gary T. Yamaguchi, Ph.D., Managing Engineer, Biomechanics Practice, ExponentA, A(R) Failure Analysis AssociatesA, A(R), 23445 North 19th Avenue / Phoenix, AZ 85027 or via email to

[email protected] send information regarding the instructor's name, title, and institution, the department, course number and title, the semester and year the course will be taught, and the expected enrollment.

Vascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis, are the most frequent and critical underlying fatal disorders in the industrialized world. Cardiovascular deaths are the leading cause of death in the Western world. Although cancer or malignant neoplasms recently have topped the list of causes of deaths in Japan, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases bring about more deaths than cancer if they are reclassified into a unified category of diseases of the vascular system. The National Cardiovascular Center was established by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan to combat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Since the Center was opened, we have continued to support basic and clinical sturlies of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases within as weil as outside the Center. Clinical studies that we have supported in modern diagnostic and therapeutic measures against cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases have made remarkable advances in recent years, especially in medical imaging technology including CT and MRI, and in interventional measures including balloon angioplasty and other catheter-based treatments. We are proud of the significant improvement in the overall survival rate and the quality of life of patients suffering from vascular disorders. However, there are still many essential difficulties remaining in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disorders. Such difficulties necessitate further fundamental studies not only from the practical aspect but also from the integrated perspectives of medicine, biology, and engineering.

It has long been recognized that atherosclerosis tends to develop in certain areas of the artery. Blood flow is thus considered to play an important role in such development. However, the direct mechanisms of the influence of blood flow on atherosclerosis are controversial. Recently, a number of active studies in this field have been carried out around the world. This volume consists of the contributions to a symposium held on the subject and offers a report of latest findings.

Vascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis, are the most frequent and critical underlying fatal disorders in the industrialized world. Cardiovascular deaths are the leading cause of death in the Western world. Although cancer or malignant neoplasms recently have topped the list of causes of deaths in Japan, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases bring about more deaths than cancer if they are reclassified into a unified category of diseases of the vascular system. The National Cardiovascular Center was established by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan to combat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Since the Center was opened, we have continued to support basic and clinical sturlies of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases within as weil as outside the Center. Clinical studies that we have supported in modern diagnostic and therapeutic measures against cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases have made remarkable advances in recent years, especially in medical imaging technology including CT and MRI, and in interventional measures including balloon angioplasty and other catheter-based treatments. We are proud of the significant improvement in the overall survival rate and the quality of life of patients suffering from vascular disorders. However, there are still many essential difficulties remaining in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disorders. Such difficulties necessitate further fundamental studies not only from the practical aspect but also from the integrated perspectives of medicine, biology, and engineering.

Dynamic Modeling of Musculoskeletal Motion introduces biomechanists to modern methods of modeling and analyzing dynamic biomechanical systems in three dimensions. Using vector kinematics, the reader is taught a systematic method which significantly reduces the complexity of working with multiple, moving limb segments in three dimensions. Operations which usually require the application of differential calculus are replaced by simple algebraic formulae. To derive dynamical equations of motion, a practical introduction to Kane's Method is given.

Kane's Method builds upon the foundation of vector kinematics and represents one of the most exciting theoretical developments of the modern era. Together, these techniques enable biomechanists to decipher and model living systems with great realism, efficiency and accuracy. Interwoven with the theoretical presentation are chapters and examples which highlight the subtle differences between inanimate linkages and the biomechanical systems we seek to understand.