Module Directory

This module provides in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills in orthopaedic biomechanics, focusing on musculoskeletal modelling techniques to analyse human movement. Students will gain a deep understanding of how mechanical forces such as joint loads, muscle forces, and ground reaction forces affect the human musculoskeletal system, and how these forces can be optimised in clinical and sports contexts. The module will cover key principles of inverse dynamics and static optimisation to analyse joint kinematics, joint reaction forces, and muscle forces during movements like walking, running, and jumping.

By the end of this module, students will have developed essential skills in computational modelling, empowering them to apply biomechanical principles in clinical and sport contexts. This knowledge will be invaluable in their professional career, enabling them to make evidence-based decisions and contribute to advancements in orthopaedic care, sports therapy, and rehabilitation.

The aims of this module are:

• To develop advanced expertise in orthopaedic biomechanics, equipping students to analyse and optimise human movement through cutting-edge musculoskeletal modelling techniques.


• To develop the ability to apply biomechanical insights in real-world clinical and sports scenarios.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of human movement analysis using inverse dynamics and optimisation techniques.


2. Build biomechanical computational models to generate simulations for clinical and sports applications.


3. Critically evaluate the implications of biomechanical modelling for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimisation.


4. Gain hands-on experience in biomechanical data processing and simulation, building a robust skill set for academic research and professional practice in biomechanics.

Syllabus information

Introduction to Orthopaedic Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Modelling

• Overview of the musculoskeletal system and its mechanical properties.


• Fundamentals of biomechanical modelling and its applications in clinical and sports contexts.


• Introduction to computational tools used for human movement analysis.

Data Processing

• Converting raw motion capture data into input formats compatible with human movement analysis software.


• Identifying and addressing common data processing errors.

Principles of Inverse Dynamics and Human Movement Analysis

• Calculating joint forces and moments using inverse dynamics principles.


• Analysing kinematic and kinetic data to understand movement patterns.


• Applications of inverse dynamics in clinical assessments and sports performance.

Optimisation Techniques in Biomechanics

• Introduction to static and dynamic optimisation methods.


• Applications of optimisation in estimating muscle forces and joint reaction forces.


• Evaluating the role of optimisation in improving movement efficiency.

Musculoskeletal Modelling

• Constructing musculoskeletal models using anatomical and biomechanical data.


• Scaling models to individual participants based on anthropometric measurements.


• Estimating joint kinematics and muscle forces using inverse dynamic and static optimisation.

Validation of model accuracy

• Overview of various validation methods.


• Comparing simulation results with experimental data (EMG signals).


• Identifying and addressing discrepancies in model outputs.

Clinical and Sport Applications

• Case study on assessing risk factors in movement patterns through biomechanical modelling.

Machine Learning in Biomechanics

• Overview of machine learning techniques for biomechanics data analysis.


• Comparing traditional modelling methods with machine learning approaches.

This module will be delivered via:

• Five 2-hour lectures
• One 1-hour seminar
• Five 2-hour laboratory practical’s
• Four 2-hour support classes

Students are expected to undertake the reading before classes and be prepared to engage in discussion.