Additional notes for Biomechanics (the part on sensory-neural-motor systems)

W.S. Harwin - Jan 2016

Aims

To introduce the human from a cybernetics viewpoint, in particular to look at the design of human sensory-neural--motor systems, and the technologies that can be used to measure and assist people.

Assessable Learning Outcomes

This is part of the module

By the end of this module the students should be able to understand basic human biomechanics and the neural controller, understand simple models of the muscles, tendons, neurons, proprioceptors and other elements associated with movements. Discuss the impact of impairment and disability on interactions with technology and the environment propose approaches to address challenges with accessibility, treatment of health conditions, and related areas

Outline content

The course will look at several aspects of biomedical engineering, that is, biomechanics, sensory-motor loops, neural structures, and assistive technologies.

The Sensory-brain-motor sytem: This part of the course will look at how humans and animals move. This will include the sensory mechanisms that monitor movement, the muscles and the spinal reflex, and hypothesised mechanisms as to how the brain direct movements. Movement patterns considered will include animal gaits, minimum jerk methods, cerebellum predictors and the equilibrium point hypothesis.

The course also examines the impact of impairment, disability, and ageing on interactions with technology and the environment, and the design of products and technologies to improve accessibility for a range of populations.

Please note this page will change.

URL: http://www.personal.reading.ac.uk/~shshawin/LN/#BME

doi:

References used in class

You will be given hard copies if you attend Lectures. If you miss the lecture you will need to get your own hard copy. Only closed collections will be kept in the Student Office. You may need these in the exam.

Web sites