Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise

by Peter M. McGinnis

Publisher: Human Kinetics Pub
ISBN: 0736079661

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Book Description

Taking a unique approach to the presentation of mechanical concepts, Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise, Third Edition With Web Resource and MaxTRAQ Educational 2D Software Access, introduces exercise and sport biomechanics in simple terms. By providing mechanics before functional anatomy, the book helps students understand forces and their effects before studying how body structures deal with forces. Students will learn to appreciate the consequences of external forces, how the body generates internal forces to maintain position, and how forces create movement in physical activities.

Rather than presenting the principles as isolated and abstract, the text enables students to discover the principles of biomechanics for themselves through observation. By examining ordinary activities firsthand, students will develop meaningful explanations resulting in a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanical concepts. This practical approach combines striking visual elements with clear and concise language to encourage active learning and improved comprehension.

Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise launches a new genre of text; it’s less complicated and much more practical. This book starts by showing students the practical applications of mechanics and concludes with an entire section on applied qualitative analysis to improve understanding of technique, training, and injury development. Splendid visual elements combine with clear, concise language throughout.

Rather than inundate students with complex math and physics, this engaging text is organized to help readers discover the principles of mechanics for themselves. This approach creates more active learning and better understanding.

The Book Features

• student objectives at the beginning of each chapter,
• boxed self-experiments throughout the text,
• lists of key terms at the end of each chapter,
• chapter summaries,
• review questions at the end of each chapter, and
• a complete glossary.

About the Author

Peter M. McGinnis is an associate professor in the Physical Education Department at the State University of New York, College at Cortland, where he has taught since 1990. The students at Cortland named McGinnis the “Outstanding Faculty Member” for the 1996-97 academic year.

From 1987 to 1990 McGinnis was an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Northern Colorado. During that time he served as a sports biomechanist in the Sports Science Division of the U.S. Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs, where he conducted applied sports biomechanics research, tested athletes, taught biomechanics courses to coaches, and developed educational materials for coaches.

McGinnis is the author of numerous articles and technical reports about the biomechanics of pole vaulting as well as other specific athletic events, including running, pole vaulting, skiing, rowing, and swimming.

The author is a sport scientist for USA Track and Field. In addition he is the biomechanist on the Pole Vault Development Committee of USA Track and Field which in January of 1996 recognized him for making “outstanding contributions to the development of the pole vault.”

McGinnis was an instructor and assistant professor in the Department of Physical Education and Human Movement Studies at the University of Oregon from 1983 to 1987.

McGinnis is a member of a number of professional organizations including the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; the American Association of Physics Teachers; and the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports.

McGinnis received a PhD in physical education from the University of Illinois in 1984. He and his wife Boodie live in Cortland, New York.

Customer Reviews

This book is very accessable, which was obviously one of the goals of the author.

Read it slowly and carefully and you will undoubtedly aquire some of the understanding necessary to consider human movement in terms of natural mechanics, or physics.