- Docente: Paolo Pillastrini
- Credits: 1
- SSD: MEDS-26/B
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Neurophysiopathology techniques (cod. 8482)
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from Oct 16, 2026 to Oct 30, 2026
Learning outcomes
At the end of the module, students will have acquired the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply methods for movement assessment and analysis.
Course contents
GENERAL CONCEPTS AND FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOMECHANICS
- Sagittal plane
- Frontal (coronal) plane
- Transverse (horizontal) plane
- Newton's Second Law of Motion
- Unit of force
- Acceleration due to gravity
- Moment (torque) of a force
- Fundamental trigonometric formulas applied to right triangles
- General principles of levers
- First-class lever
- Second-class lever
- Third-class lever
- Linear body dimensions: height
- Body mass: weight
- Distances from the centers of mass of body segments to the principal joint axes
- Calculation of the magnitude of the resistance force
- Calculation of the resistance moment arm
- Determination of the angle between the resistance force and its moment arm
- Identification of the required values
- Use of anthropometric tables
- Application of trigonometric formulas
- Resistance moment (torque) and its unit of measurement
- Selection of the point of application
- Selection of the line of action
- Selection of the direction
- Determination of the magnitude
- Construction of the muscle force (effort) vector
- Construction of the muscle moment arm
- Determination of the angle between the muscle force vector and its moment arm
- Construction of the biomechanical rectangle
- During isometric contraction
- During concentric contraction
- During eccentric contraction
- Conditions for static equilibrium (absence of movement)
- Conditions for concentric movement against gravity
- Conditions for eccentric movement
- Conditions under which a joint is considered stable
- Conditions under which a joint is considered unstable
- Conditions for static equilibrium (absence of movement)
- Conditions for concentric movement against gravity
- Conditions for eccentric movement
Readings/Bibliography
S. Casati: "Biomeccanica Clinica in Fisioterapia", Editore Minerva Medica, 2006
M. Marchetti, P. Pillastrini: "Neurofisiologia del Movimento", Casa Editrice Piccin, Padova, 1998 - cap.3 e cap. 28.
Teaching methods
Theoretical lectures accompanied by practical exercises guided by the instructor.
Assessment methods
The student must analyze the action of gravitational and muscular forces in a given posture by calculating the resistance moment and the power (muscle) moment, and determining—also with reference to the individual's specific anthropometric data—the magnitude of the force vector of an agonist muscle required to maintain the posture indicated in the assignment. This is followed by a discussion including questions and theoretical and practical insights into the dynamics of movement and the evolution of the biomechanical conditions under which movement occurs.
The Biomechanics examination consists of a 30-minute written test based on a clinical case to be solved. Afterwards, starting from the correction of the written test, there will be an in-depth discussion of the related concepts, including questions covering the course syllabus.
With regard to the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) during examinations, this course adopts Scenario 3, as described below:
Scenario 3: For assessment purposes, the use of AI is permitted only in a limited, declared, and non-substantive manner for support activities such as summarization and rephrasing. The substantive use of AI to complete any part of the examination is not permitted.
Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's designated support office in advance:
https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it
The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. Such accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability in relation to the learning objectives of the course.
Teaching tools
Office hours
See the website of Paolo Pillastrini