Kinesiology and Applied Anatomy
PrefaceIn Tennyson's Idylls of the King, King Arthur recalls the events of his life and concludes, old order changeth, yielding place to the new. In 1959 such a changing of old order was marked when Philip J. Rasch and Roger K. Burke authored the first edition of Kinesiology and Applied Anatomy. The book represented an extensive revision of a text originally published in 1917 that had a history of seven editions.The six editions of the Rasch and Burke text were based on a philosophy that an introductory text should present an overview of the subject and provide a point of departure for more in-depth study of specific topics. This seventh edition of Kinesiology and Applied Anatomy represents the most recent change of old order. The intent of the book remains as before, to serve as an introductory text for kinesiology, the biomechanics of human movement. Fundamental concepts and interactions of the biology and mechanics of human motion are presented as a springboard for the student's pursuit of more in-depth understanding.The most visible changes in the text are in some of the chapters related to anatomy. Less emphasis has been placed on what is considered prerequisite basic knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy. More important is the synthesis of the material on biomechanics and neuromotor considerations to elucidate simple biomechanical models of musculoskeletal systems. We present simplified methods of answering questions such as What are the internal and external effects of a particular system of forces? and What are the biologic implications of the force systems?The new contributors, Mark D. Grabiner, Robert J. Gregor, and John Garhammer, wish to thank Philip J. Rasch and Roger K. Burke for the opportunity to take the first step toward the future of this work. Our goal for Kinesiology and Applied Anatomy is to maintain its introductory focus while reflecting the changes in the content areas prerequisite for the study of human movement. In kinesiology, though athletics will always provide an important avenue for study, the areas of orthopedics, rehabilitation, neuroscience, industrial biomechanics, and gerontology are also being emphasized. To a greater extent than ever, undergraduate programs in exercise science and kinesiology are attracting students preparing for medical school, dental school, and physical and occupational therapy. Future editions of this text will include topics specific to these areas necessary for an understanding of the biology and the engineering aspects of the human body and of how the human body adapts and maladapts to the movement environment.