Biomechanics & Kinesiology

Musculoskeletal Biomechanics

Musculoskeletal biomechanics explores a broad range of medical issues related to the musculoskeletal system and orthopaedics, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Musculoskeletal tissues are also considered as composite materials meaning that they are composed of at least two different materials. The bone is an example where mineral crystals reinforce a ductile collagen matrix. These tissues are also anisotropic materials meaning that their material properties depend on loading direction. Urgent scientific development in diagnostics and treatment of these diseases is needed to manage successfully the future health challenge. Developing innovative imaging techniques and computational tools is crucially important in understanding the mechanisms in osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.