Three-dimensional Analysis of Human Locomotion

For many years the analysis of human locomotion was limited by low technology data acquisition and most research was confined to planar analysis. With the advent of powerful computers, however, research within this field has progressed rapidly to real-time, full-body, 3-D representations of locomotion and new and emerging fields, including robotics, neural network modelling and virtual reality, are playing an increasing role. "Three-Dimensional Analysis of Human Locomotion" explores the principal aspects of functional anatomy, motor control and neuroscience as they are applied to locomotion. Chapter by chapter the reader is introduced to topics including the gait laboratory, gait terminology, joint kinematics, robotics, neural network models and zero gravity locomotion such that the book should become an reference source to biomechanics specialists, physiotherapists, sports scientists, ergonomists and orthopaedic surgeons. Many chapters focus on practical aspects of human gait analysis and relate these to either technical or clinical situation, and future trends in the fast moving field are also presented.