ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the discipline of biomechanics. It describes the fundamental methods of analysing and interpreting biomechanical data. The chapter provides a practical worksheet on force-time analysis of the ground reaction force in walking, which is designed to give students practice in collecting, analysing, and interpreting biomechanical data, as well as report writing. The worksheet includes example data and analysis, along with data recording sheets for use by students to help bring the subject to life. The chapter analyses the anteroposterior (FX) and vertical (FY) components of the ground reaction force acting on a person during the ground contact phase of a single step when walking at a normal pace, and to perform a force-time analysis of the two recordings. The subject's mass is measured with subject standing upright without shoes. The mass of the subject is recorded.
