Biomechanics and analysis of the musculoskeletal system

lfsm1109  2026-2027  Louvain-la-Neuve

Biomechanics and analysis of the musculoskeletal system
5.00 credits
45.0 h + 15.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Language
French
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of mathematics and physics acquired in secondary school and during the BAC LFSM1105 course
Main themes
  • Statics and dynamics of movement
  • Analysis of walking, running and other movements specific to physiotherapists and specific to physical educators (running, throwing, jumping and rotation)
  • Biomechanical parameters that influence walking and running, such as speed, cadence, symmetry, balance, coordination, etc.
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 - Apply the concepts of mechanics to the human body (2.1, 11.1 Physio – 9.1 EP)
- Analyze the movement of the human body in terms of joint and muscular mechanisms (2.1, 11.1 Physio – 9.1 EP)
- Apply the principles of biomechanics to real applications (sport, clinical/daily life actions) (11.1, 11.2 Physio – 9.1 and 9.2 EP)
- Use biomechanical analysis tools (such as kinematics, kinetics) to measure the biomechanical parameters of movements (2.1, 11.1 physiotherapist – 9.1 EP)
- Apply the concepts of energy, work and muscular power to the analysis of the movement of the human body (2.1, 5.1, 11.1, 11.2 Kiné – 9.1 and 9.2 EP)
- Identify the suitable and unsuitable technical characteristics of a gesture (5.1, 11.1, 11.2 Kiné – 9.1 and 9.2 EP)
- Analyze sports practices and highlight the biomechanical principles used to improve motor performance (5.1, 11.1, 11.2 Kiné – 9.1 and 9.2 EP)
- Describe the biomechanical adaptations that occur during recovery from injury/immobilization or after training and the consequences on musculoskeletal function. (11.1, 11.2 Physio – 9.1 and 9.2 EP)
 
Content
The course content will be divided into four parts:
  • Anthropometry: Concepts of rigid bodies, center of gravity, and moment of inertia.
  • Kinetic analysis: Calculation of forces and moments of force in a static situation.
  • Dynamic situations and concepts of energy, work, and power.
  • Movement analysis, such as normal and pathological walking. The concepts learned in the previous three sections will be integrated into clinical case examples.
The student will be required to use basic biomechanics in an integrated way in the field of motor sciences: joint movement analysis; mechanical work during movement; pathological gait analysis; balance and posture.
Teaching methods
The course aims to provide students with mathematical tools to model and understand human body movement.
Theory: Lectures, illustrated by numerous exercises.
Practical work: Sessions dedicated to solving exercises.
Evaluation methods
☒ The course is assessed through a written examination during the examination session. The examination is organised and taken in a lecture hall. Authorised equipment: students may bring a simple, non-programmable calculator with no communication or connectivity functions (Internet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) and no artificial intelligence functionality. No other electronic calculation device is permitted.
☐ Exam format:
☒ Multiple-choice questions (single or multiple correct answers)
☒ Short open-ended questions
☒ Figure interpretation exercises
The distribution of questions across the course content is approximately proportional to the amount of lecture time devoted to each topic.
☒ Rounding: For the calculation of the final grade, standard arithmetic rounding to the nearest whole number is systematically applied, except for grades below 10/20, which are rounded down to the next lower whole number.
☒ Conditions for participation: attendance in the lecture hall during the examination is mandatory and must be confirmed by signing the attendance sheet. In the absence of a signature or in case of absence on the day of the examination, the examination is considered invalid.
☒ The assessment methods and conditions applicable to the first examination session also apply to the second examination session.
Other information
This course is strictly reserved for FSM students and is not open to other UCLouvain students. 
 
Online resources
Moodle
Teaching materials
  • Une machine à calculer non programmable est nécessaire .
  • Support de cours publié sur Moodle
Faculty or entity


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in Motor skills : General

Bachelor in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation