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Clinical and Movement Biomechanics
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:31
Abstract
The course is an introduction to study design, measurement techniques, signal processing, and musculoskeletal modeling in relation to human movement and its clinical applications.
Objective
The students are able to systematically design, conduct, and analyze their own studies related to human movement and biomechanics, with a focus on clinical applications.
Content
The CMB course begins by exploring the motivation behind studying human movement, highlighting a range of clinical and research applications. Many of these applications stem from cutting-edge research conducted in the Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics at ETH Zurich. The following lecture will introduce you to the essential principles of study design, focusing on how to perform studies that generate new and valuable insights into human movement. Key topics will include formulating research questions, minimizing bias, understanding various study designs, conducting research with human participants, and ensuring reproducibility in scientific research. You will then delve into measurement techniques and technologies such as kinetics, kinematics, and electromyography. For each of these, we will examine the underlying principles, explore the range of available methods, and discuss the possibilities and limitations of each approach. Additionally, the course covers the assessment of human movement using questionnaires, rating scales, and surveys. To reinforce your learning, you will have the opportunity to visit the laboratory for hands-on experience with these measurement technologies, allowing you to collect and analyze your own data. The lectures will further guide you through data processing techniques and their practical applications, supported by hands-on exercises. The course also provides in-depth coverage of kinematic data processing, particularly motion capture data using skin-mounted reflective markers. You will learn the fundamentals of joint angle calculation, enabling you to interpret kinematic data from optical motion capture systems and critically evaluate the possibilities and limitations of different kinematic analysis techniques in clinical and sports biomechanics. Topics will include marker models, segmental and joint coordinate system definitions, joint center estimation, joint angle conventions, and the impact of skin movement artifacts. As part of the course, an introduction to musculoskeletal modeling in biomechanics will be offered, including a hands-on workshop. Musculoskeletal modeling is a crucial tool in biomechanics, allowing for the simulation and analysis of human movement through detailed models of bones, muscles, and joints. This workshop will equip you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to apply these techniques in areas such as orthopedics, personalized treatment, and rehabilitation planning. A subsequent lecture will cover various methods for model validation and refinement, providing a comprehensive understanding of both the creation and enhancement of these models. The course will conclude with guest lectures from leading clinicians and researchers who will share real-world applications and examples from their work.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , SHE , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 20 minutes
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 50
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Clinical and Movement Biomechanics | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
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Sport Teaching Diploma (Detailed information on the programme at: )
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