Kinesiology: The Mechanics and Pathomechanics of Human Movement

This is by far the greatest book ever written on the subject of kinesiology that combines seamlessly biomechanical principles complete with mathematical analysis along with detailed applied anatomical information relevant to the advanced practice of kinesiology. This is a very nicely done reference for the clinician needing detailed information regarding both aspects of physical training.

The book starts out with the basis of biomechanics in which each component of the musculoskeletal system is examined in terms of mathematical relationships with physical forces such as stress, strain and shear forces developed across bones and joints. The remains section of the book is divided into several more sections and each of the section describing the anatomy and kinesiology of a particular body region. Careful comment is paid to the effects of muscle weakness and tightness in the muscles that cross the various joints of the body and produce movement. The book ends with information about posture and gait analysis which are replete with mathematical explanations. The illustrations are excellent and help the reader to make connections between the body and outside and muscular forces acting on it.

I highly recommend this book as for clinicians as a ready reference and for graduate level students to gain a complete picture of how mechanical forces and anatomical structure interact to produce movement in both the healthy and impaired state.


An amazing work. A must have for physical therapists.   December 14, 2003
Joseph M Bowers (Pa United States)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Oatis teach me firsthand at Arcadia University. This book is a culmination of many years of clinical and also teaching experience wrapped into one astonishing book. The beginning provides the basis of biomechanics and its principles in relation to bones, muscle, joints etc. From there, the book is divided into units looking at every anatomical complex in the body. Each unit is broken down to examine the bones and joints in the first section, followed by the mechanics and pathomechanics of muscle, and finishing with a look at the forces involved at each joint. You will go on to read about every anatomical muscle and what occurs if there is weakness, tightness or even a nerve injury. The remarkable part about this book is the fact that in every section there are numerous examples that relate to problems that are relevant to clinical practice. I highly recommend this book to all physical therapy students, practicing phyical therapists, and also to universities with physical therapy programs.