Reflection on Introduction to Animal Biomechanics: Artefact E

In semester A we started Animal Biomechanics which was taught by Jaana Prentice. This was one of the harder lectures for me as I found the Physics aspect of it difficult to understand as I have always struggled on Physics, however I did learn a lot from it.

Some of the modules I found particularly interesting was the History of Biomechanics and Locomotion Anatomy as they were so interesting and easy for me to follow along with and revise. They also didn’t include a lot of physics and maths which made easier for me to digest and learn. These topics also helped me with my assignment (Describing Movement of the Cheetah) as the topics were all about movement and the locomotion of certain animals. In that assignment I ended up getting a really good grade which I think reflects on how I enjoyed the modules that were needed for it.

The modules that I really struggled with however, were the Work Power, Kinetics and Kinematics and the COP and COM ones. These ones were based around physics and had maths equations involved too. Because these are my weaknesses I really struggled to concentrate and digest the information in these lectures. This also made me struggle with the revision for the exam as we were made aware that lots of the equations would come up. I did really struggle with the exam and only ended up with a pass which wasn’t what I had originally hoped for. I think that this reflects how those were my weaker topics, however, I could have pushed myself more and asked for more guidance to get better grade.

Biomechanics was useful to have as a lecture as it fits in really well with being a Canine Therapist as all the topics are based around locomotion the anatomy and the corresponding forces which is great when if you need to assess a patients gait. Biomechanics is great for working out how to build strength after an injury and how to monitor an injury throughout then physio process. Despite my hesitance to learn the physics equations, they help to give more knowledge on the forces exerted on a dog when they walk and perform physical activity.

Overall it was a very varying topic in regards to difficulty from my personal experience but I learnt a lot and will be able to apply this knowledge in my future career.

Above is a screenshot taken from a video of me walking Gypsy with special makers on her joints that enables us to get a better idea of her gait while walking and trotting.

References:

Physioworks , John Miler 2014. Biomechanical Analysis . [Online]. [12 Jan 2020]. Available from: https://physioworks.com.au/treatments-1/biomechanical-analysis

Wardrope J, Barron D, Draycott S, et al

Soft tissue injuries: principles of biomechanics, physiotherapy and imaging

Emergency Medicine Journal 2008;25:158-162.