Biomechanics for Instructors

This work features lectures by Nikolai Bernstein, exploring biomechanics and the role of the central nervous system in movement, relevant for various fields.

This book comprises a series of lectures delivered by renowned Soviet neurophysiologist Nikolai Alexandrovich Bernstein in Moscow during 1925, with its first publication occurring in Russian in 1926. Bernstein’s innovative work has profoundly influenced the fields of neuroscience, movement studies, and various other disciplines across Russia, Eastern Europe, and the West. Unfortunately, during Stalin's regime, this groundbreaking research faced suppression. Upon its release, Biomechanics for Instructors served as a crucial resource for educators, detailing the mechanics of joint movement, degrees of freedom, and providing illustrations on calculating the work capacity of muscles, with bones functioning as levers. It also explores the central nervous system's role in facilitating movement, among other topics.

Despite the evolution of terminologies and methodologies due to advancements in research and technology, Biomechanics for Instructors continues to be a valuable introductory text for those interested in Bernstein’s contributions. It appeals not only to students and practitioners in biomechanics but also to historians and philosophers of neuroscience. The book is relevant to individuals engaged in movement studies across scientific and artistic fields, as well as physiotherapists and sports researchers.

In essence, Bernstein’s work remains a significant touchstone for understanding the intricate relationship between biology and movement. The insights provided in Biomechanics for Instructors offer a foundational perspective that resonates with contemporary studies and practices in various domains of physical activity and health.