Here are some great books to increase your understanding of Ergonomics and Biomechanics.
The following are presented in textbook form:
Ergonomics: How to Design for Ease and Efficiency (2nd Edition) (Prentice Hall International
Series in Industrial and Systems Engineering) by K.H.E. Kroemer, H.B. Kroemer, and K.E. Kroemer-Elbert (July 21, 2000)
This book is extremely thorough in its explanation of what ergonomics is and what it is meant to do. Kroemer, Kroemer and Kroemer separate the text into two parts. The first part concentrates on a scientific explanation of human development, both physically and mentally. It includes an excellent chapter on biomechanics, describing how the bones and muscles work as a machine to perform tasks. Part two of this text is the practical application of Ergonomics. Topics included in this section are office or computer ergonomics, material handling and how and why to design for special populations. The information contained in this book is extremely rich. However, contradictory to the title, the book was designed for ease. Especially in the first part, the writingis a bit difficult if one is not comfortable with scientific language. However, the struggle through the difficult terms is worth the quality of information inside.
Introduction to Ergonomics (McGraw-Hill Inc.; New York, St. Louis, San Francisco): by R.S. Bridger, Ph.D.(1995)
Although this text is a bit dated, it has an excellent work up of topics involved in the implementation of ergonomic interventions. This text focuses soley on Ergonomics and does not touch on biomechanical principles. The language and topics used in this text is slightly less clinical than that found in Kroemer, Kroemer and Kroemer.
Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System: by Margareta Nordin and Victor H Frankel (April 1, 2001)
This text is not designed for beginners. While the content is thorough the terminology may require another text to fully understand the content of this book. Supplies many case studies to view the information from a realistic and specialized perspective. Also contains several photos and other visual supplements per chapter to aid the reader in the explanation of the topics covered.
Fundamental of Biomechanics: Equilibrium, Motion, and Deformation: by Nihat Ozkaya, Margareta Nordin, V.H. Frankel, and R. Skalak (June 10, 1999)
This text is full of calculus and physics based calculations for determining applied forces. It is an excellent resource if the reader is interested in being able to determine such measurements. However, I would not recommend this text to anyone who is looking for a quick reference in Biomechanics.
For easier reading try:
The Design of Everyday Things: by Donald A. Norman (Sep 17, 2002)
Perfect choice for someone just beginning their quest to understand Ergonomics and Biomechanics, since it reads more like a novel than a text. Includes pictures and everyday applications for the reader to fully understand the books contents. This might not be the perfect choice for anyone already versed in the subject.
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