We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Biomechanics Test?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,645
Share

A biomechanics test evaluates the human body for research or diagnostic purposes. In the testing, technicians collect data on an aspect of the musculoskeletal system through activities like imaging studies, force plate measurements, and observation. Testing may be requested as part of a workup of a patient with a suspected biomechanical condition. It can also be conducted during research to learn more about how the body responds to stress and to test devices used to protect the body or address injuries.

In this type of testing, the goal is to collect information about how a specific aspect of the musculoskeletal system performs. A patient with walking problems might undergo a gait analysis test, for example. During the biomechanics test, care providers ask the patient to walk, jog in place, and engage in other movements. They can watch closely while the patient moves to identify specific problems with the feet and legs and develop a report for the physician who requested the testing.

Other testing can measure bone density, collect information about skeletal alignment, evaluate compression on the vertebrae, and measure other properties of the musculoskeletal system. When used for diagnostic purposes, a biomechanics test is usually ordered to uncover the reason for a patient’s symptoms. It can also be useful as part of a follow-up evaluation for a patient after treatment to determine whether it was effective. Testing can help care providers make adjustments to treatment, if necessary, to address issues identified during testing.

Before surgical procedures and other treatments involving biomechanical systems, a care provider might request a biomechanics test. This can collect information useful for a treatment plan, like data on the spine a doctor will use to select the right implant in surgery and adjust it appropriately. For corrective devices like orthopedic devices used to balance the gait, it can also be important to have as much data as possible on the patient to make sure they will fit right and be comfortable for the patient.

Testing for research can be conducted to test for responses to different conditions and collect data used to design safety systems, orthopedic implants, and related devices. Knowing what happens to the body in a car accident, for example, can allow technicians to develop better systems to protect drivers and passengers. A biomechanics test can also establish strain loads to use in specific vehicle crash testing to determine if simulated crashes would be survivable.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-biomechanics-test.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.