For undergraduate students in kinesiology, exercise science, sport science, and physical education, and health care professionals like physiotherapists and occupational therapists, Watkins (biomechanics, Swansea U., UK) discusses the biomechanical characteristics of musculoskeletal components and the response and adaptation of these components to the physical stress of everyday activities. He covers the basic composition and function of the musculoskeletal system; mechanical concepts and principles of human movement; the functional anatomy of the skeletal, connective tissue, articular, and neuromuscular systems; the effect of aging; and the etiology of disorders and injuries. This edition has new illustrations and tables. New case studies of current research and how the findings apply to physical activity, sport, rehabilitation, and daily activities are included. The chapter on elementary concepts has been omitted, and principles are incorporated into other chapters, with a new chapter on elementary biomechanics. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)