The study of the mechanical structure and function of living tissue is called biomechanics, and as Yuan-Cheng Fung remarks in Biomechanics: Mechanical Properties of Living Tissue - widely regarded to be the bible of biomechanics - biology can no more be understood without biomechanics than an aeroplane can be understood without aerodynamics. Indeed, it will not surprise physicists to learn that biological systems can be described in terms of the forces present. However, it takes a lot of physiological and clinical input to transform biomechanics from equations and formulas into diagnoses and treatment.
Perhaps the most obvious application of biomechanics is prosthetics. "Artificial limbs made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics can store energy and allow amputee sprinters to clock close to 11 seconds for a 100 metre dash," says James Goh of the National University Hospital in Singapore. There is also a lot of interest in making intelligent prosthetic limbs. Microprocessors and sensors installed in the prosthesis can convert muscle movements in the surrounding tissue into actual physical movement and, in the case of artificial legs, provide a feedback system to allow different walking paces.
In the August issue of Physics World Matthew Chalmers reports on the hottest topics in biomechanics, from hip replacements to improved sports performance.