Introduction

The field of biomedical engineeringBiomedical engineering is introduced and shortly described. Roles played by the fields of biomedical engineeringBiomedical engineering and of biomechanicsBiomechanics in the development of the study of human locomotionHuman locomotion are discussed. Current status of educationEducation of biomedical engineers, worldwide and in Croatia, is commented. Overview of the book follows, pointing shortly to the subject of each chapter. The topics covered are: history of locomotion study and current research methodology; evolution of human gait; elements of biomechanics of the lumbar spine; measuring kinematics and kinetics of human movement; elaboration of 3D photogrammetry; pedobarography; kinesiological electromyography; gait analysis; critical issues in orthopedic traumatology; on sportive movement patterns study. Measurement and analysis of human locomotionHuman locomotion is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary topic that requires cooperation among biomedical engineers, medical doctors of several specialties, and kinesiologists.