Competencies in biomechanics for the physical therapist. Suggestion for entry-level curricula.

The purpose of this paper is to identify competencies needed in the area of biomechanics for physical therapists. The discussion is divided into the following three areas: prevention of movement dysfunction, patient evaluation, and patient treatment. Clinical examples for each area are included. Physical therapists must understand normal biomechanical development, pathomechanical development, biomechanics of normal movement, and pathomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, physical therapists should be experts in biomechanics of exercise and be able to analyze biomechanically various types of activities.