On XXI Winter Universiads 2003, CISM offered its scientific contribution by hosting a conference on mechanics applied to sports and, in general, to human movement. The conference was conceived as a chance to overview experiences gained from several operators working on different aspects of biomechanics. The reader will face in these proceedings bioengineering aspects, control issues, techniques for the optimization of human performances as well as methods for the improvement of athletic equipments and devices. Biomechanical data and signal processing, biomaterials and robotics complete the proposed framework. Some works were consistent with the fact that 2003 was designated as European Year of Disabled People. Indeed, many innovations in sport and biomechanics could suggest interesting rehabilitative applications and a better prevention of some pathologies due to the exercise of some normal activities like professional cycling. Ž
