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Applied Biomechanics in Sport, Rehabilitation and Ergonomy Ⅱ

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Mechanical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2021) | Viewed by 26366

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Prof. Dr. Redha Taiar

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Guest Editor

Department of Physical Education and Sports (EPS), University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
Interests: biomechanics of health disease and rehabilitation; industry engineering for medicine and high-level sport
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Prof. Dr. Mario Bernardo-Filho

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Laboratory of Mechanical Vibrations and Integrative Practices of the UERJ (LAVIMPI-UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Interests: sport; health; disease; rehabilitation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The purpose of this Special Issue is to specify the principles of mathematics, functional anatomy, and mechanics to explore and understand biological problems. This can be an augmented human research topic in biomechanics. Our objective is to summarize the most important biomechanical parameters influencing human performance related to the health sciences for all age groups, throughout their lives. We encourage papers that aim to promote the latest research in the field of biomechanics and to summarize the best recommendations, as well as help to prevent functional decline and frailty following a life course perspective approach through the utilisation of the latest research in biomechanics and their applications targeted to all stages of life aimed at the prevention, improved performance, and management of diseases. Biomechanical tools and methods permit quantifying and improving the discriminate parameters characterizing movement in different cases, such as sport level, work, and patients’ daily lives. The aim is to effectively combine and coordinate biomechanical research and results in order to understand and improve human mechanics in medicine, sport. and at work.

Prof. Dr. Redha TAIAR
Prof. Dr. Mario Bernardo-Filho
Guest Editors

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Keywords

sport performance
sport science
mechanical analyses of sports
sport medicine
gait and posture
injury biomechanics
musculoskeletal and neuromuscular biomechanics
human behavior
musculoskeletal disorders
ergonomy science

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Optimal Cadence as a Function of Time during Maximal Sprint Exercises Can Improve Performance by Elite Track Cyclists

by Anna Katharina Dunst, René Grüneberger and Hans-Christer Holmberg

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 12105; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112412105 - 19 Dec 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4866

Abstract

In track cycling sprint events, optimal cadence PR_opt is a dynamic aspect of fatigue. It is currently unclear what cadence is optimal for an athlete’s performance in sprint races and how it can be calculated. We examined fatigue-induced changes in optimal cadence during a maximal sprint using a mathematical approach. Nine elite track cyclists completed a 6-s high-frequency pedaling test and a 60-s isokinetic all-out sprint on a bicycle ergometer with continuous monitoring of crank force and cadence. Fatigue-free force-velocity (F/v) and power-velocity (P/v) profiles were derived from both tests. The development of fatigue during the 60-s sprint was assessed by fixing the slope of the fatigue-free F/v profile. Fatigue-induced alterations in PR_opt were determined by non-linear regression analysis using a mono-exponential equation at constant slope. The study revealed that PR_opt at any instant during a 60-s maximal sprint can be estimated accurately using a mono-exponential equation. In an isokinetic mode, a mean PR_opt can be identified that enables the athlete to generate the highest mean power output over the course of the effort. Adding the time domain to the fatigue-free F/v and P/v profiles allows time-dependent cycling power to be modelled independent of cadence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sport, Rehabilitation and Ergonomy Ⅱ)

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11 pages, 1776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Internal Mechanics of a Subject-Specific Wrist in the Sagittal versus Dart-Throwing Motion Plane in Adult and Elder Models: Finite Element Analyses

by Vered Mahpari, Yafa Levanon, Yael Kaufman-Cohen, Meital Zilberman and Sigal Portnoy

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 5275; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115275 - 6 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2426

Abstract

Introduction: Most of the wrist motions occur in a diagonal plane of motion, termed the dart-throwing motion (DTM) plane; it is thought to be more stable compared with movement in the sagittal plane. However, the effect of the altered carpus motion during DTM on the stress distribution at the radiocarpal joint has yet to be explored. Aim: To calculate and compare the stresses between the radius and two carpal bones (the scaphoid and the lunate) in two wrist positions, extension and radial extension (position in DTM), and between an adult and an elder model. Methods: A healthy wrist of a 40-year-old female was scanned using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in two wrist positions (extension, radial extension). The scans were transformed into three-dimensional models and meshed. Finite element (FE) analyses in each position of the wrist were conducted for both adult and elder models, which were differentiated by the mechanical properties of the ligaments. The distal surfaces of the carpal bones articulating with the metacarpals were loaded by physically accurate tendon forces for each wrist position. Results: The von Mises, shear stresses and contact stresses were higher in the extension model compared with the radial-extension model and were higher for the radius-scaphoid interface in the adult model compared with the elder model. In the radius-scaphoid interface, the stress differences between the two wrist positions were smaller in the elder model (11.5% to 22.5%) compared with the adult model (33.6–41.5%). During radial extension, the contact area at the radius-lunate interface was increased, more so in the adult model (222.2%) compared with the elder model (127.9%), while the contact area at the radius-scaphoid was not affected by the position of the wrist in the adult model (100.9%) but decreased in the elder model (50.2%) during radial extension. Conclusion: The reduced stresses during radial extension might provide an explanation to our frequent use of this movement pattern, as the reduced stresses decrease the risk of overuse injury. Our results suggest that this conclusion is relevant to both adults and elder individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sport, Rehabilitation and Ergonomy Ⅱ)

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12 pages, 1243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Muscle-Specific Fatigue on the Risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Females

by Jeheon Moon, Jinseok Lee, Keehyun Kim, Dohoon Koo, Jusung Lee, Prabhat Pathak, Gustavo Adrian Ruiz Sanchez and Siddhartha Bikram Panday

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4969; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114969 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3594

Abstract

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of muscle-specific fatigue of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles on the biomechanical factors of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury using musculoskeletal modeling techniques during directional diversion maneuver. Fifteen female subjects performed a directional diversion maneuver under three treatment conditions (quadriceps fatigue, hamstring fatigue, and control gait). Data from the 3D motion capture system and force platform were used to extract anterior/posterior ACL forces using the two-bundle ACL musculoskeletal modeling approach. A decrease in maximum extension (51.3%) and flexion (50.7%) torque after fatigue was observed. After quadriceps fatigue, the extension (p = 0.041) and adduction moments (p = 0.046) of the knee joint and the mean anterior bundle of ACL force (p = 0.021) decreased significantly. The knee flexion angle (p = 0.003), knee valgus angle (p = 0.013), and shear force (p = 0.043) decreased significantly after hamstring fatigue. The decrease in ACL force after quadriceps fatigue confirms its significant role in causing an ACL injury. However, no significant differences in ACL load after hamstring fatigue leads us to speculate that the antagonist muscle group, i.e., the hamstring, might not have a preventive mechanism against ACL injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sport, Rehabilitation and Ergonomy Ⅱ)

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16 pages, 2862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Electrically Powered Pedal Assistance on User-Induced Cycling Loads and Muscle Activity during Cycling

by Sien Dieltiens, Carlos Jiménez-Peña, Senne Van Loon, Jordi D’hondt, Kurt Claeys and Eric Demeester

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2032; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052032 - 25 Feb 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2577

Abstract

Bicycles with electrically powered pedal assistance (PA) show great potential as ecological alternatives for engine-based vehicles. There is plenty of research available about the influence of various bicycle parameters on cycling technique. Though, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is none about the influence of PA. In this study, a recreational bicycle is equipped with PA and unique instrumentation to measure the user-induced loads on seat, steer and pedals. Joint loading is derived in the sagittal plane from inverse dynamics and muscle activity of the lower limbs is recorded with an electromyography system integrated in cycling pants. An experiment is set up, in which volunteers cycle on an athletics track, with a varying level of PA and a varying seat height. An ANOVA is conducted to determine significant differences due to the level of PA and seat height and to analyze the interaction effect. No interaction effect was found and only differences due to the level of PA were significant. Knowledge about the influence of PA provides insights into (i) electric bicycle design; (ii) the usage of electric bicycle for physically challenged people; (iii) the usage of electric bicycles as a rehabilitation tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sport, Rehabilitation and Ergonomy Ⅱ)

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10 pages, 1954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Biomechanical Analysis during Planned and Unplanned Gait Termination in Individuals with Different Arch Stiffnesses

by Xuanzhen Cen, Zhenghui Lu, Julien S. Baker, Bíró István and Yaodong Gu

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1871; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041871 - 20 Feb 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2960

Abstract

Although values of arch stiffness index (ASI) have been used to evaluate arch structure and injury susceptibility, investigations are limited regarding the influence of ASI on biomechanical characteristics during gait termination, which involves a challenging balance transition from walking to standing. This study aimed to explore plantar pressure distribution and lower extremity joint kinematic differences between individuals with both a stiff and flexible arch (SA and FA, respectively) during planned and unplanned gait termination (PGT and UGT, respectively). Following the calculation of ASI, sixty-five asymptomatic male subjects were classified and participated in two types of gait termination tests to acquire kinematic and plantar pressure data. Parameters were compared between SA and FA using a two-way ANOVA during PGT and UGT, respectively. UGT was found to have a larger range of motion on the hip joint in the sagittal plane and the knee joint in the transverse plane when compared with PGT. The differences in the kinematic characteristics of the lower limb joints caused by the difference in arch stiffness are mainly concentrated in the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints. Plantar pressure data, represented by the maximum pressure, showed significant differences in the forefoot and rearfoot areas. These results suggest that ASI could change freedom of motion of the lower limb joints, and UGT tends to conduct a compensatory adjustment for the lower extremity kinetic chain. An understanding of the biomechanical characteristics of arch structures may provide additional insights into foot function and injury prediction during gait termination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sport, Rehabilitation and Ergonomy Ⅱ)

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14 pages, 1614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D Knee Loading during Stationary Cycling: A Comprehensive Model Development and Reliability Analysis

by Peter Kozlovič, Nejc Šarabon and Borut Fonda

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(2), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11020528 - 7 Jan 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2659

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to develop and validate a 3D model for calculating knee joint loads during seated cycling. A 3D inverse dynamics approach was used to calculate knee and ankle joint loads using kinematics and kinetics data. For such a model, four kinematics clusters and three pedal markers were used, integrated with a 6-component force/torque pedal dynamometer. Seven subjects performed one five-minute trial on 75% of their maximum power at fixed cadence of 85 rpms. Data from two consecutive samples of the same cycling trial (first and last minute) were used to validate the model with the mean difference between two samples, Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and p-value. Results showed high ICC (>0.735) and internal consistency (>0.700) with no statistically significant values (p > 0.050) except for crank angle of peak anterior force and peak axial forces at the knee and minimum normal force (p = 0.010) and minimum crank angle (p = 0.010) on the pedal. Further analyses are required to validate the model between days and to test the sensitivity to mechanical constraints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sport, Rehabilitation and Ergonomy Ⅱ)

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15 pages, 2022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Neuromuscular Responses to Whole-Body Vibration of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Individuals: A Randomized Pilot Study

by Carla F. Dionello, Patrícia L. Souza, Pedro V. Rosa, Andreza Santana, Renata Marchon, Danielle S. Morel, Eloá Moreira-Marconi, Eric F. F. Frederico, Danúbia C. Sá-Caputo, Ana Carolina Coelho-Oliveira, Marise Crivelli, Evandro Mendes Klumb, Redha Taiar, Pedro J. Marín and Mario Bernardo-Filho

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010138 - 25 Dec 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2474

Abstract

Background: Glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is one of the most important causes of morbidity in lupus individuals. Whole body vibration exercises (WBVE) may be a safe alternative to prevent and amend muscular and bone damage, and decrease muscle related risk factors for falls. It is possible to evaluate neuromuscular responses to the WBVE through surface electromyography (sEMG). Objective: To analyze and compare the acute responses of the WBVE on sEMG of lower limbs of female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) individuals with chronic glucocorticoid use with and without bone impairments and non-lupus controls. Methods: All patients (non-lupus and with SLE) had a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan (body composition, bone composition right hip, lumbar segment and whole body). After DXA, they were divided into three groups: SLE with osteopenia (OPIA) (SLE OPIA), SLE without OP or OPIA (SLE) and non-lupus individuals as control (CG). Twenty-seven women were submitted to WBVE, on different frequencies with the same amplitude. The experiment was performed over two days, 48 h apart. The individuals stood at a half squat position on a vertical vibrating platform at different frequencies with the same amplitude on both days. Vastus lateralis (VL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and tibialis anterioris (TA) sEMG analyses were undertaken simultaneously while performing the exercises, in a randomized manner. Results: There were no differences between sarcopenia index among groups, despite the bone impairment of the SLE OPIA group. The greatest muscle activation occurred in the lower frequency applied for VL. A group x frequency difference was found only for GM (p = 0.034; η² = 0.272). Conclusion: The results indicate that lupus individuals have similar neuromuscular activity to the WBVE as non-lupus controls. Moreover, this suggests that WBVE is a safe and viable physical exercise for lupus individuals with chronic glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sport, Rehabilitation and Ergonomy Ⅱ)

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18 pages, 1183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is My Patient Improving? Individualized Gait Analysis in Rehabilitation

by Javier Marin, Jose J. Marin, Teresa Blanco, Juan de la Torre, Inmaculada Salcedo and Elena Martitegui

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(23), 8558; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10238558 - 29 Nov 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3431

Abstract

In the rehabilitation field, clinicians are continually struggling to assess improvements in patients following interventions. In this paper, we propose an approach to use gait analysis based on inertial motion capture (MoCap) to monitor individuals during rehabilitation. Gait is a cyclical movement that generates a sufficiently large data sample in each capture session to statistically compare two different sessions from a single patient. Using this crucial idea, 21 heterogeneous patients with hemiplegic spasticity were assessed using gait analysis before and after receiving treatment with botulinum toxin injections. Afterwards, the two sessions for each patient were compared using the magnitude-based decision statistical method. Due to the challenge of classifying changes in gait variables such as improvements or impairments, assessing each patient’s progress required an interpretative process. After completing this process, we determined that 10 patients showed overall improvement, five patients showed overall impairment, and six patients did not show any overall change. Finally, the interpretation process was summarized by developing guidelines to aid in future assessments. In this manner, our approach provides graphical information about the patients’ progress to assess improvement following intervention and to support decision-making. This research contributes to integrating MoCap-based gait analysis into rehabilitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sport, Rehabilitation and Ergonomy Ⅱ)

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