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Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise

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A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2022) | Viewed by 33588

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Prof. Dr. Rui Zhang

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
Interests: bionic walking theory and technology; planetary terramechanics; bionic leg-foot mobile robot; bionic sports equipment for enhanced protection and ice/snow tourism

Dr. Wei-Hsun Tai

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Guest Editor

School of Physical Education, Quanzhou Normal University, Fujian, Quanzhou 362000, China
Interests: sports science; sport biomechanics; motion analysis; electromyography
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Dear Colleagues,

Advanced biomechanic experimental and computational bionics have become essential to a better understanding of the mechanism in human sport and exercise. Recent advances in body morphology, training loads, technique and tactics of movement, the influence of the environment, and the interaction of sportsperson and equipment and facilities have made major contributions to sports science.

This Special Issue on “Biomechanics and bionics in sport and exercise”, therefore, will focus on original research papers and comprehensive reviews, dealing with cutting-edge experimental and computational methodologies for multiscale biomechanical investigations in human activity. Topics of interest for this Special Issue include but are not limited to the following:

Advanced experimental techniques for sports;
Biomechanical characteristics of movement sequences in high-performance sport;
Application of bionics for the equipment development;
Biomechanical diagnostics in rehabilitation, and effects of force on the musculoskeletal system;
The health aspects of biomechanics in sport;
The Biomechanical characteristics of popular sport, rehabilitation, and competitive sport;
New instruments, technologies, or equipment applied to sports sciences and health.

Prof. Dr. Rui Zhang
Dr. Wei-Hsun Tai
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biomechanics
bionics
sports science
rehabilitation
sport skills
training

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 207 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Cutting-Edge Research in Sports Biomechanics: From Basic Science to Applied Technology

by Wei-Hsun Tai, Rui Zhang and Liangliang Zhao

Bioengineering 2023, 10(6), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10060668 - 1 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3533

Abstract

Sports biomechanics is the study of the mechanical principles of human movement and how they apply to sports performance [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

23 pages, 4599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Kinematics of the Forward-Facing Venetian-Style Rowing Technique

by Joseph N. Grima, Dario Cerasola, Anabel Sciriha, Darren Sillato, Cynthia Formosa, Alfred Gatt, Michael Gauci, John Xerri de Caro, Robert Needham, Nachiappan Chockalingam and Tonio P. Agius

Bioengineering 2023, 10(3), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10030310 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1605

Abstract

This work presents a qualitative and quantitative pilot study which explores the kinematics of Venetian style forward-facing standing rowing as practised by able-bodied competitive athletes. The technique, made famous by the gondoliers, was replicated in a biomechanics laboratory by a cohort of four experienced rowers who compete in this style at National Level events in Malta. Athletes were marked with reflective markers following the modified Helen Hayes model and asked to row in a manner which mimics their on-water practise and recorded using a Vicon optoelectronic motion capture system. Data collected were compared to its equivalent using a standard sliding-seat ergometer as well as data collated from observations of athletes rowing on water, thus permitting the documentation of the manner of how this technique is performed. It was shown that this rowing style is characterised by rather asymmetric and complex kinematics, particularly upper-body movements which provides the athlete with a total-body workout involving all major muscle groups working either isometrically, to provide stability, or actively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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12 pages, 1408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Fatigue on Postural Control and Biomechanical Characteristic of Lunge in Badminton Players

by Yanyan Du and Yubo Fan

Bioengineering 2023, 10(3), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10030301 - 27 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1850

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of fatigue on postural control and biomechanical characteristic of lunge. A total of twelve healthy male collegiate badminton players (21.1 ± 2.2 years; 180.8 ± 4.0 cm; 72.5 ± 8.4 kg; 8.9 ± 3.5 years of experience) performed repeating lunges until exhausted. Postural stability was evaluated through a single-leg balance test using the dominant lower limb on a pressure plate with eyes opened (EO) and eyes closed (EC). The center of pressure (CoP) sway in the entire plantar and sub-regions of the plantar was measured. Kinematic and kinetic data of lunge motion were collected. The postural control was impaired after fatigue. In plantar sub-regions, the area, displacement and distance in the medial–lateral (ML) and anterior–posterior directions of CoP increased significantly (p < 0.05), especially the distance in ML. The medial region of the forefoot is the most sensitive to fatigue. Compared to pre-fatigue, participants experienced a significantly longer phase of pre-drive-off (p < 0.01), less peak moment and peak power of the knee and hip for drive-off (p < 0.01) and less peak moment of the ankle during braking phase (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that, within the setting of this investigation, the different responses to fatigue for CoP sway in plantar sub-regions and the consistency between postural control and biomechanical characteristic of lunge may be beneficial for developing and monitoring a training plan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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12 pages, 1954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamics of Two-Link Musculoskeletal Chains during Fast Movements: Endpoint Force, Axial, and Shear Joint Reaction Forces

by Andrea Biscarini

Bioengineering 2023, 10(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10020240 - 11 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1862

Abstract

This study provides a dynamic model for a two-link musculoskeletal chain controlled by single-joint and two-joint muscles. The chain endpoint force, and the axial and shear components of the joint reaction forces, were expressed analytically as a function of the muscle forces or torques, the chain configuration, and the link angular velocities and accelerations. The model was applied to upper-limb ballistic push movements involving transverse plane shoulder flexion and elbow extension. The numerical simulation highlights that the shoulder flexion and elbow extension angular acceleration at the initial phase of the movement, and the elbow extension angular velocity and acceleration at the later phase of the movement, induce a proportional medial deviation in the endpoint force direction. The forearm angular velocity and acceleration selectively affect the value of the axial and shear components of the shoulder reaction force, depending on the chain configuration. The same goes for the upper arm and elbow. The combined contribution of the elbow extension angular velocity and acceleration may give rise to anterior shear force acting on the humerus and axial forearm traction force as high as 300 N. This information can help optimize the performance and estimate/control of the joint loads in ballistic sport activities and power-oriented resistance exercises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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16 pages, 4762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Bionic High-Cushioning Midsole of Shoes Inspired by Functional Characteristics of Ostrich Foot

by Rui Zhang, Liangliang Zhao, Qingrui Kong, Guolong Yu, Haibin Yu, Jing Li and Wei-Hsun Tai

Bioengineering 2023, 10(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10010001 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2461

Abstract

The sole is a key component of the interaction between foot and ground in daily activities, and its cushioning performance plays a crucial role in protecting the joints of lower limbs from impact injuries. Based on the excellent cushioning performance of the ostrich foot and inspired by the structure and material assembly features of the ostrich foot’s metatarsophalangeal skeletal–tendon and the ostrich toe pad–fascia, a functional bionic cushioning unit for the midsole (including the forefoot and heel) area of athletic shoes was designed using engineering bionic technology. The bionic cushioning unit was then processed based on the bionic design model, and the shoe soles were tested with six impact energies ranging from 3.3 J to 11.6 J for a drop hammer impact and compared with the conventional control sole of the same size. The results indicated that the bionic forefoot area absorbed 9.83–34.95% more impact and 10.65–43.84% more energy than the conventional control forefoot area, while the bionic heel area absorbed 26.34–44.29% more impact and 28.1–51.29% more energy than the conventional control heel area when the controlled impact energy varied from 3.3 J to 11.6 J. The cushioning performance of the bionic cushioning sole was generally better than that of the conventional control sole, and the cushioning and energy-absorption performances of the heel bionic cushioning unit were better than those of the forefoot bionic cushioning unit. This study provides innovative reference and research ideas for the design and development of sports shoes with good cushioning performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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10 pages, 14820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Different Landing Heights and Loads on Ankle Inversion Proprioception during Landing in Individuals with and without Chronic Ankle Instability

by Ming Kang, Tongzhou Zhang, Ruoni Yu, Charlotte Ganderton, Roger Adams and Jia Han

Bioengineering 2022, 9(12), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9120743 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2044

Abstract

Proprioception is essential for neuromuscular control in relation to sport injury and performance. The effect of landing heights and loads on ankle inversion proprioceptive performance in individuals with or without chronic ankle instability (CAI) may be important but are still unclear. Forty-three participants (21 CAI and 22 non-CAI) volunteered for this study. The Ankle Inversion Discrimination Apparatus for Landing (AIDAL), with one foot landing on a horizontal surface and the test foot landing on an angled surface (10°, 12°, 14°, 16°), was utilized to assess ankle proprioception during landing. All participants performed the task from a landing height of 10 cm and 20 cm with 100% and 110% body weight loading. The four testing conditions were randomized. A repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis. The result showed that individuals with CAI performed significantly worse across the four testing conditions (p = 0.018). In addition, an increased landing height (p = 0.010), not loading (p > 0.05), significantly impaired ankle inversion discrimination sensitivity. In conclusion, compared to non-CAI, individuals with CAI showed significantly worse ankle inversion proprioceptive performance during landing. An increased landing height, not loading, resulted in decreased ankle proprioceptive sensitivity. These findings suggest that landing from a higher platform may increase the uncertainty of judging ankle positions in space, which may increase the risk of ankle injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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11 pages, 1147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Kinetic Abnormalities in Male Patients after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency Combined with Meniscal Injury: A Musculoskeletal Model Study of Lower Limbs during Jogging

by Shuang Ren, Xiaode Liu, Haoran Li, Yufei Guo, Yuhan Zhang, Zixuan Liang, Si Zhang, Hongshi Huang, Xuhui Huang, Zhe Ma, Qiguo Rong and Yingfang Ao

Bioengineering 2022, 9(11), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9110716 - 19 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1653

Abstract

There is little known about kinetic changes in anterior cruciate ligament deficiency (ACLD) combined with meniscal tears during jogging. Therefore, 29 male patients with injured ACLs and 15 healthy male volunteers were recruited for this study to investigate kinetic abnormalities in male patients after ACL deficiency combined with a meniscal injury during jogging. Based on experimental data measured by an optical tracking system, a subject-specific musculoskeletal model was employed to estimate the tibiofemoral joint kinetics during jogging. Between-limb and interpatient differences were compared by the analysis of variance. The results showed that decreased knee joint forces and moments of both legs in ACLD patients were detected during the stance phase compared to the control group. Meanwhile, compared with ACLD knees, significantly fewer contact forces and flexion moments in ACLD combined with lateral and medial meniscal injury groups were found at the mid-stance, and ACLD with medial meniscal injury group showed a lower axial moment in the loading response (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ACLD knees exhibit reduced tibiofemoral joint forces and moments during jogging when compared with control knees. A combination of meniscus injuries in the ACLD-affected side exhibited abnormal kinetic alterations at the loading response and mid-stance phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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13 pages, 1493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Shoe Midfoot Bending Stiffness on Multi-Segment Foot Kinematics and Ground Reaction Force during Heel-Toe Running

by Ruiya Ma, Wing-Kai Lam, Rui Ding, Fan Yang and Feng Qu

Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100520 - 2 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2245

Abstract

We investigated how midfoot stiffness of running shoes influences foot segment kinematics and ground reaction force (GRF) during heel-toe running. Nineteen male rearfoot strike runners performed overground heel-toe running at 3.3 m/s when wearing shoes with different midfoot bending stiffnesses (low, medium, and high) in a randomized order. A synchronized motion capture system (200 Hz) and force plate (1000 Hz) were used to collect the foot-marker trajectories and GRF data. Foot kinematics, including rearfoot-lab, midfoot-rearfoot, forefoot-rearfoot, and forefoot-midfoot interactions, and kinetics, including GRF characteristics, were analyzed. Our results indicated that high midfoot stiffness shoes reduced the forefoot-rearfoot range of motion (mean ± SD; high stiffness, 7.8 ± 2.0°, low stiffness, 8.7 ± 2.1°; p < 0.05) and forefoot-midfoot range of motion (mean ± SD; high stiffness, 4.2 ± 1.1°, medium stiffness, 4.6 ± 0.9°; p < 0.05) in the frontal plane. No differences were found in the GRF characteristics among the shoe conditions. These findings suggest that an increase in midsole stiffness only in the midfoot region can reduce intersegmental foot medial-lateral movements during the stance phase of running. This may further decrease the tension of the foot muscles and tendons during prolonged exercises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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16 pages, 1682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soccer Scoring Techniques—A Biomechanical Re-Conception of Time and Space for Innovations in Soccer Research and Coaching

by Gongbing Shan and Xiang Zhang

Bioengineering 2022, 9(8), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9080333 - 23 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3814

Abstract

Background: Scientifically, both temporal and spatial variables must be examined when developing programs for training various soccer scoring techniques (SSTs). Unfortunately, previous studies on soccer goals have overwhelmingly focused on the development of goal-scoring opportunities or game analysis in elite soccer, leaving the consideration of player-centered temporal-spatial aspects of SSTs mostly neglected. Consequently, there is a scientific gap in the current scoring-opportunity identification and a dearth of scientific concepts for developing SST training in elite soccer. Objectives: This study aims to bridge the gap by introducing effective/proprioceptive shooting volume and a temporal aspect linked to this volume. Method: the SSTs found in FIFA Puskás Award (132 nominated goals between 2009 and 2021) were quantified by using biomechanical modeling and anthropometry. Results: This study found that players’ effective/proprioceptive shooting volume could be sevenfold that of normal practice in current coaching. Conclusion: The overlooked SSTs in research and training practice are commonly airborne and/or acrobatic, which are perceived as high-risk and low-reward. Relying on athletes’ talent to improvise on these complex skills can hardly be considered a viable learning/training strategy. Future research should focus on developing player-centered temporal-spatial SST training to help demystify the effectiveness of proprioceptive shooting volume and increase scoring opportunities in soccer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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9 pages, 1816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shock Acceleration and Attenuation during Running with Minimalist and Maximalist Shoes: A Time- and Frequency-Domain Analysis of Tibial Acceleration

by Liangliang Xiang, Yaodong Gu, Ming Rong, Zixiang Gao, Tao Yang, Alan Wang, Vickie Shim and Justin Fernandez

Bioengineering 2022, 9(7), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9070322 - 16 Jul 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2654

Abstract

Tibial shock attenuation is part of the mechanism that maintains human body stabilization during running. It is crucial to understand how shock characteristics transfer from the distal to proximal joint in the lower limb. This study aims to investigate the shock acceleration and attenuation among maximalist shoes (MAXs), minimalist shoes (MINs), and conventional running shoes (CONs) in time and frequency domains. Time-domain parameters included time to peak acceleration and peak resultant acceleration, and frequency-domain parameters contained lower (3–8 Hz) and higher (9–20 Hz) frequency power spectral density (PSD) and shock attenuation. Compared with CON and MAX conditions, MINs significantly increased the peak impact acceleration of the distal tibia (p = 0.01 and p < 0.01). Shock attenuation in the lower frequency depicted no difference but was greater in the MAXs in the higher frequency compared with the MIN condition (p < 0.01). MINs did not affect the tibial shock in both time and frequency domains at the proximal tibia. These findings may provide tibial shock information for choosing running shoes and preventing tibial stress injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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15 pages, 1953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Heel Lift Insoles on Lower Extremity Muscle Activation and Joint Work during Barbell Squats

by Zhenghui Lu, Xin Li, Rongrong Xuan, Yang Song, István Bíró, Minjun Liang and Yaodong Gu

Bioengineering 2022, 9(7), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9070301 - 8 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4130

Abstract

The effect of heel elevation on the barbell squat remains controversial, and further exploration of muscle activity might help find additional evidence. Therefore, 20 healthy adult participants (10 males and 10 females) were recruited for this study to analyze the effects of heel height on lower extremity kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity using the OpenSim individualized musculoskeletal model. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that when the heel was raised, the participant’s ankle dorsiflexion angle significantly decreased, and the percentage of ankle work was increased (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant increase in activation of the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles and a decrease in muscle activation of the anterior tibialis muscle (p < 0.05). An increase in knee moments and work done and a reduction in hip work were observed in male subjects (p < 0.05). In conclusion, heel raises affect lower extremity kinematics and kinetics during the barbell squat and alter the distribution of muscle activation and biomechanical loading of the joints in the lower extremity of participants to some extent, and there were gender differences in the results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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13 pages, 1638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Different Load Conditions on Lower Extremity Biomechanics during the Lunge Squat in Novice Men

by Lidong Gao, Zhenghui Lu, Minjun Liang, Julien S. Baker and Yaodong Gu

Bioengineering 2022, 9(7), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9070272 - 22 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3654

Abstract

Objective: The lunge squat is one of the exercises to strengthen the lower limbs, however, there is little evidence of the effects of different equipment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effects of different types of equipment and loads on the lunge squat’s effect on the lower limbs. Methods: Fourteen male fitness novices participated in the experiment. Kinematics and kinetics in the sagittal plane using dumbbells, barbells, and weighted vests were measured using OpenSim. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA and one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping were used in the statistical analysis (SPM1D). Results: Range of motion (ROM) change in the knee joint was more obvious when using a barbell, whereas ROM when using a dumbbell was minimal. Compared to other joints, the joint moment at the hip joint was the largest and changed more significantly with increasing weight-bearing intensity, and the change was more pronounced with the dumbbell. For the center of pressure (COP) overall displacement, the dumbbell produced a smaller range of displacement. Conclusions: Dumbbells are suggested for male beginners to improve stability, barbells for the more experienced, and a low-weighted vest may be more appropriate for those with knee pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise)

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