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Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 16774

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Prof. Dr. Andrzej Wit

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Department of Physiotherapy, The Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, 00-968 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: physiotherapy and rehabilitation; sport; physical education; biomechanics; methodology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Roozbeh Naemi

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Centre for Sport, Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, Staffordshire University, Science Centre, Leek Road, Stoke on Trent ST4 2DF, UK
Interests: plantar soft tissue; ultrasound elastography; soft tissue mechanics; biomechanics; diabetic foot ulcer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomechanics is an interdisciplinary science encompassing biomechanical engineering, sport and exercise sciences, medical sciences and physics, computer science and ergonomics as well as physiotherapy and rehabilitation. This field has seen a dynamic increase in the number of publications over the past two decades. Biomechanics has a general focus on understanding problems related to the structure and function of different tissues and the mechanics of the human body. The study of human body segment movements in light of the control imposed by the nervous system responsible for static and dynamic stabilization is one of the main foci of human movement analyses. Biomechanical studies have also focused on investigating the mechanical behavior of the organs and tissues during different activities to reduce injury risk or to promote effective healing. Given the complexity of the mechanics of the human body and the intricacies of movement during different activities, there is a need for innovative methods in the study of biomechanics and human movement analysis. This Special Issue welcomes studies that combine novelties in the study of human biomechanics and movement analyses. This also includes studies where traditional biomechanical methods of capturing the human body's form and function are combined with innovative methods of analyzing data, including the computational, mathematical, and statistical modeling and artificial intelligence approaches.

We would like to invite you to submit your research to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Andrzej Wit
Prof. Roozbeh Naemi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

human motion analysis
motion capture
musculoskeletal modelling
postural stability and balance control
motor skills and coordination
prosthetics and orthotics
biomechanical modeling
tissue mechanics
wearable device
inertial measurement units (IMUs)
new sensor technology
markerless motion capture
pressure
kinematic
kinetic
shear forces
loading and impact

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Machine Learning Predict Running Kinematics Based on Upper Trunk GPS-Based IMU Acceleration? A Novel Method of Conducting Biomechanical Analysis in the Field Using Artificial Neural Networks

by Michael Lawson, Roozbeh Naemi, Robert A. Needham and Nachiappan Chockalingam

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1730; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051730 - 21 Feb 2024

Viewed by 918

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate whether running kinematics can be accurately estimated through an artificial neural network (ANN) model containing GPS-based accelerometer variables and anthropometric data. Thirteen male participants with extensive running experience completed treadmill running trials at several speeds. Participants wore a GPS device containing a triaxial accelerometer, and running kinematics were captured by an 18-camera motion capture system for each trial. Multiple multilayer perceptron neural network models were constructed to estimate participants’ 3D running kinematics. The models consisted of the following input variables: 3D peak accelerometer acceleration during foot stance (g), stance time (s), running speed (km/h), participant height (cm), leg length (cm), and mass (kg). Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), root mean squared error (RMSE), and relative root mean squared error (rRMSE) showed that ANN models provide accurate estimations of joint/segment angles (mean rRMSE = 13.0 ± 4.3%) and peak segment velocities (mean rRMSE = 22.1 ± 14.7%) at key gait phases across foot stance. The highest accuracies were achieved for flexion/extension angles of the thorax, pelvis, and hip, and peak thigh flexion/extension and vertical velocities (rRMSE < 10%). The current findings offer sports science and medical practitioners working with this data a method of conducting field-based analyses of running kinematics using a single IMU. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis)

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12 pages, 4354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Running Kinematics on Peak Upper Trunk GPS-Measured Accelerations during Foot Contact at Different Running Speeds

by Michael Lawson, Roozbeh Naemi, Robert A. Needham and Nachiappan Chockalingam

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010063 (registering DOI) - 20 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 943

Abstract

The overall aim of this study was to determine the effects of running kinematics on the peak upper trunk segmental accelerations captured with an accelerometer embedded in a commonly used GPS device. Thirteen male participants (age: 27 ± 3.7 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.06 m, mass: 82.7 ± 6.2 kg) with extensive running experience completed a single trial of treadmill running (1 degree inclination) for 40 s at nine different speeds ranging from 10 to 18 km/h at 1 km/h increments. Three-dimensional peak upper trunk acceleration values were captured via a GPS device containing a tri-axial accelerometer. Participants’ running kinematics were calculated from the coordinate data captured by an 18-camera motion capture system. A series of generalized linear mixed models were employed to determine the effects of the kinematic variables on the accelerometer acceleration peaks across the key gait phases of foot contact. Results showed that running kinematics had significant effects on peak accelerometer-measured accelerations in all axes (p < 0.05). Overall, peak segment velocities had a larger effect than joint/segment kinematics on resultant (F values = 720.9/54.2), vertical (F values = 149.8/48.1) and medial–lateral (F values = 55.4/33.4) peak accelerometer accelerations. The largest effect on peak accelerometer accelerations were observed during the impact subphase of foot contact at the adduction/abduction velocity of the shank (F value = 129.2, coefficient = −0.03) and anterior/posterior velocity of the pelvis (F value = 58.9, coefficient = 0.01). Axis-dependent effects of running kinematics were also observed, specifically at the trunk segment in the vertical and anterior–posterior peak accelerometer accelerations. This study showed the intersegmental relationship between joint/segment kinematics, segment velocities and the resulting peak accelerations of the upper trunk during running over several speeds. These findings provide insights into the lower body’s GRF attenuation capacity and its contribution to trunk stability whilst running. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis)

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14 pages, 9223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classifying Poor Postures of the Neck and Spine in Computer Work by Using Image and Skeleton Analysis

by Jaeeun Lee, Hongseok Choi, Kyeongmin Yum and Jongnam Kim

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10935; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910935 - 3 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1280

Abstract

When using a desktop computer, people tend to adopt postures that are detrimental to their bodies, such as text neck and the L-posture of leaning forward with their buttocks out and their shoulders against the backrest of the chair. These two postures cause chronic problems by bending the cervical and thoracic spines and can have detrimental effects on the body. While there have been many studies on text neck posture, there were limited studies on classifying these two postures together, and there are limitations to the accuracy of their classification. To address these limitations, we propose an algorithm for classifying good posture, text neck posture, and L-posture, the latter two of which may negatively affect the body when using a desktop computer. The proposed algorithm utilizes a skeleton algorithm to calculate angles from images of the user’s lateral posture, and then classifies the three postures based on the angle values. If there is sufficient space next to the computer, the method can be implemented anywhere, and classification can be performed at low cost. The experimental results showed a high accuracy rate of 97.06% and an F1-score of 95.23%; the L posture was classified with 100% accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis)

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13 pages, 1355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Misperception of Visual Verticality Measured with a Virtual Reality Device in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Rafael Lomas-Vega, Carlos Javier Ogáyar-Anguita, Rafael J. Segura-Sánchez, Antonio Jesús Rueda-Ruiz, María Catalina Osuna-Pérez and Ana Belén Peinado-Rubia

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10579; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910579 - 22 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1477

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of visual verticality (VV) in subjects with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and to correlate this with the symptoms of the disease and balance capacity. A cross-sectional study including 54 patients (51 female) was conducted. The evaluation of visual verticality was carried out with a virtual reality device by calculating the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of degrees deviation in two tests: the Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) test for the contribution of the vestibular system to the perception of verticality and the Rod and Frame test (RFT) for the contribution of the visual system. In total, 16 subjects (29.6%) presented good VV perception, 6 subjects (11.1%) presented an exclusive alteration of the SVV test, 19 subjects (35.2%) presented an exclusive alteration of the RFT and 13 subjects (24.1%) showed alteration in the two tests. The MAE in the SVV test showed medium correlations with several variables such as the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) (Rho = 0.399, p = 0.003), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) (Rho = 0.417, p = 0.002), the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) (Rho = 0.376, p = 0.005), and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC-16) (Rho = −0.367, p = 0.006). The MAE in the RFT showed medium correlations with the Instability Support Reduced (Rho = 0.327, p = 0.016) and Instability Gait Eyes Open (Rho = 0.312, p = 0.022) subscales of the JAEN (Joined Assessment of Equilibrium and Neuro-motor) Scale. Conclusions: Around 70% of the subjects with FMS showed some alteration in the perception of VV; 60% of these patients presented visual system dependence. The SVV test correlates with the impact and health status of FMS, and the RFT correlates with the alteration in the dynamic balance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis)

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14 pages, 1853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Loads on the Knee Joint Ligaments during Stair Climbing

by Carlo Albino Frigo, Maddalena Grossi and Lucia Donno

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7388; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137388 - 21 Jun 2023

Viewed by 2804

Abstract

Background. Stair climbing is often performed by people in daily life and requires considerable energy and muscle effort. This task has been widely described in the literature, but the role of the knee joint ligaments has not been sufficiently investigated. This could be relevant for planning ligament reconstruction surgery, for providing suggestions to subjects with partial ligament injuries, and for identifying compensatory strategies for reducing ligament loads. Methods. A dynamic musculoskeletal model was used to analyse the relationship between ligament loads and muscle forces during stair climbing. Results. The most loaded ligaments were the posterior cruciate ligament and the deep fibres of the medial collateral ligament, particularly during the mid-swing phase, where the knee was maximally flexed and the hamstring muscles contracted. The anterior cruciate ligament was recruited during the stance phase to compensate for the anteriorly-directed force applied to the tibia by the vasti muscles; the collateral ligaments stabilized the knee joint during the swing phase. The tibiofemoral contact force, resulting from all external and internal forces applied to the knee, was in good agreement with data provided in the literature. Conclusions. This study represents a forward step in the knowledge of ligament loads during stair climbing, which could be useful for providing informed recommendations to subjects with ligament injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis)

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13 pages, 965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Body Composition Profiles among Latin American Elite Football Players Competing in Europe

by Javier Conde-Pipo, Jose Antonio Latorre, Nuria Gimenez-Blasi, Fatima Olea-Serrano, Bernardo Requena and Miguel Mariscal-Arcas

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6778; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116778 - 2 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1548

Abstract

It has yet to be determined whether or not differences in body composition are present between international and non-international players playing in the same elite professional club competition. Similarly, it is not yet clear whether or not differences in body composition exist according to ethnic origin where relative homogeneity is to be expected among soccer players. There is no single anthropometric profile that guarantees sporting success, as success differs according to characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the description, comparison, and correlation of the body composition profile of Latin American professional football players playing in European leagues. The sample was composed of 238 Latin American male football players from European professional football leagues of Spain, Italy and England during the competition period. Differences were found in all measures. The present study shows that Latin American professional football players playing in Europe have significant differences in various body composition variables such as weight, height, WC, skinfold and fat values. This means that training, revalidation after injury and the classifications of sporting performance carried out in European football clubs should take into account the anthropometric difference between Latin American and European players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis)

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11 pages, 967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of the Texture of Two Energy Bars on the Oral Processing of Cyclists: An Exploratory Study

by Irene Jimenez-Perez, Arian Ramón Aladro-Gonzalvo, Antonio Vera Morán, Andrés Camacho-García, Alberto Encarnación-Martínez and Pedro Pérez-Soriano

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042362 - 12 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1273

Abstract

In cycling, a wide range of ergogenic foods with a variety of flavours, shapes, and textures are available. The timing of their consumption and their correct oral processing can influence the performance of athletes. Furthermore, the differences in the texture of energy bars could result in differences in the chewing required. Nonetheless, research in this area is still scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse how the consumption of two energy bars with different textures (viscous versus hard) influenced the variables of oral processing, pedalling intensity, and the perception of satisfaction among cyclists. Ten cyclists performed two 15 min sections on a cycle ergometer at a moderate intensity (120–130 W) and consumed one of the two energy bars at random in each of the sections. The results showed that a shorter chewing duration and a fewer number of chews were required to consume the softer bar (p < 0.05, ES > 0.7). However, no differences among the cyclists were observed in the intensity of pedalling or perception of satisfaction. Nevertheless, participants were able to distinguish between the two different textures while pedalling. In conclusion, the texture of energy bars altered the oral processing of cyclists but did not affect pedalling intensity or perception of satisfaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis)

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Review

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47 pages, 1167 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recurrence Quantification Analysis as a Form of Postural Control Assessment: A Systematic Review

by Michalina Błażkiewicz, Anna Hadamus and Rafał Borkowski

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5587; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095587 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1580

Abstract

Human postural control is commonly assessed by center of pressure (CoP) displacement analysis. However, traditional linear parameters do not provide a complete picture of postural control, so a number of nonlinear analyses have been introduced. One of these is recurrence quantification analysis (RQA), which is used to determine the number and duration of repeated states in a dynamic system. This review aimed to show how the RQA measures look in different groups of subjects when assessing postural stability during quiet standing and how the authors interpret them. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted of papers published from 2000 to February 2023. Searched databases were PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO. Twenty-eight publications were included in this review. The RQA parameters most commonly found in papers are %DET (determinism), ENT (Shannon entropy), %REC (recurrence), and %LAM (laminarity). %LAM is the most sensitive factor in determining differences in CoP position between different age groups, as it describes motion fluidity. The vision affects the deterministic structure of CoP motions. When the sensory organization test conditions became difficult, CoP variability increased, while the %DET decreased. It was concluded that traditional and nonlinear methods provide complementary and not redundant information for assessing age- and health-related changes in standing balance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis)

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25 pages, 622 KiB

Open AccessReview

Postural Reactions to External Mediolateral Perturbations: A Review

by Rafał Borkowski and Michalina Błażkiewicz

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031696 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1409

Abstract

Background: Mediolateral perturbations caused by external pulling and pushing forces can occur in everyday living. Although the loss of balance can appear in all directions, coping with frontal plane perturbations is more challenging. In literature, it is common to compare postural responses between the elderly and the young, but the accurate description of reactions in the young is lacking. This manuscript aims to review all previous papers investigating how healthy young adults deal with mediolateral perturbations in a standing position, including reviewing the methodology, outcomes, and sequence of responses in these studies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of papers published from 1999 to 2022. The databases searched were PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO. Eight publications met the inclusion criteria. Results: There is no consensus on the methodology for conducting this type of research and how to collect the data, as it varies between authors. Many papers lack an accurate description and justification of the magnitude of imposed perturbations. It has been shown that the first joint torque and muscle response on perturbation may not be produced by active and voluntary muscle contraction, but are due to tissue stiffness. Such stiffness-based balance control does not directly involve the CNS and provides an immediate and appropriate corrective response. Conclusions: Postural reactions to mediolateral perturbations are a complicated process that still need further, systematized investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis)

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Other

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26 pages, 3255 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Early Postoperative Rehabilitation after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Manuel García-Sánchez, Paloma García-Robles, María Catalina Osuna-Pérez, Rafael Lomas-Vega, Esteban Obrero-Gaitán and Irene Cortés-Pérez

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4597; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074597 - 5 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2796

Abstract

Virtual reality-based rehabilitation (VRBR) is being used in rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This meta-analysis assesses the effect of immediate and/or maintained effect of VRBR (alone or in combination with conventional therapy (CT) in TKA recovery. To perform this meta-analysis, we searched in PubMed, SCOPUS, WOS, CINAHL, and PEDro until 5 February 2023. We included randomized controlled trials that assessed the effect of VRBR in improving knee pain and function, dynamic balance, range of motion (ROM), and strength, among others, after TKA. The pooled effect was calculated with Cohen’s standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Twelve studies, providing data from 997 participants (69.9 ± 8.1 years old), were included. At post-immediate assessment, VRBR is effective in improving knee pain (SMD = −0.36; 95% CI −0.56 to −0.17), knee function (SMD = −0.51; 95% CI −0.75 to −0.27), dynamic balance (SMD = −0.59; 95% CI −1.02 to −0.15), knee flexion ROM (SMD = 0.4; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.62), and extension strength (SMD = 0.43; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.68). Our findings showed that immersive and non-immersive VRBR is effective to be used after TKA, and the effect on knee pain and function may be maintained over 3 or 6 months. A high level of satisfaction and adherence to VRBR was reported. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Methods in Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis)

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