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Advances in the Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 February 2025 | Viewed by 10167

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5TG, UK
Interests: biomechanics; sport biomechanics; gait analysis; posture; muscle function; kinesiology; sports injuries; exercise science; rehabilitation; movement analysis

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Guest Editor
Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5TG, UK
Interests: biomechanics; gait; analysis biomedical; engineering; biomechanical engineering; motor learning and motor control

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The definition of “biomechanics” originates from Ancient Greek combining “βίος” meaning “life” and “μηχανική” meaning “mechanics”, reflecting the application of mechanical principles to understand movement. Human movement is complex and relies on the integration of the central and peripheral nervous systems, sensory inputs, as well as musculoskeletal function (energy production/delivery) and co-ordination (of muscles, tendons, joints). Instrumented biomechanical evaluation provides objective outcomes that may be quantified and interpreted following an understanding of movement principles and underlying mechanisms.

Characterising “movement in context” represents the cornerstone of current biomechanical analyses of human movement, fundamental to understanding and optimising physical function and performance in a variety of settings (i.e. clinic, real-world, performance/sporting applications). Multi-disciplinary approaches to the evaluation of human movement are vital; movement specialists must select the most appropriate measurement tool whilst extracting features that are important, meaningful, fit for purpose, and robust. Biomechanists are key in this new age generation of multi-disciplinary expertise. Only by encouraging hybrid, collaborative thinking will we fuse the knowledge necessary to deliver personalised interventions that are feasible, effective and sustainable in the current healthcare ecosystem and sporting profession.

This Special Issue is devoted to celebrating recent advances in biomechanics, specifically innovative approaches for the observation, analysis and evaluation of human movement. We cordially invite contributions that encompass a broad range of biomechanical applications including advanced and innovative techniques for assessing clinical movement; characterising mobility deficits; optimising musculoskeletal function through intervention and rehabilitation; injury prevention; athletic performance; and sporting applications. Novel approaches to the acquisition of biomechanical data (i.e., markerless motion capture, multi-modal/multi-sensor techniques, approaches to handling big data, real-world and remote monitoring applications) are welcome. In particular, bespoke techniques for enhanced data analytics (i.e., non-linear, linear, machine learning, artificial intelligence) and nuanced interpretation (i.e., multi-segment or multi-system co-ordination, interrogation of multimodal and multivariate datasets) are encouraged.

Dr. Javad Sarvestan
Dr. Lisa Alcock
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomechanics
  • human movement
  • sports science
  • gait analysis
  • linear methods
  • nonlinear methods
  • machine learning
  • artificial intelligence
  • athletic performance
  • injury prevention
  • rehabilitation
  • wearable sensors
  • data-driven insights

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 3861 KiB  
Article
Exploratory Investigation of Head Stability in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Typically Developing Children during a Targeted Stepping Task
by Harry G. B. Bailey, Thomas D. O’Brien, Gabor J. Barton, Alf Bass, David Wright, Ornella Pinzone, Henrike Greaves and Richard J. Foster
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 9008; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14199008 - 6 Oct 2024
Viewed by 660
Abstract
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit head instability during simple overground walking, which may comprise sensory input and reduce stepping accuracy. Investigations of head stability during more challenging tasks, where fall risk may be increased, are limited. This study explored differences in head [...] Read more.
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit head instability during simple overground walking, which may comprise sensory input and reduce stepping accuracy. Investigations of head stability during more challenging tasks, where fall risk may be increased, are limited. This study explored differences in head stability between ambulatory children with hemiplegic CP (N = 9) and diplegia (N = 9) (GMFCS I and II) and typically developing (TD) children (N = 8) during a targeted stepping task. All children completed five trials stepping into two successive rectangular floor-based targets whilst walking along an 8 m walkway. Three-dimensional motion capture enabled calculation of head stability and foot placement within and before each target. A two-way mixed-design ANOVA compared differences between all groups and target approach. Children with diplegic CP showed greater sagittal, frontal, and resultant head-to-laboratory and head-to-trunk head instability compared to children with hemiplegic CP and TD children. Anteroposterior foot placement error was significantly greater in children with hemiplegic CP (8.5 ± 5.0 cm) compared to TD children (3.8 ± 1.5 cm). Group differences in head instability were not consistent with group differences in foot placement error. To better understand how head instability might affect fall risk in children with CP, more challenging environments should be tested in future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement)
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9 pages, 890 KiB  
Article
Biomechanical Characterization of the CrossFit® Isabel Workout: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Manoel Rios, Ricardo Cardoso, Pedro Fonseca, João Paulo Vilas-Boas, Victor Machado Reis, Daniel Moreira-Gonçalves and Ricardo J. Fernandes
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 6895; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166895 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1309
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to biomechanically characterize Isabel’s workout (30 snatch repetitions with 61 kg fixed weight), focusing on eventual changes in knee, hip and shoulder angles. A three-dimensional markerless motion capture system was used to collect data from 11 highly trained [...] Read more.
A cross-sectional study was conducted to biomechanically characterize Isabel’s workout (30 snatch repetitions with 61 kg fixed weight), focusing on eventual changes in knee, hip and shoulder angles. A three-dimensional markerless motion capture system was used to collect data from 11 highly trained male crossfitters along the Isabel workout performed at maximal effort. The routine was analyzed globally and in initial, middle and final phases (10, 20 and 30 repetitions, respectively). Lift total time increased (1.51 ± 0.18 vs. 1.97 ± 0.20 s) and maximal lift velocity (2.64 ± 0.12 vs. 2.32 ± 0.13 m/s) and maximal lift power (15.58 ± 2.34 vs. 13.80 ± 2.49 W/kg) decreased from the initial to final phases, while the time from lift until the bar crossed the hip and shoulder (34.20 ± 4.00 vs. 27.50 ± 5.10 and 39.70 ± 16.80 vs. 30.90 ± 13.90%) decreased along the Isabel workout. In addition, a decrease in hip flexion was observed during the last two phases when the bar crosses the knee (62.62 ± 24.80 vs. 53.60 ± 19.99°). Data evidence a decrease in the power profile and a change in hip flexion throughout the Isabel workout, without compromising the other joints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement)
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12 pages, 727 KiB  
Article
Talent Identification in Football: Different Effects of Maturation on Sprinting, Change of Direction and Jumping in 13-Year-Old Players
by Michal Lehnert, Roman Holík, David Prycl, Martin Sigmund, Dagmar Sigmundová and Tomáš Malý
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5571; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135571 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1311
Abstract
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the influence of the maturity status on speed, explosive power and change of direction (COD) in 13-year-old football players. Ninety-eight male players (age: 13.1 ± 1.0 y) were divided into late, average and early-maturation [...] Read more.
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the influence of the maturity status on speed, explosive power and change of direction (COD) in 13-year-old football players. Ninety-eight male players (age: 13.1 ± 1.0 y) were divided into late, average and early-maturation groups. Physical fitness testing included the following variables: 10 and 30 m sprint time and maximum speed in the 20–30 m segment of the 30 m sprint test, the T-test time, countermovement jump height and horizontal distance in the triple jump. The data showed a significant effect of maturity status on performance in three parameters: at maximum speed in the 20–30 m section (p = 0.024), but the only significant differences were found between the early-maturation group and average-maturation group (p = 0.033); in the COD (p = 0.024), where significant differences were confirmed between the late-maturation group and the average-maturation group (p = 0.033); and in the unilateral triple jump distance of the dominant and non-dominant (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively) lower limb. For both limbs, significant differences between the late-maturation group and average-maturation group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.013, respectively) as well as the late-maturation group and early-maturation group (p = 0.007 and p = 0.045, respectively) were shown. These results indicate that maximal speed, COD speed and unilateral lower limb reactive strength are moderated by biological age in football players aged 13 years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement)
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9 pages, 258 KiB  
Communication
Physiological and Biomechanical Characteristics of Olympic and World-Class Rowers—Case Study
by Ricardo Cardoso, Manoel Rios, Filipa Cardoso, Pedro Fonseca, Francisco A. Ferreira, Jose Arturo Abraldes, Beatriz B. Gomes, João Paulo Vilas-Boas and Ricardo J. Fernandes
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4273; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104273 - 17 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2173
Abstract
In this study, we quantified relevant biophysical characteristics of two elite rowers across a wide range of intensities. Two <40-year-old male and female Olympic and World Championship finalists performed a 7 × 3 min protocol plus 1 min maximal effort on a rowing [...] Read more.
In this study, we quantified relevant biophysical characteristics of two elite rowers across a wide range of intensities. Two <40-year-old male and female Olympic and World Championship finalists performed a 7 × 3 min protocol plus 1 min maximal effort on a rowing ergometer. The intensity increase resulted in maximum values of 79.4 ± 2.4 and 69.7 ± 1.5 mL/min/kg for oxygen uptake, 179.3 ± 5.7 and 152.5 ± 2.9 L/min for ventilation, 170 ± 1 and 173 ± 0 bpm for heart rate, 10.6 and 15.8 mmol/L for blood lactate concentration, and 38.1 ± 0.03 and 38.8 ± 0.03 °C for core temperature for the male and female rowers. The percentage of power corresponding to a previously conducted maximum 2000 m rowing ergometer test and the work at each step increased from 49 to 127 and 42 to 103% and from 226.8 to 398.9 J and 174.0 to 250.0 J, from low to extreme intensities, for the male and female. Concurrently, there was a decrease in cycle length and propulsive time, followed by an increase in maximal handle drive velocity, with the rise in rowing intensity. These world-class rowers seem capable of maintaining physiological and technical profiles (and a remarkable capacity to generate substantial power) at this phase of their careers possibly due to long-term engagement in elite-level training. Biophysical data provide valuable referential information for guiding rowers to improve their performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement)
15 pages, 2795 KiB  
Article
Neuromuscular Capabilities in Top-Level Weightlifters and Their Association with Weightlifting Performance
by Marcos A. Soriano, Francisco J. Flores, Juan Lama-Arenales, Miguel Fernández-del-Olmo and Paul Comfort
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3762; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093762 - 28 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1622
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the associations between the front and back squat, countermovement jump (CMJ) and deep squat jump (DSJ) force–time metrics, and weightlifting performance in top-level weightlifters. Thirteen top-level weightlifters who classified for the World Championship 2023 participated. [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine the associations between the front and back squat, countermovement jump (CMJ) and deep squat jump (DSJ) force–time metrics, and weightlifting performance in top-level weightlifters. Thirteen top-level weightlifters who classified for the World Championship 2023 participated. The heaviest successful snatch and clean and jerk were recorded within a preparation session as performance indicators. The front and back squat one-repetition maximums (1RMs) were evaluated in separate training sessions. The average of three maximum CMJs and DSJs were recorded using a force plate, and jump height, propulsive net impulse, and peak power were calculated for further analysis. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to determine the associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The front and back squat 1RMs were significant and nearly perfectly associated with weightlifting performance (p < 0.001, r = 0.98–0.99). CMJ and DSJ propulsive net impulse displayed nearly perfect associations with weightlifting performance (p < 0.001, r = 0.96–0.99), while jump height is a less promising metric to assess the weightlifters’ ballistic capabilities. This study reinforces that lower body maximum strength and ballistic capabilities are closely associated with top-level weightlifters’ performance and are of practical importance to monitor their neuromuscular function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement)
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15 pages, 7823 KiB  
Article
Sensory Factors Influence Dynamic and Static Bi-Manual Finger Grip Strength in a Real-World Task Context
by Birgitta Dresp-Langley, Rongrong Liu and Michel de Mathelin
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3548; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093548 - 23 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1549
Abstract
Individual grip strength provides a functional window into somatosensory processes and their effects on motor behaviour in healthy, impaired, and ageing individuals. Variations in grip strength during hand–tool interaction are therefore exploited in a variety of experimental tasks to study the effects of [...] Read more.
Individual grip strength provides a functional window into somatosensory processes and their effects on motor behaviour in healthy, impaired, and ageing individuals. Variations in grip strength during hand–tool interaction are therefore exploited in a variety of experimental tasks to study the effects of pathology or ageing-related changes on sensory, motor, and cognitive ability. However, many different factors may influence individual grip strength systematically in a given task context without being explicitly identified and controlled for. Grip strength may vary as a function of the location of the measurement device (sensor) on the fingers/hand, the shape, weight and size of object(s) being gripped, the type of grip investigated (static versus dynamic grip), and the hand (dominant versus non-dominant) used for gripping. This study tests for additional factors such as sight, sound, and interactions with/between any of the other factors in a complex task context. A wearable biosensor system, designed for measuring grip strength variations in operators gripping cylindrical objects bi-manually, was used. Grip force signals were recorded from all sensors of the wearable (glove) system, including three directly task-relevant sensors for bi-manually gripping cylindrical objects with the dominant and non-dominant hands. Five young male participants were tested for the effects of sound, movement, and sight on grip strength. The participants had to pick up two cylindrical objects of identical size and weight, then hold them still (static grip) or move them upwards and downwards (dynamic grip) for ten seconds while listening to soft or hard music, with their eyes open or blindfolded. Significant effects of sensor location, hand, movement, sight, and sound on bi-manual grip strength were found. Stronger grip force signals were produced by task-relevant sensors in the dominant hand when moving the cylindrical handles (dynamic grip) in comparison with the static grip condition, depending, as expected, on whether grip signals were measured from the dominant or the non-dominant hand. Significantly weaker grip strength was produced blindfolded (sight condition), and grips were significantly stronger with exposure to harder music (sound factor). It is concluded that grip strength is significantly influenced by sensory factors and interactions between the other factors tested for, pointing towards the need for identifying and systematically controlling such potential sources of variation in complex study task contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement)
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