Dynamic Insights: Unveiling the Biomechanics of Sport Through Motion Analysis

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomechanics and Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 2761

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, South Lanarkshire, Scotland G72 0LH, UK
Interests: biomechanics; biomedical engineering; kinesiology; physical activity; sports science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Interests: motor control; kinesiology; biomechanics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The biomechanical analysis of motion in sports is of paramount importance to stakeholders in the field. The resulting improvement in performance and athlete development serve as strong, measurable indicators of the outcomes achievable with sports motion analysis. This Special Issue, entitled "Dynamic Insights: Unveiling the Biomechanics of Sport through Motion Analysis", located in the Biomechanics and Sports Medicine Section of the MDPI journal Bioengineering, is now open for submissions that address the functional movements made in sports.

The analysis of human movement will be a key element of successful submissions, which we hope will include motion assessments of sport-related activities, including sports rehabilitation and injury prevention. We also welcome applications of novel biomechanical approaches, including techniques and technologies such as video analysis, 3D motion capture systems, wearable technologies, infrared imaging, and medical imaging. Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

Advanced Motion Capture Techniques: high-precision and more detailed biomechanical analysis using markerless systems and high-speed cameras.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: the application of algorithms to analyse large datasets.

Advancements in Wearable Technology: the application of real-time biomechanical data monitoring that is designed to provide immediate feedback to athletes and coaches.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: the creation of immersive environments to aid in the analysis of biomechanics and athlete training.

Biofeedback Systems for Performance Enhancement: assisting athletes with making real-time adjustments to improve their performance.

Remote Biomechanics Monitoring: remote assessment and the feedback to athletes during training.

Biomechanics in E-sports: the recognition and evaluation of the physical movement and strain associated with professional gaming.

Integration with Sports Equipment: continued sensor monitoring and data acquisition from instrumented sports equipment during actual play. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods that are applied to the gaps in these research areas are encouraged.

Dr. Ukadike Chris Ugbolue
Dr. Sang-Hoon Yeo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • artificial intelligence
  • augmented reality
  • biomechanics
  • E-sports
  • instrumentation
  • kinesiology
  • machine learning
  • motion analysis
  • performance enhancement
  • virtual reality
  • wearable technology

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 6047 KiB  
Article
A Novel Approach to Predict the Location and Fatigue Life of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
by Zanni Zhang, Taoxi Wang, Huwei Bian, Xing Shen, Minjun Liang, Ee-Chon Teo and Tao Jiang
Bioengineering 2025, 12(4), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12040423 - 16 Apr 2025
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Abstract
This study presents a novel approach for predicting the location and fatigue life of degenerative intervertebral discs (IVDs) under cyclic loading conditions, aiming to improve the understanding of disc degeneration mechanisms. Based on mechanical theories linking IVD degeneration to stress imbalance and water [...] Read more.
This study presents a novel approach for predicting the location and fatigue life of degenerative intervertebral discs (IVDs) under cyclic loading conditions, aiming to improve the understanding of disc degeneration mechanisms. Based on mechanical theories linking IVD degeneration to stress imbalance and water loss, a finite element (FE) model of the L4–L5 lumbar spine was developed, combining probability-weighted anatomical structures, inverse dynamics, and cumulative fatigue mechanics. By quantifying stress variations and calculating cumulative damage across disc regions, stress-concentration areas prone to degeneration were identified, and validation via a case study of a retired weightlifter diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) demonstrated that the predicted degeneration location correlated well with affected areas observed in CT scan images. These findings suggest that prolonged, abnormal stress imbalances within the disc may contribute significantly to degeneration, offering potential clinical applications in preventive assessment and targeted treatment for spine health. Full article
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12 pages, 2498 KiB  
Article
Kinematic Alterations with Changes in Putting Distance and Slope Incline in Recreational Golfers
by Shawn M. Robbins, Philippe Renaud and Ukadike Chris Ugbolue
Bioengineering 2025, 12(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12010069 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 706
Abstract
Golfers must modify their motor patterns when the demands of a putting task change. The objective was to compare joint angles and putter kinematics during putting at two distances and inclines. Recreational golfers (n = 14) completed putts over four conditions: 3-foot [...] Read more.
Golfers must modify their motor patterns when the demands of a putting task change. The objective was to compare joint angles and putter kinematics during putting at two distances and inclines. Recreational golfers (n = 14) completed putts over four conditions: 3-foot putts on flat and incline surfaces, and 7-foot putts on flat and incline surfaces. A Vicon motion capture system measured kinematic data. Joint angles, putter angles, and spatiotemporal variables were calculated. Analysis of variance compared spatiotemporal variables, and statistical parametric mapping compared angles between putts. There were faster putter head and ball velocities during longer and incline putts. The amplitude and time of backswing increased with longer putts. Longer putts resulted in increased trunk axial rotation during backswing, downswing, and follow-through, while incline putts only resulted in greater rotation during follow-through. There were minimal differences in shoulder angle. There was greater head rotation toward the hole during all putting phases for longer putts and during follow-through for incline putts. The trunk is the primary mechanism to increase putter head amplitude, and thereby velocity, when putting from longer distances. A similar strategy could be used when putting uphill. Additional work should confirm these results in highly skilled golfers. Full article
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22 pages, 5092 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Muscle Synergies in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients During Unanticipated and Anticipated Landing
by Zhifeng Zhou, Datao Xu, Meizi Wang, Tianle Jie, Julien S. Baker, Huiyu Zhou and Yaodong Gu
Bioengineering 2024, 11(12), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11121237 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1092
Abstract
Ankle sprains are a common injury among athletes and the general population, with chronic ankle instability (CAI) being a frequent complication. CAI patients often display altered neuromuscular control adaptations. This study analyzed muscle synergy patterns in 20 CAI patients during anticipated and unanticipated [...] Read more.
Ankle sprains are a common injury among athletes and the general population, with chronic ankle instability (CAI) being a frequent complication. CAI patients often display altered neuromuscular control adaptations. This study analyzed muscle synergy patterns in 20 CAI patients during anticipated and unanticipated landing tasks to understand their neuromuscular adaptation strategies. Using Nesterov non-negative matrix factorization and K-means clustering, the study identified distinct muscle activation patterns. Results indicated that during unanticipated landings, the gluteus maximus and vastus lateralis showed increased activation weight, while the medial gastrocnemius was more active in anticipated landings. This study highlights that CAI patients display unique muscle synergy patterns during unanticipated landings, relying more on proximal muscles such as the gluteus maximus and vastus lateralis. This adaptation reflects the proximal muscle strategy to enhance stability and compensate for impaired ankle function in unpredictable situations. Full article
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