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Basis of Applied Kinesiology, Innovations and Clinical Applications in Musculoskeletal...
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Basis of Applied Kinesiology, Innovations and Clinical Applications in Musculoskeletal Health, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Kinesiology and Biomechanics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 6055

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Vicente Javier Clemente Suárez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sports, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
Interests: sports science; exercise performance; exercise science; exercise physiology; sport physiology; exercise testing; strength and conditioning; athletic performance; physical fitness; resistance training
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements and clinical applications of applied kinesiology in the context of musculoskeletal health. We invite contributions that delve into innovative research and clinical practices that enhance the understanding of musculoskeletal function, treatment modalities, and rehabilitative techniques. The scope of this Special Issue covers a range of topics, including the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches, biomechanical assessments, and neuromuscular adaptations to different physical interventions, and the evolution of methodologies in kinesiology that contribute to improving patient outcomes. We also encourage submissions that examine the integration of technology in kinesiology practice, such as the use of wearable devices, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, papers that provide insights into the cellular- and tissue-level responses to various kinesiological interventions are welcome.

This Special Issue aims to gather empirical research, systematic reviews, and case studies that collectively advance the field of kinesiology and offer practical insights applicable to clinical settings. Contributions from interdisciplinary teams that highlight collaborative efforts between kinesiologists, physiotherapists, sports scientists, and medical professionals are particularly encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Vicente Javier Clemente Suárez
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1800 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

  • applied kinesiology
  • musculoskeletal health
  • biomechanical assessments
  • neuromuscular adaptations
  • wearable devices
  • artificial intelligence
  • sports

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3814 KB  
Article
The Role of Hydro-Kinesiotherapy After Intra-Articular Steroid Infiltration in the Management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Non-Randomized Observational Pre–Post Study with Parallel Groups
by Rossana Gnasso, Antonio Picone, Ayda Tavakkolifar, Stefano Palermi, Roberta Naddei, Simona Di Gennaro, Alessandro Nunzio Velotti, Mario Fusari, Tullio Alliegro, Marco Caruso and Maria Alessio
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11010110 - 6 Mar 2026
Viewed by 175
Abstract
Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent rheumatological disease in childhood. It is classified into seven subtypes, each with specific clinical features. The pathogenesis of JIA involves an increased inflammatory response. Treatment options include pharmacological therapy, patient education, physical therapy, [...] Read more.
Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent rheumatological disease in childhood. It is classified into seven subtypes, each with specific clinical features. The pathogenesis of JIA involves an increased inflammatory response. Treatment options include pharmacological therapy, patient education, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Methods: Patients received IAC injections and were subsequently divided into two groups: one group underwent HKT, while the other did not. The effects of HKT were assessed before treatment and one month after the IAC injections and initiation of HKT, using the Child Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Child Health Questionnaire—Parent Form 50 (CHQ-PF50). Results: Data were analyzed using the t-test. The HKT group showed non-statistically significant improvements in CHAQ and VAS scores compared to the non-HKT group. However, statistically significant differences were observed in the CHQ-PF50, particularly in the self-esteem and pain subscales. Conclusions: Although global differences between groups were not statistically significant, the group that underwent HKT demonstrated better scores, suggesting that HKT may reduce pain and contribute to improved quality of life in children with JIA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Basis of Applied Kinesiology, Innovations and Clinical Applications in Musculoskeletal Health, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 979 KB  
Article
Acute Physiological Responses to Prolonged Sedentary Behavior: Impact on Cardiovascular Function and Muscle Activity in Young Adults
by Jonas Ribeiro Gomes da Silva, Antônio Ribeiro Neto, Dernival Bertoncello, Jeffer Eidi Sasaki, Moacir Marocolo, Nicolas Bueno Alves, Sheilla Tribess, Ciro José Brito and Jair Sindra Virtuoso Junior
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11010041 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 661
Abstract
Background: Prolonged sitting has been associated with adverse cardiovascular and neuromuscular responses; however, the temporal onset of these acute physiological changes remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the acute effects of prolonged sitting on blood flow, blood pressure, and muscle activity. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Prolonged sitting has been associated with adverse cardiovascular and neuromuscular responses; however, the temporal onset of these acute physiological changes remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the acute effects of prolonged sitting on blood flow, blood pressure, and muscle activity. Methods: A non-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 21 healthy adults (22.5 ± 1.60 years), both male and female. Participants remained seated continuously for three hours, with data collected every 20 min, including infrared thermography, blood pressure, and electromyographic activity. Skin temperature was measured using infrared thermography on the calf region of both legs, and the mean temperature was analyzed. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured using an oscillometric device, and mean arterial pressure was subsequently calculated. Muscle activity was assessed through surface electromyography, using median frequency and root mean square values. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test and the Durbin–Conover post hoc test, along with a subjective trend analysis of each variable over time. Results: A significant reduction was observed in both calf skin temperature and median frequency after 60 min of uninterrupted sitting (p < 0.05). Mean and systolic blood pressure exhibited an increasing trend after 160 min (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The exposure–response data from this study may contribute to the planning of future interventions aimed at refining recommendations for breaking up prolonged sitting periods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Basis of Applied Kinesiology, Innovations and Clinical Applications in Musculoskeletal Health, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 3271 KB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Robotic Assistive Devices on Paretic Knee Motion in Post-Stroke Patients: An IMU-Based Pilot Study
by Toshiaki Tanaka, Shunichi Sugihara and Takahiro Miura
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11010005 - 24 Dec 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Background: Robotic assistive devices are increasingly used in post-stroke gait rehabilitation, yet quantitative evaluations of synchronization between human and robotic joint motion remain limited. This study examined gait kinematics in post-stroke hemiplegic patients using two exoskeleton-type devices—HAL® (Cyberdine Inc., Tsukuba, Japan) [...] Read more.
Background: Robotic assistive devices are increasingly used in post-stroke gait rehabilitation, yet quantitative evaluations of synchronization between human and robotic joint motion remain limited. This study examined gait kinematics in post-stroke hemiplegic patients using two exoskeleton-type devices—HAL® (Cyberdine Inc., Tsukuba, Japan) and curara® (AssistMotion Inc., Ueda, Japan)—based on synchronized IMU measurements. Methods: Two post-stroke patients performed treadmill walking under non-assisted and assisted conditions with HAL® and curara®. Only the paretic knee joint was analyzed to focus on the primary control joint during gait. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) simultaneously recorded human and robotic joint angles. Synchronization was assessed using Bland–Altman (BA) analysis, root mean square error (RMSE), and mean synchronization jerk (MSJ). The study was designed as an exploratory methodological case study to verify the feasibility of synchronized IMU-based human–robot joint measurement. Results: Both assistive devices improved paretic knee motion during gait. RMSE decreased from 7.8° to 4.6° in patient A and from 8.1° to 5.0° in patient B. MSJ was lower during curara-assisted gait than HAL-assisted gait, indicating smoother temporal coordination. BA plots revealed reduced bias and narrower limits of agreement in assisted conditions, particularly for curara®. Differences between HAL® and curara® reflected their distinct control strategies—voluntary EMG-based assist vs. cooperative gait-synchronization—rather than superiority of one device. Conclusions: Both devices enhanced synchronization and smoothness of paretic knee motion. curara® demonstrated particularly smooth torque control and consistent alignment with human movement. IMU-based analysis proved effective for quantifying human–robot synchronization and offers a practical framework for optimizing robotic gait rehabilitation. The novelty of this study lies in the direct IMU-based comparison of human and robotic knee joint motion under two contrasting assistive control strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Basis of Applied Kinesiology, Innovations and Clinical Applications in Musculoskeletal Health, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 1197 KB  
Article
Impact of Hamstring Tightness on Muscle Activation in Healthy Young Adults
by Eduardo Guzmán-Muñoz, Camila Zurita-Leiva, Felipe Gómez-Araya, Yeny Concha-Cisternas, Antonio Castillo-Paredes, Felipe Montalva-Valenzuela, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda, Emilio Jofré-Saldía, Iván Molina-Márquez and Manuel Vasquez-Muñoz
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(4), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10040363 - 23 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3492
Abstract
Background: Hamstring tightness is highly prevalent in young adults and may negatively affect neuromuscular performance. Despite growing interest in the biomechanical and neuromuscular consequences of reduced flexibility, few studies have examined its effect on muscle activation in healthy individuals. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Background: Hamstring tightness is highly prevalent in young adults and may negatively affect neuromuscular performance. Despite growing interest in the biomechanical and neuromuscular consequences of reduced flexibility, few studies have examined its effect on muscle activation in healthy individuals. This study aimed to compare thigh muscle activation during functional tasks in healthy young males with and without hamstring tightness. Methods: Thirty healthy male participants (18–26 years) were assigned to two groups based on the Active Knee Extension test: normal flexibility (<20°) and hamstring tightness (≥20°). Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to assess the activation (%MVIC) of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles during four functional exercises: unilateral standing knee flexion, unilateral bridge, elastic-band knee flexion, and Nordic curl. Independent t-tests were used to compare muscle activation between groups. Results: Participants with hamstring tightness showed significantly lower activation of the semitendinosus during the unilateral bridge (p = 0.036) and Nordic curl (p = 0.024). Additionally, biceps femoris activation during the Nordic curl was reduced in the tightness group compared to the normal group (p = 0.044). No significant differences were observed in other exercises. Conclusions: Hamstring tightness is associated with reduced activation of key posterior thigh muscles during exercises that require high eccentric or isometric demands. These neuromuscular alterations may impair performance and increase the risk of injury in functional tasks. Clinically, assessing and addressing hamstring flexibility may support muscle recruitment efficiency and injury prevention strategies in young physically active populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Basis of Applied Kinesiology, Innovations and Clinical Applications in Musculoskeletal Health, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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18 pages, 1226 KB  
Review
The Effect of Joint Mobilization and Manipulation on Proprioception: Systematic Review with Limited Meta-Analysis
by Stelios Hadjisavvas, Irene-Chrysovalanto Themistocleous, Michalis A. Efstathiou, Elena Papamichael, Christina Michailidou and Manos Stefanakis
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11010059 - 29 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 794
Abstract
Background: Proprioceptive deficits, commonly quantified as joint position sense error (JPSE), are frequently reported in musculoskeletal conditions. Articular manual therapy may influence afferent input and sensorimotor integration. This review synthesised the effects of joint mobilization and/or high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation on quantitative [...] Read more.
Background: Proprioceptive deficits, commonly quantified as joint position sense error (JPSE), are frequently reported in musculoskeletal conditions. Articular manual therapy may influence afferent input and sensorimotor integration. This review synthesised the effects of joint mobilization and/or high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation on quantitative proprioception outcomes in humans. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and MEDLINE Complete were searched (from inception to November 2025) for randomized or sham-controlled trials assessing proprioception after eligible articular manual therapy. Searches were limited to English-language publications. Risk of bias was assessed using Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2). Random-effects meta-analysis (Hedges’ g) was conducted when outcomes and time points were comparable; pooling was possible for only one outcome/time-point comparison. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Results: Database searches yielded 483 records; after duplicate removal, 371 records were screened. Eighteen full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, of which 11 were excluded, resulting in seven randomized clinical trials (2018–2025; total n = 350) evaluating spinal or peripheral mobilization/manipulation. No eligible randomized or sham-controlled trials meeting the prespecified criteria were identified before 2018. In chronic mechanical neck pain, cervical thrust manipulation improved cervical JPSE versus sham with large partial eta-squared effects (η2p = 0.23–0.36). Cervical mobilization improved left rotation JPSE (4.15 → 1.65° vs. 4.01→3.74°). In patellofemoral pain, lumbopelvic manipulation produced immediate reductions in knee JPSE at 60° (6.58 → 4.48° vs. 5.91 → 6.05°). Only one outcome/time-point was suitable for meta-analysis (knee JPSE at 60° flexion in patellofemoral pain; two trials), showing no statistically significant pooled effect (Hedges’ g = −0.21, 95% CI −1.36 to 0.94; I2 ≈ 83%). Remaining outcomes could not be pooled due to heterogeneity and incompatible reporting. Conclusions: Evidence from seven randomized trials indicates that articular manual therapy (mobilization and/or HVLA thrust manipulation) can improve quantitative proprioceptive outcomes immediately post-intervention, particularly JPSE in neck and patellofemoral pain; however, effects are condition- and outcome-specific, and confidence is limited by heterogeneity and the predominance of narrative synthesis with sparse poolable data. Future adequately powered trials should standardize proprioception protocols, include longer follow-up, and report data to enable robust meta-analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Basis of Applied Kinesiology, Innovations and Clinical Applications in Musculoskeletal Health, 2nd Edition)
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