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A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Life Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 26645

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Slawomir Winiarski

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Guest Editor

Department of Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, University School of Physical, Education in Wrocław, al. Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: biomechanics; motion analysis; physics of sport; physiotherapy

Dr. Katarzyna Kaczmarczyk

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Rehabilitation, Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: physiotherapy; biomechanics; gait analysis

Dr. Wanda Forczek-Karkosz

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Guest Editor

Section of Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
Interests: biomechanics; human movement; locomotion; physical activity; motion analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The symmetry of human movement is frequently understood as a perfect correspondence between the action of the limbs. A healthy adult's movement is usually symmetrical, which reduces energy costs and the risk of overloading the joints. In clinical practice, the evaluation of (a)symmetry, or more specifically, the degree of movement (a)symmetry, is achieved by assessing both the kinematic and kinetic parameters of movement. The determinants of locomotion are often used to assess the normality of movement in sports or rehabilitation process.

In this Special Issue, we welcome papers exploring and providing new insights into the (a)symmetry of human movements, especially during physical activity, sports or rehabilitation.

Submit your paper and select the Journal “Symmetry” and the Special Issue “New Insights into Motion Analysis” via: MDPI submission system. Our papers will be published on a rolling basis and we will be pleased to receive your submission once you have finished it.

Professor Slawomir Winiarski
Professor Katarzyna Kaczmarczyk
Professor Wanda Forczek-Karkosz
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

Symmetry &

Kinematics and kinetics of human movement
Quality of movement
Biomechanics
Physical activity and sport
Medicine and rehabilitation
Medical signals (waveforms) analysis
Ergonomics
Sex-specific differences in movement patterns
Numerical scores (Indices) or statistical methods

Published Papers (11 papers)

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12 pages, 2933 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Inter-Limb Asymmetry of Leg Stiffness in National Second-League Basketball Players during Countermovement Jumps

by Artur Struzik, Sławomir Winiarski and Jerzy Zawadzki

Symmetry 2022, 14(3), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym14030440 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2124

Abstract

Assessment of the inter-limb asymmetry of leg stiffness is carried out using one-legged jumping tasks. However, the level of asymmetry may vary depending on the performance on one or both lower limbs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the differences in leg stiffness between the dominant and non-dominant lower limb during a two-legged countermovement jump. The research was conducted on 35 s-league basketball players (body height: 1.90 ± 0.08 m, body mass: 81.9 ± 10 kg, age: 19.5 ± 1.7 years). Each participant performed three countermovement jumps with arm swing to the maximum height. Measurements employed a BTS SMART motion analysis system and two Kistler force plates. Statistically significant differences were found during the comparison of leg stiffness in the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs. Inter-limb asymmetry of leg stiffness reached 22.0% in the countermovement phase and 8.9% in the take-off phase. Significant inter-limb asymmetry of leg stiffness might lead to injury or considerably reduce the performance of athletes. Therefore, an important role is to conduct strength and speed-strength trainings with proper loads to both body sides. Coaches should pay more attention to similar lower limbs movement patterns during two-legged exercises and bilateral strength development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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13 pages, 2764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Backward vs. Forward Gait Symmetry Analysis Based on Plantar Pressure Mapping

by Anna Daniluk, Anna Hadamus, Michał Ludwicki and Bartłomiej Zagrodny

Symmetry 2022, 14(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym14020203 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2664

Abstract

Symmetry is one of the factors analysed in normal and pathological gaits. Backward gait is an area of interest to scientists, in terms of its physiology and therapeutic possibilities. This study aimed to analyse the symmetry of the pressure parameters of backward gait in comparison to forward gait using different symmetry indices. Eighty-one healthy people aged between 19 and 84 years took part in the study. Foot pressure distribution was analysed during forward and backward gaits at self-selected speeds. Mean and maximum pressure values were calculated after dividing the foot into four or ten areas. Delta, Ratio Index, Robinson Index, Gait Asymmetry, and Symmetry Angle were calculated for each area, separately for both forward and backward gaits. Higher ratios of asymmetry were found during backward than during forward gait. Larger ratios of asymmetry were found within toes II–V, forefoot, metatarsals I, II, and III, medial and lateral heel areas. No significant correlation between symmetry indices and age or BMI was found. Results suggested that the lower symmetry of backward gait is caused by a higher number of corrective movements that allow for the maintenance of body balance and global symmetry of gait. This can be realised by increased cortical control of the backward gait, which was a new movement task for all participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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14 pages, 2910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Repetitive Drop Jumps among Different Heights on Bilateral Asymmetry of Countermovement Jumps

by I-Lin Wang, Yu-Ge Li, Yu Su, Shun Yao, Ke-Ke Zhang, Che-Hsiu Chen and Shin-Yuan Wang

Symmetry 2022, 14(2), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym14020190 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2584

Abstract

Background: The study explored the influence of repeated drop jumps (DJs) from different drop heights on the lower extremity bilateral asymmetry and muscle activation of countermovement jumps (CMJs). Methods: Eighteen male athletes performed 200 drop jumps (DJs200) from three drop jump height (DJH30, 40 and 50 cm). The CMJs were performed before the first DJ and after the 50th, 100th, 150th and 200th DJs, recording them as pre-CMJ, CMJs50, CMJs100, CMJs150 and CMJs200. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare differences among the three drop heights at pre-CMJ, CMJs50, CMJs100, CMJs150 and CMJs200, respectively. Results: The peak ground reaction forces (PGRF) of CMJs100, CMJs150 and CMJs200 at DJH50 were greater than at DJH30 and DJH40 (all p < 0.05). The muscle activation during CMJs50 at DJH50 was greater than at DJH30 and DJH40 (all p < 0.05). The muscle activation during CMJs100, CMJs150 and CMJs200 at DJH50 was smaller than at DJH40 and DJH30 (all p < 0.05). The PGRF had no significant difference among the three different drop heights during CMJs50 (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The DJs50 at DJH50 had no effect on the bilateral asymmetry and increased muscle activation of CMJs. The excessive DJs100 at DJH50 increased bilateral asymmetry and decreased CMJ muscle activation during CMJs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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8 pages, 546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inter-Limb Asymmetry in Force Accuracy and Steadiness Changes after a 12-Week Strength Training Program in Young Healthy Men

by Rafał Szafraniec, Tadeusz Stefaniak, Dariusz Harmaciński and Michał Kuczyński

Symmetry 2021, 13(11), 2226; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13112226 - 21 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2086

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the impact of a 12-week strength training program on force accuracy and steadiness changes in lower limbs in young healthy men. Twenty subjects with a dominant right lower limb were included. They performed a force matching task both pre and post strength training program. The ability to reproduce force was determined by calculating three errors: absolute error (AE), constant error (CE), and variable error (VE). After intervention AE and VE improved in both legs indicating higher improvement in the dominant leg (p = 0.032 for AE and p = 0.005 for VE). However, CE improved only in the dominant leg (p = 0.001). We conclude that strength training improved the accuracy and consistency of force in a force reproduction task. This improvement was more evident in the dominant lower limb. Most likely, the inter-limb asymmetry in changes of force application ability caused by strength training is due to the different mechanisms responsible for the control of voluntary movements in the dominant and non-dominant lower limb. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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11 pages, 2938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of the Non-Playing Hand during Topspin Forehand in Table Tennis

by Sławomir Winiarski, Ivan Malagoli Lanzoni and Ziemowit Bańkosz

Symmetry 2021, 13(11), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13112054 - 1 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1848

Abstract

Theoretical tutorials and the scientific literature do not provide information on the proper use of the non-playing hand in table tennis. This study aimed to evaluate the course of the movement in the joints of the non-playing limb during a table tennis topspin forehand stroke (played after a backspin ball) and to determine the inter-individual movement variability. The study involved 12 male table tennis players (178.7 ± 5.5 cm, 70.0 ± 6.6 kg, 23 ± 3 y) at a competitive level. The participants performed one topspin forehand as a response to a backspin ball. Kinematics were measured using an Inertial Motion Unit–MR3 myoMuscle Master Edition system. Changes in the angles of the upper limb joints (with particular emphasis on the non-playing hand) during the forehand topspin were analyzed. A novel method of normalized function of variance was used to characterize areas of high/low variability of movement. Most of the movements in the joints of the non-playing limb were performed symmetrically to the playing one, especially in the hitting phase. A rapid change of direction characterizes these movements, just before or during the hitting phase, which may indicate a supportive, ‘driving’ character for these movements. High inter-individual variability for the duration of the entire movement cycle in both limbs was observed; higher in the non-playing limb. This perhaps indicates a greater degree of individualization on the non-playing side. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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9 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Hamstring/Quadriceps Ratio in Young Men and Its Relationship with the Functional Symmetry of the Lower Limb in Young Men

by Piotr Tabor, Dagmara Iwańska, Anna Mazurkiewicz, Czesław Urbanik and Andrzej Mastalerz

Symmetry 2021, 13(11), 2033; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13112033 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1861

Abstract

The relationship of muscle strength symmetry with the symmetry of dynamic activities such as vertical jump (CMJ) and with symmetry of ranges of motion is ambiguous. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was to assess the relationship between the flexor/extensor strength ratio and the range of motion of the knee joints and VGRF during jump in a sample of young healthy men. The sample consisted of 64 healthy, active men. The flexor and extensor torques and ranges of active and passive mobility of both knee joints were measured. Vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) was measured using two platforms. There were no significant correlations between the symmetry of muscle strength and the symmetry of ranges of motion and the symmetry of the VGRF. Therefore, using the cluster analysis, 4 subgroups were distinguished due to the size of the flexor/extensor ratio (H/Q ratio). Significant differences were found in the level of strength of the knee flexors between the clusters. Detailed analysis of muscle strength symmetry and VGRF symmetry seem to confirm the Leading Joint Hypothesis theory of motion control in multi-joint systems. It was found that the process of controlling movement by the nervous system compensates for the small asymmetries in the level of muscle strength in the knee flexors and extensors, as well as small asymmetries of VGRF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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10 pages, 367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Symmetry of Fatigue of Lower Limb Muscles in 400 m Run Based on Electromyography Signals

by Dagmara Iwańska, Piotr Tabor, Olga Grabowska and Andrzej Mastalerz

Symmetry 2021, 13(9), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13091698 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1942

Abstract

Background: This study assesses curved track effects on fatigue symmetry and lower limb muscle activity while taking maximum velocity running kinematics into account. Methods: Polish master class athletes were examined (age 24.6 ± 3.67 years, bm 78.9 ± 6.02 kg, and bh 186.1 ± 6.63 cm). The measurements were made on a 400 m synthetic surface athletics track. The DelSys 16 channel system was employed to measure the activity of the right and left leg muscles. The kinematic variables of the run were obtained using a 3-axis accelerometer built into the recorder. Results: The study revealed curved track effects on asymmetric muscle activity and running kinematics in the first two sections of the run. On the first curve, the symmetry index (SI) was 8.1%, while in on straight, it was 11.5%. Moreover, significantly lower values of the fatigue index b were found for the right limb (F_(3.36) = 6.504; p = 0.0152). Conclusions: A reduction of asymmetric muscle activity is linked with compensatory muscle stimulation triggered by the nervous system and with adjusting running kinematics to changing external conditions. Therefore, the main focus further research should be on the optimal interaction between stride length and frequency in relation to the muscle activity corresponding to the track geometry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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9 pages, 1596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity of the Right- and Left-Footed Professional Soccer Players from Symmetrical Defensive Positions

by Marek Konefał, Marcin Andrzejewski, Paweł Chmura, Michał Zacharko and Łukasz Radzimiński

Symmetry 2021, 13(9), 1551; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13091551 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2103

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to compare the physical match performance of right- and left-footed external defenders during official matches of Polish Ekstraklasa. The sample comprised 991 individual observations from 296 matches during the 2019/2020 season. Variables such as total distance, distance covered in high-speed running and sprinting, and number of high-intensity runs were analysed. Additionally, the data were presented in relation to match duration and effective playing time. Right external defenders (right ED) covered significantly longer total distance (p < 0.001, 1.5%), high-speed running distance (p < 0.001, 5.6%) and sprinting distance (p < 0.001, 11.4%) compared to left external defenders (left ED). The number of high-intensity runs was greater for right RD as well (p < 0.001, 6.4%). Physical match activity for left ED who are left-footed was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in comparison with right-footed left ED. The number of offensive actions played on the right side of the pitch was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than those performed on the left side. Players whose dominant foot is in accordance with the side of the pitch cover longer distances during the match. Moreover, the number of offensive actions played through the wings could affect the physical performance of external defenders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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10 pages, 1529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gait Symmetry Analysis Based on Dynamic Time Warping

by Michalina Błażkiewicz, Karol Lann Vel Lace and Anna Hadamus

Symmetry 2021, 13(5), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13050836 - 10 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2456

Abstract

Background: Gait deviations may negatively affect the articular surfaces of the lower extremity joints and lead to some minor degenerative changes. The simplest method for gait evaluation is to assess the symmetry of its parameters, assuming that each undisturbed gait should be symmetrical. This study aims to quantify the degree of asymmetry of kinematic and kinetic parameters caused by the presence of different ankle orthosis settings using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). Methods: Barefoot gait and gait with four different walker settings were investigated in eighteen healthy persons. Kinematic and kinetic parameters were measured using the Vicon system and Kistler plates. Symmetry was assessed using the DTW method. Results: It was shown that the presence of different ankle orthosis settings significantly disturbs the symmetry of all lower limb kinematic parameters and only knee and hip torques. The highest values of asymmetry were noted for the walker set at 15° of dorsiflexion (15DF). Conclusions: The DTW method allowed us to quantify the degree of asymmetry throughout the gait cycle in relation to barefoot walking. Our results suggest that each orthosis position analysed in this study fulfills its protective function, but gait 15DF can lead to the overload of knee and hip joints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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8 pages, 539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lumbopelvic Biomechanics in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation—Prospective Cohort Study

by Tomasz Kuligowski and Tomasz Sipko

Symmetry 2021, 13(4), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13040602 - 3 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2553

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is the most frequent cause of adult disability. One of the main reasons can be a herniated disc (lumbar disc herniation—LDH), potentially disturbing spinal movement patterns. Its influence on gait and lumbopelvic biomechanics still remains unclear. Little to no evidence was found on lumbopelvic kinematics and gait in young LDH adults. The purpose of this study was to analyze the lumbopelvic biomechanics in young adult individuals with lumbar disc herniation diagnosed by MRI. Forty-three participants (18–35 years) were divided into two groups: an LDH group (n = 19) and a control group (n = 24). All participants underwent dynamic lumbopelvic and gait measures by a G-Walk wearable device in a 6-m walking test (6MWT). The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire was used for subjective disability assessment. The LDH group showed higher speed (p = 0.02), lower symmetry of pelvis tilt (p = 0.01), and lower pelvis rotation (p = 0.04) compared to the healthy controls. Correlation calculations showed significance between pelvis obliquity and pelvis rotation (r = 0.53) but only in healthy controls. The lumbopelvic biomechanics shows differences in pelvis tilt and symmetry index of rotation parameters between LDH and healthy controls. In conclusion, LDH affects the gait kinematics, causing three-dimensional disorders and lack of synergy. This is probably due to pain avoidance behaviors and the compensation mechanisms of the adjacent body region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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9 pages, 1450 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Adjustments in the Range of Angular Motion during Walking after Amputation of the Toes: A Case Report

by Wanda Forczek-Karkosz, Simon Taylor, Anna Kicka, Germana Cappellini, Arthur H. Dewolf and Yury Ivanenko

Symmetry 2021, 13(11), 2065; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13112065 - 2 Nov 2021

Viewed by 2323

Abstract

The forefoot plays an important role in providing body support and propulsion during walking. We investigated the effect of forefoot dysfunction on the gait pattern of a young adult with partial bilateral amputation of the toes. We measured our participant’s gait kinematics during barefoot and shod overground walking and analysed time-distance and joint range of motion (RoM) parameters against a group of healthy adults. Forefoot dysfunction gait is improved by footwear and walking experience; however, this improvement was still remarkably different (exceeded 95% CI) when compared to healthy gait at matching walking speed. Compared to healthy gait, walking barefoot had a slower speed and a 30% reduction in ankle and knee joint RoM, but a larger hip RoM. Shod gait resulted in a remarkable increase in ankle RoM and walking speed compared to barefoot gait. These results are consistent with the important role of the forefoot (tarsals and metatarsophalangeal joints) and suggest that footwear can facilitate gait function following toe amputation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Motion Analysis)

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