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Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics
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Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 6200

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ruperto Menayo Antúnez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expresion, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Extremadura, Avda. de Elvas, s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Interests: motor control and learning; motor variability; visual behavior in sports
Prof. Dr. Juan Pedro Fuentes García

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Didactic and Behavioral Analysis of Sports (ADICODE) Research Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, The University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Interests: psychophysiology; heart rate variability; EEG; exercise; stress management; biofeedback; neurofeedback
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Motor control, motor learning and the biomechanics of human movement are three interrelated scientific disciplines, which play a crucial role in the execution of motor and sports skills. Motor control refers to the ability of the neuromuscular system to coordinate the participation of muscles and joints during movement and is based on the continuous interactions produced between the individual, the task and the environment. To contribute to optimal motor control, motor learning explains the processes of acquiring and improving motor skills through practice and experience. This practice cannot be understood without the fundamental contribution of biomechanics, which studies the forces that act on the body and the effects they produce, helping to optimize movement technique and avoid injuries. This Special Issue is dedicated to highlighting current research that contributes new developments to the understanding of motor control, learning and the biomechanics of human movement in the field of motor and sports skills. We welcome all types of research in these areas, prioritizing original research articles related to the analysis of human motor skills. We invite researchers and experts to contribute their methods and findings to generate solid knowledge that advances the understanding of human movement in these areas.

Prof. Dr. Ruperto Menayo Antúnez
Prof. Dr. Juan Pedro Fuentes García
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • motor control
  • motor learning
  • human posture
  • induced variability
  • sport biomechanics
  • sport techniques
  • forces
  • time series analysis
  • nonlinear tools
  • visual behavior in sports
  • massed and distributed practice
  • accuracy and speed trade-off
  • motor competence
  • motor coordination

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 3538 KiB  
Article
Muscle Synergy of the Periarticularis Shoulder Muscles during a Wheelchair Propulsion Motion for Wheelchair Basketball
by Yuki Tamura, Noriaki Maeda, Makoto Komiya, Yoshitaka Iwamoto, Tsubasa Tashiro, Satoshi Arima, Shogo Tsutsumi, Rami Mizuta and Yukio Urabe
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9292; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209292 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 566
Abstract
Wheelchair basketball players often develop shoulder pain due to repetitive wheelchair propulsion motion. Wheelchair propulsion involves two phases, push and recovery, with several different muscles simultaneously active in each phase. Although differences in the coordinated activity of multiple muscles may influence the mechanism [...] Read more.
Wheelchair basketball players often develop shoulder pain due to repetitive wheelchair propulsion motion. Wheelchair propulsion involves two phases, push and recovery, with several different muscles simultaneously active in each phase. Although differences in the coordinated activity of multiple muscles may influence the mechanism of injury occurrence, there have been no studies investigating muscle synergy in wheelchair propulsion motion. Twelve healthy adult males with no previous wheelchair driving experience were included. The surface electromyography data of 10 muscles involved in shoulder joint movements were measured during a 20 m wheelchair propulsion motion. Muscle synergies were extracted using non-negative matrix factorization analysis of the electromyography data. Four muscle synergies were identified during wheelchair propulsion. Synergy 1 reflects propulsion through shoulder flexion and elbow flexion, while Synergy 2 involves shoulder flexion and elbow extension. Synergy 3 describes shoulder extension returning the upper limb, which has moved forward during the push, back to its original position, and Synergy 4 relates to stabilize the shoulder girdle during the recovery phase. This study is the first to explore muscle synergy during wheelchair propulsion, and the data from healthy participants without disabilities or pain will provide a baseline for future comparisons with data from wheelchair basketball players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)
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17 pages, 2813 KiB  
Article
Beyond Simple Tapping: Is Timed Body Movement Influenced When Balance Is Threatened?
by Analina Emmanouil, Konstantinos Boudolos and Elissavet Rousanoglou
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8541; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188541 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 553
Abstract
The tapping paradigm offers valuable insights into movement timing; however, it simplifies mechanics by minimizing force, restricting motion, and relying on a clear contact endpoint. Thus, it may not fully capture the complexity of larger-scale multi-segmental (or single-segment) timed body movements. The aim [...] Read more.
The tapping paradigm offers valuable insights into movement timing; however, it simplifies mechanics by minimizing force, restricting motion, and relying on a clear contact endpoint. Thus, it may not fully capture the complexity of larger-scale multi-segmental (or single-segment) timed body movements. The aim of this study was to extend beyond the tapping paradigm by examining the timing of two large-scale movements commonly performed in physical fitness or rehabilitation modalities, with varying inherent balance threats: two-legged squatting (low balance threat) and standing hip abduction (higher balance threat) paced by a metronome set at the participants’ preferred tempo (N = 39, all physically active). In synchronization with the metronome audio signal, the trunk and shank angular velocities were also recorded to extract the entrainment, synchronization, and pace stability metrics. Paired t-tests indicated similar entrainment in both movements (p > 0.05 for IRI match) but significant differences in timing metrics’ manifestations (p ≤ 0.05, standing hip abduction: 50% greater IRI error, 30% lower synchronization error, 2.6% units lower pace stability). The similar entrainment but different synchronization error and pace stability highlight a complex timing interplay between balance threat/challenges and movement complexity concerning the two large-scale movements employed in physical fitness and rehabilitation modalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)
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10 pages, 628 KiB  
Article
Erythrocyte Phospholipid Fatty Acid Profile in High-Level Endurance Runners
by Francisco Javier Alves-Vas, Víctor Toro-Román, Ignacio Bartolomé Sánchez, Francisco Javier Grijota Pérez, Marcos Maynar-Mariño and Gema Barrientos Vicho
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 3965; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14103965 - 7 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 715
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs) are the major structural component of erythrocyte membranes. Diet and physical exercise directly influence their incorporation and function. Endurance runners engage in high volumes of weekly aerobic training, alternating between low-intensity and high-intensity sessions. The aim of the study was [...] Read more.
Fatty acids (FAs) are the major structural component of erythrocyte membranes. Diet and physical exercise directly influence their incorporation and function. Endurance runners engage in high volumes of weekly aerobic training, alternating between low-intensity and high-intensity sessions. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the erythrocyte FA profile in a group of high-level male endurance runners (EG) with a control group of non-athlete subjects (CG). This observational study was conducted on 85 subjects, 63 high-level male endurance runners (23 ± 3 years; height: 1.76 ± 0.05) and 22 subjects who did not engage in regular physical exercise (21 ± 0.5 years; height: 1.68 ± 0.39). Runners had at least five years of training experience, and all of them were participants in national and international tournaments. FAs determination was performed using gas chromatography. Higher percentages of Palmitic Acid (PA), Stearic Acid (SA), Oleic Acid (OA), Calendic Acid (CA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA), and lower percentages of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) were found in the EG compared to the CG. High-level endurance runners exhibit altered erythrocyte FA profiles with low percentages of omega-3 index (ω-3 index) and DHA, which may affect erythrocyte membrane function as well as their performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)
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Review

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10 pages, 748 KiB  
Review
Assessing Finger Flexor Pulley Injuries in Climbers: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical and Functional Testing Methods
by Rosa Grazia Bellomo, Danilo Bruni, Andrea Pantalone and Claudia Barbato
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 9113; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14199113 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 763
Abstract
Objectives: This systematic review addressed the following questions: what are the most recommended diagnostic criteria for pulley injuries in finger flexors among climbers? What is the best functional or classification clinical test for these injuries based on the available evidence? Materials and Methods: [...] Read more.
Objectives: This systematic review addressed the following questions: what are the most recommended diagnostic criteria for pulley injuries in finger flexors among climbers? What is the best functional or classification clinical test for these injuries based on the available evidence? Materials and Methods: Following the PRISMA Statement checklist, a systematic literature review was conducted between August and September 2023, using a search on the PubMed database with a string of keywords and MeSH terms. The PEDro scale was used to analyze bias in the individual studies examined. Conclusions: Based on the exclusion criteria and research question, 14 articles with heterogeneous study designs were selected. Studies involving diagnosis through clinical examination or instrumental tests were analyzed. The data obtained provide an overview of different diagnostic and classification criteria for the injury under consideration. Ultrasounds remain the gold standard in diagnosing finger pulley injuries. The distance between the tendon and bone is the most used diagnostic criterion, with a distance greater than 2 mm corresponding to an A2 or A4 pulley injury. The clinical sign of bowstringing coincides with a multiple pulley injury involving A2, A3, and A4. Clinical signs, ultrasounds, and grip strength should be evaluated for a comprehensive diagnosis. A grip deficit of 41.4% corresponds to a pulley injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)
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Other

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14 pages, 613 KiB  
Systematic Review
Sedentary Lifestyle, Heart Rate Variability, and the Influence on Spine Posture in Adults: A Systematic Review Study
by Deena Fathima, Joss Lobo, Manuela Angioi, Wiesław Błach, Łukasz Rydzik, Tadeusz Ambroży and Nikos Malliaropoulos
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 6985; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166985 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2817
Abstract
(1) Background: The rise in sedentary lifestyles has led to more spinal malformations in the population. These malformations are connected to the body’s autonomic function, which can negatively impact long-term health. Heart rate variability can be used as a marker to measure how [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The rise in sedentary lifestyles has led to more spinal malformations in the population. These malformations are connected to the body’s autonomic function, which can negatively impact long-term health. Heart rate variability can be used as a marker to measure how different postures affect autonomic health. This systematic review aims to explore the link between posture and heart rate variability and evaluate potential interventions to address the consequences of sedentary lifestyles. (2) Methods: Data sources: Studies exploring the relationship between posture and heart rate variability were found using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane on 1 July 24. Eligibility criteria: People aged 18 years or above with a sedentary lifestyle were included. Studies involving children or participants with spinal/musculoskeletal conditions impacting their ability to walk or sit were excluded as they would not accurately reflect posture analysis. PRISMA guidelines were followed throughout, and the quality assessment was achieved using the QualSyst tool. (3) Results: Out of the 753 papers identified, only five met the eligibility criteria. These studies exhibited heterogeneity regarding interventions, aims, and participant populations. All five studies were prospective case series, enabling analysis and comparisons. (4) Conclusions: According to this study, the seated position, especially the forward truncal flexion, had the most significant impact on heart rate variability and sympathetic tone. It may be inferred that sedentary behavior encourages this stress on the body, which can affect one’s health, increasing the mortality rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)
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