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Advances in the Biomechanics of Sports

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 7819

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 104 Albee, 800 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54904, USA
Interests: biomechanical risk factors and mechanisms of sports and exercise injury; kinetic quantification of plyometric and other resistance exercise; neuromuscular responses and adaptations to resistance training; biomechanics teaching pedagogy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

You are invited to submit a paper to this Special Issue on advances in the biomechanics of sports.

Sports and performance coaches, athletes, and medical personnel, such as athletic trainers and sports medicine physicians, increasingly rely on evidence-based information to inform their practice. Biomechanics is at the forefront of sports science and sports medicine research. Biomechanical principles can inform about and lead to preferential sporting techniques, improved training methods, better rehabilitation programs, safer equipment, and advancements in medical procedures.

In this Special Issue, submissions of contemporary research related to all aspects of sports biomechanics are invited. Possible topic areas broadly include the biomechanics of sports performance, strength and conditioning, and sports injury. Both experimental studies and review papers, including critically appraised topics, are welcome. We look forward to receiving your submissions.

With best regards,

Dr. Brian Wallace
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 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. 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

  • injury
  • rehabilitation
  • sports training
  • brain injury
  • strength and conditioning
  • performance

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1258 KiB  
Article
Video-Biomechanical Analysis of the Shoulder Kinematics of Impact from Sode-Tsurikomi-Goshi and Tsurikomi-Goshi Judo Throws in Elite Adult Judoka
by Maria Pantelidou, Wiesław Błach, Łukasz Rydzik, Tadeusz Ambroży, Ruqayya Lockhart, Manuela Angioi, Krzysztof Sokołowski and Nikos Malliaropoulos
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031152 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to calculate and compare the peak acceleration and peak negative velocity of uke’s shoulder during the course of two judo throwing techniques, Sode-Tsurikomi-Goshi (STG) and Tsurikomi-Goshi (TG). Methods: This study recruited male adult elite judo players [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of this study was to calculate and compare the peak acceleration and peak negative velocity of uke’s shoulder during the course of two judo throwing techniques, Sode-Tsurikomi-Goshi (STG) and Tsurikomi-Goshi (TG). Methods: This study recruited male adult elite judo players with a mean age 26.5 of (SD = ± 8.916), a minimum black belt ranking, and no injuries in the past six months. Participants were selected from the Aris Judo Club, Thessaloniki, Greece, ensuring high-level technique for safe and reliable outcomes. Informed consent was obtained. A Huawei 5T with a 48-megapixel camera was used to record the throws. Kinovea (version 0.8.15) software was used for two-dimensional motion analysis of shoulder displacement during throws and IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25.0, Armonk, NY, USA) with Microsoft Excel were used for the statistical analysis of the data. Results: The peak acceleration of uke’s shoulder during STG was lower than in the case of TG, but the statistical test did not confirm this difference (p = 0.1). The mean peak negative velocity of uke’s shoulder in TG was higher compared to STG, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.04). The test–retest reliability of STG throws was good (ICC = 0.74), and for TG throws, it was moderate (ICC = 0.60). The effect size was large for negative velocity in TG (d Cohen = 1.12) and moderate for acceleration in STG (d Cohen = 0.43). The individual test did not show a statistically significant difference between STG and TG (p = 0.2). Conclusions: A statistically significant difference in peak negative velocity in TG compared to STG would reveal that uke is thrown quicker by tori. Further research on impact forces to determine the effective mass of uke’s shoulder is advised. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanics of Sports)
11 pages, 1320 KiB  
Article
Effect of Post-Activation Potentiation on Weightlifting Performance and Endocrinological Responses
by Shyam Chavda, Angela Sorensen, James Vernau, Frank Hills, Chris Bishop and Anthony Nicholas Turner
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020748 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 522
Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the acute performance-enhancing effects and endocrinological responses of a supramaximal clean pull performed at 120% of clean and jerk, one repetition maximum, on clean performance. Methods: Eight (n = 8) ranked collegiate level weightlifters attended two [...] Read more.
Purpose: This study examined the acute performance-enhancing effects and endocrinological responses of a supramaximal clean pull performed at 120% of clean and jerk, one repetition maximum, on clean performance. Methods: Eight (n = 8) ranked collegiate level weightlifters attended two days of testing in a randomised order. A control session was used to identify a baseline measure of kinetic and kinematic clean performance and endocrinological status following three cleans interspersed with one-minute recovery between repetitions. The experimental condition required participants to perform a single clean pull at 120% of clean and jerk, one repetition maximum, followed by three minutes recovery, prior to executing three cleans with one-minute recovery between repetitions. All cleans were performed on a dual force plate set up, synchronised with a 3D motion capture system to simultaneously record barbell and ground reaction force data. All endocrinological data were measured prior to the participant warming up and also following each testing protocol. Results: The results indicated that no significant differences were found between the control and PAP condition (p = 0.140–0.902); however, effect sizes from group analysis identified moderately negative to trivial effects across kinetic, kinematic and endocrinological variables (d = −0.30–0.14). Further analysis on an individual level demonstrated values, both negative and positive, ranging from extremely large (d = −4.10) to trivial (d = 0.04). Conclusions: The findings suggest a potentially negative affect of PAP on kinetic and kinematic measures of clean performance. However, individual responses varied, and thus some weightlifters may find this useful. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanics of Sports)
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12 pages, 278 KiB  
Article
Explosive Strength and Speed as Potential Determinants of Success in Youth Figure Skating Competitions
by Jiri Helesic and Michal Lehnert
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11861; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411861 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 662
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the extent to which explosive and reactive strength of the lower limbs, as well as acceleration in running and skating speed, predict figure skating competition results in youth skaters. Talented figure skaters aged 8 to 16 years (n [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine the extent to which explosive and reactive strength of the lower limbs, as well as acceleration in running and skating speed, predict figure skating competition results in youth skaters. Talented figure skaters aged 8 to 16 years (n = 211) were divided into two groups: Group 1 (basic novice; age: 10.38 ± 1.10 yrs., height: 1.3889 ± 0.07.26 m, weight: 32.75 ± 4.63 kg) and Group 2 (advanced novice and junior; age: 13.02 ± 1.06 yrs., height: 1.527 ± 0.0818 m, weight: 42.73 ± 7.62 kg). Fifteen variables of physical fitness were measured using tests such as repeated vertical jump, standing long jump, triple jump (right/left leg), 15 m running sprint, and 15 m skating sprint. The competition results were recorded according to the International Skating Union Code of Points. The principal component analysis reduced the fifteen variables to four principal components, explaining 84–87% of the variance. Linear regression models showed that these components significantly explained the variability in the competition scores for both groups. For Group 1, R2 ranged from 0.298 to 0.425, while for Group 2, it ranged from 0.086 to 0.237. Pearson’s R was higher for the mean best score of the season than for the National Championship score. The relative importance of these factors varied across age groups. These findings highlight the need for tailored on- and off-ice training that focuses on locomotion and acceleration for younger skaters and dynamic jump training for older skaters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanics of Sports)
22 pages, 7681 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Relationship Between Foot Position and Reduced Risk of Knee-Related Injuries in Side-Cutting Movements
by Xiuye Qu, Datao Xu, Xiaowei Yang, Ukadike Chris Ugbolue, Huiyu Zhou and Yaodong Gu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11295; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311295 - 4 Dec 2024
Viewed by 827
Abstract
Background: Knee-related injuries often result from poor movement patterns that destabilize the joint and increase stress on knee structures. Understanding the influence of foot positioning on knee biomechanics is critical for identifying high-risk movement patterns and preventing injuries. Methods: Twenty healthy male participants [...] Read more.
Background: Knee-related injuries often result from poor movement patterns that destabilize the joint and increase stress on knee structures. Understanding the influence of foot positioning on knee biomechanics is critical for identifying high-risk movement patterns and preventing injuries. Methods: Twenty healthy male participants performed side-cutting movements at three different foot progression angles. One participant’s data were used to develop and validate a knee finite element model with high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging (DFIS). Combined with a musculoskeletal analysis, the model simulated internal knee loads under various foot-positioning conditions. Results: The analysis revealed that, as the external foot progression angle increased, the ankle plantarflexion decreased, while the ankle internal rotation and knee valgus moments increased. Higher stress concentrations were observed on the ACL, lateral meniscus, lateral tibial cartilage, and medial collateral ligament, particularly at the femoral–tibial ACL attachments. Conclusion: The findings suggest that a toe-out foot position elevates the risk of knee injuries by increasing stress on key structures, whereas a toe-in position may enhance joint stability, reduce the ACL injury risk, and promote favorable muscle activation patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanics of Sports)
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11 pages, 1912 KiB  
Article
Validity and Reliability of a Smartphone App for Vertical Jump Height Assessment Using the Marker Displacement Time Method
by Michał Murawa, Waldemar Krakowiak and Jarosław Kabaciński
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4843; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114843 - 3 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1036
Abstract
The correct assessment of the vertical jump height depends on an accurate and reliable measurement tool. This study aimed to determine the concurrent validity and reliability of the My Jump 2 app used for estimating the maximum height (MH) of the counter-movement jump [...] Read more.
The correct assessment of the vertical jump height depends on an accurate and reliable measurement tool. This study aimed to determine the concurrent validity and reliability of the My Jump 2 app used for estimating the maximum height (MH) of the counter-movement jump (CMJ). Twenty-one male adults participated in this study. The MH of the CMJ was estimated based on the displacement of the jumper’s center of mass (force platform), the displacement time of the reflective marker placed on the jumper’s sacrum (smartphone, My Jump 2-DT) and the flight time of the jumper (smartphone, My Jump 2-FT). The assessment of the concurrent validity showed a poor agreement (ICC = 0.362; Bland–Altman bias = 12.4 cm) between the My Jump 2-FT and force platform (p < 0.001), and a good agreement (ICC = 0.858; Bland–Altman bias = −0.2 cm) between the My Jump 2-DT and force platform (p < 0.001). The ICC values for internal consistency (>0.9) indicated the excellent reliability of all measurement tools (p < 0.001). The findings revealed the high accuracy and good reliability of the My Jump 2 app for the new method of MH estimation for the CMJ, including the displacement time of the marker placed on the jumper’s sacrum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanics of Sports)
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12 pages, 2331 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Core Stability, Athletic Performance, and ACL Injury Risk across a Soccer Season
by Théo A. Weber, Youri Duchene, Frédéric R. Simon, Guillaume Mornieux and Gerôme C. Gauchard
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4116; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104116 - 13 May 2024
Viewed by 2938
Abstract
Soccer athletic performance varies across a soccer season due to training and fatigue. In addition, it is known that core stability is linked with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk but their variations over a season are unknown. The aim of the study [...] Read more.
Soccer athletic performance varies across a soccer season due to training and fatigue. In addition, it is known that core stability is linked with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk but their variations over a season are unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the evolution of core stability, athletic performance, and ACL injury risk among young high-level soccer players at four key moments of a season: pre-season (PRE), start of season (START), mid-season (MID), and the end of the season (END). Core stability scores increased until mid-season, while ACL injury risk scores (measured during sidestep cuttings and single-leg landing) decreased thanks to an injury prevention program between START and MID. These results are in line with the literature, which demonstrates that a high level of core stability is linked to a low injury risk. Evolution of athletic performance was not consistent throughout the season, being dependent on the specific phases of training performed by the athletes. Therefore, assessing core stability, athletic performance, and ACL injury risk multiple times across a soccer season could help coaches to adapt their training programs properly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Biomechanics of Sports)
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