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Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition

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 April 2025 | Viewed by 7253

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Alfonso Penichet-Tomás

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physical Education and Sport Area, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
Interests: sports performance analysis; sports technology; biomechanics; notational analysis; sports physiology; exercise testing; physical training; strength and conditioning; rowing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to present this Special Issue about applied biomechanics in sports performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Improvements in modern technology devices have allowed sport scientists to collect more and more detailed information on sports fields and movement performance analysis. The availability of a wide range of kinetic and kinematic parameters has produced significant improvements in our capacity to analyse various aspects of sports performance.

In addition, biomechanical studies have enabled the development of efficient movement patterns, proper postural habits and energy conservation through the economy of movement. Proper biomechanical analysis can help athletes detect these potential problems before injury occurs, allowing athletes to make conscious changes in the way they move and reduce the risk of injury. Finally, the study of biomechanics is used in physical therapy to quantitively measure the changes in movement that have occurred and design programmes to help return movement to normal or improve the athlete's ability to control their body movement.

The main objective of this Special Issue is to cover the latest advances in biomechanics applied to improve sports performance, prevent the risk of injury or facilitate optimal rehabilitation in athletes.

Dr. Alfonso Penichet-Tomás
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.

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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

  • sport performance
  • biomechanical analysis
  • sports technology
  • clinical biomechanics
  • kinematic
  • kinetic
  • motor rehabilitation
  • movement training
  • prevention
  • rehabilitation

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1331 KiB  
Article
Test–Retest Reliability and Concurrent Validity of FysioMeter C-Station Assessing Lower-Limb Muscle Strength via Isometric Mid-Thigh Pulls
by Mathias G. Sakstrup, Andreas Schmidt, Seth O’Neill, Brady Green, Martin G. Jørgensen and Andrew J. T. Stevenson
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031234 - 25 Jan 2025
Viewed by 596
Abstract
The isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) is a reliable method to assess lower limb isometric muscle strength. A portable device (FysioMeter C-station) could serve as a suitable alternative. The reliability and concurrent validity of the FysioMeter C-station have not been evaluated for the IMTP [...] Read more.
The isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) is a reliable method to assess lower limb isometric muscle strength. A portable device (FysioMeter C-station) could serve as a suitable alternative. The reliability and concurrent validity of the FysioMeter C-station have not been evaluated for the IMTP unilateral test. The aims of this study were to (1) examine the between-session reliability of the unilateral IMTP test for the left and the right legs using the C-station, and (2) explore the concurrent validity of these measures when compared to gold standard force plates (AMTI). Twenty healthy, recreationally active males (age: 23 ± 4 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.60 m, weight: 79.6 ± 10.8 kg) participated and completed test sessions one week apart. The participants performed the following: (i) three bilateral IMTPs on dual force plates (AMTIBI); (ii) three unilateral IMTPs on each leg on a single force plate (AMTIRIGHT, AMTILEFT); and (iii) three unilateral IMTPs on each leg on the C-station (CSRIGHT, CSLEFT). The peak force was measured in all the testing modalities and an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) were used to evaluate the reliability and validity. The C-station showed good between-session reliability for CSLEFT (ICC = 0.84) and CSRIGHT (ICC = 0.85). A strong concurrent validity (PCC ≥ 0.82) was found for the C-station compared to the gold standard (AMTI). The C-station appears to be reliable for measuring unilateral IMTP in recreationally active males. Furthermore, strong concurrent validity of the C-station compared to the gold standard was demonstrated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition)
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27 pages, 2931 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Artificial Breast Volume Induction on Postural Stability, Postural Orientation, and Neuromuscular Control in Healthy Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Diana C. Guedes, Daniela F. Carneiro, Leonel A. T. Alves, Ana S. C. Melo, Juliana Moreira, Bruno Cunha, Rubim Santos, Andreia Noites and Andreia S. P. Sousa
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020579 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 488
Abstract
(1) Background: The percentage of breast augmentations has increased in recent years alongside the frequency of implant removals. Musculoskeletal and postural disorders are often overlooked during this removal process. Research indicates that excess anterior load from breast implants can disrupt postural control and [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The percentage of breast augmentations has increased in recent years alongside the frequency of implant removals. Musculoskeletal and postural disorders are often overlooked during this removal process. Research indicates that excess anterior load from breast implants can disrupt postural control and potentially lead to short- or long-term musculoskeletal dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the immediate changes in postural control after artificial breast augmentation in healthy female volunteers. (2) Methods: Spinal angles, the center of pressure (CoP), and electromyographic activity of the spinal muscles were recorded in the static position and during the functional reach test (FRT) without and with implants of different volumes (220 mL, 315 mL, and 365 mL). Subjective perceptions of effort, comfort, weight, and performance in the FRT were also assessed. (3) Results: Statistical differences were significant in the scapular elevator during the one-minute standing position (lower activation with the 220 mL implant compared to the control and 315 mL) and in the trapezius muscles during the FRT (lower activation in the upper trapezius in the 315 mL vs. control in the reach phase and 220 mL vs. control in the return phase and higher activation in the lower trapezius in the 315 and 365 mL vs. control in the reach phase). Additionally, significant differences were identified in the performance of the FRT and the associated subjective perceptions. (4) Conclusions: Breast implants with sizes of 220, 315, and 365 mL can alter scapular neuromuscular control, but these differences do not seem substantial enough to result in negative biomechanical effects in the short-term analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 2435 KiB  
Article
Validity and Feasibility of the Seated Medicine Ball Throw and Unilateral Shot-Put Tests in Assessing Upper Extremity Function in Rotator-Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain
by Michal Linkovski, Jeremy Lewis and Hilla Sarig Bahat
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 12038; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142412038 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1389
Abstract
Background: Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain, functional disability, reduced mobility, and weakness. There is a need for valid functional tests that can measure shoulder strength and power without exacerbating pain. The Seated Medicine Ball Throw [...] Read more.
Background: Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain, functional disability, reduced mobility, and weakness. There is a need for valid functional tests that can measure shoulder strength and power without exacerbating pain. The Seated Medicine Ball Throw (SMBT) and Unilateral Shot-Put Test (ULSPT) are throwing tests that use a weighted ball in a seated position, measuring throwing distance (m). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, discriminative validity, and convergent validity of these tests in individuals with RCRSP. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 64 participants: 30 with RCRSP and 34 asymptomatic controls. Participants completed the QuickDASH and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). Pain was assessed using a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) at multiple time points. The SMBT and ULSPT were performed using a 2 kg ball, with throwing distance calculated as the average of three trials. Active shoulder range of motion (AROM) and grip strength were also measured. A two-way mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to examine group effects, with post hoc analyses performed where relevant. Pearson correlations explored associations among outcome measures. Results: The RCRSP group presented with persistent moderate shoulder pain (mean duration = 6.33 ± 5.7 months, VAS = 5.03 ± 1.99 cm, QuickDASH = 26.2 ± 10.54). Pain did not significantly increase after throwing (VAS change = 0.5 ± 1.6 cm, P = 0.4), supporting the tests’ feasibility. ULSPT demonstrated significant differences between the RCRSP and control groups for both symptomatic (2.03 ± 0.81 m) and asymptomatic shoulders (2.04 ± 0.8 m) compared with controls (2.51 ± 0.93 m, P < 0.01). SMBT showed a trend toward group differences (P = 0.05). RCRSP participants showed reduced AROM (166.2 ± 10° vs. 175.1 ± 8.2°) but similar grip strength compared to controls. ULSPT strongly correlated with SMBT (r = 0.92–0.94, P < 0.0001). Both throwing tests correlated moderately with grip strength (r = 0.61–0.81, P < 0.05) and showed mild to moderate correlations with disability, pain, and fear-avoidance measures (r = 0.26–0.48, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The ULSPT demonstrated good discriminative validity in differentiating individuals with RCRSP from controls, while the SMBT showed a trend toward discrimination. Both tests were feasible to administer without significantly exacerbating pain. The strong correlation between ULSPT and SMBT, along with their associations with established measures, supports their potential as functional assessments of upper extremity performance in RCRSP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 2135 KiB  
Article
Impact of Visual Kinesthetic Illusions on Reciprocal Inhibition and Motor Function
by Takeru Okouchi, Ryo Hirabayashi, Nao Sugai, Hirotake Yokota, Chie Sekine, Tomonobu Ishigaki, Makoto Komiya, Kodai Sakamoto and Mutsuaki Edama
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11725; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411725 - 16 Dec 2024
Viewed by 620
Abstract
Reciprocal inhibition is often diminished in elderly individuals and those with upper motor neuron disorders. This reduction in reciprocal inhibition can hinder smooth joint movement. For subjects who have increased muscle tone and a limited range of motion in the joints, we focused [...] Read more.
Reciprocal inhibition is often diminished in elderly individuals and those with upper motor neuron disorders. This reduction in reciprocal inhibition can hinder smooth joint movement. For subjects who have increased muscle tone and a limited range of motion in the joints, we focused on visual kinesthetic illusions as an intervention to increase reciprocal inhibition. We aimed to investigate the effects of visual kinesthetic illusions on reciprocal inhibition and motor function in the ankle joint. Participants participated in two experiments measuring reciprocal inhibition, namely reciprocal Ia inhibition and D1 inhibition, as well as motor functions related to ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. Visual kinesthetic illusion was induced by displaying an image of each subject’s foot on a monitor. Our results showed that the visual kinesthetic illusion enhanced D1 inhibition and improved motor function in the ankle joint by prioritizing agonist muscle activity. We also observed a correlation between reciprocal inhibition and the muscle activity ratio. These findings suggest that visual kinesthetic illusions may improve motor function by increasing reciprocal inhibition. This study is the first to demonstrate the effects of visual kinesthetic illusion on reciprocal inhibition, and we believe that these findings can be applied in rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 627 KiB  
Article
The Endocrine and Body Composition Responses to Accentuated Eccentric Loading Performed in Cluster Sets During a Strength–Endurance Training Block
by Kurt W. McDowell, Alex Long, Daniel Gahreman, D. Andrew Nelson, Nicholas J. Goode, Ryan P. Lis, Sungwon Chae, Satoshi Mizuguchi, Marten Baur, Kevin F. Breuel, Marco Duca, John P. Wagle, Andy C. Fry and Michael H. Stone
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11332; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311332 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1038
Abstract
This study investigated the endocrine responses to accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) paired with cluster sets (CSs) versus traditional training (TRAD). Seventeen recreationally active subjects (male = 11, females = 6, age = 23.18 ± 4.15 yrs, height = 1.72 ± 0.1 m, body [...] Read more.
This study investigated the endocrine responses to accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) paired with cluster sets (CSs) versus traditional training (TRAD). Seventeen recreationally active subjects (male = 11, females = 6, age = 23.18 ± 4.15 yrs, height = 1.72 ± 0.1 m, body mass = 81.29 ± 22.18 kg, back squat-to-body mass ratio = 1.55 ± 0.33, and bench press-to-body mass ratio = 1.06 ± 0.28) were randomly allocated into AEL and TRAD groups and trained for 4 weeks. The training was performed during a strength–endurance block with the target load consisting of three sets of 10 repetitions. The AEL group performed three sets of 10 for the squat and bench press using AEL every other repetition (5 AEL repetitions per set). In this protocol, CSs were also performed as one AEL repetition plus one traditional repetition followed by 15 s rest. Resistance training was performed three days a week, whilst sprint and agility training were performed two days a week. Testosterone (T), cortisol (C), creatinine (CREA), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed pre- and post-test. With a series of 2 × 2 repeated-measure ANOVA, the differences in the means between the two training methods and across time were compared. No statistically significant differences in resting blood variables or body composition were observed between the AEL and TRAD protocols after 4 weeks of training. Whilst the results marginally favored the use of AEL, these results did not support significant improvements in body composition or hormonal responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 872 KiB  
Article
Do Different Next-to-Skin Garments Change Thermal Sensation, Jump Height and Landing Knee Valgus After Cold Exposure?
by Ben Kasehagen, Susan Morris and Kevin Netto
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11263; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311263 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 530
Abstract
Exposure to the cold can negatively affect muscle performance. This study compared the effects of two different full-length, lower body, next-to-skin garments on thermal sensation, countermovement jump (CMJ) height and knee frontal plane angle upon landing following cold exposure against a control. After [...] Read more.
Exposure to the cold can negatively affect muscle performance. This study compared the effects of two different full-length, lower body, next-to-skin garments on thermal sensation, countermovement jump (CMJ) height and knee frontal plane angle upon landing following cold exposure against a control. After familiarisation, 13 male and 11 female recreationally active adults attended three separate laboratory testing sessions where a randomly assigned next-to-skin garment was used (compression, thermal and control (shorts)). A pre- and post-testing protocol comprising CMJ and drop landings interspersed with a sedentary cooling period of 40 min at 0 °C was adopted. High-speed motion analysis and subjective ratings of thermal sensation were recorded. Exposure to the cold significantly reduced thermal sensation (p < 0.001) scores and CMJ height (p < 0.001). Only female participants felt significantly warmer (p ≤ 0.009) in the next-to-skin garments. Losses in CMJ height were significantly reduced by the next-to-skin garments compared to the control with the thermal garment producing better results. There was little change in knee frontal plane angle upon landing in all the garments tested. Ambient cooling at 0 °C for 40 min had a significant effect on CMJ height and thermal sensation but not knee valgus upon landing. Participants in winter sports should consider next-to-skin garments in conjunction with proper warm-ups and re-warming techniques to protect themselves from the negative effects of the cold. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 1085 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Sensorimotor Training Program for Aerial Maneuvers in Junior Surfers
by Pedro Seixas, Raul Oliveira, Isabel Carita, Ian Davis and Miguel Moreira
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10159; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210159 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 740
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a sensorimotor training program on maximum ankle dorsiflexion (ankle DF), coordination, dynamic balance and postural control, and lower-limb muscle power, in competitive junior surfers, and its relation to parameters of sensorimotor control [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a sensorimotor training program on maximum ankle dorsiflexion (ankle DF), coordination, dynamic balance and postural control, and lower-limb muscle power, in competitive junior surfers, and its relation to parameters of sensorimotor control required to perform aerial maneuvers. Twelve junior competitive surfers followed a 7-week sensorimotor training program, being assessed pre- and post-program with the knee-to-wall test (KW), Y-Balance test—lower quarter (YBT-LQ), and the countermovement jump test (CMJ). Post-training assessment revealed positive effects on the KW (ankle DF) distance, which increased approximately 2 cm (p < 0.001) for both ankles, and all scores for the YTB-LQ (coordination, dynamic balance, and postural control) variables increased, being significant (p < 0.005) for some reach distances (YBT-LQ—Anterior Left, YBT-LQ—Postero-medial Left, and YTB-LQ Anterior Right). YBT-LQ Anterior Reach Asymmetry also improved by decreasing 1.62 cm (p < 0.001) and the CMJ height (lower limb muscle power) increased 2.89 cm (p < 0.001). The training program proved to effectively enhance parameters of physical performance for this sample, including ankle DF, coordination, dynamic balance, postural control, and lower limb muscle power. This tailored-made task approach can help to optimize surfing performance capabilities and contribute to reducing the risk of injuries while performing aerials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 1104 KiB  
Article
Effects of Successive Annual Training on Young Swimmers’ Strength Asymmetries and Performance
by Gavriil G. Arsoniadis and Argyris G. Toubekis
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9508; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209508 - 18 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1262
Abstract
This study aimed to compare changes in swimmers’ performance, biomechanical variables, and strength asymmetries within two successive training years. Eight competitive age-group swimmers (four males and four females; age: 14.8 ± 1.3 years) were tested before and after the same 12-week mesocycle period [...] Read more.
This study aimed to compare changes in swimmers’ performance, biomechanical variables, and strength asymmetries within two successive training years. Eight competitive age-group swimmers (four males and four females; age: 14.8 ± 1.3 years) were tested before and after the same 12-week mesocycle period within two successive years (Year-1, Year-2). The swimmers were timed in 50, 200, and 400 m, and the stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI) were calculated. SI was calculated by the product of SL with swimming speed. Dryland shoulder isometric strength (ISO), hand grip isometric strength test (HG), and in-water maximum 30 s tethered swimming force (TF) were evaluated. The asymmetry index was calculated using ISO, HG, and TF tests as [(Fd − Fnd)/0.5 × (Fd + Fnd)] × 100, where Fd is strength in the dominant hand and Fnd is strength in the non-dominant hand. Performance time improved in 200 and 400 m, while the asymmetry indices calculated by the ISO, HG, and TF tests were similar after 12 weeks of training in both Year-1 and Year-2 (p = 0.01). Changes (Δ) in HG strength asymmetries correlated with Δ in 200 and 400 m in Year-2 (r = 0.78–0.87, p = 0.01). The asymmetry index does not change after two successive years of training but may be connected to performance changes in 200 and 400 m front crawl. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to present this Special Issue about applied biomechanics in sports performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Improvements in modern technology devices have allowed sport scientists to collect more and more detailed information on sports fields and movement performance analysis. The availability of a wide range of kinetic and kinematic parameters has produced significant improvements in our capacity to analyse various aspects of sports performance.

In addition, biomechanical studies have enabled the development of efficient movement patterns, proper postural habits and energy conservation through the economy of movement. Proper biomechanical analysis can help athletes detect these potential problems before injury occurs, allowing athletes to make conscious changes in the way they move and reduce the risk of injury. Finally, the study of biomechanics is used in physical therapy to quantitively measure the changes in movement that have occurred and design programmes to help return movement to normal or improve the athlete's ability to control their body movement.

The main objective of this Special Issue is to cover the latest advances in biomechanics applied to improve sports performance, prevent the risk of injury or facilitate optimal rehabilitation in athletes.

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