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Biomechanics and Sport Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects
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Biomechanics and Sport Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 7641

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ana Martins Amaro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Coimbra, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: composites structures; nanocomposite; structural integrity; finite element analysis; biomechanics; impact; non-destructive analysis; mechanical properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luís Roseiro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Polytechnic of Coimbra, ISEC, Rua Pedro Nunes, Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: applied biomechanics; experimental stress analysis; structural optimization; medical devices

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The cooperation between engineering and sport in research activities has grown and is a firm reality. This connection has allowed for studies to be conducted and innovative products to be developed that actively improve the performance of professional and amateur athletes. Helping to prevent injuries, which can inhibit sports practice during leisure or competition, is a challenge faced by athletes and coaches. Both coaches and athletes can benefit from the knowledge that studies in biomechanics can impart to them. Biomechanics can help improve athletes' performance, helping to define training methodologies to optimise athletes' performance and reduce or even prevent injuries.

This Special Issue aims to present the latest advances in biomechanics and sports engineering concerning the understanding of the mechanisms underlying athletes' responses during training, performance improvement, and occurrence of injuries, as well as providing information on the design of equipment and devices used by athletes and coaches. Original research studies and systematic reviews are welcome to this Special Issue.

Dr. Ana Martins Amaro
Dr. Luís Roseiro
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • sport biomechanics
  • exercise performance
  • injury evaluation and rehabilitation
  • injury prevention
  • athletic training

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 908 KiB  
Article
Amplitude of Biceps Femoris Activation and Triaxial Acceleration in a 50-Meter Test in Sprinters: Pilot Study
by Julio Martín-Ruiz, Ignacio Tamarit-Grancha, Clara Gallego-Cerveró, Alberto Pardo-Ibáñez, Carlos Cordente-Martínez and Laura Ruiz-Sanchis
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9534; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209534 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 664
Abstract
Objective: To describe the relationship between bilateral electrical activity in the biceps femoris and the variation of triaxial acceleration in three 50 m sprints. Methods: Biceps femoris muscle activation and acceleration in the anterior–posterior, mediolateral, and superior–inferior axes were measured in three 50 [...] Read more.
Objective: To describe the relationship between bilateral electrical activity in the biceps femoris and the variation of triaxial acceleration in three 50 m sprints. Methods: Biceps femoris muscle activation and acceleration in the anterior–posterior, mediolateral, and superior–inferior axes were measured in three 50 m sprints in nine national-level sprinters. Results: There was significant asymmetry between both legs, and the variations between axes were significant between the anterior–posterior with respect to the lateral and superior–inferior, and between the lateral and superior–inferior (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Increased biceps femoris activation during running increases speed regardless of asymmetry in force application. In the maintenance of horizontal velocity, acceleration of the anterior–posterior axis is the most relevant and depends on the flexion-extension muscle actions contained in the lateral axis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Sport Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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13 pages, 820 KiB  
Article
Less Total-Body Fat and Lower-Extremity Fat Are Associated with More High-Intensity Running during Games in Female University Soccer Players
by Stephanie Di Lemme, Lorenzo Accurso, Tristan Castonguay, Maryse Fortin, Richard DeMont and Geoffrey Dover
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8992; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198992 - 6 Oct 2024
Viewed by 594
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between body composition and on-field, in-game physical performance in female collegiate soccer players. Body composition, including total mass, fat mass, and lean tissue mass for the lower extremities and total body, was measured in 10 starting players using [...] Read more.
This study examined the relationship between body composition and on-field, in-game physical performance in female collegiate soccer players. Body composition, including total mass, fat mass, and lean tissue mass for the lower extremities and total body, was measured in 10 starting players using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). On-field, in-game physical performance was tracked via a global positioning system (GPS) over 14 regular-season games, measuring total distance and distance covered in six speed zones. Players covered 4544.7 ± 495.2 m in the first half of the game and significantly less distance in the second half (3356.5 ± 1211.7 m, p = 0.004). A repeated measures ANOVA revealed decreased distances in jogging, low-, and moderate-intensity running during the second half compared to the first half of the game (p < 0.001). Lower total-body fat mass, total-body fat percentage, and lower-extremities fat mass were correlated with greater distances at moderate- and high-intensity running during the second half and entire game (r values from −0.644 to −0.745, p < 0.01 to 0.04). These findings suggest that body composition can influence the distance covered at moderate- and high-intensity running speed during competitive games. Training strategies aimed at reducing fat mass and incorporating high-intensity training may benefit female soccer players and enhance team success. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Sport Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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13 pages, 1888 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Exercise Order on Velocity Performance in the Bench Press and the Squat: A Comparative Study
by Rogério Martins Pereira, Diogo Luís Marques, Ana Ruivo Alves, Daniel Almeida Marinho, Pedro Pombo Neves, António José Silva and Henrique Pereira Neiva
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7436; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177436 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 690
Abstract
We analyzed the influence of exercise order using the bench press and squat as the first or second exercise of the session on velocity performance. Ten male trained individuals (20.9 ± 0.7 years) randomly performed two protocols of three sets of six repetitions [...] Read more.
We analyzed the influence of exercise order using the bench press and squat as the first or second exercise of the session on velocity performance. Ten male trained individuals (20.9 ± 0.7 years) randomly performed two protocols of three sets of six repetitions at 80% of their one-repetition maximum with different exercise sequences: the bench press followed by the squat (BP + S) and the squat followed by the bench press (S + BP). A linear velocity transducer attached to the Smith machine barbell measured the mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak velocity (PV), and time to peak velocity. Additionally, blood lactate and heart rate were measured. Regarding the bench press, differences were found in the MPV in the first (BP + S: 0.50 ± 0.07 m·s−1 vs. S + BP: 0.42 ± 0.08 m·s−1; p = 0.03, g = 0.72) and second sets (0.50 ± 0.06 m·s−1 vs. 0.42 ± 0.07 m·s−1; p = 0.03, g = 0.73), and in the PV in the second set (0.74 ± 0.09 m·s−1 vs. 0.63 ± 0.09 m·s−1; p = 0.02, g = 0.86). Regarding the squat, although the S + BP sequence tended to show higher velocities, no significant differences were found between protocols. These results showed that squatting first decreased subsequent bench press velocity performance. On the other hand, squat velocity performance was not impaired when preceded by the bench press. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Sport Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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16 pages, 1143 KiB  
Article
Women’s Singles Tennis Match Analysis and Probability of Winning a Point
by Alfonso Gutiérrez-Santiago, Pablo Cidre-Fuentes, Eduardo Orío-García, Antonio José Silva-Pinto, Xoana Reguera-López-de-la-Osa and Iván Prieto-Lage
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6761; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156761 - 2 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 945
Abstract
(1) Background: The analysis of women’s tennis performance has not been extensively explored by the scientific community, necessitating further research to understand the tactical actions occurring in matches. This research aimed to examine the chance of winning a point in professional women’s tennis [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The analysis of women’s tennis performance has not been extensively explored by the scientific community, necessitating further research to understand the tactical actions occurring in matches. This research aimed to examine the chance of winning a point in professional women’s tennis based on the key variables that influence performance in the sport. (2) Methods: Data from 3239 points were examined across three distinct court surfaces, sourced from the final rounds (starting with the quarterfinals) of three Grand Slam tournaments in the 2021 season. An observational methodology was employed, using various analysis techniques: descriptive and chi-square analyses, with a significance level of p < 0.05. (3) Results: The probability of winning a point on the first serve was 61% on clay, 70% on grass, and 69% on hard courts. For second serves, the probability of winning the point varied between 55% and 57%, depending on the court surface. Additionally, the majority of points, ranging from 70% to 71%, concluded with short rallies, involving one to four shots. On clay courts, the server won up to 65% of points with a first serve and a short rally, while the success rate increased to 75% on both grass and hard courts. For medium-length rallies (5–8 shots), the probability of winning the point dropped to 55–57%. The point outcome (winner, forced error, and unforced error) varied according to court surface, serve type, and rally length. (4) Conclusions: Descriptive data from this research on the probability of winning a point could assist coaches and players in developing match strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Sport Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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8 pages, 493 KiB  
Article
Sport-Specific Abdominal Wall Muscle Differences: A Comparative Study of Soccer and Basketball Players Using Ultrasonography
by Carlos Romero-Morales, Jorge Hugo Villafañe, Unai Torres, Diego Miñambres-Martín, Helios Pareja-Galeano, Isabel Rodríguez-Costa and Sergio L. Jiménez-Sáiz
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5742; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135742 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 967
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to compare the thickness of abdominal wall muscles—the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), rectus abdominis (RA), and inter-recti distance (IRD)—between amateur soccer and basketball players using ultrasonography. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 35 [...] Read more.
Aim: This study aims to compare the thickness of abdominal wall muscles—the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), rectus abdominis (RA), and inter-recti distance (IRD)—between amateur soccer and basketball players using ultrasonography. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 35 male amateur athletes, including 17 soccer players and 18 basketball players. Ultrasonographic measurements of the EO, IO, TrAb, RA muscles, and IRD were taken while the muscles were in a relaxed state for all the participants in both sides. Results: Significant differences were found in the RA muscle thickness, with basketball players showing a greater mean thickness compared to soccer players. No significant differences were observed in the TrAb, IO, and EO muscles between the two groups. The IRD showed a trend towards larger separation in basketball players, though this was not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study highlights sport-specific adaptations in the RA muscle, likely due to the distinct physical demands of basketball and soccer. The findings underscore the importance of tailored training and rehabilitation programs that consider these morphological differences to enhance performance and reduce injury risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Sport Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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11 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Changes in Contractile Properties of Muscle after Anaerobic Exercise
by Justyna Dydek, Katarzyna Bliźniak, Hugo Sarmento, Andreas Ihle, Élvio Rúbio Gouveia, Janusz Iskra and Krzysztof Przednowek
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 3078; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14073078 - 6 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1096
Abstract
Tensiomyography (TMG) has been described as an effective method for identifying differences in muscle response to athletic training stimuli. However, there is a lack of studies that evaluated changes in muscle contractile properties in response to anaerobic effort and related these changes to [...] Read more.
Tensiomyography (TMG) has been described as an effective method for identifying differences in muscle response to athletic training stimuli. However, there is a lack of studies that evaluated changes in muscle contractile properties in response to anaerobic effort and related these changes to Wingate test parameters in more than one lower limb superficial muscle. The main contribution of this work is to evaluate changes in the contractile properties of muscles in response to anaerobic exercise. In a group of 20 physically active men, the body composition analysis was performed using a Tanita DC-360 device. The anaerobic effort was assessed by a Wingate test (30 s), and the contractile properties of muscles were measured using a TMG S2 device. The TMG parameters were measured in selected superficial muscles of the dominant lower limb. The study also calculated indices of the differences (d) and the size of the effect (r). An anaerobic effort in the form of the Wingate test resulted in greater stiffness (Dm) in the vastus lateralis muscle (p = 0.0365; r = 0.47) and a delayed response to stimulus (Td) in the vastus lateralis (p = 0.0239; r = 0.51) and vastus medialis (p = 0.0031; r = 0.66) muscles. The half relaxation time (Tr) (p = 0.0478; r = 0.44) and sustained contraction time (Ts) (p = 0.0276; r = 0.49) in the rectus femoris muscle were also increased. In contrast, a prolonged stimulus-response time (Td) with a decrease in sustained contraction time (Ts) was observed in the gastrocnemius lateralis (Td: p = 0.0054; r = 0.64 and Ts: p = 0.0012; r = 0.74) and gastrocnemius medialis (Td: p = 0.0229; r = 0.52 and Ts: p = 0.0054; r = 0.64) muscles. A significant decrease in contraction time (Tc) (p = 0.0051; r = 0.63) occurred only in the soleus muscle. In addition, significant correlations were shown between selected changes in contractile properties of muscle and parameters of the Wingate anaerobic test. Anaerobic exercise has a significant effect on changes in skeletal muscle contractility parameters. TMG is an effective method for identifying differences in muscle response to sports training stimuli. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Sport Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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Review

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18 pages, 1164 KiB  
Review
A Systematic Review of Osteotomies to Correct Hallux Valgus in the First Metatarsal
by M. Santos, L. Roseiro, E. Cortesão Seiça and A. M. Amaro
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 3043; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14073043 - 4 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1737
Abstract
Hallux valgus is one of the most common deformities of the forefoot. When addressing hallux valgus, surgical management plays a central role, with the majority of techniques consisting of cutting (osteotomy) and reshaping the overall anatomy of the metatarsal and phalanx. Understanding and [...] Read more.
Hallux valgus is one of the most common deformities of the forefoot. When addressing hallux valgus, surgical management plays a central role, with the majority of techniques consisting of cutting (osteotomy) and reshaping the overall anatomy of the metatarsal and phalanx. Understanding and analyzing the results of many osteotomies to treat hallux valgus is essential. This systematic review aims to summarize a structure of the different practices used through osteotomies to correct hallux valgus in the metatarsal, the results obtained, and the methodologies used to provide a follow-up. This systematic search was carried out using three databases: the National Library of Medicine, Science Direct, and Sage Journals. This research mainly focused on analyzing the outcomes and post-operative results of the various osteotomies of the first metatarsal manuscripts that addressed more than just the procedure analysis or its results, which were excluded, as in the case of combined pathologies. Fifteen manuscripts were included for full-text analysis based on comparative/explanatory studies of surgical procedures for hallux valgus metatarsal osteotomies and their clinical outcomes. The clinical results were analyzed in two aspects: the dimensional analysis of the metatarsal before and after the surgical procedure and the technologies used to obtain the follow-up. This review will guide future research into the more comprehensive use of the metatarsal osteotomy process and where engineering can and should intervene and make the procedures more precise and straightforward. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Sport Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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