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Symmetry
Special Issues
Application of Symmetry in Biomechanics
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Application of Symmetry in Biomechanics

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 4416

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dragan Mirkov

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Belgrade, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: applied sport and clinical biomechanics
Prof. Dr. Saša Đurić

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Guest Editor
Liberal Arts Department, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait
Interests: mechanics; biophysics
Prof. Dr. Vedrana Sember

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: physical activity; physical education and training; academic achievement cognition; physical fitness

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Symmetry is vital in biomechanics and sports science in injury prevention, rehabilitation, performance optimization, biomechanical analysis, and understanding human movement. Symmetrical movement patterns are vital in reducing injury risks by maintaining balance in the body and are essential in rehabilitation to ensure even load distribution. In sports, symmetry correlates with more efficient and effective performance, prompting athletes to train to improve symmetrical strength, flexibility, and movement. It also serves as a crucial parameter in biomechanical analysis, helping to assess techniques and identify areas for improvement with the aid of modern technology.

Despite its significance, the application of symmetry in this field faces challenges such as individual variability, where athletes exhibit different levels of symmetry, making it hard to set universal standards. The complexity of measuring and analyzing symmetry, especially in dynamic movements, remains a hurdle, with ongoing research dedicated to developing more precise tools. Understanding the impact of asymmetry is complex, as some can be natural or beneficial in specific sports contexts. Developing training interventions that improve symmetry without causing other imbalances is a delicate and research-intensive task. Additionally, there is a need for more longitudinal studies to understand better the long-term effects of symmetry and asymmetry on injury risk and athletic performance. While symmetry is a fundamental aspect of biomechanics and sports science, it presents several challenges in measurement, analysis, and practical application in training and rehabilitation protocols.

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue inviting research contributions on the role of symmetry in biomechanics and sports science, focusing on its multifaceted challenges and unresolved questions. This Special Issue seeks to cover various aspects, including injury prevention, rehabilitation, performance optimization, and biomechanical analysis. Submissions that delve into topics such as individual variability in athletes' symmetry, advancements in measuring and analyzing symmetry in dynamic movements, and the interplay between symmetry and asymmetry in different sports contexts are encouraged. Contributions that investigate training interventions for improving symmetry and longitudinal studies on the long-term effects of symmetry and asymmetry on injury risk and athletic performance are also welcome. This Special Issue aims to be a hub for pioneering research and comprehensive insights that enhance our understanding of symmetry's practical applications in biomechanics and sports science.

Prof. Dr. Dragan Mirkov
Prof. Dr. Saša Đurić
Prof. Dr. Vedrana Sember
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

  • biomechanical symmetry
  • sports science
  • injury prevention and rehabilitation
  • performance optimization
  • biomechanical analysis

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

9 pages, 1139 KiB  
Article
The Test–Retest Reliability of a Belt-Fixated Dynamometer for Assessing Maximal Knee Strength, Inter-Limb Asymmetries, and Hamstring–Quadriceps Ratios
by Nenad Nedović, Stevan Jovanović, Danilo Vujičić, Chris Bishop and Žiga Kozinc
Symmetry 2024, 16(11), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16111541 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Evaluating maximal strength, inter-limb asymmetries, and the hamstring-to-quadriceps (HQ) ratio is essential for identifying strength deficits in athletes. This cross-sectional study assessed the test–retest (inter-visit) reliability of the EasyForce dynamometer for knee extension and flexion strength in 21 young healthy participants (11 women [...] Read more.
Evaluating maximal strength, inter-limb asymmetries, and the hamstring-to-quadriceps (HQ) ratio is essential for identifying strength deficits in athletes. This cross-sectional study assessed the test–retest (inter-visit) reliability of the EasyForce dynamometer for knee extension and flexion strength in 21 young healthy participants (11 women and 10 men; age = 19.4 ± 0.7 years). The dynamometer demonstrated excellent relative reliability, with ICC values of 0.99 for knee extension and 0.95–0.98 for knee flexion. Absolute reliability was also acceptable (typical error = 5.63–16.44 N; coefficient of variation = 3.94–6.80%). Reliability for inter-limb asymmetries (ICC = 0.90) and HQ ratios (ICC = 0.91–0.92) was good to excellent. Agreement for inter-limb asymmetry direction between visits was excellent for knee extension (κ = 0.90) and substantial for knee flexion (κ = 0.71). These findings suggest that EasyForce is reliable for assessing muscle strength, inter-limb asymmetries, and HQ ratios in physically active adults. Future research should explore the broader applicability of EasyForce in muscle strength assessment, particularly for professional athletes and during rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Symmetry in Biomechanics)
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15 pages, 302 KiB  
Article
Rapid Assessment of Morphological Asymmetries Using 3D Body Scanner and Bioelectrical Impedance Technologies in Sports: A Case of Comparative Analysis Among Age Groups in Judo
by Jožef Šimenko, Hrvoje Sertić, Ivan Segedi and Ivan Čuk
Symmetry 2024, 16(10), 1387; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16101387 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 592
Abstract
(1) Background: The advancement of technologies has made morphological assessment rapid and reliable. A combination of 3D body scanning (3D-BS) and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) could be essential in monitoring the morphological status of athletes and the general population and their symmetries for coaches, [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The advancement of technologies has made morphological assessment rapid and reliable. A combination of 3D body scanning (3D-BS) and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) could be essential in monitoring the morphological status of athletes and the general population and their symmetries for coaches, researchers and medical professionals. (2) Methods: The current study presents the use of Inbody-720 BIA and 3D-BS NX-16 for analyzing the asymmetry profile of an athlete in 2 min on a sample of 106 male judo competitors from the following age categories: older boys—U14 (N = 24), younger cadets—U16 (N = 31), cadets—U18 (N = 17), juniors—U21 (N = 19) and seniors (N = 15). Variables observed were arm lean mass, upper arm, elbow, forearm and wrist girth, leg lean mass, thigh length, thigh, knee and calf girth. The paired sample t-test, asymmetry index (AI) and Kruskal–Wallis analysis were used at p ≤ 0.05; (3) Results: Morphological asymmetries were detected in all age categories: seniors—three, U21—four, U18—three, U16—five and U14—four. The most common asymmetrical variable in all categories was the forearm girth, while thigh length, knee girth and upper arm girth presented symmetrical variables in all age categories. AI showed that the size of the asymmetries did not differentiate between the age groups. (4) Conclusions: The current study demonstrated great potential for combining BIA and 3D-BS for rapid asymmetry detection that would allow for monitoring and quick adjustments to the training process in youth to senior age categories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Symmetry in Biomechanics)
13 pages, 1374 KiB  
Article
Inter-Limb Asymmetry in Female Sepak Takraw Players: An Observational Study
by Htet Zayar, Chris Mawhinney and Kornkit Chaijenkij
Symmetry 2024, 16(7), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16070902 - 15 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1023
Abstract
This study investigated the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetry in 21 professional female sepak takraw players across several task-specific tests. Five inter-limb asymmetry assessments were employed: unilateral countermovement jump (Uni-CMJ), bilateral countermovement jump (Bi-CMJ), single-leg hop (SLH), triple hop test (THOP), and [...] Read more.
This study investigated the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetry in 21 professional female sepak takraw players across several task-specific tests. Five inter-limb asymmetry assessments were employed: unilateral countermovement jump (Uni-CMJ), bilateral countermovement jump (Bi-CMJ), single-leg hop (SLH), triple hop test (THOP), and isokinetic concentric peak torque of the knee flexors and extensors at 60 deg/s−1, 120 deg/s−1, and 180 deg/s−1 angular velocities. A “true” inter-limb asymmetry was only observed for Uni-CMJ jump height (16.62%) and THOP distance (6.09%). Kappa coefficients demonstrated fair agreement in the direction of asymmetry between the Uni-CMJ and Bi-CMJ tests for jump height (Kappa = 26.67), but only slight agreement for peak force (Kappa = 0.11), propulsive impulse (Kappa = −0.12), and eccentric impulse (Kappa = −0.14). Fair agreement was observed between the SLH and THOP (Kappa = 0.32). Slight to moderate agreement was found for concentric peak torque across angular velocities for the knee extensors (Kappa = 0.08 to 0.48), while fair to nearly perfect agreement was noted for the knee flexors (Kappa = 0.31 to 1). The Uni-CMJ and THOP are most sensitive to detect between-limb asymmetries in female sepak takraw players. Given the inconsistencies in asymmetry direction across tests, monitoring asymmetry direction is important for strength and conditioning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Symmetry in Biomechanics)
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10 pages, 643 KiB  
Article
Agreement between Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Single and Triple Unilateral Hops, and Associations with Bilateral Jumping and Sprint Performance in U17 and U19 Soccer Players
by Jernej Pleša, Ažbe Ribič, Filip Ujaković, Žiga Kozinc and Nejc Šarabon
Symmetry 2024, 16(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16020186 - 4 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1702
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the agreement regarding the direction of interlimb asymmetry (ILA) between different horizontal jumping tests, to examine the differences in ILA between different age categories and to assess the relationship between ILA and sprint and jump [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the agreement regarding the direction of interlimb asymmetry (ILA) between different horizontal jumping tests, to examine the differences in ILA between different age categories and to assess the relationship between ILA and sprint and jump performance. The sample included 38 elite youth male soccer players from two distinct age categories (U17 and U19). The testing procedure consisted of a 10 m sprint test, unilateral and bilateral broad jumps, and unilateral and bilateral triple hops. The results showed moderate correlation and fair agreement in the direction of ILA between single broad jumps and single-leg triple hops (κ = 0.42; p = 0.014). The magnitude of ILAs tended to be larger in the unilateral triple hop (5.41 ± 5.25%) compared to the unilateral single hop (3.54 ± 2.67%). Furthermore, the older group had smaller ILA magnitudes in both jumping tests, with significant differences between age groups being observed only in single hops (p = 0.46; d = 0.78). Additionally, significant associations were found only between the ILA unilateral triple hop with bilateral single jump (r = −0.39) and sprint performance (r = 0.40), while ILA in the broad jump showed no significant associations with performance metrics. Based these results, the unilateral triple hop could be recommended as the preferred horizontal jump variation for screening soccer players. Furthermore, in line with the literature, mean ILA in horizontal jumps were far below the commonly used threshold of >10–15% (mean ILA 3.5–6.5%), which suggests that the ILA threshold for horizontal jumps should be reconsidered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Symmetry in Biomechanics)
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