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Advances in the Functional Evaluation and Biomechanics of the Human Movement

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 9021

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Andrea Ancillao

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Guest Editor

1. Functional Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Unit, Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development, TU Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria
2. Robotics Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
Interests: biomechanics; sensors; functional evaluation; signal processing; artificial intelligence
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The most modern measurement techniques have enabled the development of novel and advanced functional evaluation methods. Thanks to these techniques, it is now possible to accurately and quantitatively describe the performance of many motor tasks. These methods find important applications in many fields, from rehabilitation medicine, follow-up, and analytical biomechanics to sport science and performance improvement. Such techniques involve the use of advanced instrumentation and hardware, such as optoelectronic systems, integrated sensor systems, metabolic consumption, and various wearable technologies.

The advances in data processing techniques have played an important part in the quality and usability of the information obtained from such measurements. Modern machine learning methods and the most advanced statistical techniques may provide some very powerful tools for data classification, the automated identification of abnormal patterns, support for the diagnosis of motor disorders, and the scoring of motor performance.

The current research is moving towards novel methodologies aiming to: (i) simplify the data collection procedures from the clinical point of view; (ii) increase the accuracy and reliability of the measurements; (iii) identify reliable functional evaluation methods; (iv) increase the knowledge about motor-related pathologies and the effect of treatments.

The idea behind this Special Issue is to create a collection of high-quality papers concerning the state-of-the-art methods and findings in the field of motion analysis, biomechanics, sensors, and data processing.

Methodological papers, observational/experimental studies, and clinical applications in the form of original research and review articles are open for submission to this Special Issue.

Precedence will be given to papers presenting innovative results in the following topics: biomechanics, comfort, ergonomics, human motion analysis, performance evaluation, occupational medicine, rehabilitation medicine, work-related injuries, modern measurement techniques, sensors and sensor systems, wireless sensor networks, data processing methods, machine learning and artificial intelligence applied to human performance, clinical information systems and data storage, and digital healthcare.

Papers concerning topics not previously listed but related to them may also be considered.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Bioengineering.

Dr. Andrea Ancillao
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. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 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 2500 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

biomechanics
functional evaluation
protocols
data analysis
machine learning
artificial intelligence
gait analysis
human motion analysis
motion capture
inertial sensors
human performance
rehabilitation
wearable sensors
modeling
simulation
measurement systems
biomechanical analysis
strength of materials
force analysis
strength analysis
novel technologies

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Foot Morphology on the Center of Pressure Pattern in Patients with Down Syndrome

by Cristina Ferrario, Claudia Condoluci, Marco Tarabini, Carlotta Maria Manzia, Gabriella Di Girolamo, Massimiliano Pau and Manuela Galli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2769; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20042769 - 4 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1382

Abstract

Background: The primary aim of this study was to assess how different conformations of the foot in individuals with Down syndrome affected the CoP during walking, and the secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of an excess of mass in young adults and children with Down syndrome and flat foot. The greater investigation of these aspects will allow for more targeted rehabilitation treatments to improve a patient’s quality of life. Methods: The tests were carried out on 217 subjects with Down syndrome, 65 children and 152 young adults, and on 30 healthy individuals, 19 children and 11 young adults. All subjects underwent gait analysis, and the group with Down syndrome was also assessed with baropodometric tests to evaluate foot morphology. Results: The statistical analysis showed that within both the young adult and child groups, the CoP pattern in the anterior–posterior direction reflected a difficulty in proceeding in the walking direction compensated by a medio–lateral swing. The gait of children with Down syndrome was more impaired than that of young adults. In both young adults and children, a higher severity of impairment was found in overweight and obese female individuals. Conclusions: These results suggest that the sensory deficits and the development of hypotonic muscles and lax ligaments of the syndrome lead to morphological alterations of the foot that, combined with the physical characteristics of short stature and obesity, negatively impact the CoP pattern of people with Down syndrome during walking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Functional Evaluation and Biomechanics of the Human Movement)

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8 pages, 341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlation of the Handgrip Strength and Body Composition Parameters in Young Judokas

by Antonio Carlos Tavares Junior, Henrique Santos Silva, Tiago Penedo, Leandro George Spínola do Amaral Rocha, Alexsandro Santos da Silva, Rubens Venditti Junior and Júlio Wilson Dos-Santos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2707; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032707 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1260

Abstract

Maximum isometric handgrip strength (MIHS) is a relevant parameter for judo performance and is related to health. Understanding the association between MIHS and MIHS relative (MIHSrel) and the absolute lean mass of the arm (LMarm) and the percentage of body fat (%BF) can provide important information for performance and health. The study aimed to investigate the correlation between MIHS and MIHSrel with the LMarm and the %BF of young judokas (sub-19, 15 males and 14 females). MIHS was measured using a multipurpose digital dynamometer with a load cell for computer. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The correlation between MIHS, MIHSrel with LMarm and %BF was verified through Pearson’s correlation, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Correlation between MIHSrel and %BF was very high only in female judokas for both arms (right, r = −0.76; left, r = −0.75). Correlations between LMarm and MIHS of the right and left arms ranged from very high to almost perfect for both sexes (r = 0.74 to 0.94). These results highlight the importance of strengthening the arms in young judokas, and controlling body fat for performance and health, especially in female judokas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Functional Evaluation and Biomechanics of the Human Movement)

9 pages, 780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Procedure for Knee Flexion Angle Estimation Based on Functionally Defined Coordinate Systems and Independent of the Marker Landmarks

by Andrea Ancillao, Arno Verduyn, Maxim Vochten, Erwin Aertbeliën and Joris De Schutter

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010500 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1141

Abstract

Knee angles are kinematic quantities that are commonly presented in gait analysis reports. They are typically calculated as the relative angles between the anatomical coordinate systems rigidly attached to the femur and the tibia. To give these angles a biomechanical meaning, the coordinate systems must be defined with respect to some anatomical landmarks. For example, if one axis of the joint coordinate systems is directed along the knee flexion/extension axis, then the relative angle assumes the meaning of flexion/extension angle. Defining accurate anatomical coordinate systems is not an easy task, because it requires skills in marker placement, landmark identification and definition of a biomechanical model. In this paper, we present a novel method to (i) functionally define two coordinate systems attached to femur and tibia and (ii) functionally calculate the knee angle based on the relative differential kinematics between the previously defined coordinate systems. As the main limitation, this method is unable to provide an absolute measurement of the knee flexion/extension angle; however, it is able to accurately capture and display the relative angular motion of the knee. We show that our method produced consistent results even when the measured coordinate systems were randomly modified, removing any anatomical referencing. The proposed method has the advantage of being independent/invariant of the choice of the original coordinate systems of the femur and tibia, removing the need for accurate marker placement. Some major consequences are that (i) the markers may be placed on optimal landmarks, for example, minimizing the soft tissue artifacts or improving the subject’s comfort, and (ii) there is no need for anatomical calibration when technical marker clusters/triads are used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Functional Evaluation and Biomechanics of the Human Movement)

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12 pages, 2048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validity of the Baiobit Inertial Measurements Unit for the Assessment of Vertical Double- and Single-Leg Countermovement Jumps in Athletes

by Federica Camuncoli, Luca Barni, Sebastiano Nutarelli, Jacopo Emanuele Rocchi, Matteo Barcillesi, Irene Di Dio, Andrea Sambruni and Manuela Galli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14720; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214720 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2009

Abstract

Jump tests are simple, quick to execute, and considered the most reliable tool to measure lower extremities power and explosiveness in athletes. Wearable inertial sensors allow the assessment of jumping performance on any surface. The validity of inertial sensors measurements is a pivotal prerequisite to reliably implement their utilization in the clinical practice. Twenty-seven athletes (20 M/7 F, age: 27 ± 7 years old) performed five double-leg countermovement jumps (CMJs) and three single-leg CMJs per side with their hands on their hips. Jump height was measured/computed simultaneously with the optoelectronic system, force platforms, and the Baiobit inertial sensor system. The athletes completed the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). When comparing the methods (Baiobit vs. force platforms), a non-statistically significant bias of 1.8 cm was found for two-leg CMJs and −0.6 cm for single-leg CMJs. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) was “excellent” for double-leg CMJs (ICC = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.89–0.94) and “good” for single-leg CMJs (ICC = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.85–0.91). When comparing the methods (Baiobit vs. force platforms + optoelectronic system), a non-statistically significant bias of −0.9 cm was found for two-leg CMJs and −1.2 cm for single-leg CMJs. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was “good” for both double-leg CMJs (ICC = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.73–0.85) and for single-leg CMJs (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.80–0.89). Baiobit tends to overestimate double- and single-leg CMJ height measurements; however, it can be recommended in the world of rehabilitation and sport analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Functional Evaluation and Biomechanics of the Human Movement)

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10 pages, 1519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Running Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Barefoot vs. a New Ankle Foot Orthosis

by Federica Camuncoli, Alessia Barbonetti, Luigi Piccinini, Eugenio Di Stanislao, Claudio Corbetta, Gabriele Dell’Orto, Filippo Bertozzi and Manuela Galli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14203; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114203 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2526

Abstract

Running is an essential activity for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aims to characterize the locomotor pattern of running in hemiplegic children with new generation ankle foot orthosis (AFOs) conceived to foster intense motor activities such as running. A group of 18 children with spastic hemiplegia was recruited. A biomechanical multivariable comparison was made between barefoot and with AFO running trials. The focus was devoted to bilateral sagittal plane hip, knee, ankle kinematics and kinetics, and three-dimensional ground reaction forces. Wearing the orthoses, the children were found to reduce cadence and the duration of the stance phase as well as increase the step and stride length. The new AFO resulted in significant changes in kinematics of affected ankle both at initial contact 0–3% GC (p < 0.017) and during the entire swing phase 31–100%GC (p < 0.001) being the ankle more dorsiflexed with AFO compared to barefoot condition. Ankle power was found to differ significantly both in absorption and generation 5–10%GC (p < 0.001); 21–27%GC (p < 0.001) with a reduction in both cases when the AFO was worn. No statistical differences were recorded in the GRF components, in the affected ankle torque and hip and knee kinematics and kinetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Functional Evaluation and Biomechanics of the Human Movement)

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