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Applied Sciences
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Adaptive Locomotion in Humans: From Development to Clinical Application
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Adaptive Locomotion in Humans: From Development to Clinical Application

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 August 2026 | Viewed by 1870

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yuri Ivanenko

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
Interests: neurophysiology; neuroscience; biomechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Germana Cappellini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Systems Medicine and Center of Space Biomedicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Interests: spinal cord; rehabilitation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human locomotion is a complex and dynamic process involving the seamless integration of neurological, biomechanical, and developmental systems. Adaptive locomotion—the ability to modify gait in response to environmental, cognitive, or physiological challenges—is essential for functional mobility across a patient’s lifespan. This Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted nature of adaptive locomotion in humans, bringing together cutting-edge research from developmental studies in children, neuromechanics, and neuroscience to clinical applications in gait assessment and rehabilitation. Topics of interest include the development of motor control strategies in early childhood, neural and mechanical adaptations during walking and running, sensorimotor integration, and the use of novel technologies and methodologies for gait diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. We especially welcome interdisciplinary studies that link fundamental science to translational outcomes, contributing to the understanding of gait disorders and the development of evidence-based rehabilitation protocols. This Special Issue will serve as a platform for researchers, clinicians, and engineers to share insights that advance our knowledge of human locomotion and its applications in health, disease, and recovery.

Dr. Yuri Ivanenko
Dr. Germana Cappellini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • human locomotion
  • adaptive locomotion
  • neuromechanics
  • biomechanics
  • developmental systems
  • gait assessment and rehabilitation

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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21 pages, 1065 KB  
Article
The Effects of Secondary Motor and Cognitive Tasks on Gait Depend on Functional Walking Ability in Non-Traumatic Neurological Patients: A Feasibility Pilot Study
by Daniela De Bartolo, Liliana Baleca, Domenico De Angelis, Ugo Nocentini and Marco Iosa
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031484 - 2 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 575
Abstract
Adaptive locomotion requires the integration of cognitive and motor processes and is challenged in neurological disorders. Dual-task (DT) training may improve cognitive–motor coordination, but its feasibility across heterogeneous clinical populations is uncertain. This pilot study aimed to understand if the effects of a [...] Read more.
Adaptive locomotion requires the integration of cognitive and motor processes and is challenged in neurological disorders. Dual-task (DT) training may improve cognitive–motor coordination, but its feasibility across heterogeneous clinical populations is uncertain. This pilot study aimed to understand if the effects of a secondary motor or cognitive task added to a walking task depend on the functional walking abilities of the subjects. We enrolled 30 participants with neurological disorders not related to traumatic events, 5 for each one of the following groups: healthy young subjects (HeY), healthy control subjects (HeC), subjects with stroke (ictus, IC), Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and Long-COVID sequelae (LC). Spatiotemporal gait parameters were recorded using a wearable inertial magnetic unit, and subjective workload was assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) and NASA-Task Load Index. Regression models revealed strong baseline–DT coupling for stride duration (slopes 1.11–1.37; R2 0.85–0.97), stride length (slopes 0.93–0.94; R2 0.86–0.93), walking speed (slopes 0.87–0.98; R2 0.78–0.93), and gait ratio (stance/swing, slopes 0.38–0.60; R2 0.21–0.52). Mixed-effects analyses identified significant group effects for walking speed (F(5) = 7.218, p < 0.001), stride length (F(5) = 4.834, p = 0.001), gait cycle duration (F(5) = 5.630–5.664, p < 0.001), Walking Quality (F(5) = 4.340–4.373, p = 0.001), and propulsion index (F(5) = 5.668–6.843, p < 0.001). The incongruent DT condition was the most sensitive in differentiating clinical groups. NASA-TLX indicated higher perceived workload in IC and MS compared with non-clinical groups. The protocol was completed by all participants without adverse events, supporting the feasibility of the procedure in this pilot sample. Its predictable scaling across baseline gait metrics supports its use as a personalized rehabilitation tool for diverse neurological populations. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07254377). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Locomotion in Humans: From Development to Clinical Application)
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Commentary
Gait Speed as a Functional Vital Sign in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Normative Values, Clinical Thresholds, and Digital Measurement
by Thomas W. Wainwright
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2287; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052287 - 27 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 801
Abstract
Walking (or gait) speed is recognised as a robust indicator of health status, functional capacity, and physiological reserve across the lifespan; however, its objective measurement remains underused in routine musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice. This commentary argues that gait speed is underutilised in musculoskeletal physiotherapy [...] Read more.
Walking (or gait) speed is recognised as a robust indicator of health status, functional capacity, and physiological reserve across the lifespan; however, its objective measurement remains underused in routine musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice. This commentary argues that gait speed is underutilised in musculoskeletal physiotherapy despite its strong prognostic and functional relevance, and proposes its cautious adoption as a functional vital sign to support more objective, standardised, and interpretable rehabilitation decision making. Evidence from an orthopaedic population undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty illustrates the persistent gap between surgical success and functional recovery, as reflected in sustained deficits in walking speed relative to healthy benchmarks. Methodological issues in gait speed assessment are considered, and the potential future role of wearable sensors and digital health technologies in capturing real-world locomotor performance is highlighted. Overall, the evidence suggests that gait speed can provide an objective, low-cost, and scalable measure that integrates multiple domains of musculoskeletal function. Therefore, the routine integration of gait speed into physiotherapy assessment may help to quantify functional impairment, support personalised rehabilitation, reduce practice variation, and align musculoskeletal care with contemporary adaptive and digitally enabled healthcare models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Locomotion in Humans: From Development to Clinical Application)
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