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Advances in Foot Biomechanics and Gait Analysis, 2nd Edition
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Advances in Foot Biomechanics and Gait Analysis, 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 September 2025 | Viewed by 3596

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Rubén Sánchez-Gómez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nursing, University Complutense of Madrid, 28041 Madrid, Spain
Interests: biomechanics; posture; sports injuries; sport biomechanics; sports science; musculoskeletal disorders; movement analysis; rehabilitation; physical rehabilitation; treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Foot biomechanics is a primary topic in the scientific field and it concerns the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. This area of study has the potential to provide optimal results and detail pathologies that are extremely harmful to patients and their diminish quality of life dramatically.

In this sense, the interpretation and understanding of foot biomechanics changes on a daily basis because there is not a full and clear paradigm capable of explaining normal and abnormal foot behaviour.

Gait analysis devices and instruments of foot biomechanical assessment, which are breakthroughs in foot science, provide better and more accurate data. This advance enables the study of musculoskeletal disorders and provides many pathways through which to understand injury, discover new treatments, and even uncover new preventive strategies for avoiding injury.

Advances in foot biomechanics and gait analysis are the future of human biomechanics, musculoskeletal and related sport sciences, traumatology, and rehabilitation.

Prof. Dr. Rubén Sánchez-Gómez
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • foot biomechanics
  • gait analysis
  • sport sciences
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • treatment pathologies

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1505 KiB  
Article
Differential Recruitment of Medial and Lateral Gastrocnemius During Heel Raises: Role of Ankle ROM, Unilateral Execution, and Limb Dominance
by Ana María Ferri-Caruana, Alvaro Juesas, Angel Saez-Berlanga and Juan C. Colado
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8731; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158731 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 339
Abstract
Background: The medial (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles exhibit differential activation patterns during plantar flexion tasks. However, the influence of range of motion (ROM), exercise type (unilateral vs. bilateral), and limb dominance on muscle activity during heel raise exercises (HREs) remains unclear. [...] Read more.
Background: The medial (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles exhibit differential activation patterns during plantar flexion tasks. However, the influence of range of motion (ROM), exercise type (unilateral vs. bilateral), and limb dominance on muscle activity during heel raise exercises (HREs) remains unclear. Methods: Nineteen physically active adults performed unilateral and bilateral HREs under two ankle ROM conditions: neutral (NROM) and full (FROM). Surface electromyography (EMG) was collected from both legs during each condition and normalized to peak values recorded during overground sprinting. Results: MG activity was significantly higher during the FROM than the NROM, in both the dominant leg (F = 11.55, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.47) and the non-dominant leg (F = 6.63, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.31), and was not affected by exercise type. In contrast, LG activity increased significantly during unilateral versus bilateral HREs, especially in the dominant leg during the FROM (F = 17.47, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.52) and in the non-dominant leg (F = 5.44, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.25). Activation ratios (MG:LG) differed significantly between dominant and non-dominant legs only in the unilateral FROM (p = 0.03). MG activation during the unilateral FROM was comparable to sprinting values, highlighting its high neuromuscular demand. Conclusion: The MG and LG respond differently to exercise parameters. The MG is primarily influenced by ROM, whereas the LG is sensitive to both exercise type and limb dominance. These findings emphasize the importance of ROM manipulation and unilateral training to target specific gastrocnemius regions. FROM and unilateral execution optimize gastrocnemius activation, with implications for rehabilitation and performance programs targeting calf musculature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Foot Biomechanics and Gait Analysis, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
Study of Force Changes Based on Orthotic Elements Under the First Ray
by Marina Ballesteros-Mora, Pedro V. Munuera-Martínez, Natalia Tovaruela-Carrión, Antonia Sáez-Díaz and Javier Ramos-Ortega
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7708; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147708 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 328
Abstract
The first ray plays a fundamental role in foot biomechanics, particularly in stabilizing the medial longitudinal arch and enabling efficient weight transfer during the mid-stance and propulsion phases of gait. When dorsiflexed—a condition known as metatarsus primus elevatus—especially in its flexible form, this [...] Read more.
The first ray plays a fundamental role in foot biomechanics, particularly in stabilizing the medial longitudinal arch and enabling efficient weight transfer during the mid-stance and propulsion phases of gait. When dorsiflexed—a condition known as metatarsus primus elevatus—especially in its flexible form, this structure disrupts load distribution, impairs propulsion, and contributes to various clinical symptoms. Despite its clinical importance, the biomechanical impact of orthotic elements placed beneath the first ray remains underexplored. This study aimed to quantify the variations in medio-lateral (Fx), antero-posterior (Fy), and vertical (Fz) force vectors generated during gait in response to different orthotic elements positioned under the first ray. A quasi-experimental, post-test design was conducted involving 22 participants (10 men and 12 women) diagnosed with flexible metatarsus primus elevatus. Each participant was evaluated using custom-made insoles incorporating various orthotic elements, while gait data were collected using a dynamometric platform during the mid-stance and propulsion phases. Significant gait-phase-dependent force alterations were observed. A cut-out (E) reduced medio-lateral forces during propulsion (p < 0.05), while a kinetic wedge (F) was correlated with late-stance stability (r = −0.526). The foot posture index (FPI)/body mass index (BMI) mediated the vertical forces. The effect sizes reached 0.45–0.42 for antero-posterior force modulation. Phase-targeted orthoses (a cut-out for propulsion, a kinetic wedge for late stance) and patient factors (FPI/BMI) appear to promote biomechanical efficacy in metatarsus primus elevatus, enabling personalized therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Foot Biomechanics and Gait Analysis, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 264 KiB  
Article
Comparative Kinematic Analysis of Patellar vs. Hamstring Autografts in ACL Reconstruction on Side-Hop Test Performance
by Ana Costa, Pedro Fonseca, Maria Correia, António Barros, Filipa Sousa and Manuel Gutierres
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5569; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105569 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 1342
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the biomechanical differences in knees that underwent reconstruction using four-strand hamstring or bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts during the side-hop test. This case–control study included 46 participants: 18 controls, and 28 individuals who underwent reconstruction with hamstring (n = [...] Read more.
This study aimed to analyze the biomechanical differences in knees that underwent reconstruction using four-strand hamstring or bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts during the side-hop test. This case–control study included 46 participants: 18 controls, and 28 individuals who underwent reconstruction with hamstring (n = 15) or patellar (n = 13) tendons. The Theia Markerless system and Visual3D provided information on knee kinematics, namely time of contact with the ground, maximum varus and valgus angles, and flexion during maximum valgus and varus. Additionally, we assessed the activity levels of the participants pre- and post-surgery using the Tegner Activity Scale. Data analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Significant differences were observed in terms of contact time with the ground between the control and autograft groups (p = 0.025, g = −1.13; p = 0.014, g = −1.09), but not between the autograft groups. Other variables did not demonstrate statistically significant differences; however, there was a slight tendency to greater valgus in patellar autografts and greater varus with hamstring tendons. The absence of significant differences between the groups may indicate that both autografts allow knee kinematics restoration by engaging neuromuscular and proprioceptive mechanisms that compensate for anatomical alterations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Foot Biomechanics and Gait Analysis, 2nd Edition)

Review

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30 pages, 1029 KiB  
Review
Home-Based Lower Limb Exercises for Individuals with Diabetes: A Scoping Review
by Sylwia Bęcławska, Michalina Błażkiewicz, Piotr Czyżewski, Tomasz Rutkowski and Jacek Wąsik
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4552; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084552 - 20 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1099
Abstract
Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect millions worldwide, significantly increasing the risk of amputation, mortality, and reduced quality of life. While conventional interventions such as specialized footwear and podiatric care can mitigate ulceration risks, they do not address the biomechanical factors contributing to [...] Read more.
Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect millions worldwide, significantly increasing the risk of amputation, mortality, and reduced quality of life. While conventional interventions such as specialized footwear and podiatric care can mitigate ulceration risks, they do not address the biomechanical factors contributing to ulcer recurrence. Emerging evidence suggests that lower limb exercises may play a role in secondary DFU prevention. This scoping review aims to synthesize available research on home-based lower limb exercise programs for individuals with diabetes mellitus, focusing on feasibility, adherence, and their impact on foot biomechanics and ulcer prevention. Methods: A search was conducted across six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) for studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. Eligible studies included those assessing home-based lower limb exercises in diabetic individuals, with interventions lasting at least four weeks. Studies focusing on supervised exercises, pharmacological interventions, or non-diabetic populations were excluded. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, featuring a range of home-based exercise interventions, such as muscle strengthening, stretching routines, proprioceptive training, functional mobility exercises, and range-of-motion activities. These interventions demonstrated notable effectiveness, leading to improved foot biomechanics, more even plantar pressure distribution, enhanced balance, and reduced ulcer recurrence (in some cases). One study, for instance, reported a significant decrease in ulcer recurrence, with only 16% of participants in the intervention group experiencing relapse compared to 72% in the control group after 24 weeks. Adherence rates varied across studies but were generally higher when programs included structured guidance through educational booklets, mobile applications, or consistent phone follow-ups ranging from 41% to 92.5%. Nonetheless, the findings tend to be tempered by methodological differences between studies and a lack of robust long-term follow-up data. Conclusions: Home-based lower limb exercises show promise in improving foot function and preventing DFU recurrence. Further research is needed to standardize protocols, enhance adherence, and confirm long-term effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Foot Biomechanics and Gait Analysis, 2nd Edition)
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