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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 7386

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Dr. Arthur H. Dewolf

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics of Human Locomotion, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Interests: biomechanics; neuromechanics; sport biomechanics; motor development
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Dear Colleagues,

We are inviting manuscript submissions for a Special Issue on “Neuromechanics: The Relationship between Neural Control and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics”.

In this Special issue, the relationship between motor control and musculoskeletal biomechanical is addressed. To generate the movement of simple or complex body segments, neurological and biomechanical control is required. To control a targeted movement, an infinite number of segmented trajectories are available, all under the control of several actuators (muscles) that should be co-ordinated. Understanding how an individual's central nervous system directs all different levels of redundancy and how it manages the different biomechanical constraints to select a solution to perform the movement remains a scientific challenge.

The aim of this Special issue is to summarize the most important neuro-biomechanical parameters influencing human performance related to the health sciences and sports in individuals with different ages and with various clinical conditions.

Dr. Arthur Dewolf
Guest Editor

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Keywords

gait analysis
human movement science
motor control
posture

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Occlusal Splints on Temporomandibular Disorders and Well-Being Among Fibromyalgia and Bruxism Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

by Maria Esteve and Juan Ignacio Rosales Leal

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4465; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084465 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 238

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of occlusal splints on temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and well-being in patients with fibromyalgia and bruxism. This experimental study assessed the impact of Michigan-type occlusal splints on TMDs and well-being in fibromyalgia and bruxism patients and healthy individuals. Methods: This quasi-experimental study assesses the impact of an intervention on TMD symptoms and overall well-being in patients with fibromyalgia and bruxism. A total of 266 participants were divided into three groups: bruxism with fibromyalgia (ABFG, n = 37), sleep bruxism with fibromyalgia (SBFG, n = 53), awake bruxism without fibromyalgia (ABG, n = 45), sleep bruxism without fibromyalgia (SBG, n = 85), and a healthy control group (HG, n = 46). All participants received a rigid acrylic occlusal splint and counseling on behavioral changes. Pre- and post-treatment questionnaires measured various variables, including jaw function (JFLS-8), anxiety (GAD-7), oral health impact (OHIP-14), well-being (WHO-5), sleep quality (PSQI), and symptoms such as bruxism, TMJ pain, headaches, and jaw locking. Results: The study demonstrated that occlusal splints significantly improved various outcomes in patients with bruxism and fibromyalgia. For the ABFB, significant reductions were observed in JFLS-8, GAD-7, OHIP-14, and PSQI and increases in WHO-5 scores (p < 0.001). Similar improvements were noted in the SBFB. The ABG group showed significant changes in JFLS-8, OHIP-14, and WHO-5, but not in GAD-7 or PSQI. Furthermore, SBG exhibited significant improvements across all measures except WHO-5. Patients in the HG showed only slight changes in PSQI. Additionally, significant reductions in the prevalence of TMJ pain, headaches attributed to TMJ, and jaw locking were noted across the bruxism groups. Conclusion: This study finds that occlusal splints significantly enhance symptoms of TMD and enhance overall well-being, especially in patients with fibromyalgia. Significant improvements were observed in JFLS-8, GAD-7, OHIP-14, PSQI, and WHO-5 scores, alongside a marked reduction in the prevalence of TMJ pain, TMJ-related headaches, and jaw locking. This highlights occlusal splints as an effective therapeutic option for managing both physical and psychological symptoms in fibromyalgia patients. However, the benefits for healthy individuals were minimal, suggesting a need for further research on long-term effects and treatment optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuromechanics: The Relationship between Neural Control and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics)

12 pages, 798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Neural Load on Hamstring Stretching upon Flexibility, Maximum Isometric Strength, and Tibial Nerve Pressure Pain Threshold in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Clinical Trial

by Carlos Fernández-del Rivero, Pablo García-Gil, Juan Mínguez-Cruz, Daniel Pecos-Martín, Samuel Fernández-Carnero, Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa and Daniel Rodríguez-Almagro

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020683 - 12 Jan 2025

Viewed by 917

Abstract

(1) Background: Stretching has been shown to improve flexibility, muscle activation, and coordination, but its effects may depend on neural tension during the stretch. This study evaluated the short- and medium-term effects of hamstring stretching with and without neural load on flexibility, tibial nerve pressure pain threshold, and maximum isometric strength. (2) Methods: Seventy-eight healthy participants (mean age: 24.96 ± 6.11 years) were randomly assigned to stretching programs with (n = 39) or without neural load (n = 39). Flexibility, pressure pain threshold, and maximum isometric strength were assessed at baseline, after the first session, at the end of the intervention, and one month later. (3) Results: The group using neural load showed significant flexibility improvements after the first session (MD = −5.2; p < 0.001), which were maintained at two months (MD = −8.6; p < 0.001) and follow-up (MD = −6.4; p < 0.001). In the control group, flexibility gains diminished at follow-up (MD = −3.9; p = 0.052). Other variables showed no significant changes across time points. (4) Conclusions: Since neither treatment showed superior efficacy, no specific stretching type could be recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuromechanics: The Relationship between Neural Control and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics)

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18 pages, 2213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Shoulder–Elbow Movement with Exponential Parameter Identification During Walking Gaits for Healthy Subjects and Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

by Luca Pietrosanti, Giovanni Saggio, Martina Patera, Antonio Suppa, Franco Giannini and Cristiano Maria Verrelli

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020668 - 11 Jan 2025

Viewed by 683

Abstract

Background: This paper aims to complement the latest contribution in the literature that provides estimates of physiological parameters of a dynamic model for the elbow time profile during walking while linking them to a neurodegenerative disorder (Parkinsons’s disease) characterized by motor symptoms. An upper limb model is here proposed in which an active contractile element is included within a model, viewing the arm as a double pendulum system and muscles as represented by a Kelvin–Voight system. All model parameters characterizing both the shoulder and the elbow of each subject are estimated via a gradient-like identifier whose exponential convergence properties are determined by a non-anticipative Lyapunov function, ensuring robustness features. Methods: Joint angle data from different walking subjects (healthy subjects and patients with Parkinson’s disease) have been recorded using an IMU sensor system and compared with the joint angles obtained by means of the proposed model, which was adapted to each subject using available anthropometric knowledge and relying on the estimated parameters. Results: Experiments show that the reconstruction of shoulder and elbow time profiles can be definitely achieved through the proposed procedure with the estimated stiffness parameters turning out to constitute objective and quantitative indices of muscle stiffness (as a pivotal symptom of the pathology), which are able to track changes due to the therapy. Conclusions: The same dynamic model is actually able to capture the main features of the upper limb movement of both (healthy and pathological) walking subjects, with its parameters, in turn, characterizing the nature and progress of the pathology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuromechanics: The Relationship between Neural Control and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics)

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15 pages, 441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Cognitive Tasks on Biomechanical Adjustments During Single-Leg Drop Landings in Individuals with Functional Ankle Instability

by Zilong Wang, Mengya Lu, Lingyu Kong, Lingyue Meng, Jingxian Xue, Yan Zheng and Qiuxia Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10297; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210297 - 8 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1151

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanics of single-leg drop landing in individuals with functional ankle instability (FAI) during cognitive tasks, contrasting these findings with those of healthy controls to provide insights for evidence-based rehabilitation strategies. Fifteen FAI participants, identified using clinical tools, were age- and activity-matched with controls. They performed drop landings with and without a cognitive task, and the data were analyzed using a 2 × 2 mixed ANOVA. At the initial ground contact (IC), the FAI group’s affected side showed a significantly smaller plantarflexion angle than the control group (p = 0.008). With cognitive tasks, this angle increased in the FAI group (p = 0.005). The FAI group also had larger knee flexion at contact (p = 0.002) and greater knee valgus at peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) (p = 0.027). They exhibited a higher peak vGRF, shorter time to peak vGRF (T-vGRF), and higher loading rate (LR) (all p < 0.05). No differences were found in other variables (p > 0.05). This study shows that FAI individuals make specific biomechanical adjustments under cognitive tasks, notably increased plantarflexion at IC, suggesting reactive compensations. Despite similar motor control to controls, this may reflect long-term adaptations rather than equal proficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuromechanics: The Relationship between Neural Control and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics)

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12 pages, 755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Different Footwear Conditions on Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics During Single-Leg Drop Landing Movements in Individuals with Functional Ankle Instability

by Zilong Wang, Mengya Lu, Jun Wu, Rongsen Liu, Lingyu Kong, Chenjin Li, Lingyue Meng and Qiuxia Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10272; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210272 - 8 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1102

Abstract

(1) Background: This study investigated the impact of different footwear conditions on the biomechanics of individuals with Functional Ankle Instability (FAI) during single-leg drop landing movements. (2) Methods: Fifteen participants with FAI and a control group were tested. Kinematics and kinetics were measured using Vicon (Model: MX13, Oxford, UK) and Kistler (Model: 9287B, Switzerland) equipment. A mixed-ANOVA analyzed the impact of footwear conditions. (3) Results: At the initial contact (IC), under the shoe-wearing condition, the FAI group exhibited a significantly smaller ankle-joint plantarflexion angle compared to the control group (p = 0.001). The FAI group exhibited a significantly smaller ankle-joint plantarflexion angle under the shoe-wearing condition compared to the barefoot condition at the IC (p < 0.001). At the IC moment, regardless of the footwear conditions in this study, the FAI group showed a larger knee flexion angle (p = 0.028) and a shorter time to vertical ground reaction force (T_vGRF) (p = 0.020) compared to the control group. (4) Conclusions: The study concluded that footwear conditions significantly influence the biomechanics of FAI individuals, with shoes enhancing ankle stability and barefoot conditions leading to biomechanics similar to healthy individuals. The effect of socks on FAI individuals was not significant. Future research should further explore the impact of footwear on FAI rehabilitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuromechanics: The Relationship between Neural Control and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics)

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11 pages, 1174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neck Strength Variations in Dental Students with and without Neck Pain: A Longitudinal Study

by Manuel Barbosa Almeida, Marion Moreira, Paula Moleirinho-Alves and Raúl Oliveira

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8205; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188205 - 12 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1161

Abstract

Neck pain can induce specific motor responses and alterations in muscle strength. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and compare the progression of cervical muscle strength within and between students with and without neck pain over the course of their first semester of clinical training. We used an online Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for group allocation, and neck strength in flexion, extension, and lateral flexion on both sides was measured using the KForce Bubble Pro hand-held dynamometer. Forty-four students were divided into neck pain (n = 21) and asymptomatic (n = 23) groups. Both groups increased neck strength by the end of the semester in flexion, extension, and left and right lateral flexion (p < 0.001). Students experiencing neck pain showed a significantly lesser degree of improvement (p = 0.036) in right lateral flexion. The agonist/antagonist ratios revealed an enhanced role of neck extensors across both groups. Dental students showed overall increased cervical strength in their first semester of clinical training. Those with neck pain exhibited a diminished rate of strength gain in right lateral flexion when compared with students without pain by the semester’s end, suggesting different neuromuscular adjustments to clinical practice in students experiencing pain, which may lead to functional impairments in later training stages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuromechanics: The Relationship between Neural Control and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics)

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Review

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35 pages, 842 KiB

Open AccessReview

Perturbations During Gait on a Split-Belt Treadmill: A Scoping Review

by Katarzyna Chodkowska, Rafał Borkowski and Michalina Błażkiewicz

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9852; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219852 - 28 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1650

Abstract

Background: Humans encounter disturbances like slips, pushes, and trips while walking, mainly from external forces. Technological advances have improved methods to study these impacts on gait, with split-belt treadmills being particularly effective. This scoping review aims to examine the types of perturbations used during split-belt treadmill gait, explore the methods used to induce them, and consolidate current knowledge on the effects of split-belt treadmill-induced gait perturbations. Methods: The review included publications from January 2015 to May 2024, as searched via PubMed, EBSCO, and ScienceDirect. Results: The review examined 33 studies on split-belt treadmills, focusing on perturbations like slip-like, trip-like, lateral displacements, and tilts, with speed changes being the most common. Perturbations were mainly applied during initial contact. The results show that young, healthy adults adapt quickly to anticipatory and reactive adjustments, while older adults and those with neurological impairments use less efficient strategies like increased muscular co-contraction. Asymmetrical gait adaptations persist after perturbations, highlighting motor learning and the role of the central nervous system and sensory feedback. Conclusions: Despite their precision, split-belt and tilting treadmills may not fully replicate real-world walking complexities. The review highlights the strengths and limitations of split-belt treadmills, emphasizing the need to integrate diverse methods to enhance rehabilitation and improve gait stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuromechanics: The Relationship between Neural Control and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics)

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