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Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation, 3rd 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: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 175

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Research Group in Health, Physical Activity and Sports Technology (HEALTH-TECH), Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain
Interests: sports performance analysis; sports technology; biomechanics; notational analysis; sports physiology; exercise testing; physical training; strength and conditioning; rowing
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of sports biomechanics has matured into a multidimensional discipline that transcends traditional observational analysis by integrating quantitative modeling, advanced instrumentation, and translational methodologies to enhance performance, mitigate injury risk, and optimize rehabilitation outcomes. Modern biomechanical research is now characterized by high-resolution motion capture, machine learning-assisted movement analysis, wearable sensor integration, and multiscale musculoskeletal modeling—enabling deeper interpretation of neuromechanical function under both controlled and ecological conditions.

Recent developments in computational biomechanics, sensor fusion, and real-time feedback systems have exponentially increased our ability to interpret the mechanical determinants of performance and pathological movement. This evolution has facilitated predictive analytics in injury forecasting, adaptive rehabilitation protocols informed by biomechanical biomarkers, and individualized performance prescriptions grounded in objective metrics. Such advances underscore the necessity to unify and disseminate cutting-edge research that bridges fundamental biomechanics, applied sports practice, and clinical rehabilitation.

This third edition of the Special Issue aims to spotlight research that advances the theoretical foundations and practical applications of biomechanics in sport and rehabilitation sciences. We particularly encourage submissions that exemplify robust methodological rigor, novel analytical frameworks, and multidisciplinary synthesis across biomechanics, motor control, technology development, and clinical translation.

Dr. Alfonso Penichet-Tomás
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • sport performance
  • biomechanical analysis
  • sports technology
  • clinical biomechanics
  • kinematic
  • kinetic
  • motor rehabilitation
  • movement training
  • prevention
  • rehabilitation

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 1345 KB  
Article
Functional Symmetry of Upper Limbs in Young Adults: An Analysis of Muscle Strength and Mobility
by Piotr Osial, Michalina Błażkiewicz, Dagmara Iwańska and Jacek Wąsik
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3874; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083874 - 16 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: Upper limb functional performance depends on the interaction of strength, mobility, and neuromuscular control, while inter-limb asymmetries may increase injury risk. However, comprehensive analyses integrating these factors remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate sex differences and identify functional phenotypes in young [...] Read more.
Background: Upper limb functional performance depends on the interaction of strength, mobility, and neuromuscular control, while inter-limb asymmetries may increase injury risk. However, comprehensive analyses integrating these factors remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate sex differences and identify functional phenotypes in young adults using a multidimensional assessment approach. Methods: Forty-six healthy young adults (23 women, 23 men) underwent a comprehensive battery of upper limb assessments, including anthropometric measurements, maximal handgrip strength, isometric elbow flexion and extension torque, postural stability via the Fall Risk Index (FRI), and functional reach using the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-UQ). Inter-limb symmetry was calculated using the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI). K-means clustering was applied to standardized variables to identify latent functional phenotypes. Results: Men demonstrated significantly greater body mass, height, limb length, and absolute strength (p < 0.01), while functional performance (YBT-UQ composite scores) and inter-limb symmetry were similar between sexes. Strength asymmetry was most prevalent for elbow flexion and handgrip strength (up to 89%), whereas stability asymmetry was less frequent (≈54%). Three functional clusters were identified: Cluster 1—high strength and moderate stability, Cluster 2—lower anthropometry and strength, Cluster 3—high strength but reduced stability and increased asymmetry. Despite phenotypic differences, composite functional performance was comparable across clusters. Conclusions: Upper limb function reflects the interaction of morphological and neuromuscular factors rather than strength alone. Observed asymmetries should be interpreted within a functional context, as moderate asymmetries may represent normal variation in motor control, while larger asymmetries may indicate potential functional imbalance; however, due to the cross-sectional design of this study, no causal inferences regarding injury risk can be made. Functional phenotyping provides a framework for individualized training, screening, and rehabilitation strategies. Full article
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