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Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Biomechanics and Ergonomics in Prevention of Injuries
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Biomechanics and Ergonomics in Prevention of Injuries

A Special Issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417) belonging to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2026) | Viewed by 8165

Editors

Dr. Jesus Ramon Jimenez-Octavio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
MOBIOS Lab, Institute for Research in Technology, ICAI-School of Engineering, Comillas Pontifical University, 28015 Madrid, Spain
Interests: computational mechanics; biomechanics; road safety
Dr. Corina Klug

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Vehicle Safety Institute, Graz University of Technology, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Interests: vehicle safety; biomechanics; accident study; injury prevention

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Injury prevention through optimized biomechanics and ergonomics is becoming increasingly critical across various fields, from sports and occupational settings to healthcare and road safety. With traffic injuries alone contributing to over 1.35 million deaths and approximately 50 million injuries yearly, according to the World Health Organization, the need for effective injury prevention strategies is crucial. This Special Issue will focus on the latest advancements in biomechanics and ergonomics aimed at enhancing quality of life and human performance, with a particular emphasis on reducing traffic and mobility-related injury risks. We invite submissions that explore novel methodologies, quantitative and epidemiological studies, experimental and computational simulations, and technologies designed to assess and improve human posture and safety measures for all road users. Research that bridges the gap between theory and practical application in real-world environments is particularly welcome, offering valuable insights for professionals dedicated to enhancing human injury prevention through the application of biomechanics and ergonomics.

Dr. Jesus Ramon Jimenez-Octavio
Dr. Corina Klug
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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-anonymized 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

  • biomechanics
  • ergonomics
  • injury prevention
  • human performance
  • sports science
  • road safety
  • rehabilitation technologies

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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19 pages, 8836 KB  
Article
Exploring Female Volunteer Head and Thorax Kinematics During a Braking Pulse in the Presence of a Steering Wheel
by Lea Siebler, María González-García, Jens Weber, Steffen Peldschus and Sylvia Schick
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(18), 8905; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16188905 - 8 Sep 2026
Viewed by 139
Abstract
As driving becomes more automated, the driver–car interaction is changing. The steering wheel, traditionally the main interface between the driver and the vehicle, is reduced to being a part of the environment in autonomous driving. Its influence on kinematic reactions to decelerations without [...] Read more.
As driving becomes more automated, the driver–car interaction is changing. The steering wheel, traditionally the main interface between the driver and the vehicle, is reduced to being a part of the environment in autonomous driving. Its influence on kinematic reactions to decelerations without a prompt to take over control of the vehicle is still unknown. Therefore, low-speed sled tests with seven female volunteers matching 5th or 50th percentile anthropometrics were performed, including three upright trials and two reclined trials at backrest angles of 23° and 45° during a standardized braking pulse. A steering wheel was placed in front of the volunteers to limit available space when moving forward. Kinematic analysis focused on the forward head movement. The study showed that no targeted hand grasping towards the steering wheel occurred in either backrest configuration. Head forward excursion was slightly higher in the first upright trial for some volunteers. Less variation and lower absolute forward excursion of the head were found in the reclined trials. Without the need for a required vehicle takeover, no grasping of the steering wheel was observed among the participants studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Ergonomics in Prevention of Injuries)
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17 pages, 324 KB  
Article
Effect of Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Asymmetry and Change of Direction Speed on Reactive Agility and in Young Football Players
by Wojciech Paśko, Patryk Marszałek, Natalia Jasińska, Maciej Huzarski, Cíntia França, Francisco Martins, Élvio Rúbio Gouveia and Krzysztof Przednowek
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6141; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126141 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Background: Reactive agility (RA) and change of direction speed (CODs) are fundamental abilities that determine performance effectiveness in football. Biomechanical and motor factors, such as lower limb strength, asymmetry, and speed, may influence the level of these abilities. Moreover, reactive agility is a [...] Read more.
Background: Reactive agility (RA) and change of direction speed (CODs) are fundamental abilities that determine performance effectiveness in football. Biomechanical and motor factors, such as lower limb strength, asymmetry, and speed, may influence the level of these abilities. Moreover, reactive agility is a complex ability and may be partially dependent on the level of CODs. Methods: This study aimed to identify the key motor abilities responsible for shaping reactive agility in young football players. The study involved 55 boys aged 15.63±1.56 years. The following tests were used: the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) for strength assessment, a 30 m sprint test, the 505 change of direction test, and reactive agility tests with and without a ball, utilizing the Skillcourt system. Results: Isometric strength and sprint speed were significantly correlated with the results of the 505 test. However, asymmetry in lower limb strength did not cause statistically significant changes in the analyzed parameters. Reactive agility without the ball showed significant correlations with speed, change of direction performance, and isometric strength. In the case of reactive agility with the ball, significant correlations were observed primarily with change of direction performance and reactive agility without the ball. Additionally, stepwise regression models revealed significant models for the 50 Random Run without the ball, the Star Run Random without the ball, and the 50 Random Run with the ball. Conclusions: Asymmetry in the isometric lower limb strength does not significantly affect the level of reactive agility or the ability to quickly CODs. Similarly, asymmetry in directional changes during running did not significantly impact the level of reactive agility. However, it may still be a contributing factor to increased injury risk in young football players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Ergonomics in Prevention of Injuries)
15 pages, 2039 KB  
Article
Passenger Seating Behavior and Discomfort in the Middle Rear Seat: A Pilot Study
by Rosaria Califano and Alessandro Naddeo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(16), 9127; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15169127 - 19 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2590
Abstract
This study investigates the perception of postural discomfort experienced by passengers seated in the middle rear seat of a vehicle—an area often overlooked in ergonomic research. A total of 20 participants (12 males and 8 females) were involved in a pilot test using [...] Read more.
This study investigates the perception of postural discomfort experienced by passengers seated in the middle rear seat of a vehicle—an area often overlooked in ergonomic research. A total of 20 participants (12 males and 8 females) were involved in a pilot test using two car models: a City Car (Fiat Panda) and a C-SUV (Renault Arkana). Each participant completed a short on-road ride (~24 min, 11.7 km) in both vehicles. Discomfort was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, considering both overall and localized body discomfort, as well as other elements/factors, such as those involved in the human–car interaction (e.g., the central tunnel, the headrest, AC vents, and other passengers). The results showed that overall discomfort was significantly higher in the City Car (mean: 3.75 ± 0.72) compared to the SUV (mean: 3.00 ± 1.16). The most affected body regions in the City Car were the arms (mean: 3.95), knees (3.90), and legs/feet (3.55). In the SUV, discomfort was lower across all regions, with the arms (3.15) and knees (3.05) still being notably impacted. Strong correlations were observed between discomfort and several vehicle features: backrest width, headrests, interference with adjacent passengers, and rear air conditioning vents. This study highlights specific ergonomic issues in the middle rear seat and suggests design improvements, including wider backrests and headrests, repositioned air vents, and the inclusion of lateral supports. These findings offer actionable insights for automotive manufacturers to enhance passenger comfort in multi-passenger configurations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Ergonomics in Prevention of Injuries)
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17 pages, 3600 KB  
Article
Human Cervical Intervertebral Disc Pressure Response During Non-Injurious Quasistatic Motion: A Feasibility Study
by Sara Sochor, Jesús R. Jiménez Octavio, Carlos J. Carpintero Rubio, Mark R. Sochor, Juan M. Asensio-Gil, Carlos Rodríguez-Morcillo García and Francisco J. Lopez-Valdes
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 6167; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15116167 - 30 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3248
Abstract
The human neck is highly vulnerable in motor vehicle crashes, and cervical spine response data are essential to improve injury prediction tools (e.g., crash test dummies, human body models). This feasibility study aimed to implement the use of pressure sensors in whole-body post-mortem [...] Read more.
The human neck is highly vulnerable in motor vehicle crashes, and cervical spine response data are essential to improve injury prediction tools (e.g., crash test dummies, human body models). This feasibility study aimed to implement the use of pressure sensors in whole-body post-mortem human subject (PMHS) cervical spine intervertebral discs (IVDs) to confirm the feasibility and repeatability of cervical IVD pressure response to biomechanic research. Two fresh frozen whole-body PMHSs were instrumented with miniature pressure sensors (Model 060S, Precision Measurement Company, Ann Arbor, MI, USA) at three cervical IVD levels (C3/C4, C5/C6, and C7/T1) using minimally invasive surgical insertion techniques. Each PMHS underwent three quasistatic motion test trials, and each trial included multiple head/neck motions (i.e., gentle traction, flexion/extension, lateral bending, axial rotation, and forced tension/compression). Results showed marked pressure differences between both the cervical level assessed and the motion undertaken as well as successful intra-subject repeatability between the three motion trials. This study demonstrates that changes in cervical IVD pressure are associated with motion events of the cervical spine. Cervical IVD response data could be utilized to assess and supplement the characterization of the head/neck complex motion, and data could facilitate the continued improvement of injury prediction tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Ergonomics in Prevention of Injuries)
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32 pages, 1841 KB  
Systematic Review
Occupational Hazards, Injuries, and Health Outcomes Among Water and Wastewater Workers: A Systematic Review
by Diana Artuso, Francesco Giacobbe, Genoveffa Giaquinta, Placido Brancato, Cinzia Lombardo, Viviana Cafiso and Caterina Ledda
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(17), 8553; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16178553 - 27 Aug 2026
Viewed by 430
Abstract
Water and wastewater workers encounter complex occupational exposures, but evidence on related injuries and adverse health outcomes remains fragmented. We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Embase on 23 April 2026 and synthesized evidence using a Population–Exposure–Outcome framework and [...] Read more.
Water and wastewater workers encounter complex occupational exposures, but evidence on related injuries and adverse health outcomes remains fragmented. We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Embase on 23 April 2026 and synthesized evidence using a Population–Exposure–Outcome framework and PRISMA 2020. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. Methodological quality was evaluated with design-specific Joanna Briggs Institute tools, and certainty for prevention measures was assessed using a GRADE-informed narrative approach. Seventy studies published from 1940 to 2025 were included; most were cross-sectional. The most reproducible findings concerned respiratory effects from bioaerosols, endotoxins, and hydrogen sulfide, musculoskeletal morbidity (12-month low-back-pain prevalence up to 72.8%), and severe acute hazards during chemical handling and confined-space entry. Infectious findings, including hepatitis A/E, Helicobacter pylori, and intestinal parasites, were heterogeneous and particularly vulnerable to confounding by community background prevalence. Employment duration, inadequate personal protective equipment, insufficient training, and unsafe facility design amplified risk. Meta-analysis was precluded by heterogeneity, and confidence was limited by cross-sectional designs and inconsistent adjustment. The review was not registered and received no external funding. Engineering controls, confined-space safeguards, and task-specific protective equipment are priority measures, although intervention-effectiveness evidence remains low or very low certainty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Ergonomics in Prevention of Injuries)
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