Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise, Volume II

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomechanics and Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 16662

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Physical Education, Quanzhou Normal University, Fujian, Quanzhou 362000, China
Interests: sports science; sport biomechanics; motion analysis; electromyography
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced biomechanical experimental and computational bionics have become essential to developing a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in human sport and exercise. Recent advances in body morphology, training loads, the technique and tactics of movement, understanding the influence of the environment, and the interactions between sportspeople and equipment and facilities have made major contributions to sports science.

The second edition of this Special Issue on “Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise”, therefore, will focus on original research papers and comprehensive reviews, dealing with cutting-edge experimental and computational methodologies for multiscale biomechanical investigations into human activity. Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  • Advanced experimental techniques for sports;
  • Biomechanical characteristics of movement sequences in high-performance sport;
  • Application of bionics for the equipment development;
  • Biomechanical diagnostics in rehabilitation, and effects of force on the musculoskeletal system;
  • The health aspects of biomechanics in sport;
  • The Biomechanical characteristics of popular sport, rehabilitation, and competitive sport;
  • New instruments, technologies, or equipment applied to sports sciences and health.

Dr. Wei-Hsun Tai
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biomechanics
  • bionics
  • sports science
  • rehabilitation
  • sport skills
  • training

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 184 KiB  
Editorial
Interdisciplinary Innovations and Applications of Bionics and Bioengineering in Kinesiology
by Wei-Hsun Tai, Wenjian Wu, Haibin Yu and Rui Zhang
Bioengineering 2024, 11(10), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11101042 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1741
Abstract
Kinesiology, as an interdisciplinary field, emphasizes the study of human physical activity, with a particular focus on biomechanics and sports science [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise, Volume II)

Research

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17 pages, 8140 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Different Footwear Midsole Structures on Plantar Pressure Distribution and Bone Stress in Obese and Healthy Children
by Qixuan Zhou, Wenxin Niu, Kit-Lun Yick, Bingfei Gu and Yue Sun
Bioengineering 2023, 10(11), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10111306 - 10 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1906
Abstract
The foot, as the foundation of the human body, bears the vast majority of the body’s weight. Obese children bear more weight than healthy children in the process of walking and running. This study compared three footwear midsole structures (solid, lattice, and chiral) [...] Read more.
The foot, as the foundation of the human body, bears the vast majority of the body’s weight. Obese children bear more weight than healthy children in the process of walking and running. This study compared three footwear midsole structures (solid, lattice, and chiral) based on plantar pressure distribution and bone stress in obese and healthy children through numerical simulation. The preparation for the study included obtaining a thin-slice CT scan of a healthy 9-year-old boy’s right foot, and this study distinguished between a healthy and an obese child by applying external loadings of 25 kg and 50 kg in the finite element models. The simulation results showed that the plantar pressure was mainly concentrated in the forefoot and heel due to the distribution of gravity (first metatarsal, fourth metatarsal, and heel bone, corresponding to plantar regions M1, M4, and HM and HL) on the foot in normal standing. Compared with the lattice and solid EVA structures, in both healthy and obese children, the percentage reduction in plantar pressure due to the chiral structure in the areas M1, M4, HM, and HL was the largest with values of 38.69%, 34.25%, 64.24%, and 54.03% for an obese child and 33.99%, 28.25%, 56.08%, and 56.96% for a healthy child. On the other hand, higher pressures (15.19 kPa for an obese child and 5.42 kPa for a healthy child) were observed in the MF area when using the chiral structure than when using the other two structures, which means that this structure can transfer an amount of pressure from the heel to the arch, resulting in a release in the pressure at the heel region and providing support at the arch. In addition, the study found that the chiral structure was not highly sensitive to the external application of body weight. This indicates that the chiral structure is more stable than the other two structures and is minimally affected by changes in external conditions. The findings in this research lay the groundwork for clinical prevention and intervention in foot disorders in obese children and provide new research ideas for shoe midsole manufacturers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise, Volume II)
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11 pages, 2762 KiB  
Article
Effects of Barefoot and Shod Conditions on the Kinematics and Kinetics of the Lower Extremities in Alternating Jump Rope Skipping—A One-Dimensional Statistical Parameter Mapping Study
by Jun Li, Kaicheng Wu, Dongqiang Ye, Liqin Deng, Jichao Wang and Weijie Fu
Bioengineering 2023, 10(10), 1154; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10101154 - 2 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2053
Abstract
Purpose: To explore the difference in the biomechanics of the lower extremity during alternating jump rope skipping (AJRS) under barefoot and shod conditions. Methods: Fourteen experienced AJRS participants were randomly assigned to wear jump rope shoes or be barefoot (BF) during the AJRS [...] Read more.
Purpose: To explore the difference in the biomechanics of the lower extremity during alternating jump rope skipping (AJRS) under barefoot and shod conditions. Methods: Fourteen experienced AJRS participants were randomly assigned to wear jump rope shoes or be barefoot (BF) during the AJRS at a self-selected speed. The Qualisys motion capture system and Kistler force platform were used to synchronously collect the ground reaction forces and trajectory data of the hip, knee, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. One-dimensional statistical parameter mapping was used to analyze the kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremity under both conditions using paired t-tests. Results: Wearing shoes resulted in a significant decrease in the ROM (p < 0.001) and peak angular velocity (p < 0.001) of the MTP joint during the landing phase. In addition, the MTP joint power (p < 0.001) was significantly larger under shod condition at 92–100% of the landing phase. Moreover, wearing shoes reduced the peak loading rate (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The findings suggest that wearing shoes during AJRS could provide better propulsion during push-off by increasing the MTP plantarflexion joint power. In addition, our results emphasize the significance of the ankle and MTP joint by controlling the ankle and MTP joint angle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise, Volume II)
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9 pages, 274 KiB  
Article
The Effectiveness of Hard Insoles for Plantar Pressure in Cycling: A Crossover Study
by Israel Casado-Hernández, Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias, Alfredo Soriano-Medrano, Daniel López-López, Emmanuel Navarro-Flores, Eduardo Pérez-Boal and Eva María Martínez-Jiménez
Bioengineering 2023, 10(7), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10070816 - 8 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2124
Abstract
Background: Hard insoles have been proposed to decrease plantar pressure and prevent foot pain and paresthesia due to repetitive loading. The aim of this research was to analyze the effect of three different hard insoles in cycling on healthy subjects. Methods: A crossover [...] Read more.
Background: Hard insoles have been proposed to decrease plantar pressure and prevent foot pain and paresthesia due to repetitive loading. The aim of this research was to analyze the effect of three different hard insoles in cycling on healthy subjects. Methods: A crossover randomized trial was carried out. The mean age of the subjects was 35 ± 3.19 years, and all of them were men. While the subjects were cycling on a stationary bicycle, their plantar pressure was recorded with nine in-shoe sensors placed in nine specific foot areas to test a standard ethylene-vinyl-acetate 52° Shore A hardness insole, a polypropylene 58° Shore D insole, and a polypropylene 580 Shore D insole with selective aluminum 60 HB Brinell hardness in the metatarsal head and hallux. Results: The maximum plantar pressure decreased significantly with the polypropylene insole containing selective aluminum in the metatarsal head and hallux areas. The maximum plantar data of the polypropylene aluminum insole in the M2 area (5.56 kgF/cm2), fifth metatarsal styloid process (6.48 kgF/cm2), M3–M4 area (4.97 kgF/cm2), and hallux (8.91 kgF/cm2) were of particular interest compared to the other insoles. Conclusions: The use of insoles made of polypropylene with aluminum in the metatarsal head and hallux areas decreases the maximum plantar pressure in cycling compared to standard EVA and polypropylene insoles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise, Volume II)
15 pages, 3501 KiB  
Article
The Kinematics of Fixed-Seat Rowing: A Structured Synthesis
by Tonio P. Agius, Dario Cerasola, Michael Gauci, Anabel Sciriha, Darren Sillato, Cynthia Formosa, Alfred Gatt, John Xerri de Caro, Robert Needham, Nachiappan Chockalingam and Joseph N. Grima
Bioengineering 2023, 10(7), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10070774 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3156
Abstract
Olympic-style sliding-seat rowing is a sport that has been extensively researched, with studies investigating aspects related to the physiology, biomechanics, kinematics, and the performance of rowers. In contrast, studies on the more classic form of fixed-seat rowing are sparse. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Olympic-style sliding-seat rowing is a sport that has been extensively researched, with studies investigating aspects related to the physiology, biomechanics, kinematics, and the performance of rowers. In contrast, studies on the more classic form of fixed-seat rowing are sparse. The aim of this study is to address this lacuna by analysing for the first time the specific kinematics of fixed-seat rowing as practised by able-bodied athletes, thus (i) documenting how this technique is performed in a manner that is replicable by others and (ii) showing how this technique compares and contrasts with the more standard sliding-seat technique. Fixed-seat rowing was replicated in a biomechanics laboratory where experienced fixed-seat rowers, marked with reflective markers following the modified Helen–Hayes model, were asked to row in a manner that mimics rowing on a fixed-seat boat. The findings from this study, complimented with data gathered through the observation of athletes rowing on water, were compared to sliding-seat ergometer rowing and other control experiments. The results show that, in fixed-seat rowing, there is more forward and backward thoracic movement than in sliding-seat rowing (75–77° vs. 44–52°, p < 0.0005). Tilting of the upper body stems was noted to result from rotations around the pelvis, as in sliding-seat rowing, rather than from spinal movements. The results also confirmed knee flexion in fixed-seat rowing with a range of motion of 30–35°. This is less pronounced than in standard-seat rowing, but not insignificant. These findings provide a biomechanical explanation as to why fixed-seat rowers do not have an increased risk of back injuries when compared with their sliding-seat counterparts. They also provide athletes, coaches, and related personnel with precise and detailed information of how fixed-seat rowing is performed so that they may formulate better and more specific evidence-based training programs to meliorate technique and performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise, Volume II)
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12 pages, 4360 KiB  
Article
Insights from a Nine-Segment Biomechanical Model and Its Simulation for Anthropometrical Influence on Individualized Planche Learning and Training in Gymnastics
by Xiuping Wang and Gongbing Shan
Bioengineering 2023, 10(7), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10070761 - 25 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2337
Abstract
The Planche is a challenging, the most required, and a highly valued gymnastic skill. Yet, it is understudied biomechanically. This article aims to explore the anthropometric variations that could affect the quality of balancing control in the Planche and to identify the body [...] Read more.
The Planche is a challenging, the most required, and a highly valued gymnastic skill. Yet, it is understudied biomechanically. This article aims to explore the anthropometric variations that could affect the quality of balancing control in the Planche and to identify the body types that have an advantage in learning and training. To achieve this goal, a 9-segment rigid-body model is designed to simulate the skill performance by using 80 different body types. The results demonstrate that body type is a critical factor in determining an individual’s innate ability to perform the Planche. The innate ability is affected by body mass, height, gender, and race. The findings reveal that a personalized training plan based on an individual’s body type is necessary for optimal learning and training. A one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective since each individual’s body type varies. Additionally, this study emphasizes the importance of considering segmental and/or limb characteristics in designing effective training plans. This study concludes that, for a given height, individuals with relatively longer legs and a shorter trunk (the characteristics of Europeans in comparison to Asians) could be better suited to perform the Planche. This suggests that European body types are naturally more advanced than Asian body types when it comes to performing the Planche. The practical implications of the current study are that practitioners can use biomechanical modeling and simulation techniques to identify body types that are most suited for the Planche and design training programs that are tailored to individual body types for optimizing their learning and training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise, Volume II)
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Review

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18 pages, 2230 KiB  
Review
A Scientometric Analysis and Visualization of Prosthetic Foot Research Work: 2000 to 2022
by Qiu-Qiong Shi, Kit-Lun Yick, Jinlong Wu, Xujia Huang, Chi-Yung Tse and Mei-Ki Chan
Bioengineering 2023, 10(10), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10101138 - 28 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2051
Abstract
This study aims to highlight recent research work on topics around prosthetic feet through a scientometric analysis and historical review. The most cited publications from the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection database were identified and analyzed from 1 January 2000 to [...] Read more.
This study aims to highlight recent research work on topics around prosthetic feet through a scientometric analysis and historical review. The most cited publications from the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection database were identified and analyzed from 1 January 2000 to 31 October 2022. Original articles, reviews with full manuscripts, conference proceedings, early access documents, and meeting abstracts were included. A scientometric visualization analysis of the bibliometric information related to the publications, including the countries, institutions, journals, references, and keywords, was conducted. A total of 1827 publications met the search criteria in this study. The related publications grouped by year show an overall trend of increase during the two decades from 2000 to 2022. The United States is ranked first in terms of overall influence in this field (n = 774). The Northwestern University has published the most papers on prosthetic feet (n = 84). Prosthetics and Orthotics International has published the largest number of studies on prosthetic feet (n = 151). During recent years, a number of studies with citation bursts and burst keywords (e.g., diabetes, gait, pain, and sensor) have provided clues on the hotspots of prosthetic feet and prosthetic foot trends. The findings of this study are based on a comprehensive analysis of the literature and highlight the research topics on prosthetic feet that have been primarily explored. The data provide guidance to clinicians and researchers to further studies in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Bionics in Sport and Exercise, Volume II)
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