Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
3.8
Journals
Bioengineering
Special Issues
Biomechanics of Physical Exercise
share announcement

Biomechanics of Physical Exercise

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 4768

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Andrea Biscarini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
Interests: biomechanics; physical exercise; sensorimotor system; motor control; strength training; rehabilitation; equipment design

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I warmly invite you to contribute to this Special Issue on “Biomechanics of Physical Exercise” of Bioengineering. Physical exercise biomechanics explore the mechanics of the human body during the execution of physical exercises, and the interaction between the performer, their equipment, and the surrounding environment. Various exercise categories can be delineated, reflecting the purposeful nature of physical exercises, including exercises designed to restore, maintain, or enhance posture and movement awareness, breathing function, neuromotor control, body composition, flexibility, mobility, stability, cardiorespiratory performance, strength, muscular endurance, power, balance, coordination, speed, agility, and quickness.

Physical exercise biomechanics comprise an investigation into the following key aspects:

  • Exercise kinematics, osteo-kinematics, and arthro-kinematics;
  • External resistances, ground reactions, and other external forces acting on the body;
  • Inertial forces arising from accelerations of body segments and exercise equipment;
  • Internal joint torques and joint power;
  • Muscle forces and muscle activation patterns;
  • Joint reaction forces and their components along relevant anatomic directions;
  • Forces acting on specific joint structures.

Insights gained from this information can be used to optimize injury prevention strategies, fitness and athletic programs, rehabilitation interventions, and equipment design. Notably, physical exercise biomechanics also contribute to enhancing athletic performance by improving movement efficiency, refining technique, and maximizing power output. To these purposes, robotics, artificial intelligence, weight-bearing dynamic RMN, and other advanced and innovative technologies are nowadays used in addition to experimental techniques and devices traditionally used in exercise biomechanics (such as motion capture systems, force plates, electromyography, modeling and computer simulations, wearable sensors and implanted sensors, and medical imaging). This Special Issue aims to comprise research studies, review papers, and technical notes providing deeper insights and applicative advances into all aspects of physical exercise biomechanics.

Dr. Andrea Biscarini
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Bioengineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2700 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
  • kinematics
  • kinetics
  • muscle activation
  • joint loads
  • proprioception
  • postural control and balance
  • neuromotor control
  • human movement
  • physical exercise
  • athletic training
  • athletic performance
  • sport
  • injury prevention
  • rehabilitation
  • exercise equipment
  • equipment design
  • ergonomics
  • motion analysis
  • force plates
  • electromyography
  • EMG
  • musculoskeletal modelling
  • simulation
  • sensors
  • imaging
  • magnetic resonance
  • MRI
  • artificial intelligence
  • robotics
  • new technologies

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

19 pages, 1054 KiB  
Article
Half Squat Mechanical Analysis Based on PBT Framework
by Miguel Rodal, Emilio Manuel Arrayales-Millán, Mirvana Elizabeth Gonzalez-Macías, Jorge Pérez-Gómez and Kostas Gianikellis
Bioengineering 2025, 12(6), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12060603 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 337
Abstract
Muscular strength is an essential factor in sports performance and general health, especially for optimizing mechanical power, as well as for injury prevention. The present study biomechanically characterized the half squat (HS) using a systemic structural approach based on mechanical power, called Power-Based [...] Read more.
Muscular strength is an essential factor in sports performance and general health, especially for optimizing mechanical power, as well as for injury prevention. The present study biomechanically characterized the half squat (HS) using a systemic structural approach based on mechanical power, called Power-Based Training (PBT), through which four phases of the movement were determined (acceleration and deceleration of lowering and lifting). Five weightlifters from the Mexican national team (categories U17, U20, and U23) participated, who performed five repetitions per set of HS with progressive loads (20%, 35%, 50%, 65%, and 80% of the one repetition maximum). The behavior of the center of mass of the subject–bar system was recorded by photogrammetry, calculating position, velocity, acceleration, mechanical power, and mechanical work. The results showed a significant reduction in velocity, acceleration, and mechanical power as the load increases, as well as variations in the duration and range of displacement per phase. These findings highlight the importance of a detailed analysis to understand the neuromuscular demands of HS and to optimize its application. The PBT approach and global center of mass analysis provide a more accurate view of the mechanics of this exercise, facilitating its application in future research, as well as in performance planning and monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics of Physical Exercise)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 445 KiB  
Article
Hallux Limitus: Exploring the Variability in Lower Limb Symmetry and Its Connection to Gait Parameters—A Case–Control Study
by Natalia Tovaruela Carrión, Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias, Daniel López-López, Juan Gómez-Salgado and Javier Bayod-López
Bioengineering 2025, 12(3), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12030298 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 751
Abstract
Hallux limitus pathology is defined as a limitation of the dorsiflexion movement of the first toe without degenerative involvement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, which produces pain and generates functional impairment, especially in the propulsive phase of gait. It is very common to [...] Read more.
Hallux limitus pathology is defined as a limitation of the dorsiflexion movement of the first toe without degenerative involvement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, which produces pain and generates functional impairment, especially in the propulsive phase of gait. It is very common to find this pathology in adulthood accompanied by other compensations at a biomechanical level as a consequence of blockage of the main pivot in the sagittal plane. The aim was to determine the symmetry index that occurs in dynamics affiliated with other gait parameters in subjects with and without hallux limitus. A total of 70 subjects were part of the sample, and these were separated into two groups, each consisting of 35 subjects, depending on whether they had bilateral hallux limitus or if they were healthy subjects. In this study, a platform was used to assess the load symmetry index and walking phases. The results showed significant differences in the symmetry index for lateral load (p = 0.023), the initial contact phase (p = 0.003), and the flatfoot phase (p < 0.001). The adults who had bilateral hallux limitus exhibited changes in the symmetry index during the lateral load as well as in the initial contact and flatfoot contact phases, demonstrating increased instability when compared to individuals with normal feet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics of Physical Exercise)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2873 KiB  
Article
Effects on Force, Velocity, Power, and Muscle Activation of Resistances with Variable Inertia Generated by Programmable Electromechanical Motors During Explosive Chest Press Exercises
by Luca Zoffoli, Silvano Zanuso and Andrea Biscarini
Bioengineering 2025, 12(3), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12030292 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 749
Abstract
Strength training machines incorporating advanced electro-mechanical technologies can produce hybrid resistances with variable inertia, such as a resistance that progressively changes from gravitational (inertial) to pneumatic (non-inertial) across the range of motion (ROM). To explore the biomechanical effects of these innovative resistances, a [...] Read more.
Strength training machines incorporating advanced electro-mechanical technologies can produce hybrid resistances with variable inertia, such as a resistance that progressively changes from gravitational (inertial) to pneumatic (non-inertial) across the range of motion (ROM). To explore the biomechanical effects of these innovative resistances, a robotic chest press machine was programmed to offer three distinct inertial profiles: gravitational-type constant inertia throughout the ROM (IFULL); no inertia (IZERO); and linearly descending inertia across the ROM (IVAR). Ten healthy adults performed five maximal-effort, explosive chest press movements under each inertial profile at 30, 50 and 70% of their one-repetition maximum. During each trial, muscle activity of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii was recorded, along with force, velocity and power outputs from the machine. Statistical non-parametric maps based on two-way repeated measures ANOVA were used to assess the effects of load level and inertial profile on the collected time series. Higher load levels consistently led to increased force and reduced velocity and power outcomes over large parts of the ROM. Compared to IFULL, IZERO allowed for greater velocity at the expense of lower force throughout the ROM, while IVAR produced higher force and power outputs despite having lower velocity than IZERO. Additionally, both IZERO and IVAR significantly increased triceps brachii activity at the end of the ROM compared to IFULL. IVAR outperformed both IFULL and IZERO in terms of force and power. Coaches and therapists are advised to consider variable inertial profiles as a key parameter when designing exercise programs for athletes or patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics of Physical Exercise)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 5689 KiB  
Article
Reliability of an Inertial Measurement System Applied to the Technical Assessment of Forehand and Serve in Amateur Tennis Players
by Lucio Caprioli, Cristian Romagnoli, Francesca Campoli, Saeid Edriss, Elvira Padua, Vincenzo Bonaiuto and Giuseppe Annino
Bioengineering 2025, 12(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12010030 - 2 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1342
Abstract
Traditional methods for evaluating tennis technique, such as visual observation and video analysis, are often subjective and time consuming. On the other hand, a quick and accurate assessment can provide immediate feedback to players and contribute to technical development, particularly in less experienced [...] Read more.
Traditional methods for evaluating tennis technique, such as visual observation and video analysis, are often subjective and time consuming. On the other hand, a quick and accurate assessment can provide immediate feedback to players and contribute to technical development, particularly in less experienced athletes. This study aims to validate the use of a single inertial measurement system to assess some relevant technical parameters of amateur players. Among other things, we attempt to search for significant correlations between the flexion extension and torsion of the torso and the lateral distance of the ball from the body at the instant of impact. This research involved a group of amateur players who performed a series of standardized gestures (forehands and serves) wearing a sensorized chest strap fitted with a wireless inertial unit. The collected data were processed to extract performance metrics. The percentage coefficient of variation for repeated measurements, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Spearman’s correlation were used to determine the system’s reliability. High reliability was found between sets of measurements in all of the investigated parameters. The statistical analysis showed moderate and strong correlations, suggesting possible applications in assessing and optimizing specific aspects of the technique, like the player’s distance to the ball in the forehand or the toss in the serve. The significant variations in technical execution among the subjects emphasized the need for tailored interventions through personalized feedback. Furthermore, the system allows for the highlighting of specific areas where intervention can be achieved in order to improve gesture execution. These results prompt us to consider this system’s effectiveness in developing an on-court mobile application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics of Physical Exercise)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 550 KiB  
Article
Analyzing How Skinfold Thickness Affects Log-Transformed EMG Amplitude–Power Output Metrics
by Matthew J. Kraydich, Jacob Gonzalez, Marcus A. Ziebold, Patrick N. Asmar, Amanda Chehab and Moh H. Malek
Bioengineering 2024, 11(12), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11121294 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 789
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether accounting for skinfold thickness would reduce the variability observed on a subject-by-subject basis for the y-intercept and slope terms derived from the log-transformed EMG amplitude–power output relationship. We hypothesized that using skinfold [...] Read more.
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether accounting for skinfold thickness would reduce the variability observed on a subject-by-subject basis for the y-intercept and slope terms derived from the log-transformed EMG amplitude–power output relationship. We hypothesized that using skinfold thickness as a covariate would reduce the subject-by-subject variability in the y-intercept and slope terms and, therefore, indicate potential mean differences between muscle groups. Methods: Subjects had the skinfold from their three superficial quadriceps femoris muscles measured and then EMG electrodes placed over the three muscles. Thereafter, each subject performed an incremental single-leg knee-extensor ergometer exercise test to voluntary exhaustion. Results: The results indicated that using skinfold thickness as a covariate did not change the statistical outcome when comparing the mean values for the y-intercept or slope terms across the three superficial quadriceps femoris muscles. Conclusion: These findings suggest that there may be other factors that are influencing the subject-by-subject variability for the y-intercept and slope terms, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics of Physical Exercise)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop