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Healthcare
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Exercise Biomechanics: Pathways to Improve Health
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Exercise Biomechanics: Pathways to Improve Health

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 13288

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Pedro Miguel Forte

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Sports, Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
2. Research Center for Active Living and Wellbeing (LiveWell), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
3. Department of Sports, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
4. CI-ISCE, ISCE Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
Interests: chronic pain; physical exercise; sports science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. José Eduardo Teixeira

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
1. Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
2. Department of Sport Sciences, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (IPG), 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
3. Department of Sport Sciences, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB), 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
Interests: training load; team sports; football; sports medicine; performance; monitoring; metabolic diseases; cardiovascular diseases; Epidemology; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Researching in Sports Biomechanics require an interdisciplinary approach that allows a detailed analysis of the mechanics and the physiological impact of the human movement. This area comprises subjects related to the biomechanical load, concerning to internal (typically physiological) and external demands (mainly mechanic) explaining and suggestion ways to improve sports performance. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind how the body responds to demands of daily life, physical activity, and athletic competition would help people to exercise and achieve their own objectives more effectively. The kinetics and kinematics of human motions, the musculoskeletal system, biomechanical testing techniques, biomechanical modeling, preventive and rehabilitation, sports performance, and exercise and health are just a few of the subjects that might be discussed in this special issue. Through biomechanical measurement and modelling, the rules of mechanics may allow to provide a clearer comprehension of sports performance. Mathematical procedures or modulations, experimental tests, and computational simulations to assess kinematics and kinetic variables are of high importance to improve sportsmen performance and understand the underlying mechanisms of the physiological responses. In accordance with the aims of the journal, this issue will emphasize on important methods and information to improve coaches and players practices. Contributions that, from a biomechanical viewpoint will explain and examine, a number of sports biomechanics-related topics and their useful applications and/or discuss many topics of interest, such as physical activity, rehabilitation, fitness, and competitive sport. Your contribution, whether it takes the form of an original paper, a case study, commentary, or a review, is appreciated. Furthermore, the topics of this special issue are related to:

  • Testing equipment, instruments, gears and software’s for exercise biomechanics.
  • Assessing the physical activity and exercise effects in physical and condition for health.
  • Biomechanical lifelong kinetic and kinematic analysis to improve health and physical condition.
  • Assessing lifelong biomechanical load and the relations with health.
  • Comparing methods to assess biomechanical variables in different contexts related to health.
  • The effect of training and physical activity sessions in health status.

Dr. Pedro Miguel Forte
Dr. José Eduardo Teixeira
Guest Editors

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. Healthcare 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 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
  • health
  • exercise
  • physical activity

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 211 KB  
Editorial
Exercise Biomechanics for Health: Evaluating Lifelong Activities for Well-Being
by Pedro Forte and José E. Teixeira
Healthcare 2023, 11(6), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11060900 - 21 Mar 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5360
Abstract
Biomechanics is a multidisciplinary study of the mechanical laws and principles that govern human movement and the functioning of biological systems [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Biomechanics: Pathways to Improve Health)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Other

14 pages, 874 KB  
Article
Evaluating the Agreement and Associations with Physical Function Between Equation- and Linear Position Transducer-Estimated Sit-to-Stand Muscle Power in Aging Adults
by Garrett Steinbrink, Taylor Danielson, Julian Martinez, Joseph Patnode, Ann Swartz and Scott Strath
Healthcare 2025, 13(8), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13080905 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 695
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Muscle power, estimated from the sit-to-stand (STS) test, is an important indicator of physical function (PF) in aging adults. Therefore, its assessment may be implemented into future clinical practice. The agreement between different STS power assessments is unknown, and the associations [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Muscle power, estimated from the sit-to-stand (STS) test, is an important indicator of physical function (PF) in aging adults. Therefore, its assessment may be implemented into future clinical practice. The agreement between different STS power assessments is unknown, and the associations between methods and PF outcomes have not been compared. Methods: A total of 49 aging adults (mean age = 60.9 ± 10.9; 67% female) participated in this cross-sectional study. STS power from a validated equation (EQ) and a linear position transducer (LPT) were estimated. Handgrip strength (HGS), timed up-and-go (TUG), usual gait speed (UGS), fast gait speed (FGS), the 400-m walk test (400MWT), and self-reported total, basic lower-body, and advanced lower-body PF were assessed. The agreement of STS power methods was assessed with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and a Bland–Altman plot. Multiple linear regression evaluated the associations between STS power and PF outcomes. Results: EQ and LPT STS power demonstrated only moderate agreement (ICC = 0.69). EQ STS power was independently associated with TUG (β = −0.45), UGS (β = 0.37), FGS (β = 0.48), 400MWT (β = −0.55), self-reported total (β = 0.30), basic lower-body (β = 0.30), and advanced lower-body PF (β = 0.30), but not HGS (β = 0.14). LPT STS power was independently associated with HGS (β = 0.44), FGS (β = 0.40), 400MWT (β = −0.51), self-reported total (β = 0.31), basic lower-body (β = 0.29), and advanced lower-body PF (β = 0.32), but neither TUG (β = −0.26) nor UGS (β = 0.28). Conclusions: EQ and LPT STS power demonstrate limited agreement, and EQ STS power may be a superior indicator of PF in aging adults. Future research should examine the feasibility of implementing STS power tests in clinical settings to screen and refer patients with low muscle power to effective therapeutic interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Biomechanics: Pathways to Improve Health)
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Other

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13 pages, 614 KB  
Systematic Review
Physical and Physiological Consequences of Babywearing on the Babywearer: A Systematic Review
by Yaiza Taboada-Iglesias, Andrés Domínguez-Estévez, Clara Rodríguez-Gude and Águeda Gutiérrez-Sánchez
Healthcare 2025, 13(17), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172193 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 533
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Babywearing is a carrying system that ensures consistent contact and proper posture between the baby and carrying adult, in which there is no age or weight limit, and it is rarely inadvisable. Although babywearing has been growing in popularity and acclaim [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Babywearing is a carrying system that ensures consistent contact and proper posture between the baby and carrying adult, in which there is no age or weight limit, and it is rarely inadvisable. Although babywearing has been growing in popularity and acclaim due to the comfort and emotional closeness between the carrier and baby, there are a number of physical and physiological consequences for the adult carrier when using an ergonomic babywearing device, such as muscular, postural, cardiorespiratory, and energy expenditure, and the perception of effort and pain. The objective is to explore the physical implications affecting the carrier, as well as the subjective perception of strain and pain. Methods: A systematic review was carried out including articles up to December 2023 in the Web of Science (WOS), Medline, and SportDiscus databases. Studies dealing with ergonomic babywearing and the physical implications of babywearing were included; systematic reviews or case studies were excluded. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 14 original articles were obtained for analysis. Methodological quality was rated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies with scores between 3 and 8 points. All articles included valid and reliable information on exposure, outcome measures, and results. Conclusions: The studies reviewed cover different aspects, such as muscle activation and postural stability, as well as specific ergonomic design for particular groups. In general terms, it seems that the use of certain babywearing devices, especially back or front carry, seems to be the one that generates fewer physiological alterations in the carriers compared to carrying babies in arms or other positions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Biomechanics: Pathways to Improve Health)
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17 pages, 511 KB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Exercise-Based Rehabilitation on Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease: A Systematic Review
by Shirin Aali, Farhad Rezazadeh, Fariborz Imani, Mahsa Nabati Sefidekhan, Georgian Badicu, Luca Poli, Francesco Fischetti, Stefania Cataldi and Gianpiero Greco
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1938; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151938 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1974
Abstract
Background: This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of rehabilitation-focused exercise interventions for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), a leading cause of chronic low back pain. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across international and regional databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of [...] Read more.
Background: This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of rehabilitation-focused exercise interventions for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), a leading cause of chronic low back pain. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across international and regional databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, SID, and Noormags) covering the period from January 2010 to January 2025. The review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD420251088811. Using keywords such as “lumbar DDD,” “exercise therapy,” and “rehabilitation,” a total of 2495 records were identified. After screening, 20 studies—including clinical trials, quasi-experimental, and experimental designs—met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies. Results: Interventions such as hydrotherapy, core stability training, Pilates, and suspension exercises were found to significantly reduce pain and improve functional outcomes. While multimodal approaches (e.g., aquatic exercise combined with acupuncture) showed positive effects, the comparative studies revealed no significant differences between modalities. Suspension training demonstrated superior efficacy in pain reduction compared to isolated core stability exercises. The methodological quality of included studies ranged from good to excellent, with the majority rated as very good or excellent (McMaster scores: 8 “excellent,” 7 “very good,” and 5 “good”). Common limitations among the studies included methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes (n = 14–30), and insufficient long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Exercise-based rehabilitation is an effective strategy for managing lumbar DDD. Evidence particularly supports the use of suspension training and aquatic therapy for superior improvements in pain and functional outcomes. Future research should aim to adopt standardized protocols, recruit larger sample sizes, and include extended follow-up periods to produce more robust and generalizable findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Biomechanics: Pathways to Improve Health)
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7 pages, 256 KB  
Brief Report
The Reliability of the Timed Up and Go Test among Portuguese Elderly
by Filipe Rodrigues, José E. Teixeira and Pedro Forte
Healthcare 2023, 11(7), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11070928 - 23 Mar 2023
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3532
Abstract
Assessment of dynamic balance is typically completed through functional tests, such as the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, which measures the time it takes for an individual to stand up from a chair, walk a set distance, turn around, and sit back [...] Read more.
Assessment of dynamic balance is typically completed through functional tests, such as the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, which measures the time it takes for an individual to stand up from a chair, walk a set distance, turn around, and sit back down. This test has been validated in several countries. However, in the Portuguese population there is a gap on testing the reliability of this functional test in a sample of the elderly both living in the community or in nursing homes. Thus, this study aimed at examining the reliability of the TUG in a sample of Portuguese elderly. An Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) analysis was performed between the first time (T1) and the time score after 16 weeks (T2) in TUG test by 38 males and 79 females aged between 60 and 92 years. The results showed acceptable scores of ICC in community-dwelling and nursing home resident elderly in both moments. In addition, significant differences were found between these groups of older adults, showing that community-dwelling elderly show greater agility and balance capacity compared to those living in nursing homes. Thus, the TUG test can be applied in the Portuguese elderly in both community-dwelling and nursing home resident elderly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Biomechanics: Pathways to Improve Health)
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