Biomechanics of Human Movement in Sports and Analysis of Sport Techniques

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Kinesiology and Biomechanics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 6286

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Guest Editor
School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: biomechanics of human movement; performance analysis in team sports; sport biomechanics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human body locomotion is the repetitive pattern of force application, and “technique” refers to the specific trajectories that follow it in order to achieve an optimum performance in task accomplishment during sports, despite spatio-temporal constraints. Although a commonly accepted style of movements is performed in each sport, technique, as exhibited by an individual, is not predetermined, unchanged, or identical regardless of the environmental context; rather, it is constantly changing, depending on various factors such as the phase of athletic development, the seasonal modification of physical fitness, environmental conditions, etc. The biomechanical analysis of human movement and sport techniques—in daily practice, in training, and in scientific research—must overcome challenges, such as interpretating the mechanisms stimulated in the specific movement patterns of the human body in a particular sport, the effective stimulation of these mechanisms to provoke optimum adaptations of the body’s movement in a given environment and constrains by exploiting positive effects and/or minimizing challenges during this interaction. Consequently, it is important to identify, classify, and decode the biomechanical factors that define the efficient movement patterns adopted by individuals that eventually result in optimized sport technique. Understanding the above-mentioned factors can trigger the adoption of beneficial practices in sports training, leading to enhanced performance, reduced occurrence of injury, and thus to more successful athletic careers.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a platform for researchers to communicate their latest findings in the field and to share contemporary evidence on performance- and technique-related sport biomechanics research and training practice. Original articles, reviews, and case reports may be submitted to this Special Issue.

Dr. Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • sport biomechanics
  • sport technique
  • kinematic analysis
  • kinetic analysis
  • movement pattern
  • sport performance
  • human performance optimization
  • sport injury prevention
  • interlimb coordination
  • interlimb asymmetries

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4345 KB  
Article
Functional Biomechanical Analysis of Javelin Throw Technique in Junior Athletes
by Ligia Cuciorovschi, Denisa-Iulia Brus, Ștefan Teriș and Răzvan Sandu Enoiu
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020145 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 578
Abstract
Background: Javelin throw performance is strongly influenced by the coordination of the kinetic chain and by key biomechanical parameters related to technique execution. Understanding the functional biomechanical characteristics of javelin throw technique in junior athletes is essential for optimizing performance. Methods: This study [...] Read more.
Background: Javelin throw performance is strongly influenced by the coordination of the kinetic chain and by key biomechanical parameters related to technique execution. Understanding the functional biomechanical characteristics of javelin throw technique in junior athletes is essential for optimizing performance. Methods: This study investigated the biomechanical characteristics of javelin throw technique in junior athletes using an applied motion analysis approach. Kinematic, spatiotemporal, and performance-related variables were assessed during throwing trials at two evaluation time points, before and after a structured biomechanics-informed training period, using motion analysis tools and wearable measurement systems as instruments. Results: Significant pre–post changes were observed in technique-related variables (release angle and coordination indices) and in performance outcomes (throwing distance and ball throw speed). Conclusions: These findings highlight the functional relationships between biomechanical technique variables and javelin throw outcomes in junior athletes and suggest that field-based biomechanical monitoring can be useful for tracking technique-related changes during structured training in junior throwers. Full article
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18 pages, 1179 KB  
Article
Beyond the Disc: Positional Differences in Morphological and Physical Performance Characteristics Among Male Ultimate Frisbee Players
by Cristian Hernández, María Alejandra Camacho-Villa, Nuria Sánchez-Hernández, Luis Gabriel Rangel Caballero, Jorge Gómez-Camacho, Juan Carlos Saavedra, Jorge Enrique Buitrago-Espitia and Adrián De la Rosa
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(1), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11010128 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 703
Abstract
Background: Ultimate Frisbee (UF) is an intermittent team sport with distinct positional roles (cutters and handlers), yet evidence integrating anthropometric, body composition, and physical performance profiles by playing position remains limited. This study aimed to examine positional differences in these variables among male [...] Read more.
Background: Ultimate Frisbee (UF) is an intermittent team sport with distinct positional roles (cutters and handlers), yet evidence integrating anthropometric, body composition, and physical performance profiles by playing position remains limited. This study aimed to examine positional differences in these variables among male UF players. Methods: Forty male players (age: 25.13 ± 3.76 years; 7.0 ± 2.5 years of training experience) participated in this cross-sectional design, including 20 cutters and 20 handlers. Anthropometry, body composition, and dynamic balance variables were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests, as appropriate. Positional differences in somatotype and physical performance were analyzed using a one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results: No positional differences were observed in general anthropometric variables (p > 0.05). However, handlers exhibited higher body fat percentage (14.32 ± 2.37 vs. 11.95 ± 2.45; p = 0.028), fat mass (11.08 ± 2.51 vs. 8.95 ± 2.67 kg; p = 0.049), and endomorphy (4.15 ± 1.22 vs. 2.99 ± 1.30; p = 0.002) than cutters. In contrast, cutters demonstrated higher speed (20 m sprint: 3.11 ± 0.17 vs. 3.21 ± 0.15 s; p < 0.05), agility (10.16 ± 0.69 vs. 10.69 ± 0.61 s; p < 0.05), and vertical jump performance (Counter Movement Jump: 40.93 ± 6.54 vs. 36.38 ± 4.71 cm; p < 0.05; Abalakov: 46.39 ± 7.88 vs. 40.20 ± 4.68 cm; p < 0.01). No differences were found in intermittent endurance (Yo-Yo Intermitent Recovery Test1): 982 ± 354 vs. 940 ± 348 m), upper-limb power, or dynamic balance. Conclusions: These findings indicate that playing position in UF is characterized by distinct body composition and lower-limb neuromuscular performance profiles, whereas intermittent endurance, upper-limb power, and balance represent shared physical requirements across positions. Full article
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14 pages, 1718 KB  
Article
Physical and Ski Technical Factors Associated with ACL Injury Susceptibility in Elite and Recreational Alpine Skiers
by Márton Kékesi, Dorina Annar, Mira Ambrus, Ádám Uhlár, András Tállay and Zsombor Lacza
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11010076 - 13 Feb 2026
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Abstract
Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most severe and frequent injuries in alpine skiing, often occurring in non-contact situations during high-demand turns. Various instrumental techniques were used to assess susceptibility to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in alpine ski [...] Read more.
Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most severe and frequent injuries in alpine skiing, often occurring in non-contact situations during high-demand turns. Various instrumental techniques were used to assess susceptibility to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in alpine ski racers and recreational skiers. This cross-sectional exploratory study aimed to identify key factors contributing to ACL injury susceptibility, comparing lab-based and on-snow tests. Materials and Methods: We examined nine elite ski racers and nine recreational skiers with strong athletic backgrounds. Skiing technique was analyzed using an instrumented insole system (CARV) to measure body position, pressure symmetry, and edge angle. Dynamic Q-angle symmetry during single-leg squats were assessed with an optical system (DynaKnee), while balance, strength, and agility were evaluated through ACL-specific lab tests (CoRehab). Group comparisons were performed using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test. Results: No significant differences were found between groups in ACL-specific lab tests, including balance, agility, and jump performance. However, ski racers exhibited 34.9% higher asymmetry in the Q-angle symmetry index during the one-leg squat. In contrast, ski technique differences were significant: ski racers achieved 16.3% higher Edge Similarity, 48% better Pressure Symmetry, and 5.8% better Fore-Aft Balance compared to recreational skiers. Conclusions: Despite similar general athletic abilities, elite skiers showed higher Q-angle asymmetry, which has been previously associated with ACL injury risk. However, their advanced skiing technique may partially mitigate the functional consequences of this asymmetry during on-snow tests. This suggests that refined skiing skills may influence functional performance in racing conditions, while pronounced one-sided dominance could indicate potential injury risk. Full article
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15 pages, 528 KB  
Article
Relationship Between Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) Questionnaire Scores and Vertical Drop-Landing Kinetics in Netball Players: An Exploratory Study
by Darren-Lee Percy Kwong, Benita Olivier and Andrew Green
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11010027 - 8 Jan 2026
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Abstract
Background: The Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) questionnaire is widely used to screen for functional ankle instability (FAI), but its link to objective landing kinetics in multidirectional sports like netball is not well-understood. This study aimed to (i) compare landing kinetics between [...] Read more.
Background: The Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) questionnaire is widely used to screen for functional ankle instability (FAI), but its link to objective landing kinetics in multidirectional sports like netball is not well-understood. This study aimed to (i) compare landing kinetics between idFAI stratified netball players, and (ii) examine associations between IdFAI scores with dynamic postural stability (DPS) indices and peak vertical ground reaction forces (PvGRF) during vertical drop landings. Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory study using a repeated-measures landing protocol was conducted on female university netball players (n = 24), stratified into FAI (n = 12) and non-FAI (n = 12) groups using the IdFAI (≥11 indicating possible FAI). Participants completed 18 unilateral drop jump landings in forward (FW), diagonal (DI), and lateral (LA) directions. Ground reaction forces (GRFs) were recorded to obtain DPS and PvGRF metrics (1000 Hz). Mann–Whitney U tests compared FAI groups, and Spearman correlations assessed associations (p < 0.05). Results: Players with FAI showed greater anteroposterior instability during LA landings (U = 33.5, p = 0.020, ES = 0.65). IdFAI scores correlated moderately with lateral anteroposterior deficits (rs = 0.473, p = 0.020, CI = 0.062–0.746). Conclusions: These findings suggest that players with greater FAI display increased anteroposterior instability during LA landings, with higher IdFAI scores moderately associated with these deficits. Despite the small exploratory, hypothesis-generating sample, the results emphasize the practical relevance of direction-targeted landing-stability training to improve DPS in vertical landings. This may provide insight into ankle-injury risk among FAI netball players, given that LA landings represent a documented ankle sprain mechanism. Full article
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16 pages, 1776 KB  
Article
Kinematic Analysis of the Lower Limb in Uchi-Mata: Comparison Between Elite Athletes Specializing and Non-Specializing
by Ciro José Brito, Naiara Ribeiro Almeida, Ignacio Roa-Gamboa, Lindsei Brabec Mota Barreto, José Raimundo Fernandes, Lúcio Marques Vieira-Souza, Otávio de Toledo Nóbrega, Alfonso López Díaz de Durana, Bianca Miarka and Esteban Aedo-Muñoz
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(4), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10040378 - 30 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1587
Abstract
Background: Uchi-mata is one of the most frequently used throwing techniques in judo, yet little is known about the kinematic factors distinguishing specialists from non-specialists. This study compared lower-limb kinematics during uchi-mata across its three phases in elite judokas. Methods: Forty athletes (12 [...] Read more.
Background: Uchi-mata is one of the most frequently used throwing techniques in judo, yet little is known about the kinematic factors distinguishing specialists from non-specialists. This study compared lower-limb kinematics during uchi-mata across its three phases in elite judokas. Methods: Forty athletes (12 female, 28 male; 24.5 ± 5.9 years) were classified as specialists (n = 20) or non-specialists (n = 20). Photogrammetry assessed hip, knee, and foot displacement, velocity, acceleration, and timing during the Approach, Turning, and Throw phases. Analyses were performed using mixed-effects models with group, phase, and sex as fixed effects, plus exploratory multivariate tests (p < 0.05). Results: Specialists executed faster movements in the Approach (p = 0.036, d = 0.69) and Throw phases (p = 0.010, d = 0.85), showed greater hip displacement during Approach (p = 0.008, d = 0.89), and achieved superior knee and foot displacement in Throw (p = 0.005 and p = 0.003). Final positioning also differed, with specialists displaying higher knee (98.5 ± 14.5 vs. 86.3 ± 17.8 cm, p ≤ 0.001) and foot (121.0 ± 19.7 vs. 104.4 ± 27.4 cm, p = 0.034) heights, but lower hip position (61.9 ± 4.2 vs. 75.6 ± 7.5 cm, p = 0.021). Sex showed no significant effects or interactions, indicating that these group differences were consistent across male and female athletes. Conclusions: Uchi-mata specialists demonstrated superior displacement and velocity control, particularly in the Approach and Throw phases, reflecting greater neuromuscular coordination and efficiency. These findings provide practical markers for coaches and athletes to guide training focused on mobility, strength, and technical drills that enhance hip, knee, and foot displacement, supporting the optimization of uchi-mata performance in elite judo. Full article
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18 pages, 4185 KB  
Perspective
Biomechanical Principles and Techniques—A Systematization for Sport Climbing
by Silas Dech and René Kittel
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(1), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11010103 - 28 Feb 2026
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Abstract
Background: Sport climbing, encompassing lead, bouldering, and speed disciplines, has transformed from a niche activity to a widely popular trend, notably after its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games 2021. This recognition spurred an increase in publications. Despite the emerging scientific interest, [...] Read more.
Background: Sport climbing, encompassing lead, bouldering, and speed disciplines, has transformed from a niche activity to a widely popular trend, notably after its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games 2021. This recognition spurred an increase in publications. Despite the emerging scientific interest, terminology in climbing textbooks often relies on experiential rather than scientific understanding, leading to inconsistencies. This paper aims to standardize terminology by applying sports science frameworks, including biomechanics, training science, and sports medicine. Methods: The study reinterprets general sports science concepts for climbing-specific applications, proposing a structure of climbing skill that covers physical fitness components, biomechanical principles and techniques (body positioning), and specific components (hand and foot positioning). This integrated approach seeks to establish a coherent nomenclature, facilitating research, training, prevention, and rehabilitation within the climbing discipline. Results: Five primary climbing principles are proposed: optimal wall contact, maintained stability, center of mass shift, movement initiation from the legs and optimal climbing speed. Two technique categories—frontal and rotational—are defined in consideration of the spatial position of the pelvic frontal plane in relation to the wall surface. Each climbing technique can be described by applying the three-phase model of acyclic movements. Principles and techniques both aim to maximize efficiency in moving and resting on the climbing wall. Conclusions: A unified understanding of climbing principles and techniques is vital for progressing research, training programs, prevention strategies, and rehabilitation efforts in sport climbing. Adopting a comprehensive sports science framework promises enhanced clarity and efficacy in climbing practices, benefiting both theoretical analyses and practical applications. Full article
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