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Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports—2nd Edition
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Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports—2nd Edition

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 December 2025 | Viewed by 5293

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Pedro 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: biomechanics; physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue of the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology delves into the intricate relationship between biomechanics and athletic performance. This Special Issue will explore the application of advanced biomechanical analysis techniques in understanding and enhancing physical activity and sports performance. Articles within this Special Issue will address a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from the biomechanics of specific sports movements to the development of novel materials that could enhance athletic gear and equipment.

We invite researchers and practitioners in the field of biomechanics to contribute their expertise to this Special Issue and provide insights into how biomechanical principles can be utilized to optimize training protocols, prevent injuries and maximize athletic potential. Furthermore, this Special Issue will showcase interdisciplinary approaches, highlighting collaborations between biomechanists, engineers, physiologists and sports scientists in order to tackle complex challenges in the realm of physical activity and sports.

Overall, this Special Issue will serve as a comprehensive resource for academics, coaches, athletes and sports enthusiasts who are interested in the intersection between biomechanics and sports performance, providing valuable insights and practical applications that ultimately enhance athletic endeavors.

Dr. Pedro Miguel Forte
Guest Editor

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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1800 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
  • sports performance
  • physical activity
  • athletic training
  • movement analysis
  • functional materials
  • kinesiology

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 985 KiB  
Article
Forefoot Centre of Pressure Patterns in Black Male African Recreational Runners with Pes Planus
by Jodie Dickson, Glen James Paton and Yaasirah Mohomed Choonara
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(3), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10030273 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 179
Abstract
Background: Pes planus is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, resulting in the entire sole contacting the ground. The biomechanical implications of pes planus on gait have been widely studied; however, research specific to Black African populations, particularly recreational runners, [...] Read more.
Background: Pes planus is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, resulting in the entire sole contacting the ground. The biomechanical implications of pes planus on gait have been widely studied; however, research specific to Black African populations, particularly recreational runners, is scarce. Aim: This study aimed to describe the forefoot centre of pressure (CoP) trajectory during the barefoot gait cycle among Black African recreational runners with pes planus. Methods: A prospective explorative and quantitative study design was employed. Participants included Black African male recreational runners aged 18 to 45 years diagnosed with pes planus. A Freemed™ 6050 force plate was used to collect gait data. Statistical analysis included cross-tabulations to identify patterns. Results: This study included 104 male participants across seven weight categories, with the majority in the 70-to-79 kg range (34.6%, n = 36). Most participants with pes planus showed a neutral foot posture (74.0%, n = 77) on the foot posture index 6 (FPI-6) scale. Flexible pes planus (94.2%, n = 98) was much more common than rigid pes planus (5.8%, n = 6). Lateral displacement of the CoP was observed in the right forefoot (90.4%, n = 94) and left forefoot (57.7%, n = 60). Load distribution patterns differed between feet, with the right foot favouring the medial heel, arch, and metatarsal heads, while the left foot favoured the lateral heel, medial heel, and lateral arch. No statistical significance was found in the cross-tabulations, but notable lateral CoP displacement in the forefoot was observed. Conclusions: The findings challenge the traditional view of pes planus causing overpronation and highlight the need for clinicians to reconsider standard diagnostic and management approaches. Further research is needed to explore the implications of these findings for injury prevention and management in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 1675 KiB  
Article
Influence of Talocrural Joint Position on the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Torque Measured with an Isokinetic and EasyForce® Dynamometer in Young Adults
by Ivana Sović, Matija Brentin, Mirela Vučković, Andrica Lekić, Gordana Starčević-Klasan, Bojan Miletić and Hrvoje Vlahović
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(3), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10030245 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 311
Abstract
Background: Motor irradiation is a concept in which the muscles of the talocrural joint can influence the torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle. The aims of this study are to compare the effects of three different talocrural joint positions on the torque [...] Read more.
Background: Motor irradiation is a concept in which the muscles of the talocrural joint can influence the torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle. The aims of this study are to compare the effects of three different talocrural joint positions on the torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle and to analyze the differences in torque measurements between two dynamometers. Methods: 33 students from the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Rijeka participated in the study. The torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle was measured using the Cybex CSMi isokinetic dynamometer and the EasyForce® hand-held fixed dynamometer. The measurements were performed three times continuously for each talocrural joint position. Results: When measured with the isokinetic dynamometer (p = 0.210) and the EasyForce® dynamometer (p = 0.925), no significant difference was found in the torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle between the three talocrural joint positions. The dynamometers measured the torque consistently and showed a significant, from very good to excellent correlation of the data (p < 0.001), but did not provide identical results due to constant and proportional differences. Conclusions: There was no significant influence of the three talocrural joint positions on the torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle under isometric contraction conditions without a specific angular velocity. The use of the two dynamometers led to similar but inconsistent results in the measurement of muscle torque. This inconsistency is not only because of the differences between the devices themselves, but also due to fundamental methodological differences in participant stabilization and testing procedures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 1219 KiB  
Article
Correlation of Physical Activity Level with Muscle Strength and Size During One Week of Knee Joint Immobilization
by Kylie K. Harmon, Zahra Pourhatami, Dylan Malinowski, Ryan M. Girts, Jonathan P. Beausejour, Jeremy S. Wydra, Joshua C. Carr, Jeanette Garcia and Matt S. Stock
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020192 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 685
Abstract
Background: Knee joint immobilization is common after surgery or injury. Whether remaining physically active during immobilization preserves muscle strength and size has not been studied. Objectives: This observational study examined correlations between muscle strength, size, and physical activity (PA) levels during [...] Read more.
Background: Knee joint immobilization is common after surgery or injury. Whether remaining physically active during immobilization preserves muscle strength and size has not been studied. Objectives: This observational study examined correlations between muscle strength, size, and physical activity (PA) levels during one week of knee joint immobilization. Methods: Nine healthy adults (five males, four females) immobilized their left knee and ambulated with crutches for one week. Ankle accelerometers monitored compliance and tracked PA. Isometric and concentric isokinetic peak torque at 30°/s and 180°/s and vastus lateralis (VL) cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed before and after immobilization. Bivariate correlations were used to examine relationships between time spent in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous PA, and changes in isometric and concentric isokinetic peak torque, as well as VL CSA. Results: After immobilization, isometric strength declined by 17.1%. Concentric isokinetic peak torque declined by 5.5% at 30°/s and 2.3% at 180°/s. VL CSA declined by 6.7%. There were weak correlations between strength measures and PA levels (r = −0.497–0.574; p = 0.106–0.709). For CSA, an unexpected pattern was found in which greater sedentary time was correlated with decreased atrophy (r = 0.701; p = 0.035), but light (r = −0.673; p = 0.047) and moderate (r = −0.738; p = 0.023) PA levels were correlated with increased atrophy. Vigorous PA had weak correlations with CSA (r = −0.321; p = 0.399). Conclusions: Contrary to our hypothesis, increased PA levels were not correlated with the preservation of strength and were correlated with greater declines in CSA during knee joint immobilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports—2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 495 KiB  
Article
Intra-Session Reliability and Predictive Value of Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction for Estimating One-Repetition Maximum in Older Women: A Randomised Split-Sample Study
by José Aldo Hernández-Murúa, Ena Monserrat Romero-Pérez, Jorge Luis Guajardo-Cruztitla, Blas Sinahí Madrigal Olivares, Ángel Gallego-Selles, Diego González-Martín, Francisca Reyes-Merino, Nidia Sánchez-García and José Antonio de Paz
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020160 - 6 May 2025
Viewed by 551
Abstract
Background: Ageing is associated with a progressive decline in muscle strength, particularly in the lower limbs, which compromises functional independence. While both maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and one-repetition maximum (1RM) are widely employed to assess muscle strength, the intra-session reliability and predictive [...] Read more.
Background: Ageing is associated with a progressive decline in muscle strength, particularly in the lower limbs, which compromises functional independence. While both maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and one-repetition maximum (1RM) are widely employed to assess muscle strength, the intra-session reliability and predictive capacity of MVIC for estimating 1RM in older women remain insufficiently explored. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the intra-session reliability of MVIC in knee extensors, analyse its correlation with 1RM, and develop a predictive model for estimating 1RM from MVIC in older women. Methods: Using a randomised split-sample design, 82 women aged 60–69 years performed two MVIC trials and one 1RM test using a leg extension machine. Intra-session reliability was assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEM), and the minimal detectable change (MDC). Furthermore, a linear regression model was developed to predict 1RM based on MVIC. Results: MVIC demonstrated excellent intra-session reliability (ICC = 0.96, SEM = 4.3%, MDC = 11.9%), and a strong correlation between MVIC and 1RM was observed (R2 = 0.618). Although the predictive equation 1RM = [(0.932 × MVIC) − 3.852] did not yield statistically significant differences between the estimated and actual 1RM values (p = 0.791), it exhibited a prediction error of 13.4%. Conclusions: MVIC is a highly reliable measure in older women and represents a practical tool for estimating 1RM. Nonetheless, its predictive accuracy is limited, highlighting the need for further studies to refine predictive models by incorporating additional variables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 3194 KiB  
Article
Contribution of Tibialis Anterior in Sit-to-Stand Motion: Implications for Its Role in Shifting the Center of Pressure Backward
by Hiroki Hanawa, Taku Miyazawa, Keisuke Hirata, Keisuke Kubota and Tsutomu Fujino
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020156 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
Background: The role of tibialis anterior activity in sit-to-stand motion is unclear. We hypothesized that contraction of the tibialis anterior would slightly lift the forefoot and shift the center of pressure backward. Objectives: The objective of this study was to clarify this movement [...] Read more.
Background: The role of tibialis anterior activity in sit-to-stand motion is unclear. We hypothesized that contraction of the tibialis anterior would slightly lift the forefoot and shift the center of pressure backward. Objectives: The objective of this study was to clarify this movement and its role in tibialis anterior activity. Methods: Ten healthy adults performed the sit-to-stand motion. Cross-correlation coefficients among tibialis anterior activity, shank inclination angle, and center of pressure were calculated. Whole-body joint moments were simulated when the center of pressure varied within the foot. The angle of the ground reaction force during seat-off was calculated. Results: The center of pressure moved backward in all trials for all participants. The mean lag time for peak cross-correlation coefficients between the tibialis anterior and shank tilt and between the tibialis anterior and center of pressure was 0.37 and 0.13 s, respectively. Simulating the center of pressure forward resulted in greater whole-body joint moments than those measured (mean 1.88 times). The ground reaction forces were nearly perpendicular to the floor. Conclusions: From the perspective of temporal synchrony, tibialis anterior activity significantly contributed to the backward shift of the center of pressure. The center of pressure shift minimized the force exerted by the entire body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 245 KiB  
Article
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Gait Rhythm with Motor Imagery -Trial Using the Finger Tap Test-
by Keisuke Itotani, Mirai Taki, Shinnosuke Ueno, Hina Nakai, Yuta Miki, Ippei Suganuma, Shun Harada and Noriyuki Ogawa
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010094 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 392
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of any error (delta; ∆) between the image of one’s own walking rhythm and the actual walking rhythm and physical activity, as a new motor imagery assessment. Methods: The subjects were classified [...] Read more.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of any error (delta; ∆) between the image of one’s own walking rhythm and the actual walking rhythm and physical activity, as a new motor imagery assessment. Methods: The subjects were classified into two groups: a high activity group (HA-Group) having high physical activity with less than four hours of sitting time per day, and a low activity group (LA-Group) having low physical activity with more than four hours of daily sitting time. Visual rhythm, auditory rhythm, mental comfortable walking rhythm, and mental maximum walking rhythm were used to assess new motor imagery. Their beats per minute were measured and any error (delta; ∆) from the actual rhythm was calculated: ∆ visual rhythm, ∆ auditory rhythm, ∆ mental normal gait rhythm, and ∆ mental maximal gait rhythm. Results: When comparing the two groups, the HA-Group had significantly higher ∆ visual rhythm, lower ∆ auditory rhythm, higher ∆ mental comfortable walking rhythm, and lower ∆ mental maximum walking rhythm ability than the LA-Group. Furthermore, in an ANCOVA with age, ∆visual rhythm, and ∆auditory rhythm as adjustment factors, the HA-Group had significantly lower ∆mental maximum walking rhythm than the LA-Group. Conclusions: These results showed that the rhythmic assessment of the imagery of maximum walking was associated with stationery time. It is possible that the more inaccurate the imagery of maximum walking, the longer the sitting or lying time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports—2nd Edition)
17 pages, 638 KiB  
Article
Relationship Between Anthropometric Profile, Body Composition, and Physical Performance in Spanish Professional Female Soccer Players at Pre-Season Onset: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Marta Ramírez-Munera, Raúl Arcusa, Francisco Javier López-Román, Vicente Ávila-Gandía, Silvia Pérez-Piñero, Juan Carlos Muñoz-Carrillo, Antonio Jesús Luque-Rubia and Javier Marhuenda
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(1), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010079 - 27 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1221
Abstract
Background: Body composition plays a key role in both anaerobic and aerobic performance in professional soccer. However, its relationship with physical performance in female players remains underexplored. Assessing these parameters at the beginning of the pre-season provides valuable insights for optimizing player [...] Read more.
Background: Body composition plays a key role in both anaerobic and aerobic performance in professional soccer. However, its relationship with physical performance in female players remains underexplored. Assessing these parameters at the beginning of the pre-season provides valuable insights for optimizing player readiness. This study investigates the correlation between anthropometric profile, body composition, and physical performance in professional female soccer players at pre-season onset. Additionally, it analyzes positional differences and their relation to the specific physical demands of women’s soccer. Methods: A cross-sectional study of thirty-four female soccer players (age: 23.06 ± 4.29 years, height: 164.15 ± 5.84 cm, weight: 58.39 ± 6.62 kg, and ∑6 skinfolds: 74.57 ± 18.48 mm) who performed anthropometric measurements, the Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) on the first day of the pre-season. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test assessed positional differences, while Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation coefficients evaluated relationships between anthropometric variables and performance outcomes. Results: Very high positive correlations were found between body and muscle mass with the power variables in CMJ and WAnT (r = 0.70–0.89; p < 0.001). An almost perfect correlation was observed between body mass and peak power in WAnT (r = 0.904; p < 0.001). In contrast, fat mass showed moderate negative correlations with jump height and aerobic performance (Yo-Yo IR1 distance) (r = 0.30–0.49; p < 0.04). Significant differences were observed in the mean (757.60 ± 95.59 W) and peak power (773.59 ± 101.88 W) of CMJ pre-WAnT, with goalkeepers showing higher values compared to defenders and midfielders (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Body composition significantly influences athletic performance, showing positive correlations of muscle and body mass with anaerobic power and capacity. In contrast, fat mass showed negative correlations with explosive strength, recovery, and aerobic capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports—2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 548 KiB  
Review
Kinetic Variables as Indicators of Lower Limb Indirect Injury Risk in Professional Soccer: A Systematic Review
by Jorge Pérez-Contreras, Juan Francisco Loro-Ferrer, Felipe Inostroza-Ríos, Pablo Merino-Muñoz, Alejandro Bustamante Garrido, Felipe Hermosilla-Palma, Ciro José Brito, Guillermo Cortés-Roco, David Arriagada Tarifeño, Fernando Muñoz-Hinrichsen and Esteban Aedo-Muñoz
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020228 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 695
Abstract
Background: The high demands of professional soccer predispose players to musculoskeletal injuries. The primary challenge for identifying potential risk factors lies in determining the appropriate assessment methods and indicators to consider. Kinetic variables have been identified as potential indicators of injury risk. Objectives: [...] Read more.
Background: The high demands of professional soccer predispose players to musculoskeletal injuries. The primary challenge for identifying potential risk factors lies in determining the appropriate assessment methods and indicators to consider. Kinetic variables have been identified as potential indicators of injury risk. Objectives: To conduct a systematic review of the literature analyzing the relationship between kinetic variables and the risk of indirect musculoskeletal injuries of the lower limb in professional soccer players. Methods: A search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus following the PRISMA guidelines. The search included articles that link kinetic variables assessed through dynamometry to indirect lower limb injuries. Sample characteristics, assessments, injury follow-ups, and statistical results were extracted for qualitative synthesis. Results: A total of 1096 studies were initially identified, of which 380 duplicates were removed. After screening 716 articles by title and abstract, 631 were excluded. Subsequently, 85 full-text articles were examined, resulting in 11 studies being included. Of the included articles, 10 used isokinetic dynamometry and the Nordic hamstring curl test to assess lower limb strength. Conclusions: The results of this review indicate that kinetic variables, particularly isokinetic strength measures at different angular velocities, are consistently associated with indirect musculoskeletal injury risk in professional soccer players. The most relevant indicators include eccentric hamstring force and concentric quadriceps torque, which help identify strength deficits and muscular disequilibrium. Monitoring these variables through validated assessments enables the development of targeted prevention strategies. Additionally, injury risk assessment should integrate kinetic data with contextual indicators such as well-being, fatigue, and training load. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports—2nd Edition)
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