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10th Anniversary of JFMK: Advances in Kinesiology and Biomechanics
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10th Anniversary of JFMK: Advances in Kinesiology and Biomechanics

A Special Issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142) belonging to the section "Kinesiology and Biomechanics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 6669

Editors

Prof. Dr. Roland Van den Tillaar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Nord University, 7600 Levanger, Norway
Interests: biomechanics; 3D kinematics; motor control; strength training; team handball; sprint training; EMG measurements; sports performance; core strength; whole body vibration training; warming up and performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jorge Morais

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Centre for Active Living and Wellbeing (LiveWell), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
Interests: physical activity; performance; biomechanics; swimming; physiology; modelling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The year 2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN: 2411-5142). Appreciation to all authors, reviewers, editorial board members, and readers must be given for their invaluable support, which made reaching this milestone possible. To celebrate this achievement, the journal will lead a Special Issue entitled “10th Anniversary of JFMK: Advances in Kinesiology and Biomechanics”. This collection will highlight the progress achieved in the past decades, current knowledge, and the emerging challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We invite contributions that span the full spectrum of kinesiology and biomechanics, including but not limited to the following topics:

  • Human motion and performance;
  • Neuromechanics and motor control;
  • Injury prevention and rehabilitation;
  • Ergonomics and occupational biomechanics;
  • Technology, simulation, and modeling;
  • Sports and exercise biomechanics;
  • Emerging and interdisciplinary topics.

Prof. Dr. Roland Van den Tillaar
Dr. Jorge Morais
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized 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

  • kinematics
  • kinetics
  • balance
  • posture
  • gait
  • sports
  • locomotion
  • mechanics
  • lower limb
  • upper limb
  • technology
  • injury prevention
  • ergonomics

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2339 KB  
Article
Validation of a Deep Learning-Based Markerless Video System for Gait Speed Assessment During the 10-Meter Walk Test in Outdoor Clinical Settings
by Teerawat Kamnardsiri, Phasit Charoenkwan and Sirinun Boripuntakul
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(3), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11030357 - 7 Sep 2026
Viewed by 137
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Markerless video-based gait assessment has emerged as a promising alternative to laboratory motion capture systems because it enables objective, low-cost, and accessible mobility assessment. However, evidence supporting the validity of deep learning (DL)-based markerless video systems for gait speed assessment during [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Markerless video-based gait assessment has emerged as a promising alternative to laboratory motion capture systems because it enables objective, low-cost, and accessible mobility assessment. However, evidence supporting the validity of deep learning (DL)-based markerless video systems for gait speed assessment during the 10-meter walk test (10-MWT) in real-world clinical environments remains limited. This study evaluated the concurrent validity of a DL-based markerless video system for estimating gait speed during the 10-MWT under outdoor clinical conditions. Methods: Thirty-two healthy participants from three age groups completed the 10-MWT under comfortable, slow, and fast walking conditions. Gait speed was simultaneously measured using the proposed DL-based markerless video system with the YOLOv11x model and Tracker video analysis software (version 6.3.2). Gait speed was calculated across six consecutive 1 m walking segments. Concurrent validity was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: Pearson’s correlation coefficients ranged from 0.92 to 0.98 across all six walking segments and walking-speed conditions, indicating very high concurrent validity. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between the proposed system and the reference method, with mean differences close to zero and most observations falling within the 95% limits of agreement. The proposed system maintained high agreement across comfortable, slow, and fast walking conditions while enabling segment-specific gait speed analysis throughout the 10-MWT. Conclusions: The proposed DL-based markerless video system demonstrated high agreement with Tracker for gait speed assessment during the 10-MWT under outdoor non-laboratory conditions, supporting its potential as an accessible approach for gait speed assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of JFMK: Advances in Kinesiology and Biomechanics)
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17 pages, 1454 KB  
Article
Use Treadmills with Caution: Walking Energy Expenditure and Metabolic Cost Are Elevated Compared to Overground Across Multiple Speeds in Healthy Young Adults
by Sauvik Das Gupta, Kanako Kamishita, Megumi Kondo and Yoshiyuki Kobayashi
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020220 - 29 May 2026
Viewed by 1361
Abstract
Objectives: Treadmill walking is often employed for tightly controlled gait and energetics research, but growing evidence suggests that treadmill-based metabolic and biomechanical measurements may not directly reflect the ecologically valid mode of overground walking. While many previous studies focused on older adults, [...] Read more.
Objectives: Treadmill walking is often employed for tightly controlled gait and energetics research, but growing evidence suggests that treadmill-based metabolic and biomechanical measurements may not directly reflect the ecologically valid mode of overground walking. While many previous studies focused on older adults, much less is known about how treadmill walking influences gait energetics and spatiotemporal parameters in young healthy adults across matched speeds. We investigated energy expenditure, metabolic cost of walking and spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy young adults walking overground and on a treadmill at three speeds (slow—1.0, comfortable—1.3, fast—1.5 m/s). Our hypothesis was that at the comfortable speed, treadmill and overground energetics and gait parameters would be comparable. However, at slow and fast speeds, there would be a significant energetic penalty, accompanied by significant differences in spatiotemporal parameters. Methods: Twenty young participants (10 males and 10 females) completed a randomized cross-over walking protocol with a minimum of ten minutes treadmill familiarization at 1.3 m/s. Breath-by-breath oxygen consumption (V˙O2) and Respiratory Exchange Ratio were measured using a portable indirect calorimetry system and gait parameters were calculated from Inertial Measurement Units. Gross and net energy expenditures, costs of walking, cadence, average step and stride lengths, and walk ratio were calculated. A three-way mixed ANOVA was used for primary statistical analyses. Results: Treadmill walking was characterized by higher gross and net energy expenditures and metabolic costs (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.6) across all speeds compared to overground. It was also characterized by faster cadence and shorter average step and stride lengths (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.9). Additionally, there was an effect of sex (p = 0.01, ηp2 = 0.3) on the gait parameters, with females exhibiting a faster cadence and shorter average step and stride lengths than males. Conclusions: Our findings show that treadmill walking imposes a medium-to-large metabolic penalty even in healthy young adults, with compensatory gait adaptations, possibly reflecting increased stabilization demands and altered neuromuscular control strategies. These results underscore the limits of generalizing treadmill derived gait data to overground walking and we caution against the uncritical use of treadmills, especially while trying to understand ecologically relevant human walking mechanics and energetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of JFMK: Advances in Kinesiology and Biomechanics)
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15 pages, 942 KB  
Article
Task-Dependent Reorganization of Ankle–Knee Mechanical Coordination Revealed by Moment–Moment Phase Space Analysis
by Alessandro Garofolini, William Anthony Sparrow and Rezaul Begg
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020201 - 19 May 2026
Viewed by 407
Abstract
Background: Human locomotion requires coordinated torque production across multiple joints, yet conventional gait analysis typically evaluates joint behavior independently, limiting insight into inter-joint coordination. This study aimed to quantify task-dependent reorganization of ankle–knee mechanical coordination using a moment–moment phase space framework. Methods: A [...] Read more.
Background: Human locomotion requires coordinated torque production across multiple joints, yet conventional gait analysis typically evaluates joint behavior independently, limiting insight into inter-joint coordination. This study aimed to quantify task-dependent reorganization of ankle–knee mechanical coordination using a moment–moment phase space framework. Methods: A normative dataset of healthy adults (N = 50) performing natural-speed walking, toe walking, heel walking, stair ascent, and stair descent was analyzed. Sagittal-plane external ankle and knee moments were extracted from time-normalized stride cycles and z-score normalized within each stride to emphasize coordination topology. Ankle–knee trajectories were represented in moment–moment space and characterized using three geometric metrics: loop magnitude (|Area|), principal axis orientation, and anisotropy. Metrics were aggregated within subject and analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with planned contrasts against walking. Results: Loop magnitude differed significantly across tasks (p < 0.001), with the largest increases observed during toe walking (+3.45 relative to walking) and stair descent (+2.41). Principal axis orientation also showed a significant task effect (p = 0.026), with stair descent producing the largest rotation of the coordination axis (−29.8°). Anisotropy varied significantly across tasks (p < 0.001), indicating systematic changes in the dimensionality and strength of inter-joint torque coupling. Conclusions: Locomotor tasks induce structured, task-dependent reorganization of ankle–knee coordination topology. Moment–moment phase space analysis provides a compact and interpretable framework for quantifying inter-joint torque coupling, with potential applications in biomechanics research and the development of activity-aware assistive technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of JFMK: Advances in Kinesiology and Biomechanics)
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16 pages, 2442 KB  
Article
Effects of Limited Wrist Motion and Forearm Rotation on Scapular Kinematics and Muscle Activity During Spoon-Feeding in Healthy Young Adults
by Noboru Chiba, Kazuki Ogawa, Ai Suzuki and Tadayoshi Minamisawa
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020135 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1094
Abstract
Background: Wrist–forearm orthoses used during self-feeding may alter scapular and shoulder mechanics and increase proximal load, but this has not been quantified. Methods: Seventeen right-hand-dominant young adults performed a spoon-feeding task under free and restricted conditions. A thermoplastic wrist–forearm orthosis positioned the wrist [...] Read more.
Background: Wrist–forearm orthoses used during self-feeding may alter scapular and shoulder mechanics and increase proximal load, but this has not been quantified. Methods: Seventeen right-hand-dominant young adults performed a spoon-feeding task under free and restricted conditions. A thermoplastic wrist–forearm orthosis positioned the wrist at approximately 30° dorsiflexion at rest and was intended to constrain wrist motion during the task without rigidly immobilizing forearm pronation–supination. Three-dimensional kinematics (scapula, shoulder, trunk, and distal joints) were recorded using inertial sensors, and surface electromyography was obtained from the upper trapezius, middle deltoid, and biceps brachii. Maximum joint angles and mean %MVC over the feeding cycle were compared between conditions (α = 0.05). Results: The restriction condition resulted in a more anteriorly tilted and downwardly rotated scapular posture, greater shoulder abduction and external rotation, and increased thoracic flexion, whereas maximum distal joint angles did not differ, suggesting a functional distal constraint rather than rigid immobilization. Middle deltoid and biceps brachii activities increased significantly, with a nonsignificant trend toward higher upper trapezius activation. Conclusions: In healthy young adults, limited wrist motion and forearm rotation during spoon-feeding were associated with altered proximal coordination, including scapular, shoulder/trunk, and proximal muscle changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of JFMK: Advances in Kinesiology and Biomechanics)
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Review

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19 pages, 1938 KB  
Review
Acceleration and Injury-Frame Biomechanics in Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review
by Robert Olivar and Eleftherios Kellis
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(3), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11030309 - 8 Aug 2026
Viewed by 603
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) incidence has increased across sport populations, and, given its impact on elite performance, the purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the available video analysis evidence describing the biomechanics of ATR in sport. Methods [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) incidence has increased across sport populations, and, given its impact on elite performance, the purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the available video analysis evidence describing the biomechanics of ATR in sport. Methods: Four databases were searched to June 2026 for video analysis studies reporting the mechanics of ATR in athletes. Eleven studies (2019–2026) reporting overlapping samples of ATR events in professional basketball, soccer, and American football were included and synthesized at the study level to avoid double counting. Study quality was appraised using the QA-SIVAS scale. Results: Non-contact mechanisms predominated in all studies reporting injury dynamics (64–100%). Acceleration from a stationary or near-stationary position was the most common movement context, with the “false step” frequently described as a recurrent initiating action rather than a singular cause. Ankle dorsiflexion at the injury frame was present across all studies (25.3–47.9°). A recurrent injury-frame configuration was observed, comprising trunk flexion, hip extension, knee extension or early flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and a flat foot, reached through a progression from initial contact. Conclusions: ATR was predominantly a non-contact injury, most often during acceleration from a near-stationary position, reaching a broadly convergent injury-frame configuration. A rearward preparatory step recurred across studies and movement categories, but inconsistent definitions and incomplete reporting mean its overall frequency cannot be established. It remains a candidate movement feature for controlled biomechanical investigation, and future work should compare successful and injurious steps within athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of JFMK: Advances in Kinesiology and Biomechanics)
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16 pages, 2248 KB  
Review
Preventing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome After Distal Radius Fracture: A Systematic Review of Rehabilitation and Clinical Prophylaxis Strategies
by Inês Neves Serôdio, Olalla Saiz-Vázquez, Hilario Ortiz-Huerta, Lucia Simón-Vicente and Montserrat Santamaría-Vázquez
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020158 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1673
Abstract
Background: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling post-traumatic pain condition that may occur after distal radius fracture (DRF), potentially impairing recovery and upper-limb function. Identifying effective preventive strategies after DRF is therefore clinically important. Objective: To synthesize and critically [...] Read more.
Background: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling post-traumatic pain condition that may occur after distal radius fracture (DRF), potentially impairing recovery and upper-limb function. Identifying effective preventive strategies after DRF is therefore clinically important. Objective: To synthesize and critically appraise interventions intended to prevent CRPS after DRF, including rehabilitation protocols and clinical prophylaxis strategies. Methods: This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses PRISMA and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (CRD42023408499). Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and B-on) were searched for studies published from January 2013 to 22 September 2023 in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. The primary outcome was CRPS incidence after DRF. Findings were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity in interventions and diagnostic criteria, and risk of bias was assessed using design-appropriate tools. Results: Nine studies were included (total N = 7075; CRPS cases n = 127). Interventions comprised vitamin C supplementation (2 studies), probiotics, aspirin, polarized/polychromatic light therapy plus conventional treatment, early rehabilitation/home-exercise programs, and general CRPS-prevention protocols after DRF. Probiotics and aspirin did not reduce CRPS incidence. Vitamin C showed mixed findings across the included studies and remains debated in the broader literature. Light therapy was associated with reduced CRPS occurrence in a single study, while early active home-exercise programs appeared promising but were supported by a limited number of studies. Study designs and CRPS diagnostic criteria varied, and risk of bias was moderate-to-serious in several non-randomized studies. Conclusions: Evidence remains insufficient to support a single standardized prevention protocol for CRPS after distal radius fracture. Early active rehabilitation and progressive mobilization appear promising, but the available evidence is still limited and heterogeneous. Adjunctive strategies such as vitamin C and light therapy should be interpreted with caution, as findings for vitamin C remain debated in the literature and the evidence for light therapy is currently based on a single study. Other approaches, including probiotics and aspirin, have shown inconclusive results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of JFMK: Advances in Kinesiology and Biomechanics)
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