Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
3.7
2.5
Journals
JFMK
Special Issues
Biomechanical Properties of Muscle and Tendon in Neurological Conditions
share announcement

Biomechanical Properties of Muscle and Tendon in Neurological Conditions

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Exercise for Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 8380

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Mohagheghi Amir

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, UK
Interests: muscle and tendon architecture and mechanical properties (e.g. stroke, cerebral palsy)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite submissions for a Special Issue focused on the dynamic interaction between neural control of movement and the biomechanical properties of muscles and tendons. This complex feedback loop is shaped by the type and severity of inborn or acquired neural impairments, where changes in neural control can affect muscle and tendon properties, and vice versa. Additionally, the functional state of the muscle–tendon unit can influence both segmental and suprasegmental control mechanisms. We are seeking original research, theoretical perspectives, and comprehensive reviews that explore this bidirectional relationship. Papers may address the implications for motor control, rehabilitation strategies, and performance enhancement in both human and animal models. By investigating these interconnections, we aim to gain deeper insights into how neural impairments impact musculoskeletal function, as well as how understanding this relationship can inform therapeutic interventions and optimize performance. Contributions should provide valuable perspectives on advancing research in the fields of biomechanics, neurophysiology, and motor control.

Dr. Mohagheghi Amir
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 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-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

  • motor control
  • muscles
  • tendons
  • sensory receptors
  • nervous system
  • neural impairments
  • exercise
  • rehabilitation
  • surgery
  • pharmaceutical treatments
  • neural plasticity

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 (2 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:

Review

15 pages, 1246 KB  
Review
Prevalence and Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Amir N. Attia, Kareem Wael Raafat, Mohamed R. Ezz, Ehab Naser Sabry, Mariam M. Mohammed, Ahmed M. Amin, Mohamed S. Syed, George M. Pamboris, Spyridon Plakias, Frederic Viseux and Ismail A. Ibrahim
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11010066 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 959
Abstract
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by motor and non-motor symptoms. Several studies have reported varying prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) among individuals with PD. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of CTS [...] Read more.
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by motor and non-motor symptoms. Several studies have reported varying prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) among individuals with PD. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of CTS in people with PD and explore any potential association between the two conditions. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A systematic search was performed across PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and EMBASE from inception to April 2024. Studies reporting CTS prevalence data in individuals with PD were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Risk difference (RD) and risk ratio (RR) were calculated to assess the association between PD and CTS compared with control groups. Results: A total of 7 studies involving 411 participants (343 with PD and 68 controls) met the inclusion criteria, with 679 wrists assessed. The pooled prevalence of CTS in PD was estimated at 15% (95% CI: 0.07–0.28) with significant heterogeneity (p < 0.001, I2 = 91%). The RD was 10% (95% CI: 0.04–0.16, p = 0.002), with low heterogeneity (p = 0.29, I2 = 19%). The RR of CTS in PD compared with controls was 3.31 (95% CI: 0.60–18.42, p = 0.17), with moderate heterogeneity (p = 0.13, I2 = 52%). Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides preliminary pooled estimates indicating a potentially increased prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in individuals with PD. Although the findings suggest a possible association, clinicians should maintain increased vigilance for CTS symptoms in patients with PD presenting with upper-limb sensory or motor complaints. From a biomechanical and functional perspective, these findings highlight the importance of routine upper-limb screening and the implementation of rehabilitation strategies targeting hand use, dexterity, and sensorimotor control within physiotherapy practice. Further high-quality studies with larger, well-characterised samples are required to confirm this relationship and clarify its clinical and functional implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Properties of Muscle and Tendon in Neurological Conditions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 5056 KB  
Review
Neurosciences and Sports Rehabilitation in ACLR: A Narrative Review on Winning Alliance Strategies and Connecting the Dots
by Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, Andrea Calderone and Nicola Fiorente
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020119 - 2 Apr 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6750
Abstract
This narrative review explores the significant evolution of sports rehabilitation, tracing its trajectory from basic exercise therapies of the early 20th century to the advanced, neuroplasticity-driven approaches of the 21st century, with a specific focus on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The primary [...] Read more.
This narrative review explores the significant evolution of sports rehabilitation, tracing its trajectory from basic exercise therapies of the early 20th century to the advanced, neuroplasticity-driven approaches of the 21st century, with a specific focus on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The primary aim is to understand how neuroplasticity, motor control, and sensorimotor retraining can optimize recovery, reduce reinjury risk, and enhance long-term athletic performance, and to synthesize current rehabilitation strategies that integrate innovative technologies, such as robotics, virtual reality (VR), and biofeedback systems, to address the neurocognitive deficits that contribute to the alarmingly high reinjury rates (9–29%) observed in young athletes post-ACLR. These deficits include impaired proprioception, motor control, and psychological factors like fear of reinjury. The methodology employed involves a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The synthesis of findings underscores the importance of holistic rehabilitation approaches, including targeted proprioceptive exercises, dual-task drills, and immersive VR training, in enhancing sensorimotor integration, decision-making, and athlete confidence. Furthermore, this review highlights the critical need for long-term monitoring and interdisciplinary collaboration between neuroscientists, physiotherapists, and engineers to refine rehabilitation protocols and ensure sustained recovery. By leveraging neuroplasticity and advanced technologies, the field can shift from a focus on purely physical restoration to comprehensive recovery models that significantly reduce reinjury risks and optimize athletic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Properties of Muscle and Tendon in Neurological Conditions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-2
Back to TopTop