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Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Control of Gait and Posture—2nd Edition
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Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Control of Gait and Posture—2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2025 | Viewed by 1502

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Philippe Gorce

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
International Institute of Biomechanics and Occupational Ergonomics, Toulon University, 83130 La Garde, France
Interests: work-related musculoskeletal disorders; risk factors; risk assessment; prevalence; occupational ergonomics; dynamic and kinematic motion analysis; posture; biomechanical modeling and simulation; motion analysis; muscle modeling; muscular fatigue; safety; occupational health; sport performance; sport medicine; intelligent wheelchair; neuro- or biorobotics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

One of the challenges of the 21st century is enabling people to live longer in good health. Maintaining motor functions plays an important role in the well-being and quality of life. Walking and maintaining posture are fundamental to preserving functional independence. From this perspective, understanding the mechanisms that lead to a reduction in the effects of aging, neurodegenerative diseases and other causes is a major multidisciplinary scientific challenge. It is therefore important to understand how motor disorders or alterations (or more generally impairments) modify body biomechanics and motor control of walking or posture. This Special Issue is devoted to recent advances in research into the use of biomechanics and knowledge related to neuromuscular control to understand motor alterations, design new therapies or develop technical aids to restore autonomy. We encourage all articles promoting the latest research in the fields of health, rehabilitation, sport and ergonomics that contribute to improving people's health and quality of life.

Prof. Dr. Philippe Gorce
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 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. 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 1600 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

  • musculoskeletal diseases
  • neuromuscular
  • neuromechanics
  • biomechanics
  • modeling and simulation
  • gait and posture
  • balance
  • movement analysis
  • muscle fatigue
  • electromyography
  • reaction to ground force
  • center of pressure
  • asymmetry

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1014 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Deep Core Muscle System Training Through Virtual Reality on Selected Posturographic Parameters
by Jakub Čuj, Denisa Lenková, Miloslav Gajdoš, Eva Lukáčová, Michal Macej, Katarína Hnátová, Pavol Nechvátal and Lucia Demjanovič Kendrová
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020185 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 228
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of deep core muscle training in the plank position, using the Icaros® system, integrated with virtual reality (VR), on selected posturographic parameters. Methods: To meet the stated objective, we utilized [...] Read more.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of deep core muscle training in the plank position, using the Icaros® system, integrated with virtual reality (VR), on selected posturographic parameters. Methods: To meet the stated objective, we utilized the Icaros® therapeutic system (Icaros GmbH, Martinsried, Germany) for VR-based exercise. The posturographic parameters were measured using the FootScan® force platform (Materialise Motion, Paal, Belgium). A representative sample of 30 healthy participants, 13 females and 17 males (age: 22.5 ± 2.1 years; weight: 65 ± 2.9 kg; height: 1.68 ± 0.4 m; BMI: 23.04 ± 1.75) was included in the study. All participants had no prior experience with VR. The selected posturographic parameters were the ellipse area (mm2) and traveled distance (mm), assessed four times at five-minute intervals, following a 15 min VR-based training session on the Icaros® system. Results: The results revealed that the participants experienced a sense of instability after completing the 15 min VR session, as objectively demonstrated by changes in the measured parameters. Both the ellipse area and traveled distance showed a worsening trend during the first three measurements: immediately post-exercise, at 5 min, and at 10 min post-exercise. A downward trend was observed in the fourth measurement, taken 15 min after exercise. Statistically significant differences were found between both parameters: ellipse area (p = 0.000) and traveled distance (p = 0.000). Post hoc analysis further confirmed significant differences between the time points. Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is recommended that trainers and physiotherapists supervising athletes or patients using the Icaros® VR system allow for a minimum rest period of 15 min in a seated or lying position following exercise. This recovery period appears essential to mitigate the sensation of instability and to reduce the risk of complications or injury due to potential falls. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Control of Gait and Posture—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 1667 KiB  
Article
Myoelectric Activity of the Peroneal Muscles Following Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
by Oriol Casasayas-Cos, Noé Labata-Lezaun, Albert Pérez-Bellmunt, Carlos López-de-Celis, Johke Smit, Xavier Marimon-Serra, Ramón Aiguadé-Aiguadé, Joaquín Sanahuja-Diez-Caballero, Max Canet-Vintró and Luis Llurda-Almuzara
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020179 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 286
Abstract
Background: Lateral ankle sprains can result in adverse outcomes, including reinjuries or chronic ankle instability. The peroneal musculature plays a key role in stabilizing the ankle and preventing sudden ankle inversions that may lead to sprains. Objective: The purpose of the [...] Read more.
Background: Lateral ankle sprains can result in adverse outcomes, including reinjuries or chronic ankle instability. The peroneal musculature plays a key role in stabilizing the ankle and preventing sudden ankle inversions that may lead to sprains. Objective: The purpose of the study is to investigate (1) inter-limb differences in peroneal myoelectrical activity in athletes with a history of ankle sprain during the past six months and (2) to investigate peroneal myoelectrical activity differences between athletes with and without a history of ankle sprain. Methods: Sixty-seven athletes (53% females, 46.3% males) were included in this observational cross-sectional study. Self-reported data regarding history of ankle sprain were collected. The peroneal myoelectrical activity was obtained during (1) isometric ankle eversion, (2) dynamic ankle eversions, (3) single leg squat, (4) unilateral and (5) bilateral drop jump test, (6) sprint, and (7) change of direction. Results: No significant differences in peroneal myoelectrical activity were observed between individuals with (n = 46) and without (n = 21) a history of ankle sprain in the past six months (p > 0.05). Additionally, no significant inter-limb differences were found within the previous ankle sprain group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study found no significant inter-limb differences in peroneal muscle activity among athletes with a history of ankle sprain during the past six months. Moreover, no differences were observed between athletes with and without a history of ankle sprain. This study has certain limitations, including the lack of data regarding the timing and severity of the ankle sprain, as well as the duration and specific characteristics of the rehabilitation process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Control of Gait and Posture—2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 1601 KiB  
Article
Kinematic and Kinetic Gait Principal Component Domains in Older Adults With and Without Functional Disability: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Juliana Moreira, Bruno Cunha, José Félix, Rubim Santos and Andreia S. P. Sousa
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020140 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Objectives: Gait kinematic and kinetic changes have been identified in older adults, highlighting the need to explore the principal age-related components and how these are associated with functional disability. This study aims to perform a factor analysis, including gait kinematic and kinetic [...] Read more.
Objectives: Gait kinematic and kinetic changes have been identified in older adults, highlighting the need to explore the principal age-related components and how these are associated with functional disability. This study aims to perform a factor analysis, including gait kinematic and kinetic parameters in older adults to establish determinant gait domains. Additionally, this study aims to identify which domains differentiate those without and with functional disability. Methods: Through a cross-sectional design, older adults aged 60 and over (n = 35 without and n = 25 with functional disability) were analyzed during overground gait. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine principal components from gait parameters previously demonstrated to express age-related effects (spatiotemporal parameters, sagittal ankle moment and power, ground reaction forces peak, and tridimensional lower limb joints range of motion and positions at heel strike and toe-off). Results: Pace, variability, propulsion, hip and knee control, transverse ankle control, asymmetry, sagittal ankle control, frontal ankle control, frontal hip control, and pre-swing control domains explained 83.90% of the total gait variance in older adults. pace and frontal hip control distinguished individuals with disabilities. Conclusions: PCA identified ten gait domains in older adults. Pace and frontal hip control distinguished disabilities, revealing cautious walking patterns and weaker hip abductor strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Control of Gait and Posture—2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 889 KiB  
Article
Assessment by Surface Electromyography in International Football Players with Cerebral Palsy—A Pilot Study
by Alejandro Caña-Pino, María Dolores Apolo-Arenas and Iván Peña-González
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020125 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 378
Abstract
Background: In para-sports, like Cerebral Palsy (CP) Football, athletes must meet a minimum impairment level to ensure fair competition. The classification process traditionally relies on subjective tools like the modified Ashworth Scale, but there is a need for more objective methods. Surface electromyography [...] Read more.
Background: In para-sports, like Cerebral Palsy (CP) Football, athletes must meet a minimum impairment level to ensure fair competition. The classification process traditionally relies on subjective tools like the modified Ashworth Scale, but there is a need for more objective methods. Surface electromyography (EMG) offers quantifiable data on muscle activation, which could enhance the accuracy and fairness of classification in this sport. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze muscle activation patterns in international CP football players compared to healthy controls, using surface electromyography (EMG). Methods: A cross-sectional, observational case–control study (following STROBE guidelines) was carried out. The final sample consisted of 40 subjects (20 subjects with CP from the Spanish National Team and 20 semi-professional able-bodied football players). The muscle activation of the soleus, adductor magnus, and biceps femoris was evaluated at baseline and in maximum isometric contraction in both dominant/unaffected and non-dominant/affected lower limbs. Results: The main result of this study was that the affected lower limbs of the experimental group showed higher muscle activation at baseline compared to those of the control group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, when a maximum isometric contraction was requested, muscle activation was greater in the control group in both lower limbs. There was greater asymmetry between both muscle groups in the experimental group. Conclusions: Surface electromyography could be a useful tool to be used in the assessment of muscle activity in subjects with CP with an applicability in para-sport, making it possible to obtain differences between both hemispheres when there is upper motor neuron involvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Control of Gait and Posture—2nd Edition)
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Review

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32 pages, 7163 KiB  
Review
Continental Assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevalence Among Surgeons: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Philippe Gorce and Julien Jacquier-Bret
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020221 - 9 Jun 2025
Abstract
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are very prevalent among surgeons worldwide. The aim was to investigate the overall and body area WMSD prevalence (proportion of surgeons suffering from WMSD during their practice) by continent throughout a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are very prevalent among surgeons worldwide. The aim was to investigate the overall and body area WMSD prevalence (proportion of surgeons suffering from WMSD during their practice) by continent throughout a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Three open databases were scanned without a date limit until 31 December 2024 to select relevant studies. The results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: Among the 20,486 items, 68 articles with a total of 17,188 surgeons were included, distributed as follows: 36 studies in America, 15 in Asia, 16 in Europe, and 1 in Oceania. Overall prevalence was 77.6% in Asia (95% CI: 67.3–87.9%), 73.1% in Europe (95% CI: 60.3–86.0%), and 62.8% in America (95% CI: 57.0−68.6%). The most exposed areas were the neck, upper and lower back, and shoulder, with prevalence ranging from 30 to 50%. The ranking differed according to continent. In America, neck/shoulder WMSD and overall prevalence were negatively correlated to years of experience (r2 = 0.182 and r2 = 0.240, p < 0.05) and to the number of cases treated per week prevalence (r2 = 0.794, p < 0.05), respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the elbow WMSD prevalence and age (r2 = 0.365, p < 0.05). In Europe, a negative correlation was highlighted between the overall WMSD prevalence and age (r2 = 0.599, p < 0.05). Another positive correlation was identified between shoulder WMSD prevalence and years of experience (r2 = 0.735, p < 0.05). Conclusions: To improve surgeons’ quality of work life, further research is needed to develop ergonomic programs, organizational work strategies, and assistive devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Control of Gait and Posture—2nd Edition)
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