Feature Papers in Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Editor


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Collection Editor
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
Interests: anatomy; histology; kinesiology; musculoskeletal disorders; sports medicine; cartilage; osteoarthritis; physical activity; aging; nutrition
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topical Collection, Feature Papers in Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, is dedicated to gathering the highest quality research articles and and review papers from renowned authors in the fields of human movement sciences, sports medicine, digital health and rehabilitation. We invite contributions from our esteemed Editorial Board Members as well as leading experts and practitioners to share their cutting-edge innovations and technological advancements. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, novel methodologies in human biomechanics, digital monitoring and assessment techniques, advanced rehabilitation strategies, integrative approaches in sports medicine, and emerging computational and experimental models in movement analysis. This topical collection aims to collect contributions from the most impactful researchers in the field.

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Musumeci
Collection 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 collection 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 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

  • sports medicine
  • digital health
  • kinesiology
  • rehabilitation
  • biomechanics
  • movement analysis
  • injury prevention
  • sport performance
  • physical activity
  • posture

Published Papers (3 papers)

2025

35 pages, 3474 KB  
Review
What Is ‘Muscle Health’? A Narrative Review and Conceptual Framework
by Katie L. Boncella, Dustin J. Oranchuk, Daniela Gonzalez-Rivera, Eric E. Sawyer, Dawn M. Magnusson and Michael O. Harris-Love
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(4), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10040367 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background: Muscle health is an emerging concept linked to physical performance and functional independence. However, the term lacks a standardized definition and is often used as a broad muscle-related outcome descriptor. Clinical communication and research would benefit from a conceptual model of [...] Read more.
Background: Muscle health is an emerging concept linked to physical performance and functional independence. However, the term lacks a standardized definition and is often used as a broad muscle-related outcome descriptor. Clinical communication and research would benefit from a conceptual model of muscle health grounded in an established framework. Methods: We conducted systematic search and narrative synthesis to identify multifactorial measurement approaches explicitly described under ‘muscle health’. PubMed and CINAHL were searched for clinical and randomized controlled trials published in the past 5 years (final search: March 2025) that used the term “muscle health.” Studies were reviewed for explicit definitions of “muscle health,” and all identified outcomes (e.g., strength, mass) and measurement tools (e.g., grip strength, ultrasound) were synthesized. This review was retrospectively registered (INPLASY202580069). Results: Of the 65 clinical or randomized controlled trials that met inclusion criteria, 29 provided an operational definition of ‘muscle health’, while 36 inferred measurements without a clear definition. The identified measurements spanned four primary categories, with body composition/muscle mass being the most common (92.3%), followed by muscle performance (78.5%), physical function (63.1%), and tissue composition (30.8%). Most studies included more than one muscle health metric (93.9%). Common assessment methods included DXA (44.6%), grip strength (64.6%), and gait speed (27.7%). Conclusions: While there are common measurement approaches, the definition of muscle health varies widely in the cited works. The framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, was used to identify domains aligned with muscle health components of muscle morphology/morphometry (e.g., mass and composition), functional status (performance-based tasks), and physical capacity (muscle performance). This framework provides a structured basis for evaluating muscle health in research and clinical practice. Consistent use of these domains could enhance assessment and support efforts to standardize testing and interpretation across settings. Full article
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Figure 1

12 pages, 4591 KB  
Article
Toward a Better Understanding of Hip Adductor Function: Internal Rotation Capability Revealed by Anatomical and MRI Evaluation
by Kazuhiro Hirano, Kazuo Kinoshita, Atsushi Senoo and Masaru Watanabe
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(3), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10030354 - 16 Sep 2025
Viewed by 491
Abstract
Background: At present, the rotational function of the hip adductor muscle group remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the rotational function and stabilizing role of the pectineus, adductor longus, and adductor brevis (adductor muscle group) based on anatomical findings and T [...] Read more.
Background: At present, the rotational function of the hip adductor muscle group remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the rotational function and stabilizing role of the pectineus, adductor longus, and adductor brevis (adductor muscle group) based on anatomical findings and T2 values (ms) obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). T2 values are prolonged in tissues with higher water content, and in skeletal muscle, it has been demonstrated that T2 values increase in proportion to exercise intensity. Methods: Using fixed specimens (n = 6, aged 61–96 years), we observed the three-dimensional arrangement of muscles in the neutral position of the hip joint and observed the extension or shortening of muscles associated with passive maximum internal and external rotation of the hip joint. In addition, we evaluated the activity of the adductor muscle group by T2 values (ms) from MRI pre- and post-internal rotation (forward step with the left leg) and pre- and post-external rotation (backward step with the left leg) movements of the right hip joint in a standing position (n = 8, healthy adult subjects, mean age 29.1 ± 5.3 years). Results: Regarding functional anatomy, the arrangement of the gluteus minimus and adductor muscle groups was almost parallel across the femoral neck. In the evaluation of adductor muscle group activity using MRI, the percent change in T2 values (%) of the pectineus was 6.38 ± 1.35 pre- and post-internal rotation and 1.35 ± 0.71 pre- and post-external rotation, whereas that of the adductor longus and brevis was 4.84 ± 1.31 pre- and post-internal rotation and 1.31 ± 0.68 pre- and post-external rotation. The percent change in T2 values pre- and post-internal rotation exercise was significantly greater than that pre- and post-external rotation exercise in the pectineus, adductor longus, and brevis muscles (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The adductor muscle groups are suggested to contribute to joint stability in the coronal plane and provide joint internal rotation in the standing position. Full article
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Figure 1

12 pages, 250 KB  
Article
Young Athletes Perceiving Greater Improvement After Return to Sport Bridge Program Sustained More Ipsilateral ACL Graft or Contralateral ACL Injuries During Their First Season Back: An Observational Study
by John Nyland, Brandon Pyle, Samuel Carter, Ryan Krupp and David N. M. Caborn
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(3), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10030335 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 496
Abstract
Objective: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure or contralateral ACL injury after returning to sport (RTS) post-ACL reconstruction remains problematic. Re-injury prevention programs that “bridge” standard physical therapy and release to unrestricted sports participation can help. This observational study evaluated the characteristics of [...] Read more.
Objective: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure or contralateral ACL injury after returning to sport (RTS) post-ACL reconstruction remains problematic. Re-injury prevention programs that “bridge” standard physical therapy and release to unrestricted sports participation can help. This observational study evaluated the characteristics of athletes who sustained an ipsilateral ACL graft or contralateral ACL injury after RTS bridge program participation. Materials and Methods: Comparisons were made between RTS bridge program participants who either had or had not sustained an ipsilateral ACL graft or contralateral ACL injury following RTS. Post-program objective physical function tests, pre- and post-program Knee Outcome Survey Sports Activity Scale (KOS-SAS), global sports activities knee function scores, sports activities knee function rating improvements, and post-program sport performance ability perceptions were evaluated. Results: A total of 204 athletes (19.7 ± 6 years of age, 108 males) completed the RTS bridge program and were released back to sports at 8.5 ± 2.3 months post-surgery. Groups had similar pre-morbid performance level restoration perceptions. Taller and heavier male athletes displayed greater single leg triple hop for distance magnitude, and quicker single leg timed hop, single leg timed crossover hop, and NFL 5-10-5 and NFL “L” times. Bilateral physical function test symmetry results did not differ between groups. By 7.8 ± 4 years post-surgery, 17 subjects sustained either ipsilateral ACL graft injury (n = 6) or contralateral ACL injury (n = 11), with a similar frequency between males and females (p = 0.30). Athletes who sustained an ipsilateral ACL graft or contralateral ACL injury were younger, and more often scored ≥ 25th percentile for post-program global sports activities knee function and KOS-SAS scores; more frequently had two-level overall sports activities knee function rating improvements; and tended to sustain this new knee injury during the initial RTS season. Conclusions: Factors other than physical function or performance capability may possess a strong influence on ipsilateral ACL graft or contralateral ACL injury following RTS bridge program participation. Full article
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