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Intelligent Sensors for Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology and Performance Analysis

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Intelligent Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2026) | Viewed by 982

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
2. H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Cooperativa de Responsabilidade Limitada, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
Interests: physical activity and sports; academic research in medical imaging and biomechanics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Intelligent sensors are revolutionizing the fields of biomechanics and exercise performance by providing real-time evaluation of exercise physiology and motion-related parameters with high accuracy. Accelerometers, pressure sensors or electromyography can track and analyze (ab)normal movement patterns or evaluate postural alignment. Also, they help to tailor exercise programs in both rehabilitation and performance optimization. In this context, they may allow for continuous tracking of an athlete's performance, such as power, acceleration, and muscle activation. Sensors combined with computer algorithms can generate information to guide athletes and coaches in refining training techniques and preventing overtraining.

This topic is in the scope of Sensors, as it will highlight the benefits of this field research in creating highly personalized and adaptive programs; detecting early signs of overuse injuries or movement inefficiencies; receiving immediate feedback on exercise performance or optimizing techniques and ensuring safety during training sessions or remote monitoring of athletes’ health remotely.

Despite their evolving capabilities, in the present decade intelligent sensors face challenges such as user compliance, sensor calibration, data accuracy and better integration across systems to create comprehensive performance profiles.

This Special Issue is addressed to sensor-based evaluation of biomechanics and exercise analysis.

Dr. Sofia Brandão
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • intelligent sensors
  • biomechanics
  • exercise performance monitoring
  • rehabilitation and injury prevention
  • data integration and accuracy

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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19 pages, 1025 KB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review of SMART Implantable Devices for Spinal Implants: Current Insights and Future Trends
by Mohsen Khodaee, Anna Schuler, Tobias Götschi, Taekwang Jang, Mazda Farshad and Jonas Widmer
Sensors 2026, 26(9), 2729; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26092729 - 28 Apr 2026
Viewed by 746
Abstract
(1) Background: SMART spinal implants combine biomechanical stabilization with embedded sensors for continuous in vivo monitoring of spinal loading and implant behaviour. This systematic review summarizes current SMART implant technologies in spinal surgery and evaluates their potential clinical applications. (2) Methods: A structured [...] Read more.
(1) Background: SMART spinal implants combine biomechanical stabilization with embedded sensors for continuous in vivo monitoring of spinal loading and implant behaviour. This systematic review summarizes current SMART implant technologies in spinal surgery and evaluates their potential clinical applications. (2) Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus in December 2025. Two independent reviewers screened studies using predefined criteria, with data extracted on implant design, sensor type, study model, and application; risk of bias was assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation tool. (3) Results: Thirty-four studies met inclusion criteria, including sensor-integrated posterior rods and fixators (n = 16), vertebral body replacements (n = 6), intervertebral cages or disc space sensors (n = 7), and other configurations (n = 5). Devices were tested in human, cadaveric, and animal models. Most systems used strain-based sensors to quantify implant loading, while few employed accelerometers or pressure sensors. Reported results demonstrated activity- and posture-dependent load changes, and several studies indicated potential for monitoring spinal fusion progression by monitoring load trends. (4) Conclusions: Overall, SMART spinal implants primarily support biomechanical monitoring and show promise for real-time assessment of implant performance, though further studies correlating sensor data with clinical outcomes are required. Full article
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