Sensor-Based Methods for Kinematics, Kinetics, and Physiology in Motion: Applications and Metrological Characterization
A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Sensors".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026
Special Issue Editors
Interests: biomechanics; wearable sensors; gait analysis; posturography; falling; rehabilitation; robotics; machine learning; EMG; measurements
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: measurements; sensors; artificial intelligence; virtual reality; robotics; biomedical engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: wearable sensors; sensors; physiological monitoring; algorithms for data processing including machine learning; applications of sensors in clinical, occupational, and sports fields
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: mechanical systems and applications; electrical measurements; biomechanics and wearable robots
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The assessment of kinematics, kinetics, and physiological parameters is fundamental for understanding human movement and its applications in clinical practice, sports science, and robotics. In healthcare, objective motion analysis supports the diagnosis and monitoring of neuromuscular disorders, enabling more effective rehabilitation strategies. In sports, accurate performance evaluation enhances training programs and injury prevention. In robotics, data on human movement inform the development of humanoids and assistive devices. Additionally, physiological signals—such as respiratory rate, heart rate, and muscle activation—provide valuable complementary insights, enabling a more integrated understanding of biomechanics.
Sensor-based systems, whether wearable or non-wearable, have transformed the way kinematic, kinetic, and physiological variables are measured, offering quantitative, repeatable, and standardized alternatives to subjective and observational assessments. However, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of these systems across different contexts of use requires rigorous methodologies for validation, calibration, and metrological characterization. The integration of sensor fusion techniques, advanced data processing, and robust measurement protocols plays a crucial role in improving precision and reproducibility.
While optoelectronic motion capture systems and force platforms continue to represent the gold standard for biomechanical evaluation, the ongoing development of both wearable technologies and non-wearable sensing systems has made it possible to conduct accurate assessments outside controlled laboratory settings. These advancements are expanding the scope of biomechanical applications, allowing for continuous, context-aware monitoring in clinical rehabilitation, sports performance, ergonomics, and robotic-assisted interventions.
This Special Issue invites contributions focused on the use of sensor-based systems for the measurement and analysis of kinematic, kinetic, and physiological variables, with particular attention to methods, methodological frameworks, and accuracy evaluation. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Development and validation of innovative sensor-based methods for motion and physiological analysis;
- Wearable, portable, and non-wearable sensing technologies for biomechanics applications;
- Accuracy evaluation, calibration, and standardization of sensor-based measurements;
- Metrological approaches to ensure measurement traceability, repeatability, and reliability;
- Sensor fusion and multimodal data integration for biomechanical and physiological monitoring;
- Advanced data analysis methods, including AI and machine learning for sensor data interpretation;
- Real-time feedback systems and adaptive technologies in clinical, sports, or robotic contexts;
- Non-invasive physiological monitoring integrated with motion analysis (e.g., respiratory rate, heart rate, EMG).
By fostering contributions focused on methodological rigor, accuracy, and validation, this Special Issue aims to enhance the scientific robustness and translational impact of sensor-based technologies in the study of biomechanics and physiological monitoring.
Dr. Ilaria Mileti
Dr. Juri Taborri
Dr. Carlo Massaroni
Dr. Marco Ghidelli
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- development and validation of innovative sensor-based methods for motion and physiological analysis
- wearable, portable, and non-wearable sensing technologies for biomechanics applications
- accuracy evaluation, calibration, and standardization of sensor-based measurements
- metrological approaches to ensure measurement traceability, repeatability, and reliability
- sensor fusion and multimodal data integration for biomechanical and physiological monitoring
- advanced data analysis methods, including ai and machine learning for sensor data interpretation
- real-time feedback systems and adaptive technologies in clinical, sports, or robotic contexts
- non-invasive physiological monitoring integrated with motion analysis (e.g., respiratory rate, heart rate, EMG)
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