Symmetry and Asymmetry in Biomechanics: Bridging Biological Structure, Mechanical Function and Clinical Insight
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Life Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2026 | Viewed by 186
Special Issue Editors
Interests: biomechanics; mechanobiology; biomedical engineering
Interests: bio-mechanics & -energetics of natural human/comparative movement/locomotion; bio-mechanics & -energetics of assisted human movement/locomotion; portable devices for measuring physical activity; metabolic expenditure; research methods issues
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Symmetry is a fundamental principle in the structural and functional organization of living systems, observable across all scales—from cells to whole-body movements. Conversely, asymmetry—whether morphological, functional, biomechanical, or pathological—often reflects adaptation, compensation, or dysfunction. Investigating both symmetry and asymmetry in biomechanics offers key insights into the mechanisms of movement, development, and the performance of the musculoskeletal system.
This Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted roles of symmetry and asymmetry in biomechanics through experimental, numerical, clinical, and theoretical approaches. A particular focus will be placed on the integration of multiple scales (from tissue to organism), diverse contexts (healthy vs. pathological, natural vs. artificial), and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Symmetry and asymmetry in gait, posture, and movement disorders;
- Joint mechanics and the impact of asymmetry on joint function and degeneration (e.g., osteoarthritis, dysplasia);
- Mechanobiological responses influenced by symmetry/asymmetry, including tissue remodeling (bone, cartilage, muscle);
- Computational modeling of symmetric and asymmetric biomechanical behavior in soft and hard tissues;
- Functional asymmetries in sports performance and rehabilitation;
- Design and optimization of medical devices (prostheses, orthoses, implants) considering biomechanical asymmetries;
- Quantitative metrics and methods for assessing biomechanical symmetry;
- The role of symmetry in tissue engineering, growth, and adaptation;
- Interactions between biomechanical asymmetry and neuromuscular or neurocognitive asymmetries.
This Special Issue invites interdisciplinary contributions from biomechanists, clinicians, engineers, biologists, and movement scientists. By examining the balance between symmetrical order and asymmetrical complexity, the Issue aims to advance our understanding of mechanical function in living systems.
Dr. Abdelwahed Barkaoui
Prof. Dr. Luca Paolo Ardigò
Guest Editors
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. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2400 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
- symmetry
- asymmetry
- biomechanics
- joint mechanics
- mechanobiology
- gait analysis
- functional asymmetry
- computational modeling
- tissue remodeling
- rehabilitation
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.
