Search Results (57)

Artistic gymnastics is one of the most physically demanding sports, characterized by a high incidence of both acute and chronic injuries. Although previous research has primarily focused on biomechanical and training-related factors, the multifactorial etiology of injuries—including molecular and genetic aspects—remains insufficiently explored. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the causes, mechanisms, and prevention of injuries in artistic gymnastics, with particular emphasis on biomechanical, molecular, and genetic determinants of injury risk and athletic performance. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database (Registration No: CRD420251167521). Electronic databases (PubMed, KoBSON, and Google Scholar) were searched for studies published between 2015 and 2025 using the keywords “gymnastics injuries,” “overuse injuries,” “injury prevention,” “biomechanics,” “IL-6,” “TNF-α,” and “miRNA biomarkers.” Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed based on injury incidence, localization, mechanisms, and molecular and genetic associations. The majority of injuries were localized in the joints of both upper and lower extremities, particularly during puberty and at higher competitive levels. Repetitive loading, improper technique, and insufficient recovery were identified as the main etiological factors. Molecular biomarkers such as IL-6, TNF-α, and miRNAs (miR-155, miR-146a) were found to play key roles in inflammatory responses, while genetic polymorphisms including ACTN3 R577X, ESR1 rs2234693, and CYP19A1 rs936306 were associated with flexibility, explosive strength, and susceptibility to injury. Injury prevention in artistic gymnastics requires a personalized and multidisciplinary approach that integrates biomechanical, clinical, molecular, and genetic data. Incorporating molecular and genetic profiling into training and rehabilitation programs may enhance early detection of overuse conditions and optimize both health and performance outcomes in gymnasts. Full article

Background: High-performance tennis exposes players to repetitive high-load strokes and abrupt directional changes, which substantially increase musculoskeletal injury risk. This systematic review synthesized evidence on epidemiology, risk factors, and physiotherapy-led preventive strategies in elite adolescent and adult players. Methods: Following a PROSPERO-registered protocol, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched (2011–2024) for observational studies reporting epidemiological outcomes in high-performance tennis. Methodological quality was appraised with NIH tools, and certainty of evidence was graded with GRADE. Results: Thirty-seven studies met inclusion criteria: 16 in adolescents, 18 in adults, and 3 mixed. Incidence ranged from 2.1 to 3.5 injuries/1000 h in juniors and 1.25 to 56.6/1000 h in adults. Seasonal prevalence was 46–54% in juniors and 30–54% in professionals. Lower-limb trauma (48–56%) predominated, followed by lumbar (12–39%) and shoulder overuse syndromes. Across age groups, abrupt increases in the acute-to-chronic workload ratio (≥1.3 in juniors; ≥1.5 in adults) were the strongest extrinsic predictor of injury. Intrinsic contributors included reduced glenohumeral internal rotation, scapular dyskinesis, and poor core stability. Three prevention clusters emerged: (1) External load control, four-week “ramp-up” strategies reduced injury incidence by up to 21%; (2) Kinetic-chain conditioning, core stability plus eccentric rotator-cuff training decreased overuse by 26% and preserved shoulder mobility; and (3) Technique/equipment adjustments, grip-size personalization halved lateral epicondylalgia, while serve-timing modifications reduced shoulder torque. Conclusions: Injury risk in high-performance tennis is quantifiable and preventable. Progressive load management targeted kinetic-chain conditioning, and tailored technique/equipment modifications represent the most effective evidence-based safeguards for adolescent and adult elite players. Full article

Background: Basketball is a high-intensity, multidirectional sport involving frequent jumping, sprinting, and rapid changes of direction, which may expose the musculoskeletal system to varying and potentially asymmetric mechanical demands. The mechanical loading associated with basketball-specific movements may also serve as a consistent osteogenic stimulus, potentially leading to side-specific adaptations in body composition and bone characteristics. Long-term participation in basketball may lead to functional and structural asymmetries between the lower and upper limbs, potentially increasing the risk of injury and impacting performance. This study aimed to investigate structural and functional asymmetries in male basketball players using body composition, health, and performance-related measures. Methods: Thirty-eight right-handed basketball players (age: 21.1 ± 2.8 years; body mass: 86.2 ± 9.2 kg; height: 1.91 ± 8.3 cm) were assessed in a single testing session. The evaluation included bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), single-leg countermovement rebound jumps (CMRJs), and handgrip strength testing. Results: Significant interlimb differences were observed in lean mass and the phase angle for both the arms and legs. Performance differences favored the left leg in terms of maximum jump height (12.0 ± 17.5%, p = 0.001) and reactive strength index (RSI), whereas the right arm exhibited greater grip strength than the left (6.4 ± 5.9%, p = 0.001). DXA analysis revealed significant asymmetries in bone parameters, including bone mineral density (BMD) of the trochanter (1.81 ± 5.51%, p = 0.031, dz = 0.37), total hip (1.41 ± 4.11%, p = 0.033, dz = 0.36), and total arms (–1.21 ± 2.71%, p = 0.010, dz = 0.43), as well as bone mineral content (BMC) in total arms (–2.16 ± 5.09%, p = 0.012) and total legs (1.71 ± 3.36%, p = 0.002, 0.54). Conclusions: These findings suggest that basketball may induce both functional and structural adaptations, likely due to repetitive unilateral loading and sport-specific movement patterns. However, individual variability and the use of diverse assessment methods may complicate the detection and interpretation of asymmetries. Coaches and practitioners should monitor and address such asymmetries to reduce injury risk and optimize performance. Full article

Introduction: Overuse injuries are a growing concern among adolescent soccer players, with the repetitive nature of the sport placing significant physical demands on young athletes. These injuries can have long-term implications for physical development, performance, and overall well-being. This narrative synthesis aimed to evaluate the existing literature on the epidemiology, risk factors, and management strategies for overuse injuries in adolescent soccer players. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase. A total of 123 articles were identified, 27 of which met the inclusion criteria after screening. Studies focusing on overuse injuries in adolescent soccer players aged 10–18 years were included, while those addressing acute injuries, non-soccer populations, or adult athletes were excluded. Relevant quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and evaluated. Due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes, findings were narratively synthesized rather than meta-analyzed. Results: The period around peak height velocity (PHV: 11.5 years in girls, 13.5 years in boys) was consistently identified as a high-risk window, with seven studies demonstrating a significantly increased incidence of overuse injuries. Additional risk factors included leg length asymmetry, truncal weakness, early sport specialization, high ratios of organized-to-free play, and increased body size. Injury burden was greatest for hamstring and groin injuries, often leading to prolonged time lost from play. Preventive interventions such as plyometric training, trunk stabilization, and structured load monitoring demonstrated reductions in injury incidence in several prospective studies, though protocols varied widely. Conclusion: This narrative synthesis highlights PHV as the most consistent risk factor for overuse injuries in adolescent soccer players, alongside modifiable contributors such as training load, sport specialization, and free play balance. Evidence supports neuromuscular training and structured monitoring as promising preventive strategies, but there remains a lack of standardized, evidence-based protocols. Future research should focus on optimizing and validating interventions, integrating growth and load monitoring, and leveraging emerging approaches such as machine learning-based risk prediction. Full article

Even for the strongest human being, maintaining an elevated arm position for an extended duration represents a significant challenge, as fatigue inevitably accumulates over time. The physical strain is further intensified when the individual is engaged in repetitive tasks, particularly those involving the use of tools or heavy equipment. Such activities increase the probability of developing muscle fatigue or injuries due to overuse or improper posture. Over time, this can result in the development of chronic conditions, which may impair the individual’s ability to perform tasks effectively and potentially lead to long-term physical impairment. Exoskeletons play a transformative role by reducing the perceived load on the muscles and providing mechanical support, mitigating the risk of injuries and alleviating the physical burden associated with strenuous activities. In addition to injury prevention, these devices also promise to facilitate the rehabilitation of individuals who have sustained musculoskeletal injuries. This document examines the various types of exoskeletons, investigating their design, functionality, and applications. The objective of this study is to present a comprehensive understanding of the current state of these devices, highlighting advancements in the field and evaluating their real-world impact. Furthermore, it analyzes the crucial insights obtained by other researchers, and by summarizing these findings, this work aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance exoskeleton performance and expand their accessibility across different sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, industrial work, and beyond. Full article

Muscular strength is an essential factor in sports performance and general health, especially for optimizing mechanical power, as well as for injury prevention. The present study biomechanically characterized the half squat (HS) using a systemic structural approach based on mechanical power, called Power-Based Training (PBT), through which four phases of the movement were determined (acceleration and deceleration of lowering and lifting). Five weightlifters from the Mexican national team (categories U17, U20, and U23) participated, who performed five repetitions per set of HS with progressive loads (20%, 35%, 50%, 65%, and 80% of the one repetition maximum). The behavior of the center of mass of the subject–bar system was recorded by photogrammetry, calculating position, velocity, acceleration, mechanical power, and mechanical work. The results showed a significant reduction in velocity, acceleration, and mechanical power as the load increases, as well as variations in the duration and range of displacement per phase. These findings highlight the importance of a detailed analysis to understand the neuromuscular demands of HS and to optimize its application. The PBT approach and global center of mass analysis provide a more accurate view of the mechanics of this exercise, facilitating its application in future research, as well as in performance planning and monitoring. Full article

Background/Objectives: Shoulder injuries are common in overhead sports like tennis due to repetitive unilateral movements that can lead to muscle imbalances. This study aimed to compare muscle recruitment and asymmetry during bilateral shoulder injury prevention exercises (performed with both arms simultaneously) in tennis players versus non-tennis athletes. Methods: Thirty-nine athletes (sixteen tennis players, twenty-three non-tennis athletes) performed two bilateral scapular retraction exercises at 45° and 90° shoulder abduction. Surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded the activation of the middle and lower trapezius. Root Mean Square (RMS), peak RMS and muscle symmetry indices were analyzed. Results: Tennis players showed significantly lower trapezius activation, especially during prone retraction at 90°. Muscle symmetry was slightly higher in tennis players at 90°, but asymmetry increased at 45°, suggesting angle-specific adaptations. Conclusions: Repetitive asymmetric loading in tennis may reduce the activation of scapular stabilizers and contribute to muscular imbalances. Including targeted bilateral exercises in training may help improve scapular muscle function and reduce injury risk in overhead athletes. Full article

Industrial workers often engage in repetitive lifting tasks. This type of continual loading on their arms throughout the workday can lead to muscle or tendon injuries. A non-intrusive system designed to assist a worker’s arms would help alleviate strain on their muscles, thereby preventing injury and minimizing productivity losses. The goal of this project is to develop a wearable soft robotic arm enhancement device that supports a worker’s muscles by sharing the load during lifting tasks, thereby increasing their lifting capacity, reducing fatigue, and improving their endurance to help prevent injury. The device should be easy to use and wear, functioning in relative harmony with the user’s own muscles. It should not restrict the user’s range of motion or flexibility. The human arm consists of numerous muscles that work together to enable its movement. However, as a proof of concept, this project focuses on developing a prototype to enhance the biceps brachii muscle, the primary muscle involved in pulling movements during lifting. Key components of the prototype include a soft robotic muscle or actuator analogous to the biceps, a control system for the pneumatic muscle actuator, and a method for securing the soft muscle to the user’s arm. The McKibben-inspired pneumatic muscle was chosen as the soft actuator for the prototype. A hybrid control algorithm, incorporating PID and model-based control methods, was developed. Electromyography (EMG) and pressure sensors were utilized as inputs for the control algorithms. This paper discusses the design strategies for the device and the preliminary results of the feasibility testing. Based on the results, a wearable EMG-controlled soft robotic arm augmentation could effectively enhance the endurance of industrial workers engaged in repetitive lifting tasks. Full article

Aircraft mechanical maintenance involves high loads, repetitive movements, and awkward postures, significantly increasing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Traditional static evaluation methods based on posture analysis fail to capture the complexity and dynamic nature of these tasks, limiting their applicability in maintenance settings. To address this limitation, this study introduces a novel quantitative WMSD risk assessment model that leverages 3D motion data collected through an optical motion capture system. The model evaluates dynamic human postures and employs an inverse trigonometric function algorithm to quantify the loading effects on working joints. Experimental validation was conducted through quasi-real-life scenarios to ensure the model’s reliability and applicability. The findings demonstrate that the proposed methodology provides both innovative and practical advantages, overcoming the constraints of conventional assessment techniques. Specifically, it enables precise quantification of physical task loads and enhances occupational injury risk assessments. The model is particularly valuable in physically demanding industries, such as aircraft maintenance, where accurate workload and fatigue monitoring are essential. By facilitating real-time ergonomic analysis, this approach allows managers to monitor worker health, optimize task schedules, and mitigate excessive fatigue and injury risks, ultimately improving both efficiency and workplace safety. Full article

Background/Objectives: The repetitive overhead throwing of baseball stresses the posterior shoulder, including the rotator cuff and capsule, causing stiffness, tissue thickening, and dysfunction. Previous studies on collegiate baseball players have linked these changes to glenohumeral internal rotation deficits, pain, and injuries. However, these studies primarily used acoustic radiation force impulse-based shear wave elastography (SWE), which has limitations, including tissue heating and lack of portability. The acute effects of pitching on infraspinatus (ISP) muscle elasticity in high school pitchers remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the acute impact of pitching on ISP muscle elasticity in high school baseball pitchers using continuous SWE (C-SWE), which is a safer and more portable method. The relationship between ISP muscle elasticity and pitching load was also examined. Methods: ISP muscle shear wave velocity (SWV), shoulder range of motion, and strength were evaluated in high school baseball pitchers. The participants were categorized into pitching and non-pitching groups based on whether they pitched with full effort on the day of their medical checkup. C-SWE was used to assess ISP muscle elasticity. Results: The pitching group had considerably higher ISP muscle SWV on the dominant side than the non-pitching group (p = 0.008). A significant positive correlation was observed between pitch and ISP muscle SWV (r = 0.467, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Repetitive pitching acutely increases ISP muscle stiffness in high school pitchers, contributing to posterior shoulder tightness. C-SWE is a safe and practical method for assessing tissue elasticity and developing injury prevention strategies. Full article

Musculoskeletal injuries induced by high-intensity and repetitive physical activities represent one of the primary health concerns in the fields of public fitness and sports. Musculoskeletal injuries, often resulting from unscientific training practices, are particularly prevalent, with the tibia being especially vulnerable to fatigue-related damage. Current tibial load monitoring methods rely mainly on laboratory equipment and wearable devices, but datasets combining both sources are limited due to experimental complexities and signal synchronization challenges. Moreover, wearable-based algorithms often fail to capture deep signal features, hindering early detection and prevention of tibial fatigue injuries. In this study, we simultaneously collected data from laboratory equipment and wearable insole sensors during in-place running by volunteers, creating a dataset named WearLab-Leg. Based on this dataset, we developed a machine learning model integrating Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) and Transformer modules to estimate vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and tibia bone force (TBF) using insole pressure signals. Our model’s architecture effectively combines the advantages of local deep feature extraction and global modeling, and further introduces the Weight-MSELoss function to improve peak prediction performance. As a result, the model achieved a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 7.33% for vGRF prediction and 10.64% for TBF prediction. Our dataset and proposed model offer a convenient solution for biomechanical monitoring in athletes and patients, providing reliable data and technical support for early warnings of fatigue-induced injuries. Full article

This paper presents the development of a robotic system for the rehabilitation and quality of life improvement of children with cerebral palsy (CP). The system consists of four modules and is based on a virtual humanoid robot that is meant to motivate and encourage children in their rehabilitation programs. The efficiency of the developed system was tested on two children with CP. The effect of using the robot is an increase in the number of exercise repetitions, as well as the time spent on therapy, developing and strengthening the child’s musculature. Additionally, the children are able to produce socially acceptable gestures in the context of non-verbal communication for socialization. The main advantages of this system are its flexibility and ease of use. Besides the proposed use in CP rehabilitation, this system can be used in the rehabilitation of people recovering from surgery or injuries. Use of the proposed system significantly decreases the work load of the therapist who would be conducting the repetitive motion, allowing the therapist to see an increased number of patients. In the future, the number of different movements the robot is able to perform will be increased by way of domain-specific modelling and language. Full article

Shoulder and elbow injuries are prevalent among baseball players, particularly pitchers, who experience repetitive eccentric loading of the shoulder, leading to muscle damage and increased injury risk. Nearly 40% of shoulder injuries in baseball occur in pitchers, with many facing low rates of return to sport. The rotator cuff (RC) muscles—supraspinatus (SSP), infraspinatus (ISP), subscapularis (SSC), and teres minor (TMin)—are crucial for shoulder stability, movement, and force generation, particularly in overhead sports. Each RC muscle comprises subregions with distinct biomechanical properties, such as strength, moment arm behavior, and activation patterns. These differences allow for a finely tuned balance between joint stability and mobility. For example, the superior subregion of the ISP significantly contributes to external rotation, a function critical in sports like baseball that require precision and power. During pitching, the SSP, ISP, and SSC stabilize the glenohumeral joint through high activation during explosive phases, such as stride, arm cocking, and arm acceleration. Understanding these functional subregional differences is vital for diagnosing and managing shoulder pathologies like RC tears. Despite advancements, clinicians face challenges in predicting re-injury risks and determining return-to-play readiness for athletes with shoulder injuries. Integrating insights into subregional biomechanics with patient care could enhance outcomes. Tailored interventions—whether surgical or rehabilitative—targeting specific subregions could improve recovery times, reduce re-injury risks, and enable more personalized treatment plans. Such approaches are especially beneficial for athletes, older individuals, and those prone to RC injuries, promoting better long-term shoulder health and performance. The present work aims to highlight some of the research on these subregions and their differences, providing insights to enhance treatment approaches for shoulder injuries. Full article

Weight training is widely adopted and highly effective for enhancing both muscular strength and endurance. A popular weightlifting exercise is the deadlift, which targets multiple muscle groups including the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings. However, incorrect technique (i.e., poor form) can slow training progress, result in asymmetrical muscle development, and cause serious injuries. The objective of this study was to validate that a self-adhesive, elastic fabric, wearable, skin-strain sensor called Motion Tape (MT) could monitor a person’s posture while performing deadlift exercises. Two pairs of Motion Tape were attached on the front and back sides of the pelvis at each posterior superior iliac spine to record muscle engagement during deadlift exercises. The results of this preliminary study confirmed that the MT identified asymmetry in muscle engagement during deadlifting repetitions. In addition, the sensors could quantify the different levels of effort exerted according to the deadlift weight load. Full article

Ergonomics is essential to improving workplace safety and efficiency by reducing the risks associated with physical tasks. This study presents a decision support system (DSS) aimed at enhancing production ergonomics in the construction sector through an analysis of high-risk postures. Using the Ovako Work Posture Analysis System (OWAS), the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (NIOSH equation) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), the DSS identifies ergonomic risks by assessing body postures across common construction tasks. Three specific postures—X, Y and Z—were selected to represent typical construction activities, including lifting, squatting and repetitive tool use. Posture X, involving a forward-leaning stance with arms above the shoulders and a 25 kg load, was identified as critical, yielding the highest OWAS and NIOSH values, thus indicating an immediate need for corrective action to mitigate risks of musculoskeletal injuries. The DSS provides recommendations for workplace adjustments and posture improvements, demonstrating a robust framework that can be adapted to other postures and industries. Future developments may include application to other postures and sectors, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to support ongoing ergonomic assessments, offering a promising solution to enhance Occupational Safety and Health policies. Full article