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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 7617

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jesús Juan Ruiz Navarro

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Guest Editor

Aquatics Lab, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: sports science; swimming biomechanics

Dr. Catarina Costa Santos

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
2. Higher Education School, Polytechnic of Coimbra, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
3. SPRINT, Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: biomechanics; swimming; water fitness; performance; monitoring
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Dr. Carla B. McCabe

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Guest Editor

School of Sport and Exercise Science, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1ED, UK
Interests: human movement performance; swimming
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomechanics plays a pivotal role in sports science, offering essential insights into movement efficiency, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. Through biomechanical analysis, we can develop evidence-based strategies to optimize athletic performance across all levels of sport. This Special Issue aims to highlight innovative research in the field of biomechanical analysis in sports performance.

Our goal is to provide athletes and coaches with a deeper understanding of the biomechanical factors that influence performance while fostering the development of innovative assessment methodologies. We invite submissions focused on biomechanics as the primary area of investigation, including (but not limited to) technical assessment, competition analysis, injury prevention, and long-term athlete development. Studies may also incorporate complementary domains such as physiology or anthropometry, provided biomechanics remains the central theme.

We welcome a wide range of methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case reports, integrated approaches, longitudinal studies, and systematic reviews. Contributions from all sports and populations, from the youth-level to the elite-level, are encouraged. Advancing biomechanical analysis is key to unlocking new performance potential. We look forward to receiving your contributions and collaborating to expand the frontiers of sports science.

Dr. Jesús Juan Ruiz Navarro
Dr. Catarina Costa Santos
Dr. Carla B. McCabe
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biomechanics
sports science
movement efficiency
injury prevention
performance enhancement
biomechanical analysis
athletic performance
evidence-based strategies
technical assessment
competition analysis
long-term athlete development
anthropometry
elite athletes
youth sports
sports performance optimization

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 2438 KB

Open AccessArticle

Virtual Reality-Induced Changes in Lower-Limb Kinematics During Obstacle Crossing

by Zhiyu Tao, Teerapapa Luecha, Ping Yeap Loh, Seiji Saito and Satoshi Muraki

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5670; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115670 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 229

Abstract

Obstacle crossing is a fundamental, yet complex, motor task commonly observed in daily life and occupational settings. Nevertheless, accurately replicating real-world crossing strategies in a virtual reality environment (VRE) remains challenging, potentially limiting the broader application of virtual reality (VR) in these domains. In this context, this study compared individuals’ gait and lower-limb kinematics during their performance of obstacle crossing in a real environment (RE) and a VRE to determine whether the latter alters their crossing behavior. Participants completed obstacle-crossing tasks over three obstacles (low: 100 mm, middle: 200 mm, and high: 300 mm) in both environments. Our results indicated that the participants’ overall crossing speed was reduced in the VRE (low obstacle: −9.0 cm/s; middle obstacle: −6.0 cm/s; high obstacle: −2.0 cm/s). Specifically, we observed that in the VRE, the leading leg exhibited greater lower-limb flexion (low obstacle: +13.8°; middle obstacle: +11.1°; high obstacle: +8.2°), which resulted in a higher toe clearance (low obstacle: +76.4 mm; middle obstacle: +40.0 mm; high obstacle: +23.5 mm). In addition, the horizontal distance from the peak vertical position was extended (low obstacle: +93.1 mm; middle obstacle: +79.0 mm; high obstacle: +73.8 mm). For the trailing leg, a trend similar to that of the crossing leg was observed under the VRE low-obstacle condition; however, with increasing obstacle height, the VRE showed smaller lower-limb flexion (high obstacle: −12.7°) and toe clearance than the RE (middle obstacle: −68.2 mm; high obstacle: −115.2 mm). These findings provide insight into gait adaptation in virtual contexts and support the design of more effective VR-based interventions for rehabilitation and fall prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis for Sport Performance)

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15 pages, 1316 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Effects of Breathing-Integrated Scapular Stabilization Versus Thoracic–Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Muscle Strength and Postural Alignment in Individuals with Shoulder Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Xin Yan, Qiu-Shuo Tian and Tae-Ho Kim

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4553; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094553 - 5 May 2026

Viewed by 562

Abstract

Shoulder dysfunction characterized by scapular internal rotation is associated with muscle weakness, pectoralis minor shortening, and altered postural alignment. Although breathing-integrated scapular stabilization or thoracic–scapular stabilization exercises may improve these impairments, no prior study has directly compared their effects in this population. Methods: Thirty-two adults with shoulder dysfunction characterized by scapular internal rotation were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 16), which performed breathing-integrated scapular stabilization exercises, or a control group (n = 16), which performed thoracic–scapular stabilization exercises. Both groups participated in a 4-week intervention program conducted three times per week, with each session lasting 40 min. Muscle strength, pectoralis minor length (PML), and shoulder sagittal angle (SSA) were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA to examine group × time interactions, followed by Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc tests (α = 0.025). Results: No significant group × time interaction effects were observed for any outcome (p > 0.025), indicating that neither intervention demonstrated clear superiority over the other during the study period; however, both groups showed significant improvements over time in muscle strength, PML, and SSA following intervention (p < 0.025), except for upper trapezius strength, which did not change significantly. Conclusions: Both breathing-integrated scapular stabilization and thoracic–scapular stabilization exercises were associated with improvements in muscle strength, pectoralis minor length, and shoulder sagittal angle over time in individuals with shoulder dysfunction characterized by scapular internal rotation. However, no clear superiority of one intervention over the other was demonstrated during the 4-week study period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis for Sport Performance)

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25 pages, 1146 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Mechanical Hurdle-Resisted, Sled-Resisted and Standard Sprint Training in U18 Female Hurdlers: A Preliminary Randomized Trial

by Stamatios Magos, Zacharias Papadakis, Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos, Apostolos S. Theodorou, Flora Panteli and Athanasia Smirniotou

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3989; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083989 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 461

Abstract

To compare hurdle-resisted sprint training (EGH), sled-resisted training (EGS), and hurdles-only training (CG) on performance and kinematics using a smallest-effect-size-of-interest (SESOI) framework, fifteen U18 female hurdlers (16.3 ± 1.3 years) were randomized to EGH, EGS, or CG (n = 5 each) for a 7-week intervention (7 microcycles). EGH used individualized resistance (10% velocity decrement), while EGS used fixed ~13% body-mass resistance. Outcomes included 30 m hurdle time (30 mH), Technique Index, and exploratory kinematics. Primary analysis used baseline-adjusted robust ANCOVA with permutation and linear mixed models (LMM) as sensitivity checks. A smallest-effect-size-of-interest (SESOI) of −0.066 s (~1.2%) was pre-specified. Adjusted ANCOVA favored EGH over CG (−0.19 s; 95% CI [−0.45, 0.06]; p = 0.11). The point estimate exceeded the SESOI, though the CI captured both meaningful and trivial effects. Sensitivity analyses maintained this directional pattern, but LMM estimates varied in magnitude, suggesting model dependence. The EGH–EGS contrast was smaller and uncertain (−0.15 s; p = 0.10). Exploratory baseline-adjusted kinematic contrasts showed no clear differences at the first hurdle, but highlighted nominal differences in the EGH group at the second hurdle (greater take-off distance, p = 0.030) and third hurdle (shorter flight and landing times, p < 0.05), which should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. In this preliminary trial, the data are compatible with a range of effects from negligible to practically meaningful for hurdle-resisted sprint training relative to both control and sled-resisted conditions. All estimates are accompanied by wide compatibility intervals, precluding confirmatory conclusions. These findings establish protocol feasibility, provide estimation-based preliminary evidence with openly available individual-level data, and motivate adequately powered multi-center replication trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis for Sport Performance)

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22 pages, 1403 KB

Open AccessArticle

Does Basketball Training Load Provide an Adequate Amount of Physical Activity for Pre-Peak Height Velocity Athletes?

by Alexandra Avloniti, Nikolaos-Orestis Retzepis, Theodoros Stampoulis, Christos Kokkotis, Dimitrios Balampanos, Dimitrios Draganidis, Maria Protopapa, Dimitrios Pantazis, Panagiotis Aggelakis, Panagiotis F. Foteinakis, Nikolaos Zaras, Antonis Kambas, Ilias Smilios, Maria Michalopoulou, Ioannis G. Fatouros and Athanasios Chatzinikolaou

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3951; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083951 - 18 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Purpose: The primary aim of the present study was to examine the extent to which participation in organized youth basketball training contributes to physical activity across intensity zones during training sessions in relation to biological maturation status. Methods: Participants were classified into three maturity groups based on predicted age at peak height velocity (PHV): −2.5 to −1.5, −1.5 to −0.5, and ≥−0.5 to 0.83 years from PHV. Data from two training sessions per participant were averaged to obtain representative individual values. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to examine differences in anthropometric, physical performance, and field performance variables between PHV groups. Physical activity patterns were analyzed using two-way mixed-design ANOVAs with PHV stage as the between-subject factor and intensity zone (MET- and HRR-based) as the within-subject factor. Results: Across all maturity groups, approximately 10–17% of total training time was spent in light-intensity activity, while the majority of time was accumulated in moderate-to-vigorous intensity zones (approximately 35–50%, depending on the classification method). Significant maturity-related differences were observed in anthropometric variables and physical performance measures, with more mature players demonstrating superior sprint performance, jumping ability, and grip strength. Field performance indicators also differed between PHV groups, with more mature athletes exhibiting higher external and internal training loads. In contrast, no significant interactions or main effects of PHV stage were observed for physical activity intensity distribution. Conclusions: Organized basketball training contributes substantially to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity accumulated during training sessions. However, these findings reflect training-specific activity and should not be interpreted as representing total daily physical activity. No differences in activity intensity distribution were observed between maturation groups, although this finding should be interpreted with caution, given methodological limitations. These results highlight the need to consider biological maturation when designing youth training programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis for Sport Performance)

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10 pages, 1309 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Speed with Dynamic Stretching on Musculotendinous Stiffness

by Naoto Kyotani, Kensuke Oba, Tomoya Ishida, Yuta Koshino, Miho Komatsuzaki, Minori Tanaka, Satoshi Kasahara, Harukazu Tohyama and Mina Samukawa

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3278; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073278 - 28 Mar 2026

Viewed by 491

Abstract

Dynamic stretching (DS) comprises repetitive movements throughout the joint range of motion, and DS speed is known to affect athletic performance. However, it is unclear how DS speed affects musculotendinous stiffness (MTS). This study aimed to compare the DS effects at three different speeds on the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle, maximum passive torque, and MTS. Based on sample size calculation (f = 0.25, α = 0.05, power = 0.80), 12 participants were needed, and 12 healthy university male athletes enrolled. DS to ankle plantar flexors was performed under the following conditions: low-speed (30 reps/min), moderate-speed (60 reps/min), high-speed (120 reps/min), and control (no DS). DS was performed for 15 reps × four sets with a 30 s rest. To assess musculotendinous extensibility, the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle, maximum passive torque, and MTS were measured before and after DS. The maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle significantly increased after all DS (p = 0.001–0.006, d_z = 0.98–1.38) and was significantly larger in the high-speed DS than in the control condition (p = 0.039). MTS significantly increased after high-speed DS (p = 0.038, d = 0.68) but significantly decreased after moderate-speed DS (p = 0.025, d_z = −0.75) compared to baseline values. Maximal passive torque significantly increased after low-, moderate-, and high-speed DS (p < 0.001 to p = 0.011, d_z = 0.89–1.89) and was significantly higher after high-speed DS than after control (p = 0.004, d = 0.58). These results indicate that DS increases the ankle dorsiflexion angle regardless of speed and is effective in decreasing MTS at moderate speed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis for Sport Performance)

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10 pages, 1132 KB

Open AccessArticle

Position- and Angle-Specific Variation in the Bilateral Deficit in Hamstring Isometric Strength: A Comparative Analysis

by Aleksandar Rajkovic, Amador García-Ramos, Nejc Šarabon, Olivera M. Knežević and Dragan M. Mirkov

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 2852; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16062852 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 404

Abstract

This study investigated how varying body positions (seated, prone, supine) and knee joint angles (90°, 120°, 150°) influence the bilateral deficit (BD) in isometric hamstring strength. Thirty physically active participants (15 males, 15 females) performed unilateral and bilateral maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) across the tested position × angle conditions. Peak force (Fmax) and rate of force development (RFD) measures (RFDmax, RFD50 ms, and RFD200 ms) were recorded. Results indicated that the seated position elicited a greater bilateral deficit (i.e., lower BD ratios) than the prone and supine positions, with differences that were more pronounced at more extended knee angles. These findings underscore the importance of considering position- and angle-specific influences when assessing BD in hamstring strength. Clinicians and researchers should standardize testing protocols to ensure accurate evaluation and data interpretation. From an applied standpoint, the results support the development of resistance-training strategies aimed at enhancing hamstring function at long muscle lengths—an approach relevant to both performance optimization and injury prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis for Sport Performance)

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15 pages, 1780 KB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Intra-Set Biomechanics During a 3RM Deadlift in Strength-Trained Women: A Biomechanical Analysis

by Andreas H. Gundersen, Roland van den Tillaar, Hallvard N. Falch and Stian Larsen

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12116; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212116 - 14 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2294

Abstract

The conventional deadlift is frequently performed in multiple-repetition sets at loads exceeding 80% of one-repetition maximum (RM) to increase maximal strength in the posterior chain. Fatigue-induced intra-set movement alterations have been observed in various exercises and loading ranges, but whether they occur under strength-specific deadlift conditions remains poorly understood. This study compared the intra-set development of spinal and lower extremity kinematics, net joint moments (NJMs) of the lower extremities, and surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitudes during a 3RM deadlift using statistical parametric mapping. Ten strength-trained women (body mass: 69.2 ± 8.1 kg, height: 166.3 ± 3.1 cm, age: 23.2 ± 3.7 years) lifted 100.6 ± 18.1 kg for a set of 3RM deadlifts. Across repetitions, spinal flexion and hip extension angles increased, while barbell velocity and peak angular hip extension velocity decreased. In contrast, hip NJMs and sEMG amplitudes showed minimal or no significant differences between repetitions. These findings suggest that as fatigue accumulates during a 3RM set, lifting capacity is maintained primarily through kinematic adjustments rather than increased hip extensor contribution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis for Sport Performance)

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11 pages, 2677 KB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Biomechanical Profile of an Artistic Swimming Duet over a Training Macrocycle: A Case Study

by Mário J. Costa, Sílvia Pinto and Catarina C. Santos

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10346; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910346 - 24 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1639

Abstract

This study aimed to monitor the biomechanical development of an artistic swimming duet across a macrocycle through an individualised training approach. Two swimmers (17.5 ± 0.5 years), members of the Los Angeles 2028 National Olympic Project, were assessed in December 2023 (M1) and April 2024 (M2), corresponding to the beginning and the end of the macrocycle. Maximal (Fmax) and mean (Fmean) force in the prone sculling and kick pull action were measured using a 20 s tethered test. Split velocity (vSplit) was assessed in free format based on video recording. Dry-land strength included assessments of internal (IR) and external (ER) shoulder rotation strength of the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) limbs, and countermovement jump (CMJ) power. The standard duet choreography was analysed in competition at both time points. Percentage variation (∆%) between swimmers was calculated for M1 vs. M2. Results showed convergence (M1 vs. M2) in Fmean of the sculling (21.6% vs. 9.9%) and kick pull (45.1% vs. 29.1%), accompanied by greater similarity in vSplit (15.9% vs. 15.5%). Further convergence was observed in IR_ND (33.7% vs. 13.9%), ER_D (11.6% vs. 4.4%) and CMJ (7.4% vs. 3.6%). The duet’s competition score increased from 168.9943 to 190.7183 points. It can be concluded that individualised training was useful for the duet to become more homogeneous in in-water strength, in-water kinematics and dryland strength, resulting in improved competitive performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis for Sport Performance)

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