Journal Of Applied Biomechanics[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
The Number of Gait Cycles Necessary to Obtain a Representative Measure of Knee Joint Loads in Individuals With Lower Limb Amputation.
Syrett ED, Peterson CL, Darter BJ
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Dec · PMID 41027559 · Publisher ↗
It is unknown how many gait cycles are necessary to assess medial tibiofemoral joint contact forces (mTJCF) for individuals with lower limb amputation. The purpose of this study was to determine the number of gait cycles...
It is unknown how many gait cycles are necessary to assess medial tibiofemoral joint contact forces (mTJCF) for individuals with lower limb amputation. The purpose of this study was to determine the number of gait cycles necessary to achieve a representative measure, and to determine the reliability of intact limb mTJCF. Gait data were extracted from 14 individuals with transtibial amputation; simulations were performed using OpenSim. A sequential analysis technique was used to determine the number of gait cycles to achieve a representative measure using thresholds derived from the literature, and another using 0.25 standard deviation of the data. Reliability of the continuous set of gait cycles was also determined using an intraclass correlation coefficient analysis. Using the literature-derived thresholds, 3 gait cycles were necessary to achieve a representative measure of all 3 variables. Using the more stringent 0.25 standard deviation threshold, 9 gait cycles were required. All mTJCF variables demonstrated excellent reliability (ρ > .99). Our results suggest when analyzing mTJCF, ≥3 gait cycles are necessary to achieve a representative measure, though 9 gait cycles improve precision by >75%. The results of the study provide guidance to researchers toward selecting the number of gait cycles to analyze based on their research objectives.
A Mixed-Methods Exploration Into the Experiences of High School Girls Participating in a 100-Day Biomechanics-Based Mentoring Program.
Kean CO, Besomi M, Barzan M … +6 more , Diamond LE, Dick TJM, Hall M, Maharaj JN, Mickle KJ, Coltman CE
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Dec · PMID 40992425 · Publisher ↗
This study implemented a mixed-method design (postprogram survey and structured interviews) to develop a detailed understanding of mentee experiences in the Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge. Forty-nine ment...
This study implemented a mixed-method design (postprogram survey and structured interviews) to develop a detailed understanding of mentee experiences in the Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge. Forty-nine mentees completed the postprogram survey, and 26 mentees participated in the interview. Based on the survey results, 65% of mentees enjoyed the university campus experience, and 63% valued the networking opportunities. Learning about the research process and different careers in science and biomechanics were appreciated by 63% and 61%, respectively. Over 90% of mentees responded positively to statements about their mentors' suitability for the Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge, supportiveness, and availability, and 85% of mentees would recommend the program to their peers. The interviews revealed 4 key themes: developing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills; discovering biomechanics; STEM role models; and facilitators and barriers to participation. Furthermore, the interviews highlighted the development of essential STEM skills, exposure to biomechanics, and the positive impact of mentors. The program's hands-on and collaborative nature facilitated participation, whereas communication tools and scheduling were barriers. Our findings highlight the positive mentee experiences related to participation in the Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge program, enabling them to develop STEM skills and discover the diverse field of biomechanics. Overall, the program was well received and recommended by participants.
Experimentally Induced Knee Effusion Does Not Simulate Sustained Ground Reaction Force Profiles During Overground Walking.
Collins K, Pietrosimone B, Lindsay T … +5 more , Myers H, Ceraulo AS, Lau BC, Lemus SA, Pietrosimone LS
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Dec · PMID 40983317 · Publisher ↗
Less dynamic limb-level loading is observed bilaterally in individuals who have undergone unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and is linked with the development and progression of knee osteoarthri...
Less dynamic limb-level loading is observed bilaterally in individuals who have undergone unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and is linked with the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis. Experimentally induced knee effusion (EIKE) models have been used to study biomechanical effects of knee injury, showing decreased quadriceps activation and lesser peak limb-level loading (ie, vertical ground reaction force [vGRF]) during stair descent and decreased knee extensor torque during overground walking. However, it is unknown whether EIKE acutely induces less dynamic limb-level loading during overground walking. Therefore, this study's purpose was to investigate bilateral effects of unilateral EIKE on limb-level loading throughout stance. Ten individuals completed 5 gait trials at their habitual walking speed pre-EIKE and post-EIKE. Functional waveform analyses compared time-normalized vGRFs, anteroposterior GRFs, and mediolateral GRFs normalized to body weight (BW) pre-EIKE and post-EIKE. EIKE resulted in less dynamic anteroposterior GRFs from 16% to 24% of stance (mean difference: 2%BW) and no change in vGRFs of the effused limb. The contralateral limb demonstrated greater vGRFs from 6% to 35% of stance (mean difference: 10%BW) and greater anteroposterior GRFs from 13% to 19% of stance (mean difference: -2%BW). Our results indicate that unilateral EIKE does not simulate bilateral sustained compressive loading profiles previously linked to knee osteoarthritis.
Head Acceleration Events Sustained During High School Wrestling Matches: Grappling With Differences Between Male and Female Adolescents.
Friesen KB, Masood Z, Wu L … +4 more , Galarneau JM, Dennison CR, Ferber R, Emery CA
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Dec · PMID 40902990 · Publisher ↗
Wrestling is a popular high school sport despite high injury and concussion rates. Instrumented mouthguards can reliably measure head acceleration events (HAEs) accrued by wrestlers and may highlight potential sex differ...
Wrestling is a popular high school sport despite high injury and concussion rates. Instrumented mouthguards can reliably measure head acceleration events (HAEs) accrued by wrestlers and may highlight potential sex differences; important considering the higher concussion rates among female athletes. The purpose of this study was to measure HAEs accrued in high school wrestling matches and compare frequency, magnitude, and head impact location between female and male wrestlers. Forty-five (16.5 [0.8] y) wrestlers (20 females; 25 males) wore instrumented mouthguards during high school matches. A total of 2843 (857 females; 1986 males) HAEs above an 8g trigger threshold from 452 player-matches were video verified. Results indicate that males accrue 30% higher HAE count per match (mean frequency = 6.9 HAEs/match) compared to females (mean frequency = 5.3 HAEs/match) (IRR = 1.297; 95% confidence interval, 1.051-1.594). Results also show females and males have similar HAE biomechanics including peak linear acceleration, angular velocity and acceleration, change in angular velocity in all planes, and impulse duration. Finally, females accrue 50% more head impacts high and to the right side of the head than males (IRR = 1.499; 95% confidence interval, 1.053-2.137). Higher HAE match counts for male wrestlers and varied impact locations highlight varied wrestling HAE mechanisms for female and male adolescent wrestlers and potential sex-specific HAE and concussion prevention strategies.
How Oxygen Uptake, Ground Reaction Forces, and Kinematics Respond to Air Resistance and Drafting During Treadmill Running.
Steele JR, VanKeersbilck L, Bruening D … +3 more , Gifford J, Seeley M, Hunter I
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Dec · PMID 40897342 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the effects of air resistance and drafting on oxygen uptake, ground reaction forces, and lower body kinematics during treadmill running. Thirty-three trained distance runners ran at 3.35 to 4.29 m...
This study investigated the effects of air resistance and drafting on oxygen uptake, ground reaction forces, and lower body kinematics during treadmill running. Thirty-three trained distance runners ran at 3.35 to 4.29 m/s (80%-85% of critical speed) on a force-instrumented treadmill within a wind tunnel under 5 conditions: no fan (NF), normal wind, normal wind with drafting, headwind (HW), and HW with drafting. Drafting involved running 1 m behind a mannequin. Oxygen uptake increased by 4.7% in HW compared with NF (P < .001) and decreased by 2.8% in HW with drafting compared with HW (P < .001). HW increased both braking and propulsive forces, accompanied by greater hip and knee flexion at initial contact, compared with NF. Drafting mitigated these effects but did not return oxygen uptake or biomechanical metrics to NF levels. Results suggest that air resistance imposes a metabolic cost, while drafting reduces but does no eliminate this cost. The most notable biomechanical adaptations occurred in horizontal ground reaction forces and lower body kinematics, indicating that both are influential in the metabolic response to air resistance. Future research should refine experimental setups to further explore air resistance's effects on biomechanics and energy cost.
Effects of Different Inertial Measurement Unit Sensor-to-Segment Calibrations on Clinical 3-Dimensional Wrist Joint Angles Estimation.
Bonfiglio A, Farella E, Bongers RM
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40897339 · Publisher ↗
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) enable accurate estimation of anatomical joint angles but require a sensor-to-segment calibration. Literature has presented several algorithms that address this gap; however, adequately...
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) enable accurate estimation of anatomical joint angles but require a sensor-to-segment calibration. Literature has presented several algorithms that address this gap; however, adequately comparing calibration performance is not trivial. This study compares 3 calibration methods: N-pose calibration (NP), functional calibration (FC), and manual alignment (MA) to estimate 3D wrist joint angles during single-plane and multiplane tasks. Thirteen healthy participants were instrumented with IMUs and optical markers to compute the range of motion error (ε), root mean squared error, and offset between the joint angles from the optical reference and each IMU calibration (NP, FC, and MA) as dependent variables. We then performed 3-way repeated-measures analyses of variance on each dependent variable to evaluate interactions between calibrations, tasks, and joint axes. NP showed the worst root mean squared error (8.34° [7.41°]) performance in the calibration main effect (η2G = .095) and calibration × tasks interaction (η2G = .121). In an exploratory analysis, FC performed best (main effect root mean squared error = 6.52° [4.47°]) in the offset calibration × axes interaction in single-plane (η2G = .160) tasks. Therefore, we recommend FC to optimally perform wrist calibration and against NP. These findings are viable in aiding the development of portable IMU-based clinical motion-tracking devices.
Can Level Ground Biomechanics Predict Uphill and Downhill Running Economy?
Steele JR, Taylor M, Bradshaw C … +3 more , Ward JB, VanKeersbilck L, Hunter I
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40812385 · Publisher ↗
Marathon terrain significantly impacts athlete performance. This study examined whether level running biomechanics can predict uphill and downhill running economy using a new metric, running grade aptitude (RGA). Forty d...
Marathon terrain significantly impacts athlete performance. This study examined whether level running biomechanics can predict uphill and downhill running economy using a new metric, running grade aptitude (RGA). Forty distance runners (32 males and 8 females) ran on a split-belt treadmill at +4% and -4% gradients, simulating Boston Marathon hills. We assessed stride parameters, foot strike patterns, ground reaction forces, and oxygen consumption during uphill, downhill, and level running. RGA was determined by analyzing the slope of the relationship between oxygen uptake and treadmill grade, categorizing runners as preferring uphill RGA, downhill RGA, or negligible RGA. We found a significant correlation (R2 = .44) between active peak vertical ground reaction forces during level running and downhill running economy (downhill RGA). However, no other variables significantly related to RGA, and no difference in RGA was observed between genders. The study suggests that runners who generate higher peak vertical ground reaction forces during level running are more economical on downhill segments. These findings highlight the importance of individual biomechanical traits in optimizing training and racing strategies for distance runners.
Model Comparison for Defining the Trunk for Dynamic Testing in a Motion Capture Lab.
Ulman S, Loewen AM, Erdman AL … +4 more , Õunpuu S, Chafetz R, Tulchin-Francis K, Wren TAL
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Dec · PMID 40796090 · Publisher ↗
Evaluation of trunk stability is common during return-to-activity assessments. While the use of motion capture for assessment of movement quality is also becoming more popular, it is critical that the trunk is modeled si...
Evaluation of trunk stability is common during return-to-activity assessments. While the use of motion capture for assessment of movement quality is also becoming more popular, it is critical that the trunk is modeled similarly across participants. The purpose of this study was to determine how adjusting marker placement at the sternum, cervical, and thorax locations for purposes of defining the trunk segment influences trunk kinematics. Sagittal plane trunk angles of 18 participants were computed for a comprehensive set of trunk model variations during standing, gait, and a drop vertical jump. Comparisons included variations from a single marker set altered at the sternum, cervical, and thorax locations. Intraclass correlation coefficients were computed per trunk marker combination to determine agreement with the recommended marker set. Agreement ranged from poor to excellent across all 3 tasks with the worst agreement observed during gait and across the sternum marker variations. Alternatively, few discrepancies were observed between the 2 cervical marker locations or during the drop vertical jump task. Consistent and reliable modeling of the trunk is critical for return-to-activity evaluation. The recommended model for defining the trunk segment includes marker placements on the jugular notch, xiphoid process, and first and 10th thoracic spinous processes.
Reliability of a Lower-Extremity Shear Force Control Task in Young, Uninjured Adults.
Mingo MJ, Lanier AS, Rosen AB … +2 more , Wellsandt EA, Knarr BA
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40789575 · Full text
A novel shear force control task has previously been shown to elucidate different neuromuscular control strategies among individuals after anterior cruciate ligament injury, individuals following anterior cruciate ligame...
A novel shear force control task has previously been shown to elucidate different neuromuscular control strategies among individuals after anterior cruciate ligament injury, individuals following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, uninjured collegiate athletes, and uninjured recreational athletes. However, the reliability of the methodology has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of this methodology in a population with no lower-extremity injury. Thirteen individuals (7 men, 24.7 [4.8] y, body mass index: 23.9 [3.6] kg/m2) completed a standing force control task in the medial/lateral and anterior/posterior directions for each leg on 2 separate occasions (1 wk apart). Intraclass correlation coefficient with 95% confidence intervals, standard error of measurement, and minimum detectable change were calculated to assess the reliability of largest Lyapunov exponent values. Intraclass correlation coefficient values across all measures were good to excellent (r = .78-.92). Reliability was highest in the medial/lateral direction at the right lower extremity (r = .92; 95% confidence interval, .75-.98, P = .025). The shear force control task exhibited good to excellent reliability across measures, suggesting that it can reliably measure force control variability. This methodology may provide insight into neuromuscular control strategies following injury.
Modifying Trunk Inclination and Low Back Curvature Inconsistently Affects Isometric Multijoint Lifting Strength Across Individuals.
Pinto BL, Beach TAC, Callaghan JP
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40789574 · Publisher ↗
Movement assessment and coaching within health and human performance settings has targeted trunk inclination and low back curvature to reduce low back injury risk. However, it remains unclear how modifying these postural...
Movement assessment and coaching within health and human performance settings has targeted trunk inclination and low back curvature to reduce low back injury risk. However, it remains unclear how modifying these postural characteristics may also impact the ability to exert force in multijoint tasks to influence physical performance. This study investigated the independent and interacting effects of trunk inclination and low back curvature on maximal isometric lifting strength. Forty participants (50% female) exerted maximal isometric lifting force in 4 experimentally controlled postural conditions consisting of 2 trunk inclinations (vertical and horizontal), each performed with 2 low back curvatures (neutral and flexed). A linear mixed-effects model revealed a significant group level interaction between trunk inclination and low back curvature (β = 0.13, P = .002), but heterogeneity was high and indicated that some individual responses opposed the estimated group level response (random effect SD = 0.12). Individual responses substantially varied in magnitude (up to 620 N) and direction (increase/decrease). Modifying trunk inclination and low back curvature each have a similar potential to influence strength in multijoint tasks, but the response varies across individuals. Strength in multijoint tasks cannot be inferred solely from posture, and a single postural profile cannot be generalized as the strongest for all individuals.
In Vivo Kinetic and Kinematic Analysis of Healthy Iliotibial Band Biomechanics.
Felipe JT, Burk AM, Duong KM … +1 more , Cone SG
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40789487 · Publisher ↗
The iliotibial (IT) band is a complex structure of connective tissue with proximal origins at the tensor fasciae latae and gluteus maximus, with a distal insertion on the tibia at Gerdy's tubercle. Although there is esta...
The iliotibial (IT) band is a complex structure of connective tissue with proximal origins at the tensor fasciae latae and gluteus maximus, with a distal insertion on the tibia at Gerdy's tubercle. Although there is established knowledge of IT band anatomy, its biomechanical function during active motion is poorly defined to date due to experimental challenges in the direct measurement of IT band function. In this study, we applied shear wave tensiometry, ultrasound imaging, and motion capture to assess the structure-function relationship of the IT band during a battery of functional tasks. We found that there was a high variability in IT band tension levels across participants in functional tasks, despite a lack of significant differences in joint angles at the knee or hip during the same movements. Preliminary gait data from a pilot subject revealed higher shear wave speed peaks during jogging compared with walking, as well as shifts in the timing of shear wave speed peaks corresponding to the different phases of jogging versus walking gait. Together, these findings suggest that the IT band is active in many forms of movement but highly variable between participants, potentially due to differences in both muscular activation and anatomy.
Joint-Specific Contributions to Vertical and Horizontal Center-of-Mass Velocity During a Sit-to-Stand Task Depend on Age.
Ahn N, Lewis CL, Kipp K
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40681168 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to compare the contributions of lower limb net joint moments (NJM) to the control of vertical and horizontal center-of-mass (COM) velocities during the momentum transfer and extension phases of the sit-t...
This study aimed to compare the contributions of lower limb net joint moments (NJM) to the control of vertical and horizontal center-of-mass (COM) velocities during the momentum transfer and extension phases of the sit-to-stand (STS) task between healthy young and older adults. Eighteen young and 16 older adults performed STS 5 times at their self-selected speed. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected and used to calculate ankle, knee, and hip NJM. Induced acceleration analysis was used to identify the joint-specific functional roles and NJM contributions to the vertical and horizontal COM velocities during STS. The NJM at all 3 joints contributed to the upward velocity of the COM. The NJM contributions to the vertical COM velocity were greater in older adults compared to young adults during the momentum transfer phase, suggesting older adults may use a different COM control strategy in this direction. For horizontal velocity, knee NJM slowed forward COM motion, while the hip and ankle NJM sped up forward motion. The NJM contributions to the horizontal COM velocity were not influenced by age, which may suggest that healthy older adults retain the ability to control and regulate horizontal COM velocity to a greater extent than vertical COM velocity.
Very High Movement Speed in a Hitting Action Affects Interjoint Coordination But Not Spatial Accuracy.
Okazaki VHA, Teixeira LA
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40623693 · Publisher ↗
Performance of ballistic movements to drive a ball toward a spatial target in different sports requires high movement speed associated with spatial accuracy. In this investigation, we compared target hitting movements pe...
Performance of ballistic movements to drive a ball toward a spatial target in different sports requires high movement speed associated with spatial accuracy. In this investigation, we compared target hitting movements performed from very low to very high movement speeds with the purpose of assessing the effects on movement accuracy and variability. Participants were 16 young men, naive for the experimental task. The task consisted of sliding a handle over a flat surface to hit a moveable disc, with the aim of driving it toward a spatial target. Kinematic analysis indicated that the high and very high movement speeds induced the lowest peak and contact velocity variabilities of the handle displacement and elbow extension. Assessment of interjoint coordination between the shoulder, elbow, and wrist indicated higher relative phase values in very high speed compared with lower movement speeds. As the main outcome, we found no evidence for effects on either spatial accuracy or variability of the disk displacement toward the target due to increment of movement speed. Our findings support the conclusion that ballistic skills can be performed with high movement speeds while keeping spatial accuracy and variability unchanged.
Prediction of Medial Tibiofemoral Joint Reaction Force Using Custom Instrumented Insoles and Neural Networks for Walking and Running Tasks.
Snyder SJ, Lee H, Chu E … +3 more , Heo YJ, Miller RH, Shim JK
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40550501 · Publisher ↗
Medial tibiofemoral joint reaction force is a clinically relevant variable for knee osteoarthritis progression and can be estimated using complex musculoskeletal models. Musculoskeletal model estimation of this variable...
Medial tibiofemoral joint reaction force is a clinically relevant variable for knee osteoarthritis progression and can be estimated using complex musculoskeletal models. Musculoskeletal model estimation of this variable is time-consuming, expensive, requires trained researchers, and is restricted to lab settings. We aimed to simplify the measurement of the medial knee joint contact force during walking and running using custom instrumented insoles and deep learning methods. Motion capture, force plate, and insoles instrumented with triaxial piezoresistive force sensors recorded data while 9 young healthy female individuals walked and ran at varying speeds. Two task-specific convolutional neural networks were developed for walking and running using piezoresistive force sensors as inputs during the stance phase. Results showed that both models were able to estimate total medial joint contact force with strong correlation coefficients (r > .98) and moderate mean absolute error (<0.36 body weight). These methods show the possibility of collecting medial knee joint contact force during walking and running in a clinical setting. Future research with this framework can be used to provide biofeedback to reduce medial knee joint contact force in high-risk knee osteoarthritis groups in clinical settings and daily life.
Muscle Synergies in Single-Leg Hops: Neuromuscular Adaptations for Increased Hop Distance.
Saito H, Yamano A, Suzuki N … +4 more , Matsushita K, Yokoyama H, Van Cant J, Nakazawa K
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40550496 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated differences in muscle synergies in the trunk and lower limbs during single-leg hops at 30% (SLH30) and 100% (SLH100) of maximum distance to understand the neuromechanical mechanisms underlying lon...
This study investigated differences in muscle synergies in the trunk and lower limbs during single-leg hops at 30% (SLH30) and 100% (SLH100) of maximum distance to understand the neuromechanical mechanisms underlying longer hop distances. Unilateral surface EMG data were collected from 16 muscle groups in the trunk and lower limbs during both SLH30 and SLH100 in 10 healthy males. Nonnegative matrix factorization was used to extract muscle synergies. The number of muscle synergies in SLH100 was significantly higher than in SLH30 (P = .0078, effect size = 1.28), with median values of 4.0 (3.0-5.0) for SLH30 and 5.0 (4.0-6.0) for SLH100. We identified 4 shared muscle synergies between SLH30 and SLH100, signifying a foundational neuromuscular control strategy. In addition, muscle synergies specific to SLH100 demonstrated the involvement of abdominal muscles and hip and ankle extensor muscles, highlighting their contributions to achieving longer hopping distances. Interventions aimed at enhancing SLH performance for return to sport may benefit from incorporating exercises targeting these synergy patterns. However, it should be noted that SLH100 synergies primarily involved nonknee muscles, warranting caution when using SLH as an indicator of knee function as improvements in hop distance may not directly reflect knee-specific recovery.
A 40-Year Contemporary Evolution of Gait and Posture Mechanics in the Journal of Applied Biomechanics.
Franz JR, McCrum C, Bhatt TS
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Aug · PMID 40537138 · Publisher ↗
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Hip Muscle Activity and Frontal Plane Lower Extremity Kinematics in Long-Distance Runners With Plantar Fasciitis.
Kongtong W, Khongprasert S
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Aug · PMID 40537128 · Publisher ↗
Proximal control and lower extremity (LE) movement related to foot function may be an important factor for plantar fasciitis (PF) during running. This study aimed to investigate hip muscle activity and frontal plane LE k...
Proximal control and lower extremity (LE) movement related to foot function may be an important factor for plantar fasciitis (PF) during running. This study aimed to investigate hip muscle activity and frontal plane LE kinematics during running between long-distance runners with and without PF. The electromyographic amplitude of the hip muscles (tensor fascia latae, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus) and frontal plane LE joint angles (ankle, knee, and hip range of motion during stance phase) of 30 habitually shod long-distance runners (15 with acute PF and 15 healthy controls) were simultaneously recorded using surface electromyography, 8 infrared cameras, and force plates while they ran barefoot at a speed of 3 to 3.67 m·s-1. Independent t test and 2-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the differences for dependent variables. The PF group had significantly lower tensor fascia latae (P = .040, effect size = 0.259) and gluteus medius (P = .014, effect size = 0.197) activation during the swing phase and gluteus maximus (P = .012, effect size = 0.207) activation during the stance phase compared with the control group. Moreover, the PF group showed significantly greater joint angular excursions of the contralateral pelvic drop (P = .049, effect size = 0.75), hip adduction (P = .019, effect size = 0.91), knee abduction (P = .040, effect size = 0.79), and rearfoot eversion (P = .004, effect size = 1.14) during the stance phase than the control group. Adding assessment of hip muscle activity and LE joint angles during running would be beneficial for evaluating runners with PF.
Acute Effects of High-Intensity Interval Running on Plantar Fascia Thickness and Stiffness in Healthy Adults.
Krumpl L, Schiele NR, Cannavan D … +3 more , Larkins LW, Brown AF, Bailey JP
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40537119 · Publisher ↗
Plantar fascia (PF) thickness and stiffness have been linked diagnostically to plantar fasciitis. Acute changes to these properties in response to submaximal running have been noted but not yet tested in maximal effort b...
Plantar fascia (PF) thickness and stiffness have been linked diagnostically to plantar fasciitis. Acute changes to these properties in response to submaximal running have been noted but not yet tested in maximal effort bouts. This study assessed the acute effects of high-intensity interval running on PF thickness and stiffness in healthy adults. Sixteen participants completed 5 maximal effort 400-m sprints with a 1:1 work-to-rest ratio, followed by additional maximal effort trials until fatigue. Thickness and stiffness at the calcaneal origin were measured prerun, postrun, and 30 minutes postrun via ultrasonography and shear wave elastography, respectively. PF thickness and stiffness did not differ between right and left foot (P > .05) and between males and females (P = .067). Thickness and stiffness decreased postrun (0.43 mm, P < .001; 1.54 m·s-1, P < .001) and increased 30 minutes postrun (0.28 mm, P < .002; 1.0 m·s-1, P < .001). No significant difference was found between prerun and 30 minutes postrun thickness (P = .134), but prerun stiffness was higher than 30 minutes postrun (P = .031). These findings indicate that although high-intensity interval running altered both PF thickness and stiffness, 30 minutes of rest allowed some level of recovery in the noninjured PF tissue.
Synthesizing Research in Sport and Exercise: Transitioning to Real-World Data and Data Science.
Hafer JF, Whiteside D, Kozloff KM … +1 more , Zernicke RF
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Aug · PMID 40537115 · Publisher ↗
The American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) Jim Hay Memorial Award recognizes individuals for their original long-term contributions to the field of biomechanics. The recipient's work is highlighted at the Jim Hay Symposi...
The American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) Jim Hay Memorial Award recognizes individuals for their original long-term contributions to the field of biomechanics. The recipient's work is highlighted at the Jim Hay Symposium held during the ASB annual meeting each year. This paper summarizes the 2024 Jim Hay Symposium, Biomechanics of Exercise and Sport, at the 2024 ASB Annual Meeting in Madison, WI. The symposium was thematically framed around the evolution of integrative, multidisciplinary research in the biomechanical study of human activity and behavior. With the foundations of biomechanical research being laid in controlled laboratory settings, advancements in wearable sensor technology have allowed investigators to capture increasingly sophisticated real-world activity and behavior and physiological data (eg, physical activity, sleep, and heart rate) that may be linked to biomechanical processes (eg, gait biomechanics), which are integral to optimizing health and wellness in the context of human performance, physical activity, exercise, and sport. Wearable sensors enable the collection of unprecedented amounts of meaningful data that can be used to make previously unknown associations among behavior, biomechanics, physiology, and health outcomes that may lead to new and useful scientific insights. These unique discoveries are propelled by multidisciplinary and integrative collaborations in technology, biomechanics, physiology, artificial intelligence, and data science. Human performance, exercise, and sport science inspire and drive integrated new approaches that can reveal how biomechanical data and discoveries may be harnessed to benefit individuals of all abilities across their lifespan.
Lower Limb Stiffness During a Loaded Walk and Run Over Different Surfaces.
Brown TN, Francis EB, Aultz AC
J Appl Biomech · 2025 Oct · PMID 40537111 · Full text
This study quantified vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs) and lower limb stiffness for both sexes walking and running with body-borne load over 2 surfaces. Nine males and 9 females had lower limb biomechanics quantif...
This study quantified vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs) and lower limb stiffness for both sexes walking and running with body-borne load over 2 surfaces. Nine males and 9 females had lower limb biomechanics quantified during a walk (1.3 m/s) and run (4.5 m/s) with (15 kg) and without (0 kg) body-borne load over a firm and soft foam surface. vGRF measures, and leg and lower limb joint stiffness were submitted to a linear mixed model. Loaded walking increased very GRF and stiffness measure (all: P < .016). Loaded running increased every GRF measure and knee stiffness (all: P < .033). The foam surface increased peak vGRF (P = .002, P = .010) and knee stiffness (P < .001, P = .004) during the walk and run, and leg (P < .001) and ankle (P = .025) stiffness during the run. Males walked with greater peak vGRF (P = .012), and stiffer hip and ankle (P = .026; P = .012), but ran with a stiffer knee on the foam (P = .041) and stiffer hip on the firm (P = .005) surface than females. Loaded walking and running may elevate injury risk by increasing vertical GRFs and lower limb stiffness. Injury risk may also increase for locomotion over a foam surface, especially for males.
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