Zhenghui Lu , Xin Li , Dong Sun , Yang Song , Gusztáv Fekete , András Kovács , Kámán András , Yaodong Gu
{"title":"Parametric cushioning lattice insole based on finite element method and machine learning: A preliminary computational analysis","authors":"Zhenghui Lu , Xin Li , Dong Sun , Yang Song , Gusztáv Fekete , András Kovács , Kámán András , Yaodong Gu","doi":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The cushioning performance of insole has always been a critical consideration in its design. While the development of intelligent methods and the emergence of additive manufacturing (AM) technology have enhanced design freedom and convenience, a standardized approach to guide designers in selecting optimal materials and structures for specific scenarios is still lacking. This study aims to propose a controllable parameterized lattice cushioning insole (PLI) by integrating finite element (FE) and machine learning (ML) methods. The insole performance can be adjusted by modifying the structural parameters (a, b) and the internal strut thickness (t). The findings indicate that PLI, under the optimal parameter combination (a = 2.54, b = 3.56, t = 3.15), can reduce plantar pressure by up to 44.45 %, which may be achieved by increasing the contact between the footwear and the foot. The data-driven PLI optimization design method proposed in this study significantly enhances the cushioning performance of insole structures, simplifies the optimization process for selecting insole structures or materials, and provides a systematic and efficient solution for insole design. Although the initial preparation of material data is time-intensive, the trained model eliminates the need for repeated laboratory gait analysis or plantar pressure measurements, offering a foundational reference for clinical applications in insole structure design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of biomechanics","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 112674"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Grant T. Maddox , Andrew D. Shelton , Vicki S. Mercer , Jason R. Franz , Jessica L. Allen
{"title":"Age-related differences in the modulation of muscle coordination complexity for goal-directed lateral stepping","authors":"Grant T. Maddox , Andrew D. Shelton , Vicki S. Mercer , Jason R. Franz , Jessica L. Allen","doi":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Falls in older adults often occur during everyday walking activities, especially those with complex mediolateral demands. How muscle coordination is modulated to achieve these complex mediolateral demands and how age-related changes in modulation may compromise this ability are unknown. This study investigates age-related changes in the complexity of muscle coordination during a goal-directed lateral stepping task using electromyography and motor module analysis. Twenty-nine older adults (OA) and twenty-six younger adults (YA) performed habitual treadmill walking and a goal-directed lateral stepping task designed to mirror real-world tasks with increased lateral movement demands. Muscle coordination complexity was quantified using the variability accounted for by one motor module, with higher values indicating reduced complexity. Both YA and OA exhibited reduced muscle coordination complexity in the stance leg during precision stepping compared to habitual treadmill walking. This reduction was larger for OA and associated with worse walking balance. In contrast, muscle coordination complexity was not different across conditions in the stepping leg for either age group. The results of this study provide insights into age-related differences in how muscle coordination complexity is modulated to meet goal-directed lateral stepping demands during walking that may help explain increased susceptibility to falls in older adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of biomechanics","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 112662"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143760200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maxim Bashkuev , Hendrik Schmidt , Sara Checa , Sandra Reitmaier
{"title":"Effects of nucleotomy on segmental flexibility: A numerical analysis","authors":"Maxim Bashkuev , Hendrik Schmidt , Sara Checa , Sandra Reitmaier","doi":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112669","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112669","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nucleotomy, a common treatment for disc herniations, aims to relieve pressure on spinal structures. While effective in alleviating symptoms, this intervention can compromise spinal stability. However, previous <em>in vivo</em> studies in sheep have demonstrated conflicting results with significant long-term stiffening of the spine following nucleotomy, with occasional spontaneous fusion of the affected motion segment. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanical regulation of tissue adaptation processes post-nucleotomy using computational modeling.</div><div>A parametric finite element model of the L4–L5 ovine spinal motion segment, developed previously, was modified to simulate surgical procedures that have been performed in prior <em>in vivo</em> studies. An iterative approach was used to simulate post-surgical tissue healing and adaptation processes. Two loading scenarios were simulated: one with combined axial compression and flexion moments, and the other incorporating axial rotation.</div><div>An initial decrease in stability, with stiffness reduced by up to 50% due to disc decompression and nucleus removal, was followed by a gradual increase in stiffness over time as a consequence of bone healing and remodeling, with the most pronounced stiffening – up to 350% of the intact state – observed in axial rotation. The findings align with previous <em>in vivo</em> observations, suggesting that spontaneous fusion and increased rigidity may be natural consequences of mechano-biological adaptation.</div><div>The results of this study highlight that healing processes accompanied by adaptive bone remodeling are directed towards restoration of spinal stability after nucleotomy. These findings align with previous <em>in vivo</em> observations, suggesting that spontaneous fusion and increased rigidity may be a natural consequence of post-nucleotomy mechano-biological adaptation. On the other hand, the results indicate a critical role of an appropriate loading regime on the outcome of these processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of biomechanics","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 112669"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143760201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
W.H.K. de Vries , F.M. Bossuyt , H.E.J. Veeger , U. Arnet
{"title":"Glenohumeral contact force, peak muscle forces, and thorax motion increase with fatiguing wheelchair propulsion in persons with a spinal cord injury","authors":"W.H.K. de Vries , F.M. Bossuyt , H.E.J. Veeger , U. Arnet","doi":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shoulder problems are highly prevalent among manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury, affecting their functioning and quality of life. This study investigates the impact of fatigue on wheelchair propulsion technique and shoulder loading in manual wheelchair users (MWU) with SCI. Twelve MWU with a paraplegia performed a standardized fatiguing wheelchair propulsion protocol; a biomechanical assessment of treadmill propulsion was obtained before and after the fatiguing protocol. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), upper extremity kinematics, and wheelchair propulsion kinetics were assessed. Results showed increased RPE post-fatigue, with no significant changes in exerted forces but increased thorax forward lean and range of motion. Musculoskeletal modelling showed elevated glenohumeral joint contact force and muscle forces post-fatigue. These findings suggest a potential link between fatigue, altered propulsion technique, and increased shoulder loading, highlighting the risk of overuse injuries. Moreover, increased thorax motion during propulsion may indicate fatigue onset. Prospective cohort studies are warranted to validate the presented findings and explore the relationship between shoulder loading and injury risk. Understanding these dynamics can inform interventions to mitigate shoulder pain and enhance the well-being of MWU with SCI.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of biomechanics","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 112651"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143738586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yangyang Xu , Lewen Qian , Yunchao Zhu , Xu Wang , Xin Ma , Wen-Ming Chen
{"title":"Direction-specific response of shear traction forces generated underneath the hallux and lesser toes due to multi-directional perturbations applied in balanced standing","authors":"Yangyang Xu , Lewen Qian , Yunchao Zhu , Xu Wang , Xin Ma , Wen-Ming Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Existing experimental studies on human balance have primarily focused on biomechanical responses of major lower-limb joints, while the role of hallux and lesser toes of human foot in response to external perturbations has not been fully explored. Although toe grip strength may significantly influence balance performance, a more physiological-relevant toe grip evaluation, has not yet been established. This study investigates the biomechanical grip strength of the hallux and lesser toes during perturbations by quantifying the shear interactions (i.e., horizontal traction forces) at the foot–ground interface. A robotic platform with an instrumented multi-axial force platform was employed to analyze the involvement of the hallux and lesser toes in maintaining standing balance due to random ground perturbations. Our results indicate that hallux and lesser toes demonstrated significant direction-specific shear responses, and the proportion of shear traction force in the hallux and lesser toes significantly increased, particularly for perturbations in the posterior half-plane (p < 0.05). A substantial increase in shear traction force underneath the lesser toes was observed during contralateral perturbation events (p < 0.05). Importantly, the lesser toes could generate substantial shear traction forces by enhancing griping following perturbation, a capability not shown in other foot regions. This study introduced a novel approach for precisely quantifying the grip functions of individual toes at in-vivo perturbing conditions. The information provided is envisaged to have important implications on improved interventions for posture and balance rehabilitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of biomechanics","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 112660"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143746272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah C. Griffin , Violet M. Williams , Mark S. Redfern , Kurt E. Beschorner
{"title":"Foot-body coupling angle is a strong kinematic predictor of friction requirements during ladder descent: Implications for slipping risk","authors":"Sarah C. Griffin , Violet M. Williams , Mark S. Redfern , Kurt E. Beschorner","doi":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112661","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112661","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Slips and falls from ladders are a common cause of workplace injuries, yet insufficient research explains the cause of these incidents. This study identifies the association between the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) and biomechanical factors (foot angle, body angle, foot-body coupling angle, foot contact velocity, foot placement, and trunk center of mass velocity) during ladder descent. In bivariate regression analyses with the ladder angle as a covariate, foot angle was negatively associated with RCOF (i.e. toe-down has a higher RCOF) (t<sub>362</sub> = −19.8, p < 0.001). The body angle was negatively associated with RCOF (i.e. aligning the center of mass above the foot has a higher RCOF) (t<sub>323</sub> = −3.4, p = 0.001) and there was a positive association between the foot contact velocity and the RCOF (t<sub>359</sub> = 5.2, p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a strong association between the foot-body coupling angle and the RCOF (t<sub>323</sub> = 21<em>.</em>8<em>,</em> p <em><</em> 0.001, R<sup>2</sup> = 0.606) in which the ladder angle had a small effect. A multivariate model supported that both the foot (t<sub>322</sub> = −21.3, p < 0.001) and body angle (t<sub>322</sub> = 8.2, p < 0.001) independently contributed to the RCOF, which supported the validity of the foot-body coupling angle. This work indicates that the foot-body coupling angle is a compelling metric associated with RCOF and could be used to train safer climbing techniques and monitor behavior to reduce ladder slip and fall events.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of biomechanics","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 112661"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luigi Piarulli , Caludio Belvedere , Sorin Siegler
{"title":"Comparison of different surgeries for correction of fixed flatfoot deformity studied through a dynamic model","authors":"Luigi Piarulli , Caludio Belvedere , Sorin Siegler","doi":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Different surgeries are used to treat stage III Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity. Some include hindfoot manipulation with subtalar fusion (single fusion), triple fusion (subtalar, talonavicular, and calcanealcuboid), and triple fusion with additional midfoot and forefoot manipulation. This study aimed to compare the effect of these surgeries on the unloaded and loaded foot, using a validated dynamic computational model. Five patients with stage III flatfoot underwent pre-surgical and post-surgical CT scans. Dynamic computational models were created for four groups: pre-operative, single fusion, triple fusion, and triple fusion with additional maneuver. A control group was based on models from nine cadaveric normal feet. Once the effect of the surgeries on foot architecture was assessed, the response of the foot to bodyweight was evaluated. All surgeries changed the unloaded foot architecture towards normal. Triple fusion following the additional manipulation produced the best correction, but reduced talonavicular coverage. Under bodyweight, it was observed that, for the triple fusion surgeries, particularly after additional manipulation, foot rigidity and contact forces under the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones increased. Moreover, all surgeries moved the tibiotalar contact position to an area previously reported to have a lower risk of osteoarthritis. Clinical significance: the study results suggest that single fusion surgery corrects the deformity, with less risk of overcorrection, compared to the other techniques. However, triple fusion is necessary when osteoarthritis affects the Chopart joint.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of biomechanics","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 112650"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143760199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brieuc Panhelleux , Anne Silverman , Alison McGregor
{"title":"Lower limb kinematics and kinetics of people with through-knee amputation compared to individuals with transfemoral amputation and able-bodied controls during walking","authors":"Brieuc Panhelleux , Anne Silverman , Alison McGregor","doi":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lower-limb amputations negatively affect quality of life and increase the risk of secondary health conditions. Through-Knee Amputation (TKA), although less commonly performed than Transfemoral Amputation (TFA), offers potential biomechanical advantages due to preserved femur length and associated musculature. This study aimed to characterize gait biomechanics of individuals with unilateral TKA, TFA and able-bodied controls. Gait biomechanics of seven individuals with unilateral TFA, four with unilateral TKA, and nine able-bodied controls were evaluated with a 3D motion tracking system and force plates. Joint angles and moments at the ankle, knee, hip, and pelvis were computed and compared between groups. Individuals with TKA’s walking mechanics displayed fewer differences with able bodied controls compared to individuals with TFA. Individuals with TKA had greater hip Range Of Motion (ROM) on the amputated side than TFA (52.71° ± 7.3°, 40.38° ± 5.4° respectively, p < 0.005). TFA individuals had higher pelvic antero/posterior tilt ROM compared to controls (11.26° ± 7.2° and 3.1° ± 1.5° respectively, p < 0.005) but TKA and controls were not statistically different from each other. TKA individuals and able-bodied controls both had lower peak hip extension moments on the intact side than individuals with TFA (1.05 (±0.43), 1.05 (±0.39) and 1.83 (±0.28) <span><span>N.m.kg</span><svg><path></path></svg></span><sup>−1</sup>, p < 0.005, p < 0.05 respectively). These findings suggest that TKA may offer biomechanical advantages over TFA, particularly in preserving gait biomechanics closer to able-bodied controls, underscoring the potential advantages of this procedure for individuals requiring lower-limb amputation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of biomechanics","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 112649"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143734985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eric Irani, Shuo Chen, Sepehr Ramezani, Amit Patel, Jason B Malone, Hyunjun Shin, Hwan Choi
{"title":"Corrigendum to \"Computed gastrocnemius muscle moment arm based on wrapping objects derived from 3D ultrasound: Exploring the impact of ankle position and predictability of anthropometrics\" [J. Biomech. 182 (2025) 112556].","authors":"Eric Irani, Shuo Chen, Sepehr Ramezani, Amit Patel, Jason B Malone, Hyunjun Shin, Hwan Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112638","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112638","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"112638"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143719348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thomas Chatagnon , Anne-Hélène Olivier , Ludovic Hoyet , Julien Pettré , Charles Pontonnier
{"title":"Classification of first recovery steps after quiet standing following external perturbation from different directions","authors":"Thomas Chatagnon , Anne-Hélène Olivier , Ludovic Hoyet , Julien Pettré , Charles Pontonnier","doi":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112639","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recovery from external perturbations typically involves stepping, with the perturbation direction playing a key role in determining the recovery strategy. To date, classifications of these stepping strategies have relied on prior knowledge of perturbation direction, which is not always available when considering experimental paradigms close to real-world scenario. Here, we introduce a novel <em>Unified</em> classification method that enables the labeling of first recovery steps based solely on body kinematics. We have also developed and validated a logistic regression model that effectively differentiates between different recovery strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15168,"journal":{"name":"Journal of biomechanics","volume":"184 ","pages":"Article 112639"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143738587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}