Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Comparison of Unilateral and Bilateral Jump Training on Physical Performance Adaptations in Prepubertal and Pubertal Youth Soccer Players.","authors":"Wajdi Dardouri, Raouf Hammami, Abdelkader Mahmoudi, Roland van den Tillaar","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020146","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate how volume-matched unilateral and bilateral jump training affects physical performance in prepubertal and pubertal male youth soccer players and to examine whether maturational status influences these training adaptations. <b>Methods:</b> Sixty-five male soccer players (age 10.5 ± 2.9 years; height 136.7 ± 17.8 cm; body mass 32.8 ± 8.6 kg; maturity offset -1.6 ± 1.0 years) completed an 8-week training program (two sessions/week). Participants were randomly assigned to a bilateral jump group (<i>n</i> = 22), unilateral jump group (<i>n</i> = 22), or control group (<i>n</i> = 21). Performance was evaluated in a single testing session, which included horizontal jump tests (bilateral standing long jump and single-leg hop distance), linear sprint tests over 10 m (acceleration) and 30 m (maximal sprint performance) using timed trials, and change-of-direction (COD) ability assessed via a standardized timed COD test. <b>Results:</b> Significant main effects of time, maturation, and time × group interactions were observed for all outcomes (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.013). A maturation × group interaction was found for bilateral jump performance (<i>p</i> = 0.045), a group effect for 10 m sprint time (<i>p</i> = 0.015), and a time × maturation × group interaction for COD performance (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Both training groups had improved jump performance (jump distance) and 10 m sprint time across maturity levels, while no changes were observed in the control group. For 30 m sprint time, improvements were observed in both training groups in prepubertal players, whereas only the unilateral group showed improvements in pubertal players. COD performance (completion time) improved in the unilateral group at both maturity levels and in the bilateral group at the pubertal level. <b>Conclusions:</b> Structured jump training enhances horizontal jump distance, sprint performance, and COD ability in youth soccer players. Adaptations appear to be influenced by training modality and maturation, although these effects may vary depending on the specific performance task.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108049/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional Biomechanical Analysis of Javelin Throw Technique in Junior Athletes.","authors":"Ligia Cuciorovschi, Denisa-Iulia Brus, Ștefan Teriș, Răzvan Sandu Enoiu","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020145","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020145","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Javelin throw performance is strongly influenced by the coordination of the kinetic chain and by key biomechanical parameters related to technique execution. Understanding the functional biomechanical characteristics of javelin throw technique in junior athletes is essential for optimizing performance. <b>Methods:</b> This study investigated the biomechanical characteristics of javelin throw technique in junior athletes using an applied motion analysis approach. Kinematic, spatiotemporal, and performance-related variables were assessed during throwing trials at two evaluation time points, before and after a structured biomechanics-informed training period, using motion analysis tools and wearable measurement systems as instruments. <b>Results:</b> Significant pre-post changes were observed in technique-related variables (release angle and coordination indices) and in performance outcomes (throwing distance and ball throw speed). <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings highlight the functional relationships between biomechanical technique variables and javelin throw outcomes in junior athletes and suggest that field-based biomechanical monitoring can be useful for tracking technique-related changes during structured training in junior throwers.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108131/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of a Muay Thai Championship on Neuromuscular Parameters and Their Relationship with Competitive Outcome: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Iván Sotelo-Besada, Sergio López-García, Pelayo Diez-Fernández, Brais Ruibal-Lista","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020142","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: This study aimed to analyze the acute effects of an official Muay Thai championship on neuromuscular performance, assessing changes in upper- and lower-limb power before and after competition, as well as differences according to competitive outcome (winners vs. losers). <b>Methods</b>: Thirty-three amateur Muay Thai athletes (17 men and 16 women) performed a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a reactive push-up test (RPU) immediately before and after their bouts. Neuromuscular performance changes were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA, and a binary logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between post-competition performance and match outcome. <b>Results</b>: Significant post-competition declines were observed in both CMJ and RPU performance (<i>p</i> < 0.001), indicating acute neuromuscular fatigue. Men exhibited higher performance values than women in both tests, with sex-specific differences in CMJ fatigue magnitude. When analyzed by competitive outcome, losers showed substantially greater performance decrements than winners, particularly in CMJ. Logistic regression revealed that post-competition CMJ performance was a significant predictor of winning, with higher CMJ values associated with greater odds of competitive success. <b>Conclusions</b>: An official Muay Thai bout induces marked acute neuromuscular fatigue affecting both upper and lower limbs, with greater impairments observed in non-winning athletes. The ability to maintain lower-limb explosive power under fatigue appears to be associated with competitive success. Simple neuromuscular assessments such as CMJ and RPU may be useful tools for monitoring fatigue, guiding tactical decisions, and informing post-competition recovery strategies in Muay Thai athletes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108093/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of Intended Slow and Fast Eccentric Back Squat Velocity on Subsequent Countermovement Jump Performance.","authors":"Artemis Zarkadoula, Themistoklis Tsatalas, Anthony D Kay, Anthony J Blazevich, Christos Kokkotis, Spyridon Plakias, Brett Anthony Baxter, Alex J Van Enis, Giannis Giakas, Minas A Mina","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020143","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: The back squat is a key strength and conditioning exercise used to develop lower-limb strength and power, yet little is known about how movement velocity influences its acute performance-enhancing effects, such as improvements in countermovement jump height and power. The present study examined the acute effects of slow (v_slow) versus fast (v_fast) eccentric-phase velocity during back squats performed withmaximal concentric velocity on subsequent countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, using a randomized, crossover design. <b>Methods</b>: Fourteen male subjects (age = 22.9 ± 1.9 years; height = 1.8 ± 0.1 m; mass = 76.4 ± 8.3 kg) visited the laboratory on two separate days and completed a comprehensive task-specific warm-up followed by three v_slow or v_fast back squats at 70% of one-repetition maximum. Three CMJs were performed before and 30 s, 4 min, 8 min, and 12 min after the interventions. Jump height, peak power, kinetic energy, maximum knee angle, and knee angular velocities in both eccentric (downward) and concentric (upward) phases were recorded. <b>Results</b>: No significant (<i>p</i> > 0.05) between-condition differences were detected in any measure. Compared to pre-intervention, significant increases (collapsed data) were detected in jump height (6.0%; <i>d =</i> 0.68-0.83), power (3.6-6%; <i>r =</i> 0.32-0.38), and kinetic energy (5.0-8.0%; <i>d =</i> 0.62-0.86) at 30 s and 4 min. <b>Conclusions</b>: Given the lack of between-condition differences, the eccentric movement velocity of moderate conditioning back squats with maximal concentric velocity exercises does not appear to influence subsequent jump performance enhancements. Thus, either conditioning activity can be used to improve subsequent jump performance. However, as performance was enhanced only at 30 s and 4 min post-intervention, the window of opportunity is narrow, and timing should be carefully considered when including such activities in pre-competition routines.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108187/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Music Choice on Performance and Psychophysiological Responses to Exercise-A Scoping Review.","authors":"Emily S Pounds, Scott W Snyder, Rebecca R Billings, Haley M Nguyen, Christopher G Ballmann","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020144","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Listening to music is a well-established strategy to enhance exercise capacity, yet the specific mechanisms linking music choice to performance enhancement remain fragmented. This scoping review systematically summarizes the existing literature on the effects of music choice (i.e., self-selected, preferred music) on performance and psychophysiological determinants of exercise capacity to establish an updated rationale for the use of personalized music interventions in training. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL) was performed for studies published between January 2000 and April 2025. Peer-reviewed articles investigating the ergogenic effects of self-selected or preferred music with psychophysiological outcomes were included. Thirty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, evidence supports consistent performance enhancement from choice music (CM) across modes of exercise including aerobic endurance, anaerobic power, and muscular endurance activities while maximal strength was largely unaffected. The most robust and consistent mechanisms underpinning the benefits of CM during exercise were psychological in nature, including improvements in affect, arousal, motivation, and perception of exertion. Notable physiologic benefits were also identified, including altered cortical excitability, autonomic modulation, and improvements in neuromuscular efficiency. Herein, this review provides a psychophysiological framework whereby CM acts as a primary mediator to induce psychological and physiological cascades which synergistically contribute to ergogenic benefits. Evidence heavily supports the superiority of CM to improve exercise performance across various modalities.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108026/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Exploratory Comparison of Pilates and Weight Circuit Training on Body Composition, Pelvic Alignment, and Balance in Obese Middle-Aged Women.","authors":"Du-Hwan Oh, Jang-Kyu Lee","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020141","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Middle-aged women with obesity frequently exhibit postural misalignment and impaired balance control, which may increase the risk of functional limitations and falls. This study aimed to compare the effects of Pilates circuit training and weight circuit training on body composition, pelvic alignment indices, and balance performance in obese middle-aged women. <b>Methods:</b> Eighteen women (body fat ≥ 30%) were randomized to either a Pilates circuit training group (PCG, <i>n</i> = 9) or a weight circuit training group (WCG, <i>n</i> = 9) in an exploratory comparative study. Both groups performed supervised exercise three times per week for eight weeks. Outcome measures included body composition, pelvic alignment indices, dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test), and static balance (BESS). Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed ANOVA to examine time, group, and interaction effects. <b>Results:</b> Both groups showed significant reductions in body weight (PCG: -3.09 kg; WCG: -2.00 kg), percentage body fat (PCG: -1.85%; WCG: -1.53%), and waist-to-hip ratio (PCG: -0.05; WCG: -0.04) (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Significant improvements in pelvic alignment indices were observed primarily in the PCG, whereas the WCG showed smaller changes. Dynamic and static balance improved in both groups, with greater improvements observed in the PCG. <b>Conclusions:</b> Both training modalities improved body composition and balance outcomes in obese middle-aged women. Pilates circuit training may be associated with greater improvements in pelvic alignment and balance; however, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the exploratory design and small sample size. Further adequately powered randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108094/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Upper Limbs Movement Frequency: Connection to Swimming Performance and Kinematics.","authors":"Konstantinos Papadopoulos, Gavriil G Arsoniadis, Argyris G Toubekis","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020140","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020140","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Stroke rate (SR) is a critical determinant of swimming speed and performance; however, the relationship between upper-limb movement frequency assessed on land and SR in water remains unclear. <b>Methods</b>: This preliminary study examined the association between dry-land upper-limb movement frequency and in-water kinematics in ten male competitive swimmers (15.23 ± 1.06 years). Dry-land upper-limb movement frequency was evaluated through two maximum-effort trials consisting of 10-12 circular arm movements performed under a straight-arm condition (STR_SR) and a swimming-technique-simulated bend-arm condition (TECH_SR). All trials were video-recorded for analysis. In-water testing included a maximum-effort 50 m sprint and 8-12 × 25 m progressively increasing speed tests to elicit maximum swimming speed and maximum SR. SR, swimming speed, stroke length, and stroke index were calculated for all trials. <b>Results</b>: No relationship was observed between dry-land upper-limb movement frequency and SR of the 50 m test (<i>p</i> > 0.05). However, the percentage difference between STR_SR and maximum SR was associated with stroke index at maximum speed (<i>r</i> = -0.66, <i>p</i> = 0.04), maximum SR (<i>r</i> = -0.65, <i>p</i> = 0.04), and swimming speed at maximum SR (<i>r</i> = -0.72, <i>p</i> = 0.01) οf the 8-12 × 25 test. Similarly, TECH_SR was correlated with stroke index at maximum speed, SR, and stroke length in the 8-12 × 25 test (<i>r</i> = -0.67 to -0.71, <i>p</i> = 0.01). <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings suggest that faster and more efficient swimmers exhibit a greater difference between their maximum dry-land movement frequency in upper limbs and the SR adopted in water, allowing a greater potential to adjust in a more comfortable and submaximal manner in water movements.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108194/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pilot and Feasibility Study of an Individualized Telehealth Exercise Program for People with Cystic Fibrosis.","authors":"Jordan Saag, Jonathan Bergeron, Julianna Bailey, Kathryn Monroe, Heather Hathorne, George M Solomon, John D Lowman, Surya P Bhatt, Bryan Garcia, Stefanie Krick","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020136","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) recognizes exercise as a critical part of managing cystic fibrosis (CF). This becomes even more important in the era of highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) due to many people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) having decreased symptom burden and a newfound ability to tolerate exercise better. Our single-center pilot study was designed to assess the implementation of a remotely delivered, individualized, and comprehensive exercise program for pwCF. We aimed to determine the feasibility, safety and acceptance of this intervention. <b>Methods</b>: PwCF ≥ 18 years old were recruited and consented at the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 2022 and 2023. Basic fitness was assessed for each participant, and an individualized exercise prescription was prepared for each participant, who was expected to exercise three times weekly on a remote basis with the exercise physiologist for 12 consecutive weeks. Subjects were reassessed at 4 and 7 months for post-exercise evaluation. Patient demographics and clinical parameters, including exacerbation rate, FEV₁ percent predicted, 6-min walk test (6MWT), and modified shuttle test (MST) were collected. Questionnaire data from the CFQ-R, PRAISE, and IPAQ were also recorded. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04680403) and was submitted on 17 December 2020. <b>Results</b>: Our goal was to enroll 12 participants over the 2-year study period. We were able to recruit nine people for the study, with four participants finishing the program. From the 36 sessions offered over the 12-week program, participants completed an average of 15 sessions. Clinical outcome data was observed, including lung function and exacerbation frequency, but not statistically analyzed due to the small sample size. <b>Conclusions</b>: Implementation of an individualized telehealth-based exercise program for pwCF was well received by participants, safe, and appreciated by the participants. Recruitment and adherence were challenging, which was partially due to the ongoing pandemic. Follow-up studies are needed to assess whether improvements in reducing the amount or supervision of weekly exercise sessions and/or extending the total time might help with adherence.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108184/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Eccentric Exercise and Muscle Damage: An Introductory Guide.","authors":"Vassilis Paschalis, Nikos V Margaritelis, Panagiotis N Chatzinikolaou, Anastasios A Theodorou, Michalis G Nikolaidis","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020139","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>At the dawn of the 20th century, seminal studies revealed that muscle fibers produce less heat and generate greater force during elongation than during shortening actions, laying the foundation for contemporary research on eccentric exercise. Today, eccentric exercise is widely used by athletes to enhance strength and by older adults to maintain functional capacity, yet it may cause muscle damage, particularly in unaccustomed muscles. Despite more than a century of investigation, the precise mechanisms of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage remain incompletely resolved. Nevertheless, eccentric exercise serves as a valuable model for studying muscle injury and repair and adaptation. This review organizes current evidence into nine key themes: (1) eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage and flawed biomarkers, (2) satellite cell-mediated and alternative repair pathways, (3) high-force, low-cost contractions and metabolic impact, (4) repeated bout effect and protective adaptations, (5) architectural remodeling of fascicles, sarcomeres and tendon, (6) distinct neural control, proprioception, and cross-education adaptations, (7) mitochondrial, sarcoplasmic reticulum, and cytoskeletal stress remodeling, (8) connective tissue perturbation, remodeling, and joint stability, and (9) targeted, cautious use of antioxidant supplementation. Rather than offering a comprehensive overview, this review highlights pivotal experiments, concepts, and controversies within these themes to guide readers to the most impactful discoveries in eccentric exercise and muscle damage.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108084/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Altered Spatiotemporal and Kinematic Gait in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.","authors":"Plaiwan Suttanon, Praewpun Saelee, Sudarat Apibantaweesakul","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020137","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020137","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a major cause of pain, mobility limitation, and increased fall risk among older adults. Gait dysfunction, characterized by spatiotemporal and kinematic alterations, is a key functional consequence of KOA. While sagittal-plane gait deviations are well-established, multiplanar kinematic changes-particularly in the frontal and transverse planes-remain less clearly understood. This study aimed to compare three-dimensional gait characteristics between older adults with and without KOA. <b>Methods:</b> Ninety older adults (45 with KOA and 45 controls) completed gait assessments using a VICON™ motion capture system. Participants walked at a self-selected speed along a straight walkway without turning movements during data collection. Spatiotemporal parameters and lower-limb joint kinematics (hip, knee, and ankle) were recorded during key gait phases: initial contact, mid-stance, toe-off, and mid-swing. Group comparisons were performed using independent <i>t</i>-tests with statistical significance set at <i>p</i> < 0.05. <b>Results:</b> Compared with controls, participants with KOA demonstrated significantly slower gait velocity (<i>p</i> = 0.001), reduced cadence (<i>p</i> = 0.020), shorter stride length (<i>p</i> = 0.011), increased step time (<i>p</i> = 0.006), prolonged double support time (<i>p</i> = 0.009), and reduced single support time (<i>p</i> = 0.012). Kinematic analysis revealed greater knee adduction at initial contact (<i>p</i> = 0.001), reduced hip adduction (<i>p</i> = 0.002) and greater knee adduction (<i>p</i> = 0.003) during mid-stance, and increased ankle plantarflexion at toe-off (<i>p</i> = 0.004) in the KOA group. No significant between-group differences were observed during the mid-swing phase. <b>Conclusions:</b> Older adults with KOA exhibit distinct spatiotemporal and multiplanar kinematic gait alterations, particularly during weight-bearing phases. These changes may reflect adaptive gait patterns associated with joint dysfunction rather than definitive compensatory mechanisms. Three-dimensional gait analysis may provide valuable biomechanical insights to support early identification of mobility impairments and inform targeted rehabilitation planning in individuals with KOA.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108192/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}