Sports BiomechanicsPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-02-25DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2024.2446172
Kitae Kim, Jinkyung Cho, Hokyung Choi, Junkyung Song
{"title":"Bow stability and postural sway during aiming and shooting in elite compound archery.","authors":"Kitae Kim, Jinkyung Cho, Hokyung Choi, Junkyung Song","doi":"10.1080/14763141.2024.2446172","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14763141.2024.2446172","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored the effects of postural sway and bow movements on shooting accuracy in elite compound archery, differentiating pre- and post-arrow release phases. International-level compound archers executed 72 shots each in a competition-like environment. During both the aiming and shooting phases, bow displacement and tremor index were measured with a motion capture system, while postural sway indices, such as centre of pressure (COP) displacement and speed, were derived using a force platform. Two-dimensional arrow impact coordinates on the target were transformed into an accuracy index, calculated as the Euclidean distance from the target centre. In the aiming phase, smaller bow displacement and tremor, along with reduced COP displacement and speed, were associated with higher accuracy. This suggests that stable posture and bow orientation during aiming enhance shooting outcomes in compound archery. In the shooting phase after the release, bow and postural sway exhibited no differences depending on the shooting accuracy but correlated with the spatial distribution of arrow impacts. This result, combined with the reduced bow tremor in high-accuracy shots, suggests that strategies involving moderate, smooth, and consistent movement after release are more crucial for enhancing shooting accuracy in compound archery rather than simply minimising or restricting motion.</p>","PeriodicalId":49482,"journal":{"name":"Sports Biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"2205-2218"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494505","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}
{"title":"Effect of speed on relationships between impairment side, breathing laterality and coordination symmetry in Paralympic swimmers.","authors":"Ludovic Seifert, Adrien Létocart, Brice Guignard, Mohamed Amin Regaieg","doi":"10.1080/14763141.2024.2435925","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14763141.2024.2435925","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study questioned the influence of unilateral physical impairment on controlling inter-limb coordination, notably the coordination symmetry. We investigated whether unilateral physical impairment and unilateral breathing preference led to motor coordination asymmetry in eleven elite Para swimmers during 10 times 25 m in front crawl incremented in speed. Multicamera video system and five inertial measurement units were used to assess arm and leg phases and to compute symmetry of arm coordination and of arm-leg synchronisation. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify the different profiles of relationships between impairment, breathing and motor coordination symmetry. Unilateral impairment led to asymmetric arm coordination (~83% of time, mostly at fast speeds), which always occurred to the side of the affected limb and which was associated to the preferential breathing side (~53% of time), while arm-leg synchronisation remained mainly symmetric (66.7 to 86.1% of time). It could be advised to assess the influence of impairment side and breathing side preference on motor coordination symmetry (1) to understand how the Para swimmers functionally adapt to their impairment, (2) to ensure that the unaffected limb generates great propulsion, and (3) to ensure that breathing does not impair propulsion nor increase motor coordination asymmetry.</p>","PeriodicalId":49482,"journal":{"name":"Sports Biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"2184-2204"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142786052","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}
Sports BiomechanicsPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-01-16DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2025.2451689
Matthew Klein, Chris Patterson, Annette Karim, Tyler Cuddeford
{"title":"Hopping kinetic differences in masters runners with and without Achilles tendinopathy.","authors":"Matthew Klein, Chris Patterson, Annette Karim, Tyler Cuddeford","doi":"10.1080/14763141.2025.2451689","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14763141.2025.2451689","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is the most common running-related pathology among masters runners. Previous evidence suggests there are no differences in submaximal running biomechanics between masters runners with and without AT. Evidence suggests lower extremity power deficits are common among ageing individuals and those with AT. The single-leg horizontal hop (SLHH) test is a valid and reliable lower extremity power test. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in SLHH biomechanics between masters runners with and without AT. 32 masters runners age 50 and older with AT (60.31 ± 8.37, <i>n</i> = 16) and without (59.94 ± 4.95 <i>n</i> = 16) were included. 3D motion capture and force plates were used to assess hopping biomechanics. Masters runners with AT had significantly lower peak ankle plantarflexion positive power peak hip extensor positive power and peak hip extension moments compared to healthy controls. No differences in peak ankle plantarflexion moments and knee kinetics were observed between groups. Masters runners with AT demonstrate altered lower extremity biomechanics during the propulsive phase of the SLHH, suggesting they may not be able to appropriately generate forces and release stored energy from the Achilles tendon during maximal efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":49482,"journal":{"name":"Sports Biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"2268-2278"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143015074","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}
Sports BiomechanicsPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-02-17DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2025.2463397
Daniel López-Plaza, Fernando Alacid, Alexander P Willmott
{"title":"The effect of a swivel seat on performance, kinematics and body rotation during maximal intensity on-ergometer kayaking.","authors":"Daniel López-Plaza, Fernando Alacid, Alexander P Willmott","doi":"10.1080/14763141.2025.2463397","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14763141.2025.2463397","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent years, physiological investigations suggested that a kayak seat able to rotate in the horizontal plane (swivel seat) may improve performance, but kinematic data are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the swivel seat on kinematics and performance during sprint paddling on an ergometer. Nine experienced kayakers volunteered for this study and each completed two maximal trials of 30 s on the ergometer, one with the swivel seat and the other with a fixed seat. Three-dimensional motion analysis and performance data were collected at 200 Hz during the central 10 s of each trial. The use of the swivel seat was observed to improve performance through a significant increase in peak fly-wheel RPM (<i>p</i> = 0.033) and paddle antero-posterior displacement (<i>p</i> = 0.015) and a significant decrease in right side paddle recovery time (<i>p</i> = 0.043). In conclusion, the use of the swivel seat was associated with kinematic changes that improved performance and decreased the risk of excessive spine rotation. These results offer new insights into understanding the implications of swivel seat use for the dynamics of kayaking.</p>","PeriodicalId":49482,"journal":{"name":"Sports Biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"2417-2431"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143442559","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}
Geoffrey N Ertel, Lorenzo Pitto, Frédéric R Simon, Guillaume Mornieux, Jean-Philippe Jehl, Gérome C Gauchard
{"title":"Influence of using individualised ergonomic handles on upper limb kinematics and neuromuscular activity, perceived comfort and performance during scull rowing.","authors":"Geoffrey N Ertel, Lorenzo Pitto, Frédéric R Simon, Guillaume Mornieux, Jean-Philippe Jehl, Gérome C Gauchard","doi":"10.1080/14763141.2025.2533962","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2025.2533962","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Articular stress, discomfort exposure and the use handles that are not adapted to the task-specific grip during repetitive movements may increase the upper limb injuries risk during boat rowing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to introduce and evaluate the impact of two individualised ergonomic handles on comfort, upper limb's biomechanics, and performance in scull rowing, compared to standard handles. These two individualised handle designs were based on the irregular hexagon, and one was further individualised with the rower's comfort feedback. Perceived comfort, upper limbs kinematics, and neuromuscular activity, as well as boat speed and power production were monitored for 13 elite rowers. The handles tuned on the rower's comfort feedback increased significantly comfort (9.63 ± 0.3) while maintaining similar performance level (4.22 m.s<sup>-1</sup> ± 0.18). The improved comfort (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and the increased wrist extension (<i>p</i> = 0.014) were associated with a better blade orientation feeling. However, the handle orientation setup needs further investigation. Except for Deltoideus Posterior, upper limb neuromuscular parameters, power production and speed were not influenced by the ergonomic handles. New irregular hexagon handle diameters were found for optimal comfort in scull rowing. We recommend individualising irregular hexagon shaped handles for scull rowers wanting to improve comfort.</p>","PeriodicalId":49482,"journal":{"name":"Sports Biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144754999","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}
Mathieu Deves, Thibault Marsan, Arnaud Faupin, Bruno Watier
{"title":"New method for quantifying power during wheelchair sports propulsion in the field.","authors":"Mathieu Deves, Thibault Marsan, Arnaud Faupin, Bruno Watier","doi":"10.1080/14763141.2025.2531219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2025.2531219","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The importance of accelerating from a standstill is crucial in dynamic wheelchair sports, as it is closely tied to the ability to generate and apply significant power and net horizontal propulsion force. Assessing and quantifying para-athletes' physical capabilities could enhance training to performance transition. This study aimed to propose a field method for quantifying total wheelchair propulsion forces and output power, while exploring the usability of the 1080 Motion Sprint. Five para-athletes from the national French wheelchair racing team and seven wheelchair tennis players from the national French team participated. Unloaded and resisted sprints of 50 m and 20 m were performed. Mono-exponential velocity function was deduced using photocells, IMUs and the 1080 Motion Sprint velocity-time raw data. Net horizontal propulsion force was estimated from Newton's second law and considered the loads applied by the 1080 Motion Sprint, rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. While no significant difference was observed between conditions for theoretical maximal force and maximum power developed, variations were evident in estimated power output and mechanical variables from force-velocity relationships, contingent on the athlete's classification and sport speciality. The developed protocol can be used by trainers to assess physical capacities during training sessions, guiding subsequent training.</p>","PeriodicalId":49482,"journal":{"name":"Sports Biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144755000","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}
{"title":"Sex-specific relationships between sprint swim performance and tethered swimming in high-performance swimmers.","authors":"Ryan Keating, Rodney Kennedy, Carla McCabe","doi":"10.1080/14763141.2025.2530593","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2025.2530593","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the relationship between sprint swim performance and outputs derived from fully-tethered and semi-tethered swimming assessments in high-performance male and female swimmers. Twenty elite/highly trained swimmers (9 females, 11 males), specialising in 50-100 m events, completed all assessments in a randomised order in a 25 m pool. 50 m time-trial variables included total time, stroke rate, stroke length and swim velocity. A fully-tethered protocol involved 20 s of maximal swimming to determine peak and mean force, impulse and stroke rate. A semi-tethered protocol required swimmers sprinting 10 m with incremental loads (1, 3, 5 kg for females; 1, 5, 9 kg for males). Load-velocity and force-velocity profiling derived theoretical maximum velocity (V<sub>0</sub>), theoretical maximal load/force (L<sub>0</sub>/F<sub>0</sub>), relative to body mass (rL<sub>0</sub>/rF<sub>0</sub>) and absolute and relative slope between the two variables. All semi-tethered variables except slopes showed large to extremely large correlations with 50 m total time (<i>r</i> = -0.618 to -0.955, <i>p</i> < 0.05) in males and females. In contrast, fully-tethered variables showed heterogeneous correlations, suggesting stroke- and sex-specific analyses may be more appropriate. These findings highlight semi-tethered profiling as an effective and ecologically valid tool for assessing sprint performance in high-performance swimmers and informing targeted training interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49482,"journal":{"name":"Sports Biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144676336","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}
Yumeng Li, Rachel M Koldenhoven, Nigel C Jiwan, Jieyun Zhan, Ting Liu
{"title":"Automated rowing event assignment: a machine learning approach.","authors":"Yumeng Li, Rachel M Koldenhoven, Nigel C Jiwan, Jieyun Zhan, Ting Liu","doi":"10.1080/14763141.2025.2528885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2025.2528885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of the study was to assign rowers to different rowing events based on their demographics and rowing kinematics using machine learning models. A total of 55 elite athletes from the Chinese National Rowing Team participated, each instructed to row on a rowing ergometer for one minute at three stroke rates: 18, 26, and 32 strokes/min. Trunk and upper arm 3D kinematics were collected using an inertia measurement unit system at a sampling rate of 100 Hz. Trunk and upper arm segmental and joint range of motion were generated. Trunk segments and upper arm motion coordination were analysed using the vector coding method. Six supervised machine learning models were trained using the collected demographics and kinematic data to classify rowers' groups (i.e. coxed eight and single/pair event group). The machine learning models successfully classified rowers' groups, with the top-performing models (decision tree, extreme gradient boosting, and random forest) achieving high classification performance (accurate rate = 0.89-0.93). The rowing event assignment automated by machine learning may help coaches make more informed and objective decisions. By minimising subjective biases, this approach enhances the accuracy and fairness of athlete selection processes, thereby potentially optimising team composition and performance outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49482,"journal":{"name":"Sports Biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144610165","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}
{"title":"Effect of taping on multi-segmental foot biomechanical mechanics during the running in chronic ankle instability.","authors":"Wenjing Quan, Huiyu Zhou, Datao Xu, Yaodong Gu","doi":"10.1080/14763141.2025.2526694","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2025.2526694","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aimed to investigate the effects of different lengths of kinesiology tape (KT) on multi-segment foot biomechanical variables in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using a ten-camera Vicon motion capture system (200 Hz) and a force plate (1000 Hz). Twenty participants with CAI ran under three different conditions: no KT (NT), short KT (ST), and long KT (LT). A five-segment foot model was used, which has 8 degrees of freedom. The results indicated that CAI individuals running with KT might decrease the subtalar eversion angle and Chopart oblique angle during the stance phase. Differences in joint moments were observed at the ankle and subtalar joints during the running stance phase, with smaller ankle plantarflexion and inversion subtalar joint moments in the LT condition compared to the NT and ST conditions. Furthermore, LT was found to decrease the ankle ligament force and increased the force of lateral gastrocnemius muscle, soleus, peroneus longus, and peroneus brevis in individuals with CAI during the stance phase. These findings suggest that KT might reduce ankle ligament force and the risk of ankle sprains in individuals with CAI during running.</p>","PeriodicalId":49482,"journal":{"name":"Sports Biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"1-24"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144610166","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}
Isaura Leite, Luis Mochizuki, Luis Arturo Gómez-Landero, Lurdes Ávila Carvalho, João Paulo Vilas-Boas, Márcio Goethel, Filipe Conceição
{"title":"Do partners influence each other during assisted flights from acrobatic gymnastics?","authors":"Isaura Leite, Luis Mochizuki, Luis Arturo Gómez-Landero, Lurdes Ávila Carvalho, João Paulo Vilas-Boas, Márcio Goethel, Filipe Conceição","doi":"10.1080/14763141.2025.2527346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2025.2527346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In Acrobatic Gymnastics, base and top gymnasts collaborate to perform partner-assisted flight. According to the literature, individuals engaged in pair/group tasks influence each other's movements to achieve a common goal. This study investigates similarity, time delay and relationship between base and top movements. It also examines distinct time frames-the motion until take-off versus until the end of the rotation, task difficulty and experience level. Eleven pairs performed two pair tasks in laboratory settings and were divided into less and more experienced groups. Cross-correlation (to assess movement similarity and time delay) and Granger causality (to evaluate mutual influence) were applied to the resultant centre of mass position of both gymnasts. The effects of time frame, task difficulty and experience level were analysed. Cross-correlation results show very high correlation coefficients (.98), with no effects from experience and task difficulty. Granger causality results indicate variations in predictive behaviour across conditions, particularly concerning the time frame and the effect of the task for the top gymnast, but did not provide evidence of causality. In conclusion, gymnasts perform highly similar and synchronised motion, with no clear evidence of direct influence, regardless of task difficulty or experience level.</p>","PeriodicalId":49482,"journal":{"name":"Sports Biomechanics","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144602081","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}