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Bioengineering
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Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Fasciae and Muscles in Sports...
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Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Fasciae and Muscles in Sports Injuries

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomechanics and Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 15970

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Carmelo Pirri

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy
Interests: fascia; anatomy; ultrasound Imaging; connective tissue; regenerative medicine; rehabilitation; sports injuries; biomechanics; neurorehabilitation; musculoskeletal disorders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Nathaly Gaudreault

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
Interests: gait; knee osteoarthritis; motion analysis; physiotherapy; sport biomechanics; musculoskeletal disorders

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioengineering is the application of life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and engineering principles to define and solve problems in biology, medicine, health care and other fields. It helps to highlight the macroscopic and microscopic tissue features of anatomical structures, improving the capacity for proper diagnoses and allowing a therapy for a tailored rehabilitation to be devised. Nowadays, the number of papers on fasciae and muscles has exponentially increased, awakening the interest of researchers and clinicians due to the role of fasciae in proprioception and motor coordination. These characteristics are fundamental for an optimal sport performance but most important during the physical examination and rehabilitation of sport injuries, during which the fasciae are not considered, omitting an anatomical tissue that could play an important role in the sport injuries rehabilitation.

The exact characterization of the signs and the mechanical behaviour of fasciae and muscles plays a crucial role in the comprehensive analysis of their functionality in the investigation of pathological phenomena. In addition, fasciae and muscles in sport injuries can be identified using conventional imaging modalities, such as ultrasound imaging, MRI, etc., thus representing a valuable guide to the proper rehabilitation of sport injuries.

The physical examination of these tissues in different regions of the body in pathological conditions can influence the results of rehabilitation. This Special Issue, “Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Fasciae and Muscles in Sports Injuries”, aims to publish, in the world of sport injuries, the latest developments regarding diagnoses via a bioimages analysis or the investigation of the mechanical behaviour of these tissues, as well as the mechanisms of action of rehabilitation that differ among various treatments and therapies. Original research, brief reports, and review articles are invited.

Dr. Carmelo Pirri
Dr. Nathaly Gaudreault
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Bioengineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • rehabilitation
  • sports injuries
  • biomechanics
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • fasciae
  • imaging

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4299 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound Imaging in Football Players with Previous Multiple Ankle Sprains: Keeping a Close Eye on Superior Ankle Retinaculum
by Carmelo Pirri, Nina Pirri, Diego Guidolin, Veronica Macchi, Andrea Porzionato, Raffaele De Caro and Carla Stecco
Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050419 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The superior extensor ankle retinaculum (SEAR), a transversely fascial thickening positioned above the tibia–talar joint, serves as a crucial anatomical structure in ankle stability. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare by ultrasound (US) imaging the bilateral thickness and echogenicity [...] Read more.
The superior extensor ankle retinaculum (SEAR), a transversely fascial thickening positioned above the tibia–talar joint, serves as a crucial anatomical structure in ankle stability. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare by ultrasound (US) imaging the bilateral thickness and echogenicity of SEAR in football players with previous multiple ankle sprains (group 1) and healthy volunteers (group 2). A cross-sectional study was performed using ultrasound imaging to measure longitudinal and transversal axes using a new protocol in a sample of 50 subjects: 25 football players with previous multiple ankle sprains and 25 healthy subjects. The findings for SEAR thickness revealed statistically significant differences for both axes (p = 0.0011 and p = 0.0032) between the healthy side and the previously sprained side, and with the corresponding side of group 2 (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004). Moreover, in group 1, regarding the ROI echogenicity, a statistically significant difference was found between the sides (p = 0.0378). These findings suggest that the football players with previous ankle sprains showed a thicker and inhomogeneous SEAR on the sprain side, unveiling a remodeling of this structure compared to the other side and to the healthy volunteers. In these athletes, during US examination, one needs to keep “a US eye” on side-to-side SEAR comparisons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Fasciae and Muscles in Sports Injuries)
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9 pages, 531 KiB  
Article
Lower Limb Biomechanics during the Golf Downswing in Individuals with and without a History of Knee Joint Injury
by Zi-Jun Lin, Yi-Chien Peng, Chun-Ju Yang, Chung-Yuan Hsu, Joseph Hamill and Wen-Tzu Tang
Bioengineering 2023, 10(5), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10050626 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2016
Abstract
Although prevention is better than treatment, after a knee injury occurs, the adjustment of the movement technique back to the posture before the injury and the restoration of accuracy is very important for professional and amateur players. This study aimed to compare the [...] Read more.
Although prevention is better than treatment, after a knee injury occurs, the adjustment of the movement technique back to the posture before the injury and the restoration of accuracy is very important for professional and amateur players. This study aimed to compare the differences in lower limb mechanics during the golf downswing between those with and without a history of knee joint injury. A total of 20 professional golfers with single-digit handicaps were recruited for this study, 10 of whom had a knee injury history (KIH+), while another 10 players were without a knee injury history (KIH−). From the 3D analysis, selected kinematic and kinetic parameters during the downswing were analyzed using an independent samples t-test with a significance level of α = 0.05. During the downswing, individuals with KIH+ exhibited a smaller hip flexion angle, smaller ankle abduction angle, and larger ankle adduction/abduction range of motion (ROM). Moreover, there was no significant difference found in the knee joint moment. Athletes with a history of knee injury can adjust the motion angles of their hip and ankle joints (e.g., by avoiding excessive forward leaning of the trunk and maintaining stable foot posture without inward or outward rotation) to minimize the impact of changes in their movement patterns resulting from the injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Fasciae and Muscles in Sports Injuries)
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16 pages, 2952 KiB  
Article
The Role of Fascial Tissue Layer in Electric Signal Transmission from the Forearm Musculature to the Cutaneous Layer as a Possibility for Increased Signal Strength in Myoelectric Forearm Exoprosthesis Development
by Mark-Edward Pogarasteanu, Marius Moga, Adrian Barbilian, George Avram, Monica Dascalu, Eduard Franti, Nicolae Gheorghiu, Cosmin Moldovan, Elena Rusu, Razvan Adam and Carmen Orban
Bioengineering 2023, 10(3), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10030319 - 02 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1297
Abstract
Myoelectric exoprostheses serve to aid in the everyday activities of patients with forearm or hand amputations. While electrical signals are known key factors controlling exoprosthesis, little is known about how we can improve their transmission strength from the forearm muscles as to obtain [...] Read more.
Myoelectric exoprostheses serve to aid in the everyday activities of patients with forearm or hand amputations. While electrical signals are known key factors controlling exoprosthesis, little is known about how we can improve their transmission strength from the forearm muscles as to obtain better sEMG. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of the forearm fascial layer in transmitting myoelectrical current. We examined the sEMG signals in three individual muscles, each from six healthy forearms (Group 1) and six amputation stumps (Group 2), along with their complete biometric characteristics. Following the tests, one patient underwent a circumferential osteoneuromuscular stump revision surgery (CONM) that also involved partial removal of fascia and subcutaneous fat in the amputation stump, with re-testing after complete healing. In group 1, we obtained a stronger sEMG signal than in Group 2. In the CONM case, after surgery, the patient’s data suggest that the removal of fascia, alongside the fibrotic and subcutaneous fat tissue, generates a stronger sEMG signal. Therefore, a reduction in the fascial layer, especially if accompanied by a reduction of the subcutaneous fat layer may prove significant for improving the strength of sEMG signals used in the control of modern exoprosthetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Fasciae and Muscles in Sports Injuries)
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8 pages, 1052 KiB  
Article
Differential Sensitization of Muscle versus Fascia in Individuals with Low Back Pain
by Ronen Cozacov, Amir Minerbi, May Haddad and Simon Vulfsons
Bioengineering 2022, 9(9), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9090440 - 05 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1883
Abstract
Muscles and the deep fascia surrounding them have been suggested to play an important role in various musculoskeletal pain conditions including low back pain. Both have been shown to host rich nociceptive innervation and to undergo changes in individuals with chronic pain. However, [...] Read more.
Muscles and the deep fascia surrounding them have been suggested to play an important role in various musculoskeletal pain conditions including low back pain. Both have been shown to host rich nociceptive innervation and to undergo changes in individuals with chronic pain. However, evidence for the respective contribution of muscle and fascia sensitization in humans with myofascial pain syndrome is lacking. Here, we studied the sensitization of muscle and fascia in individuals with myofascial low back pain. Twenty individuals with acute (5) and chronic (15) myofascial low back pain of the quadratus lumborum muscle and a matched control group of twenty healthy individuals were recruited and clinically evaluated. All participants underwent ultrasound-guided needling of their subcutaneous tissue, deep fascia and quadratus lumborum muscle. Reported pain intensity and episodes of muscle twitching were recorded and analyzed. Among pain patients, both muscles and deep fascia demonstrated pain hypersensitivity, but muscles were significantly more sensitized than the deep fascia. No difference between acute- or chronic-pain patients was observed. Results of this study suggest that while both deep fascia and muscle show pain sensitization in both early and chronic stages of low back pain, muscles are more sensitized than fascia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Fasciae and Muscles in Sports Injuries)
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16 pages, 968 KiB  
Article
Predicting Coordination Variability of Selected Lower Extremity Couplings during a Cutting Movement: An Investigation of Deep Neural Networks with the LSTM Structure
by Enze Shao, Qichang Mei, Jingyi Ye, Ukadike C. Ugbolue, Chaoyi Chen and Yaodong Gu
Bioengineering 2022, 9(9), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9090411 - 23 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1797
Abstract
There are still few portable methods for monitoring lower limb joint coordination during the cutting movements (CM). This study aims to obtain the relevant motion biomechanical parameters of the lower limb joints at 90°, 135°, and 180° CM by collecting IMU data of [...] Read more.
There are still few portable methods for monitoring lower limb joint coordination during the cutting movements (CM). This study aims to obtain the relevant motion biomechanical parameters of the lower limb joints at 90°, 135°, and 180° CM by collecting IMU data of the human lower limbs, and utilizing the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) deep neural-network framework to predict the coordination variability of selected lower extremity couplings at the three CM directions. There was a significant (p < 0.001) difference between the three couplings during the swing, especially at 90° vs the other directions. At 135° and 180°, t13-he coordination variability of couplings was significantly greater than at 90° (p < 0.001). It is important to note that the coordination variability of Hip rotation/Knee flexion-extension was significantly higher at 90° than at 180° (p < 0.001). By the LSTM, the CM coordination variability for 90° (CMC = 0.99063, RMSE = 0.02358), 135° (CMC = 0.99018, RMSE = 0.02465) and 180° (CMC = 0.99485, RMSE = 0.01771) were accurately predicted. The predictive model could be used as a reliable tool for predicting the coordination variability of different CM directions in patients or athletes and real-world open scenarios using inertial sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Fasciae and Muscles in Sports Injuries)
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Review

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14 pages, 352 KiB  
Review
Response to Mechanical Properties and Physiological Challenges of Fascia: Diagnosis and Rehabilitative Therapeutic Intervention for Myofascial System Disorders
by Yuya Kodama, Shin Masuda, Toshinori Ohmori, Akihiro Kanamaru, Masato Tanaka, Tomoyoshi Sakaguchi and Masami Nakagawa
Bioengineering 2023, 10(4), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10040474 - 14 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5207
Abstract
Damage to the fascia can cause significant performance deficits in high-performance sports and recreational exercise and may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders and persistent potential pain. The fascia is widely distributed from head to toe, encompassing muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, [...] Read more.
Damage to the fascia can cause significant performance deficits in high-performance sports and recreational exercise and may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders and persistent potential pain. The fascia is widely distributed from head to toe, encompassing muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs and comprising various layers of different depths, indicating the complexity of its pathogenesis. It is a connective tissue composed of irregularly arranged collagen fibers, distinctly different from the regularly arranged collagen fibers found in tendons, ligaments, or periosteum, and mechanical changes in the fascia (stiffness or tension) can produce changes in its connective tissue that can cause pain. While these mechanical changes induce inflammation associated with mechanical loading, they are also affected by biochemical influences such as aging, sex hormones, and obesity. Therefore, this paper will review the current state of knowledge on the molecular level response to the mechanical properties of the fascia and its response to other physiological challenges, including mechanical changes, innervation, injury, and aging; imaging techniques available to study the fascial system; and therapeutic interventions targeting fascial tissue in sports medicine. This article aims to summarize contemporary views. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Fasciae and Muscles in Sports Injuries)

Other

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16 pages, 2214 KiB  
Systematic Review
Lower Limb Biomechanics during the Topspin Forehand in Table Tennis: A Systemic Review
by Yuqi He, Gusztáv Fekete, Dong Sun, Julien S. Baker, Shirui Shao and Yaodong Gu
Bioengineering 2022, 9(8), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9080336 - 25 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2522
Abstract
The aim of this study is to review the valuable lower limb biomechanical contribution to table tennis topspin forehand. Databases included Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science. In this case, 19 articles were selected for the systematic review. The mechanics of the plantar, [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to review the valuable lower limb biomechanical contribution to table tennis topspin forehand. Databases included Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science. In this case, 19 articles were selected for the systematic review. The mechanics of the plantar, lower limb joints kinematics and kinetics, muscle activity, and racket-joint relationship are described through gender, performance level, and footwork. The study found that the hip movement characteristics and the hip muscle group activity following a proximal-to-distal sequence strategy significantly contributed to the maximum acceleration of the racket. Optimizing the motion strategy of the ankle and plantar as well as the ankle muscle group activity is beneficial for the transmission of energy in the kinetic chain. Muscle groups around the ankle and subtalar joints are heavily activated during landing to maintain foot stability during the landing phase. Lower limb muscle development plays an important role in movement control and stability as well as sports injury prevention in table tennis footwork during the performance of the topspin forehand. Furthermore, physical development levels and anatomical differences (such as hip and lower trunk muscle strength differences), maybe the main reasons for gender differences observed during the topspin forehand. Systematically summarizing this valuable information can contribute to athletes’ and coaches’ knowledge to enhance topspin forehand performance and training regimes. We suggest that future research could consider the joint contact forces, ball movement, and ball-racket impact during a performance of topspin forehand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Examination and Rehabilitation of Fasciae and Muscles in Sports Injuries)
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