Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 4 2025 1 1 The Effect of Different Walking Strategies (Normal, Toe-Out, and Toe-In) on Maximum Force and Plantar Pressure in Ten Regions of the Foot 262 275 FA Faramarz Aghamohammadi Department of Sport Biomechanics, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran. Ali Jalalvand Department of Sport Biomechanics, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different walking strategies, including normal, toe-out, and toe-in walking, on peak force and plantar pressure distribution across ten foot regions. Methods The study population consisted of university students aged 18 to 25 years. A total of 21 participants were randomly selected using G*Power software. The RS-Scan International footscan system, with a sampling frequency of 253 Hz, was used to assess the distribution of peak force and plantar pressure. A mixed-design ANOVA was employed for analysis. Results Overall, compared to normal and toe-out walking, toe-in walking reduced peak force and plantar pressure in the big toe, first metatarsal, and medial heel regions. However, it increased peak force and plantar pressure in the fourth and fifth metatarsals and the midfoot region. Toe-out walking, compared to normal and toe-in walking, increased peak force and plantar pressure in the first metatarsal but decreased peak force in the third metatarsal and plantar pressure in the third and fourth metatarsals. Conclusion Toe-in walking may be beneficial for rehabilitation, whereas toe-out walking could pose a risk for individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Individuals with flat feet should adopt a toe-in walking pattern and avoid a toe-out pattern, whereas those with high arches may benefit from the opposite strategy. For patients with medial knee osteoarthritis, the choice between toe-in and toe-out walking should be guided by their foot posture.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 4 2025 1 1 A Narrative Review on the Effect of Variability-Based Motor Learning Approaches on Kinetic and Kinematic Factors Related to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Athletes 276 293 FA Majid Hamoongard Department of Biomechanics and Sports Injuries, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kharazmi University, Karaj, Hesarak, Iran Malihe Hadadnezhad Department of Biomechanics and Sports Injuries, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kharazmi University, Karaj, Iran. Behzad Mohammadi Orangi Sports Science Department, Faculty of Humanities, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran. Objective The risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in athletes can be reduced by incorporating motor learning approaches into injury prevention training programs. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of variability-based motor learning approaches on kinetic and kinematic factors related to ACL injury in athletes. Methods Searches were conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and Elsevier databases for articles published between 2010 and 2024. The keywords ("ACL" OR "anterior cruciate ligament"), ("differential learning"), ("nonlinear pedagogy"), ("variability"), and ("biomechanics" OR "kinematics" OR "kinetics") were used independently and in combination. Results Results After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies were included in the final analysis. The results indicated that variability-based training, including differential and nonlinear learning, increased trunk and hip flexion, increased knee flexion, decreased knee valgus and abduction, and increased ankle dorsiflexion. Additionally, increased hip abduction and external rotation, increased ankle dorsiflexion moment, decreased knee valgus and abduction moments, and reduced ground reaction force were observed in athletes. Conclusion Compared to differential learning, exercises based on nonlinear pedagogy more effectively improve biomechanical factors related to ACL injury in athletes. It is recommended that coaches and trainers incorporate variability-based approaches, particularly nonlinear pedagogy, to reduce injury risk, enhance rehabilitation programs, and improve ecological validity.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 4 2025 1 1 The Relationship between Executive Functions and Postural Control in Children with Mild Intellectual Disability and Comparison with Typically Developing Peers 294 308 FA Elaheh Azadian Department of Motor Behavior, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran. Makwan Jabar Ali Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department, University of Halabja, Halabja, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Objective Children with intellectual disability (ID) experience significant impairments in both cognitive and motor functions, which impact their balance and postural control. This study aimed to explore the relationship between executive functions and postural control in children with ID and compare these findings to children with typical intelligence. Methods This causal-comparative and correlational study included 15 students with ID and 15 individuals with a normal range of intelligence. Static balance was assessed using a force plate in two conditions: stable and unstable support surfaces. Executive functions were measured using simple reaction time and response inhibition (Go/No Go) tests. The Shapiro-Wilk test results indicated that the balance data followed a normal distribution, while the cognitive data did not. Therefore, a three-way ANOVA was used for between-group comparisons of balance variables, and the Mann-Whitney U test was employed for cognitive variables. Additionally, Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between balance performance (center of pressure sway) and cognitive performance (reaction time and response inhibition). Results Children with ID showed slower reaction times and a higher number of incorrect responses compared to the control group in the cognitive tests (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found between the two groups in all balance variables (p < 0.05). A strong to moderate significant correlation was observed between cognitive test performance and balance measures (r = 0.51 to 0.82). Conclusion The results indicate that intellectual disability has a considerable effect on both cognitive processing and postural control. The increased variability and speed of center of pressure (CoP) in children with ID may suggest the use of less effective compensatory strategies, leading to increased fatigue and a higher risk of falls. Developing comprehensive interventions that target both executive functions and postural control may help reduce instability and improve the quality of life for these children.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 4 2025 1 1 Three-Dimensional Quantitative Analysis of Kinematic Variables in Discus Throwing Performance 310 322 EN Jamal Abdel Karim Hamid Collage of Physical Education and Sport Science, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq. Omar Abdul-Ilah Salama Collage of Physical Education and Sport Science, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq. Anaam Jafaar Sadiq Collage of Physical Education and Sport Science, Almustansiriah University, Baghdad, Iraq. Alaa zohear Collage of Physical Education and Sport Science, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq. Taha Abdulelah Jasim Collage of Physical Education and Sport Science, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq. Safaa A. Ismaeel Collage of Physical Education and Sport Science, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq. Objective Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of discus throwing enables a more precise evaluation of movement patterns, displacement, velocity, and acceleration, which are essential for optimizing performance. This study aims to examine key kinematic variables during the final phase of the discus throw and analyze their relationship with athlete performance. Methods This descriptive study was conducted on six discus throwers under the age of 20. Each athlete performed three attempts, resulting in a total of 18 observations per variable. Kinematic data were extracted using the APAS motion analysis system and high-speed video recording. Key variables included body displacement, angular velocity, acceleration, and phase duration during the throw. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between these variables and throwing performance. Results The results demonstrated a significant correlation between body displacement, angular velocity, acceleration, and throwing distance (p < 0.05). Increased displacement range led to improvements in velocity and acceleration, ultimately enhancing throwing distance. Additionally, optimal movement coordination, particularly in controlling the center of mass and effective force transfer, played a crucial role in improving throw efficiency. Conclusion Three-dimensional kinematic analysis provides valuable insights into the biomechanical efficiency of discus throwing, aiding in the identification of movement deficiencies and technical adjustments. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of utilizing 3D motion analysis in training programs and suggest that this tool be implemented to optimize athlete performance at professional levels.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 4 2025 1 1 Effects of Knee and Ankle Braces on Lower Limb Kinematics During Jump-Heading-Landing in Professional Soccer Players Following ACL Reconstruction 324 344 FA Naser Farokhroo Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran. Nader Farahpour Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran. Gabriel Moisan Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada. Began Heydari Department of Orthopedics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran. Mahdi Majlesi Department of Sport Biomechanics, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran. Objective This study investigated the effects of knee and ankle braces on lower limb kinematics during a jump-landing task incorporating heading in elite soccer players with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods Twelve male soccer players with ACLR and 12 healthy controls performed the task under three experimental conditions: without braces (WS), with a knee brace (KS), and with both knee and ankle braces (KAS). Kinematic data were collected using the Vicon motion analysis system, and hip, thigh, knee, and ankle angles were analyzed across five jump-landing phases. Results The control group exhibited greater hip flexion during the take-off and peak phases in the WS condition (P=0.096, P=0.025). The ACLR group demonstrated greater hip flexion during take-off in the WS condition (P=0.035). Within-group comparisons revealed no significant differences during the landing and post-landing phases. Between-group comparisons showed that the ACLR group exhibited significantly greater pelvic tilt across all conditions (WS, KS, KAS) compared to controls. Additionally, the ACLR group had greater hip flexion during landing in the WS condition (P=0.033) and greater ankle plantar flexion in the KS condition (P=0.052) compared to controls. In the post-landing phase, the ACLR group exhibited greater hip flexion in the WS and KAS conditions (P=0.038). Conclusion Knee and ankle braces can alter lower limb joint movement patterns in ACLR athletes, which may help reduce injury risk. However, they may also impose movement restrictions that could impact athletic performance. These findings underscore the importance of balancing injury prevention with performance optimization when using braces in soccer players with ACLR.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 4 2025 1 1 Investigating the Effects of Sport-Metric Training on Functional Factors Related to Lower Limb Injuries and Skill Variables in Young Futsal Players 346 360 FA Mohammad Kalantariyan Department of Corrective Exercises and Sport Injury, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran. Sirvan Zarghami Aliabad Department of Corrective Exercises and Sport Injury, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran. Jamal Khalandi Department of Human Science, Shahid Rajaee Branch, Farhangian University, Urmia, Iran. Objective The present study aimed to examine the effects of injury prevention training using the Sport-Metric method on functional factors associated with reducing the risk of lower extremity injuries, as well as skill-related variables in young futsal players. Methods This study employed a quasi-experimental design. The participants included 30 futsal players aged 9 to 12 years who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were randomly assigned to two groups of 15: an experimental group and a control group. Before and after six weeks of Sport-Metric training, agility, static balance, dynamic balance, power, dribbling speed, and shooting accuracy were assessed using the Illinois Agility Test, Stork Test, Y-Balance Test, Triple Hop Test, Dribbling Test, and Moore-Christian Shooting Test, respectively. The experimental group performed Sport-Metric-specific exercises for six weeks, three sessions per week, while the control group continued their routine futsal training. Data analysis was conducted using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at a significance level of 0.05. Results The ANCOVA results indicated significant differences between the experimental and control groups after six weeks of training in agility performance (p = 0.001), static balance (p = 0.001), dynamic balance (p = 0.005), power (p = 0.003), dribbling speed (p = 0.013), and Moore-Christian shooting accuracy (p = 0.001). Conclusion The findings of this study demonstrate that Sport-Metric training can significantly enhance both the physical and skill-related abilities of young futsal players. Therefore, it is recommended that Sport-Metric training be incorporated as an effective and practical approach in youth futsal development programs.