Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 11 3 2025 12 1 The Effects of Training at Different Uphill Gradients on the Kinematic Characteristics of Middle-Distance Runners 208 234 EN Yehualaw Alemu Sport Academy, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Tefera Tadesse Educational Development and Quality Center, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda. Zerihun Birhanu Sport Academy, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of three different uphill training gradients—7.6%, 5.1%, and 2.5%—on selected kinematic characteristics of middle-distance runners. Methods Forty middle-distance runners performed a 30-meter maximal sprint test to assess their kinematic characteristics. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three uphill training groups or a control group. Pre- and post-training assessments were conducted to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of uphill training on maximal velocity (Vmax), step rate (SR), step length (SL), contact time (CT), and flight time (FT). Results The steeper hill group (STHG) showed significant improvements in Vmax (from 7.47 ± 0.75 to 8.74 ± 0.55 m/s, p < .001), SR (from 4.13 ± 0.41 to 5.08 ± 0.51 steps/s, p < .001), and SL (from 1.77 ± 0.10 to 1.80 ± 0.08 m, p < .001). The intermediate hill group (IHG) also demonstrated increases in Vmax (7.34 ± 1.06 to 7.93 ± 0.79 m/s, p < .001), SR (4.09 ± 0.53 to 4.70 ± 0.39 steps/s, p < .001), and SL (1.75 ± 0.08 to 1.78 ± 0.08 m, p < .001). The shallow hill group (SHG) showed a smaller improvement in Vmax (7.31 ± 0.50 to 7.65 ± 0.55 m/s, p < .001), with no significant changes in the other variables. Conclusion These findings suggest that uphill training, particularly at steeper gradients, can significantly enhance key kinematic characteristics in middle-distance runners, with steeper inclines yielding the most substantial benefits.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 11 3 2025 12 1 The Effect of Toe Direction Modification on Medial Knee Compartment Pressure in Students with Genu Varum 236 250 FA Mehrnoosh Jamali Department of Sport Sciences, ET.C., Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran. Sabikeh Moghaddamnezhad Department of Sport Sciences, ET.C., Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran. Abdolrasoul Daneshjoo Department of Sport Sciences, ET.C., Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran. Seyyed Kazem Mousavi Sadati Department of Sport Sciences, ET.C., Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran. Objective Individuals with genu varum are at increased risk for various skeletal and structural injuries due to force imbalances around the knees. This study aimed to examine the effect of toe direction on medial knee compartment pressure in students with genu varum. Methods The study population included students from Kharazmi University in Tehran. Fourteen participants with genu varum (mean height: 175 ± 3.70 cm, weight: 65 ± 12.40 kg, age: 29 ± 7.10 years) were voluntarily recruited from university dormitories based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Participants performed a drop landing from a 30 cm platform under two conditions: toe-in and toe-out. Three successful trials were recorded for each condition per participant. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using a camera and force plate and processed with MATLAB. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro–Wilk test and paired t-test in SPSS version 23, with the significance level set at p = 0.05. Results TDuring landing, knee adduction torque was significantly higher in the toe-in condition compared to the toe-out condition. The paired t-test revealed a significant difference in mean knee adduction torque between the two conditions (p = 0.001), indicating that toe-in positioning increases medial knee loading. Conclusion The findings suggest that adopting a toe-out landing strategy can significantly reduce knee adduction torque compared to toe-in positioning. This adjustment may help decrease medial knee compartment pressure in individuals with genu varum during landing. Further research is recommended to confirm these findings and explore their clinical implications.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 11 3 2025 12 1 The Relationship Between Performance Indicators, Mental Health, and Sports Injury Incidence During Pre- and Post-Preparation Periods of National Para-Taekwondo Athletes 252 268 FA Mojtaba Rouhi Department of Health and Sports Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health Promotion, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. Amirhossein Barati Department of Health and Sports Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health Promotion, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. morteza barzegar bafrouei Department of Health and Sports Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health Promotion, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. Objective Para-taekwondo, due to the unique physical conditions of athletes with disabilities, requires special attention to muscular strength, balance, and injury prevention. This study aimed to examine the relationship between isokinetic strength, muscle balance, and postural stability with sports injuries and mental health in national para-taekwondo athletes.. Methods In this descriptive-analytical study, twelve national para-taekwondo athletes (6 females, 6 males) were assessed in two phases: before and after a preparatory training period. Collected data included isokinetic strength of the knee and ankle, muscle balance ratios, and postural stability (all measured using a Biodex system), along with sports injuries (assessed via the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire) and mental health status (evaluated using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential tests (parametric or non-parametric, depending on data normality), with a significance level set at 0.05. Results Significant improvements were observed in quadriceps, hamstring, dorsiflexor, and plantarflexor strength in both limbs at all tested speeds following the preparatory period (p = 0.014 to 0.048). However, no significant changes were found in hamstring-to-quadriceps and dorsiflexion-to-plantarflexion strength ratios (p = 0.087 to 0.098). Postural stability indices (overall, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral) showed relative improvements, although none reached statistical significance (p = 0.058). A significant inverse correlation was found between lower hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios and injury scores (r = –0.62, p = 0.037). In addition, poorer balance was positively correlated with higher injury scores (r = 0.54, p = 0.048). Mental health issues were significantly associated with both reduced balance (ρ = 0.49, p = 0.050) and higher injury scores (ρ = 0.58, p = 0.043). Conclusion These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive training programs that target muscular strength, balance, and mental well-being to reduce injury risk and enhance performance in para-taekwondo. Regular monitoring of these parameters is recommended as part of athlete development programs.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 11 3 2025 12 1 Biomechanics of Transitional Movements in Individuals with Pronated Feet: A Review Study 270 287 FA Leila Sabouri Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. Ebrahim Piri Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. AmirAli Jafarnezhadgero Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. Objective A pronated foot is a chronic deformity characterized by the flattening of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and medial plantar abduction. Studies estimate that approximately 20% of the global population exhibits this condition. The aim of this review was to examine the biomechanics of transitional movements in individuals with pronated feet, focusing on the effects of orthotics and corrective exercises, as reported in previous studies. Methods A literature search was conducted using keywords such as walking, transitional movements, kinetics, kinematics, balance, pronated foot, and electromyographic muscle activity, covering publications from 2010 to 2025. Articles in both Persian and English were retrieved from databases including SID, Magiran, Scopus, PubMed, JCR, Google Scholar, Springer, and Civilica. Of the 115 articles identified, 85 were excluded due to duplication or lack of relevance to the study topic, resulting in 30 articles being included in the review. Results Studies have shown that the use of corrective orthoses in individuals with pronated feet reduces pronation angles, improves foot alignment during stance, and more evenly distributes plantar pressure during gait. Functional corrective exercises—including balance training, proprioceptive drills, and strengthening of the intrinsic foot muscles—have been found to enhance ankle and plantar motor control, reduce compensatory movements, and ultimately improve gait quality. These interventions often lead to longer stance phases, improved gait speed and rhythm, and a reduced risk of injury during walking. Conclusion Corrective exercises combined with supportive devices appear to have beneficial effects on the biomechanical issues associated with pronated feet.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 11 3 2025 12 1 Comparison of Kinetic and Kinematic Parameters of Walking Between Healthy Individuals and Patients with Heart Disease 288 304 FA Kamran Salimi Department of Biomedical Engineering, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Koorosh Nakhaei Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Islamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran. Seyed Farhad Tabatabai Ghomsheh Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Ergonomics Department, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Pedram Tehrani Department of Biomedical Engineering, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Shahrokh Shojaei Department of Biomedical Engineering, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Objective Cardiovascular diseases, particularly chronic heart failure, impair cardiac function, leading to muscle weakness and reduced motor control—factors that negatively affect gait quality. This study aimed to compare gait parameters between patients with chronic heart failure and healthy individuals. Methods Twenty patients with chronic heart failure (mean age: 54 ± 1.9 years; BMI: 22.5 ± 4.5) and twenty healthy controls (mean age: 54.3 ± 1.6 years; BMI: 26.5 ± 1.5) participated in the study. Kinematic and kinetic data from the dominant lower limb were collected during walking using a Basler 3D motion analysis system and a Kistler force plate. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing independent t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results Significant differences in kinetic and kinematic gait parameters were observed between the patient and control groups. In the sagittal plane, ankle plantarflexion moments and knee and hip extension moments were reduced. In the frontal plane, decreases were found in knee varus and hip adduction moments. In the transverse plane, knee external rotation and hip internal rotation moments were also diminished. Hip and knee joint ranges of motion were significantly reduced, and ground reaction forces differed in the sagittal plane. While joint stiffness did not differ significantly, patients exhibited unstable gait patterns. Conclusion Chronic heart failure substantially alters gait biomechanics. Decreased joint moments and range of motion across all planes, along with lateral muscle weakness and compensatory strategies, contribute to impaired gait stability. Although joint stiffness did not differ significantly, variability in the data suggested underlying functional instability. Notably, only the ground reaction force in the sagittal plane showed a significant difference.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 11 3 2025 12 1 Prevalence of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Among Young Badminton Players 306 325 EN Rochelle Felosha Diniz Department of Sports Physiotherapy, KLE Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India. Dhaval Chivate Department of Sports Physiotherapy, KLE Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India. Basavaraj Motimath Department of Sports Physiotherapy, KLE Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India. Objective Badminton is a high-intensity sport characterized by rapid directional changes, asymmetrical movements, lunges, and trunk rotations. These dynamic and repetitive motions place considerable mechanical stress on the lumbopelvic region, particularly the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). Despite the well-established link between badminton and lower back pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) remains underdiagnosed and underreported—especially among adolescent athletes. Understanding the prevalence and features of SIJD in this population is critical for informing preventive strategies and improving clinical outcomes. To determine the prevalence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction among young badminton players in Belagavi city. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 77 badminton players aged 14–22 years, selected through simple random sampling from two major academies in Belagavi. Participants with recent lower limb injuries (<6 months) or diagnosed neurological conditions were excluded. Five clinical tests—FABER, compression, thigh thrust, distraction, and Gaenslen’s test—were administered to assess SIJD. A positive diagnosis was confirmed when three or more tests reproduced pain in the SIJ region. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Results The prevalence of SIJD was 32.5%, with left-sided dysfunction (23.4%) being significantly more common than right-sided dysfunction (9.1%). No significant associations were found with age, gender, hand dominance, playing level, or years of experience (p > 0.05). Conclusion A substantial proportion of young badminton players exhibit SIJD, with left-sided involvement more prevalent than right-sided. Early screening and targeted interventions are essential to reduce injury risk and enhance athletic performance.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 11 3 2025 12 1 Comparative Biomechanical Analysis of Three-Point Shooting Between Elite Iraqi Basketball Players and International Counterparts 326 342 EN Omar Waleed Abdulkareem Physical Education and Sports Sciences College, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq. Hasnaa Sattar Jabbar Physical Education and Sports Sciences College, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq. Objective This study aimed to compare the biomechanics of three-point shooting between elite Iraqi basketball players and international players, in order to identify key biomechanical differences that may impact shooting performance. Methods A total of 80 male basketball players participated in the study (40 elite Iraqi players and 40 international elite players). Kinematic data were collected using advanced motion analysis systems, force plates, and high-speed video analysis. The measured variables included joint angles, angular velocity, release speed, ball release angle, and ground reaction forces during three-point shooting. Each player performed 20 consecutive shots under controlled conditions. Group comparisons were conducted using statistical analysis. Results Significant differences in biomechanical parameters were found between the groups. Iraqi players exhibited lower knee and hip angles at release, reduced shoulder angular velocity, and slower ball release speed. Consequently, their effective shooting percentage was notably lower (58.5%) compared to the international group (70.2%). Ground reaction forces were also reduced among the Iraqi players, indicating possible deficits in lower limb strength and power. Conclusion Biomechanical limitations in joint angles, release velocity, and ground reaction forces appear to contribute to the reduced shooting accuracy observed in Iraqi players. Targeted strength and conditioning programs, combined with biomechanical feedback technologies, are recommended to improve performance and reduce the gap between Iraqi and international players.