Aim: This scoping review examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports biomechanics, with a focus on enhancing performance and preventing injuries. The review addresses key research questions, including primary AI methods, their effectiveness in improving athletic performance, their potential for injury prediction, sport-specific applications, strategies for translating knowledge, ethical considerations, and remaining research gaps. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus), encompassing studies published between January 2015 and December 2024. After screening 3248 articles, 73 studies met the inclusion criteria (Cohen’s kappa = 0.84). Data were collected on AI techniques, biomechanical parameters, performance metrics, and implementation details. Results revealed a shift from traditional statistical models to advanced machine learning methods. Based on moderate-quality evidence from 12 studies, convolutional neural networks reached 94% agreement with international experts in technique assessment. Computer vision demonstrated accuracy within 15 mm compared to marker-based systems (6 studies, moderate quality). AI-driven training plans showed 25% accuracy improvements (4 studies, limited evidence). Random forest models predicted hamstring injuries with 85% accuracy (3 studies, moderate quality). Learning management systems enhanced knowledge transfer, raising coaches’ understanding by 45% and athlete adherence by 3.4 times. Implementing integrated AI systems resulted in a 23% reduction in reinjury rates. However, significant challenges remain, including standardizing data, improving model interpretability, validating models in real-world settings, and integrating them into coaching routines. In summary, incorporating AI into sports biomechanics marks a groundbreaking advancement, providing analytical capabilities that surpass traditional techniques. Future research should focus on creating explainable AI, applying rigorous validation methods, handling data ethically, and ensuring equitable access to promote the widespread and responsible use of AI across all levels of competitive sports.

Background: With the increase in life expectancy, age-related cognitive decline has become a prevalent concern. Physical activity (PA) is increasingly being recognized as a vital non-pharmacological strategy to counteract this decline. This review aimed to (i) critically evaluate and synthesize the impact of different PA and exercise modalities (aerobic, resistance, and concurrent training) on cognitive health and overall well-being in older adults, (ii) discuss the influence of exercise intensity on cognitive functions, and (iii) elucidate the potential mechanisms through which PA and exercise may enhance or mitigate cognitive performance among older adults. Main Body: An exhaustive analysis of peer-reviewed studies pertaining to PA/exercise and cognitive health in older adults from January 1970 to February 2025 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE. There is compelling evidence that aerobic and resistance training (RT) improve cognitive function and mental health in older adults, with benefits influenced by the type and intensity of exercise. Specifically, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise appears to bolster memory, executive functions, and mood regulation, potentially through increased cerebral blood flow, neurogenesis, and production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors in the hippocampus. Moderate-to-high-intensity RT acutely enhances visuospatial processing and executive functions, with chronic training promoting neurogenesis, possibly by stimulating insulin-like growth factor-1 and augmenting blood flow to the prefrontal cortex. Findings related to the effects of concurrent training on cognitive function and mental health are heterogeneous, with some studies reporting no significant impact and others revealing substantial improvements. However, emerging evidence indicates that the combination of concurrent training and cognitive tasks (i.e., dual tasks) is particularly effective, often outperforming aerobic exercise alone. Conclusions: Regular aerobic and RT performance is beneficial for older adults to mitigate cognitive decline and enhance their overall well-being. Specifically, engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercises and moderate-to-high-intensity RT is safe and effective in improving cognitive function and mental health in this demographic. These exercises, which can be conveniently incorporated into daily routines, effectively enhance mental agility, memory, executive function, and mood. The findings related to concurrent training are mixed, with emerging evidence indicating the effectiveness of combined concurrent and cognitive tasks on cognitive health and well-being in older adults. Key Points - Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is associated with significant improvements in cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall well-being in older adults. These benefits are linked to structural and functional changes in the brain such as increased hippocampal volume and elevated levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. - Moderate-to-high-intensity resistance training, both in acute and chronic forms, enhances cognitive performance in older adults, particularly in executive functions and visuospatial processing. Cognitive benefits, including improvements in information-processing speed, attention, and memory, can be sustained through regular training. - The effects of concurrent resistance and aerobic training on cognitive function in older adults are mixed. However, combining concurrent training with cognitive tasks (i.e., dual-task training) is particularly effective and often outperforms aerobic exercise alone. - Cognitive and well-being improvements from aerobic and resistance training are mediated by mechanisms such as increased cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery, enhanced neurogenesis, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and positive hormonal changes. - While the optimal exercise dosage for promoting cognitive health in older adults remains undetermined, empirical evidence indicates a positive correlation between increased exercise dosage and cognitive health improvements.

Common methods to estimate vertical jump height (VJH) are based on the measurements of flight time (FT) or vertical reaction force. This study aimed to assess the measurement errors when estimating the VJH with flight time using photocell devices in comparison with the gold standard jump height...

Knee injuries remain a significant challenge in competitive sports, impacting athletic performance, long-term joint health, and healthcare resource utilization. Traditional prevention strategies often focused primarily on strengthening the knee itself. However, emerging evidence supports a...

The field of biomechanics has undergone a transformative evolution, driven by rapid advancements in 12 both hardware and software technologies. These innovations have not only enhanced our understanding 13 of human movement but have also bridged the gap between research and practical applications in sports 14 medicine, performance optimization, and injury rehabilitation. This special issue, titled Advancing 15Biomechanics: Enhancing Sports Performance, Mitigating Injury Risks, and Optimizing Athlete 16Rehabilitation, aims to showcase the latest research and technological developments that are shaping 17 the future of biomechanics in sports. The contributing articles in this special issue highlight the diverse 18 applications of biomechanics, ranging from the analysis of sports techniques to the development of 19 novel rehabilitation strategies. Each study underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches 20 in addressing the complex challenges faced by athletes and sports practitioners. In this editorial, we 21 will summarize the key findings of these studies, discuss their implications, and place them within the 22 broader context of biomechanics research. 23One of the primary goals of biomechanics is to optimize athletic performance by analyzing and refining 25 movement patterns. The study by Uncovering the hidden mechanics of upper body rotations in tennis 26 serves using wearable sensors on Dutch professional players provides a compelling example of how 27 biomechanical analysis can enhance performance in elite athletes. By using inertial measurement units 28 (IMUs), the researchers were able to capture detailed kinematic data during tennis serves. Their 29 findings revealed that while the kinetic chain principle is generally followed, professional players often 30 deviate from the proximal-to-distal sequence, particularly in second serves. In addition, the systematic review Effects of conservative treatment strategies for iliotibial band 68 syndrome on pain and function in runners evaluates the efficacy of various conservative treatments for 69 iliotibial-band-syndrome. The review highlights the effectiveness of hip abductor strengthening 70 exercises, particularly when combined with shockwave or manual therapy, in reducing pain and 71 improving function in runners. This study emphasizes the importance of evidence-based rehabilitation 72 strategies in managing common running injuries and facilitating a safe return to sport. 73The integration of advanced technologies into biomechanics research has opened new avenues for 75 understanding human movement and developing innovative solutions for sports performance and 76 injury management. The study Biological reliability of a movement analysis assessment using a 77 markerless motion capture system demonstrates the reliability of markerless motion capture (MMC) 78 systems in assessing human movement. The researchers found that MMC systems exhibit good to 79 excellent reliability for capturing kinematic variables, with biological variability being the primary 80 source of error. These findings support the use of MMC systems as a valid and practical tool for 81 movement analysis in both research and clinical settings. 82 Another notable contribution is the pilot study A comparison of individual force decline profiles during 83 a fatiguing eccentric trunk flexion and extension protocol, which explores the variability in force 84 profiles during fatiguing tasks. The study reveals significant inter-individual differences in fatigue 85 characteristics, which may be influenced by physiological, technical, and motivational factors. These 86 findings have important implications for understanding spinal stability and developing personalized 87 training programs to reduce the risk of injury during fatiguing activities. 88The studies featured in this special issue collectively highlight the transformative impact of 90 biomechanics on sports performance, injury prevention, and athlete rehabilitation. By leveraging 91 cutting-edge technologies and evidence-based approaches, researchers and practitioners can address 92 the complex challenges faced by athletes and optimize their performance and well-being. However, 93 several areas warrant further investigation. For example, the integration of machine learning and 94 artificial intelligence into biomechanical analysis holds promise for enhancing the accuracy and 95 efficiency of movement assessments. Additionally, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the 96 long-term effects of biomechanical interventions on injury prevention and rehabilitation outcomes. 97 98