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Biomechanics as a discipline is ideally placed to increase awareness and participation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A nationwide Biomechanics and Research Innovation Challenge (BRInC) centered on mentoring and role modeling was developed to engage high school girls (mentees) and early-mid-career women (mentors) in the field of biomechanics through the completion of a 100-day research and/or innovation project. This manuscript describes the development, implementation, and uptake of the inaugural BRInC program and synthesizes the research and innovation projects undertaken, providing a framework for adoption of this program within the global biomechanics community. Eighty-seven high school girls in years 9 and 10 (age range: 14–16 y) were mentored in teams (n = 17) by women in biomechanics (n = 24). Using a design thinking approach, teams generated solutions to biomechanics-based problem(s)/research question(s). Eight key reflections on program strengths, as well as areas for improvement and planned changes for future iterations of the BRInC program, are outlined. These key reflections highlight the innovation, impact, and scalability of the program; the importance of a program framework and effective communication tools; and implementation of strategies to sustain the program as well as the importance of diversity and building a sense of community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increased awareness of the multifactorial nature of Hamstring Strain Injury (HSI), the role of running biomechanics remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether an association exists between running biomechanics and HSI. Five databases were searched from inception to January 2021. Eligibility criteria included epidemiological studies that provide data on running biomechanics in athletes who have sustained a HSI (retrospectively or prospectively) and compared to control data. Searches yielded 4,798 articles. Twelve met the selection criteria. Biomechanical analysis differed considerably across studies, thus meta-analyses was not possible. Studies largely found either no differences or contradicting findings between running biomechanics of athletes who have sustained a HSI (retrospectively or prospectively) and controls, with the exception of lateral trunk kinematics and horizontal propulsive forces. It is important to note some concern regarding the quality of included studies, particularly sample size, increasing the risk of bias associated with results. Further research utilising validated methods of biomechanical analysis, is needed to determine if an association exists between running biomechanics and HSI. Until then, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn as to whether specific biomechanical interventions should be included in injury prevention and/or rehabilitation programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited validation for portable methods in evaluating high-speed running biomechanics, with inertial measurement unit (IMU) systems commonly used as wearables for this purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of an IMU system in high-speed running compared to a 3D motion analysis system (MAS). One runner performed incremental treadmill running, from 12 to 18 km/h, on two separate days. Sagittal angles for the shank, knee, hip and pelvis were measured simultaneously with three IMUs and the MAS at the point of contact (POC), the timing when the foot initially hits the ground, as identified by IMU system acceleration, and compared to the POC identified via force plate. Agreement between the systems was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients, Pearson's r, Bland–Altman limits of agreements, root mean square error and paired t-tests. The IMU system reliably determined POC (which subsequently was used to calculate stride time) and measured hip flexion angle and anterior pelvic tilt accurately and consistently at POC. However, it displayed inaccuracy and inconsistency in measuring knee flexion and shank angles at POC. This information provides confidence that a portable IMU system can aid in establishing baseline running biomechanics for performance optimisation, and/or inform injury prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimalist walking shoes have been shown to improve foot muscle size and strength in active adults, but not in our previous study involving children, which could relate to the more structured footwear used in our study. Hence, this study examined the effects of true minimalists on intrinsic foot muscle size and strength, foot arch integrity, and physical function among primary school children. After a baseline assessment, 30 primary school students aged between 9 and 12 were given a pair of minimalist shoes (minimalist index = 92%) as their regular school shoes for two school terms, followed by a re-assessment. Seventeen of the 30 participants in the minimalist group completed the study. Compared to the control group, the minimalist group showed significantly increased cross-sectional area of abductor hallucis (p = 0.047, Cohen's d = 0.57) and flexor digitorum brevis (p = 0.037, Cohen's d = 0.80), increased strength of the hallux (p = 0.015, Cohen's d = 0.76) and lesser toes (p = 0.014, Cohen's d = 0.66), greater arch height (p = 0.020, Cohen's d = 0.52) and standing long jump distance (p = 0.001, Cohen's d = 9.79). The control group exhibited improved standing long jump performance only (p = 0.020, Cohen's d = 10.70). Minimalist shoes worn daily to school promote intrinsic foot muscle size and strength, and improve foot arch integrity among primary school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been little scientific investigation of the impact of dance shoes on foot motion or dance injuries. The pointed (plantar-flexed) foot is a fundamental component of both the technical requirements and the traditional aesthetic of ballet and jazz dancing. The aims of this study were to quantify the externally observed angle of plantar flexion in various jazz shoes compared with barefoot and to compare the sagittal plane bending stiffness of the various jazz shoes. Sixteen female recreational child dancers were recruited for 3D motion analysis of active plantar flexion. The jazz shoes tested were a split-sole jazz shoe, full-sole jazz shoe, and jazz sneaker. A shoe dynamometer measured the stiffness of the jazz shoes. The shoes had a significant effect on ankle plantar flexion. All jazz shoes significantly restricted the midfoot plantar flexion angle compared with the barefoot condition. The split-sole jazz shoe demonstrated the least restriction, whereas the full-sole jazz shoe the most midfoot restriction. A small restriction in metartarsophalangeal plantar flexion and a greater restriction at the midfoot joint were demonstrated when wearing stiff jazz shoes. These restrictions will decrease the aesthetic of the pointed foot, may encourage incorrect muscle activation, and have an impact on dance performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repetition of jumps in dance and sport training poses a potential injury risk; however, non‐contact landing injuries are more common in athletes than dancers. This study aimed to compare the lower limb stiffness characteristics of dancers and athletes during drop landings to investigate possible mechanisms of impact‐related injuries. Kinematics and kinetics were recorded as 39 elite modern and ballet dancers (19 men and 20 women) and 40 college‐level team sport athletes (20 men and 20 women) performed single‐legged drop landings from a 30‐cm platform. Vertical leg stiffness and joint stiffness of the hip, knee, and ankle were calculated using a spring‐mass model. Stiffness data, joint kinematics, and moments were compared with a group‐by‐sex 2‐way analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relative contribution of hip and knee and ankle joint stiffness to variance in overall vertical leg stiffness for dancers and athletes. Dancers had lower leg (P < 0.001), knee joint (P = 0.034), and ankle joint stiffness (P = 0.043) than athletes. This was facilitated by lower knee joint moments (P = 0.012) and greater knee (P = 0.029) and ankle joint (P = 0.048) range of motion in dancers. Males had higher leg (P < 0.001) and ankle joint stiffness (P < 0.001) than females. This occurred through lower ankle range of motion (P < 0.001) and greater ankle moment (P = 0.022) compared to females. Male and female dancers demonstrated reduced lower limb stiffness compared to athletes, indicating a more pliable landing technique. Dance training techniques could potentially inform approaches to injury prevention in athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dancers need their feet to be healthy and pain-free; therefore, the footwear they use is of great importance. Footwear has the potential to enhance or restrict movement and impact the dancer's body in various ways. To evaluate the effects of footwear on dancers, in particular the effects on foot motion and injury during dance movements, we undertook a systematic review of the literature. The major databases were searched for articles on theatrical dance styles and dance footwear. Sixteen articles were selected for inclusion in this study, ten on ballet and the remainder covering a variety of other genres. The contribution of dance shoes to the quality of dance movement is a relatively unexplored subject; little experimental research has been done. Prospective scientific evidence is needed to support or disprove traditional beliefs regarding the effects of footwear on dance performance and dancers' health.