The continuous rise in obesity globally poses significant challenges to musculoskeletal health, leading to an increase in the incidence of sports-related injuries. Excess body weight affects joint loading, impairs neuromuscular control, and diminishes postural stability, impacting both athletes and the general population during physical activity. Notably, obesity is linked to heightened risks of ankle sprains, knee injuries, and prolonged recovery from soft tissue damage. Additionally, obesity-related metabolic and inflammatory alterations can impair proprioception, balance, and tissue healing. While the risks are known, there is a lack of well-integrated research across disciplines examining the specific mechanisms linking obesity to injury onset and rehabilitative outcomes. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial for crafting precise preventive and therapeutic strategies.
This Research Topic aims to consolidate interdisciplinary research efforts to unravel how obesity impacts the incidence, mechanisms, and outcomes of sports-related injuries. Our objective is to highlight the mechanical strain imposed by obesity on the musculoskeletal system, along with the neurophysiological and metabolic changes that may hinder balance, proprioception, and tissue repair. We also intend to promote the creation of tailored clinical practices, including customized rehabilitation protocols and wearable technology-guided recovery plans for obese individuals. Contributions from diverse domains such as biomechanics, neurorehabilitation, sports science, and public health are encouraged to cultivate comprehensive insights and practical guidance for injury prevention and successful return-to-function for those affected by obesity.
To gather further insights in the intersection between obesity and sports injuries, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Biomechanical and neuromuscular effects of obesity on injury risk
o Brain structure/function alterations linked to impaired motor control in obesity
o Imaging studies (MRI, fMRI, ultrasound) assessing joint/tissue changes in obese populations
o Comparative rehabilitation outcomes in overweight vs. normal-weight individuals
o Wearable technologies and remote monitoring tools tailored for obese patients
o Preventive training interventions targeting balance and proprioception in obese individuals
This Research Topic embraces translational studies and interdisciplinary methodologies that integrate biological, behavioral, and technological facets to address injury risk and promote recovery.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Case Report
Clinical Trial
Conceptual Analysis
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
