Innovative strategies in sports biomechanics and rehabilitation for chronic degenerative joint diseases

Chronic degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, are progressive conditions largely defined by the degradation of articular cartilage, synovitis, and abnormal bone growth. These ailments affect an estimated 350 million individuals globally, with a significant prevalence among those over the age of 65. As the global population ages, the incidence of these conditions is likely to rise, posing a substantial socio-economic burden estimated at over one hundred billion US dollars annually. Current management primarily focuses on symptom relief via drugs and surgery, which often accompany risks due to prolonged use and lack of targeted therapies. There is a growing recognition for integrated approaches that combine biomechanics, imaging, and biomarkers to devise individualized treatment plans. Emerging technologies, including AI diagnostics and wearables, offer promising avenues for the future of disease management.

This Research Topic aims to probe the intersection of chronic diseases and exercise rehabilitation through the lens of sports biomechanics. It sets out to explore the role of biomechanical approaches in chronic disease assessment, aiming to refine exercise rehabilitation protocols that address challenges such as patient dysfunction and mobility limitations. The initiative intends to harness interdisciplinary insights to delineate disease mechanisms, develop innovative diagnostics, and implement therapeutic strategies, ultimately aiming to enhance knowledge and practice in this field. The focus will be on the design and application of individualized interventions to translate exercise training benefits into sustainable outcomes.

To gather further insights in the efficacious application of exercise rehabilitation for chronic disease management, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Biomechanical analysis of chronic joint diseases

o Integration of imaging and biomarkers in individualized treatment plans

o AI and wearable technologies in diagnostics and monitoring

o Development of customized exercise equipment and training methodologies

o Examination of exercise prescription components and strategies