Research summary · Biomechanics
Biomechanics of acceleration and deceleration tasks
A systematic review examines how acceleration and braking mechanics are measured and connected to performance outcomes in sport tasks.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Systematic review
- Journal
- Physical Therapy in Sport
- Population / context
- Athletes and physically active participants · Linear and change-of-direction tasks
What the publication reports
Twenty-two studies involving 846 participants were included. Mechanical strategies differed across linear and change-of-direction tasks, while links between biomechanical variables and performance were not consistently assessed or reported.
Limits and interpretation
Task definitions, phases, equipment and performance measures varied substantially. The review maps associations rather than establishing a universal technique or proving that one mechanical variable causes better performance or fewer injuries.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Biomechanics of acceleration and deceleration tasks in sport: A systematic review of the integration between mechanical and performance outcomes
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42732750DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2026.101989Reader discussion
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