Foot and ankle biomechanics for population health: from injury prevention to active living promotion

Foot and ankle health is a critical yet often overlooked determinant of population-level physical activity and overall wellbeing. As the foundation of human locomotion, the foot–ankle complex enables essential daily activities. However, foot and ankle disorders are highly prevalent across the lifespan, contributing to pain, functional limitations, reduced physical activity, and diminished quality of life. Understanding the biomechanical mechanisms underlying foot and ankle function, dysfunction, and recovery is therefore essential for developing effective and scalable interventions that promote active living at the population level. This Research Topic focuses on the intersection of foot and ankle biomechanics and public health, bridging mechanistic science with population-level impact. It examines how biomechanical factors—ranging from joint kinematics and tissue loading to neuromuscular control and movement strategies—govern injury susceptibility, functional capacity, and participation in physical activity across diverse populations. The Research Topic welcomes contributions that connect biomechanical theory with real-world health outcomes and clarify how, why, and for whom foot and ankle biomechanics influence health trajectories and active living opportunities. Submissions may draw on biomechanics, sports medicine, rehabilitation science, and public health frameworks, provided they are grounded in mechanistic understanding and clearly linked to population health goals. We welcome a range of manuscript types, including Original Research, Systematic Reviews, Narrative Reviews, Mini Reviews, and Perspective articles. Submissions are encouraged in the following key areas: • Biomechanical mechanisms of foot and ankle injuries • Neuromuscular control and proprioceptive function: ankle stability, postural control, and sensorimotor adaptations in healthy and pathological populations • Biomechanics of special populations: foot and ankle function in older adults, individuals with diabetes, obesity, or youth • Footwear and orthotic interventions: biomechanical effects of shoe design, orthoses, and bracing on foot function, injury prevention, and performance • Rehabilitation biomechanics: movement retraining, loading progression, and return-to activity criteria following foot and ankle injuries • Digital health and remote biomechanics: artificial intelligence, machine learning, and telehealth applications for foot and ankle assessment and intervention at scale By consolidating evidence on the biomechanical determinants of foot and ankle health, this Research Topic aims to advance scientific understanding and support the development of effective, scalable approaches that enable individuals across diverse populations to maintain foot and ankle function and participate fully in active living. Topic editors: Peimin Yu, Xuanzhen Cen, Ting Long, Yang Song Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80803/foot-and-ankle-biomechanics-for-population-health-from-injury-prevention-to-active-living-promotion