Hannah Margaret Rice

• Amaro, Catarina M.; Rice, Hannah; Castro, Maria António; Mendes, Rui & Gomes, Beatriz B. (2026). A Proof-of-Concept Framework for Upper-Limb Segment Definition and Joint Angle Computation Using Marker-Based Motion Capture. Sensors. 26(16). doi: 10.3390/s26165047. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Marker-based motion capture systems are widely used to estimate joint kinematics, yet their accuracy depends strongly on how anatomical segments and coordinate systems are defined. This proof-of-concept study aimed to describe and technically evaluate a structured and reproducible framework for upper-limb segment definition and joint-angle computation. Reflective markers were placed on anatomical landmarks of the trunk and upper limbs, and joint angles were computed using custom-developed MATLAB R2022b (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA) routines. Baseline-corrected model-derived joint angles were compared with composite reference measurements obtained using a universal manual goniometer and a twin-axis biosignalsplux goniometer under predefined static conditions in two adult participants. Side-specific mean absolute error values ranged from 0.80° to 5.24°, while root mean square error values ranged from 0.86° to 5.24°. The largest discrepancies were observed during maximum wrist extension and left maximum radial deviation. The evaluated static observations showed close correspondence in several joint positions, although larger discrepancies occurred in selected end-range wrist positions. Given the limited sample, single recordings, and controlled static conditions, these findings should be interpreted as an initial demonstration of technical feasibility rather than evidence of generalisable validity or repeatability. The explicit framework provides a basis for further evaluation using larger samples, repeated marker applications, repeated trials, and dynamic multi-planar upper-limb tasks.

• Han, Sanghyuk; Ellison, Matthew; Javadi, Akbar; Farris, Dominic J. & Rice, Hannah (2026). A comparison of modeling approaches when estimating tibial loading during running with different foot strike patterns. PeerJ. 14. doi: 10.7717/peerj.21328. Full text in Research Archive
• Norder, Thomas; Mai, Patrick; Gruettner, Maximilian; Healey, Laura & Rice, Hannah (2026). How Does Manipulation of Advanced Running Shoe Midsole Compliance Influence Frontal Plane Kinematics and Kinetics? Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 36(7). doi: 10.1111/sms.70331. Full text in Research Archive
• Amaro, Catarina M.; Mendes, Rui; Castro, Maria António; Rice, Hannah & Gomes, Beatriz B. (2026). Phase-specific force–time adaptations in basketball jump shots under environmental constraints. International journal of sports science & coaching. ISSN 1747-9541. doi: 10.1177/17479541261451122. Full text in Research Archive
• Amaro, Catarina M.; Castro, Maria António; Mendes, Rui; Rice, Hannah & Gomes, Beatriz B. (2025). Influence of Jump and Ball Release Parameters on Shooting Accuracy in Basketball Under Varying Constraints. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 10(4). doi: 10.3390/jfmk10040459. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: This study investigates how both jump-related (jump height and flight time) and ball-related parameters (release height, release angle, and velocity) influence shooting accuracy in basketball under different contextual constraints. Methods: Eighteen senior players competing in the national championship (11 females and 7 males; 22.0 ± 3.7 years) performed 90 shots each across three positions (left 45°, middle 90°, right 45°) and three shooting conditions (baseline, simulated gym audience noise, and simulated opposition). Jump variables were derived from force platforms, while ball kinematics were extracted using a high-speed Qualisys camera system. Results: A three-way ANOVA revealed no systematic effects of position or opposition, and only a small effect of noise on flight time (p = 0.019), which was not confirmed by the Linear Mixed Model. Comparisons between successful and missed shots indicated significantly higher flight time, jump height, and release height, and a tendency for higher release velocity in successful attempts, with no differences in release angle. Spearman correlation showed weak associations between biomechanical variables and shooting accuracy (R2 = 0.005–0.012). Conclusions: These findings suggest that while adaptive biomechanical changes occur under contextual constraints, their isolated impact on shot success is limited. Successful performance appears to rely more strongly on release-related parameters, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to training that integrates technical, perceptual, and psychological dimensions.

• Han, Sanghyuk; Park, Jongchul; Lee, Jusung; Ellison, Matthew; Farris, Dominic & Rice, Hannah (2025). Footwear has a modifying effect on tibial loading during military weight carriage. Scientific Reports. 15. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-11202-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract This study investigated how different footwear conditions influence tibial loading across incremental load carriage during walking. Ten military-trained male participants completed walking trials under three weight conditions (0, 15, and 30 kg) and three footwear conditions (barefoot, trainers, and military boots) at 1.67 m/s. Kinematic (120 Hz) and kinetic (1200 Hz) data were collected using motion capture and force plates. Tibial loading was estimated via musculoskeletal modeling and beam theory, focusing on peak tibial bending moments and cumulative-weighted tibial impulse. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA ( $$p < 0.05$$ ) examined main effects and interactions of load and footwear. Post hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni corrections ( $$p_{\text {corr}} < 0.05$$ ) identified significant differences. A significant interaction effect was observed for peak tibial bending moments and cumulative-weighted tibial impulse per kilometer ( $$p < 0.05$$ ). In trainers, tibial loading increased progressively across all loads (0 kg < 15 kg < 30 kg, all $$p_{\text {corr}} < 0.05$$ ). In military boots, loading increased from 0 to 15 kg ( $$p_{\text {corr}} < 0.05$$ ) but not between 15 and 30 kg. Weight carriage increased tibial loading, but footwear modified this relationship. Military boots showed no significant change between 15 and 30 kg. These findings suggest implications for tibial stress injury, though further research is needed.

• Risvang, Linn Christin; Dijk, Jan Willem van; Baumgart, Julia Kathrin; Rice, Hannah; Liljegren, Anja M.F. & Strøm, Vegard [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). High prevalence of low bone mineral density in wheelchair users regardless of sports participation: a cross-sectional analysis of the bonewheel study. European Journal of Applied Physiology. ISSN 1439-6319. p. 1–14. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-06109-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose Wheelchair users are at increased risk of low bone mineral density (BMD). While BMD varies by sport among Paralympic athletes, it remains unclear whether sports participation protects against low BMD in the impaired population. This study compared BMD at several skeletal sites between sports-active and non-sports-active wheelchair users. Methods This study presents cross-sectional analyses of adult (18–60 years) wheelchair users with non-progressive impairments recruited for a subsequent multi-site intervention study. BMD and body composition were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Low BMD was defined as Z-score <–1.0. Multiple linear regression models assessed differences between sports-active (≥ 1 year organised; ≥3 training hours per week) and non-sports-active participants, and associations with impairment and exercise characteristics, and body composition. Results Sixty-three wheelchair users (age 37 ± 11 years; 41% female; 48% sports-active; 49% with acquired impairments) were included. Low BMD was prevalent in 33%, 81% and 77% at the spine, hip and femoral neck, respectively. Low BMD at the hip was less prevalent in sports-active compared to non-sports-active (p = 0.013), without differences in any BMD Z-score models (all p > 0.05). Acquired impairments was positively associated with lumbar spine BMD (p = 0.034), while full-time wheelchair use was negatively associated with femoral neck BMD (p = 0.036). Impairments and SCIM scores were associated with hip BMD (both p < 0.05). Conclusion Notably high prevalences of low BMD was found in this study, particularly at the hip and regardless of sports participation. Impairments and ambulatory ability appear the most influential on BMD. Targeted exercise interventions for bone health are warranted in this population.

• Frankston, Naomi; Ellison, Matthew; Riise, Jonatan Narvestad; Seynnes, Olivier R.; Farris, Dominic & Rice, Hannah (2025). Second Metatarsal Bone Stress During Running Is Independently Influenced by Running Speed and Load Carriage. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 35(10). doi: 10.1111/sms.70152. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Bone stress injuries occur in populations who engage in repetitive loading, such as distance runners and military recruits. The second metatarsal is a common bone stress injury site. Running speed and load carriage are modifiable factors which may influence metatarsal loading. The aim of this study was to determine how running at preferred, 90% of preferred, and 110% of preferred speed, with and without a weight vest carrying 10% body mass, influences second metatarsal bone stress. Data were collected from 28 runners (14 female, 14 male) during barefoot running using motion capture cameras, a pressure plate, and a force plate. Bone stress was calculated at the dorsal and plantar surfaces of the midshaft of the second metatarsal using a two‐dimensional beam theory model. No interaction effect was found between running speed and load carriage. Running at 90% of preferred speed decreased peak dorsal and plantar stress by 2.1% and 2.3%, respectively, compared to preferred speed, while running at 110% of preferred speed increased peak dorsal and plantar stress by 4.2%. Running with 110% of body mass increased peak dorsal and plantar metatarsal stress by 3.1% and 2.9%, respectively, compared to running with no additional mass. The mean coefficient of variation across all conditions was 25%, indicating variation in peak stress between participants. Running at faster speeds and with additional loads may increase the risk of second metatarsal bone stress injury. The high variation in peak bone stress between participants demonstrates the importance of considering the individual when assessing injury risk.

• Wisdish, Samuel J.; Rice, Hannah & Farris, Dominic J. (2025). Torque–angle relationships of human toe flexor muscles highlight their capacity for propulsion in gait. Journal of Experimental Biology. ISSN 0022-0949. 228(1). doi: 10.1242/jeb.249816. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Human proficiency for bipedal locomotion relies on the structure and function of our feet, including the interplay between active muscles and passive structures acting on the toes during the propulsive phase of gait. However, our understanding of the relative contributions of these different structures remains incomplete. We aimed to determine the distinct toe-flexion torque–angle relationships of the plantar intrinsic muscles (PIMs), extrinsic muscles and passive structures, therefore offering insight into their force-generating capabilities and importance for walking and running. Torque–angle data were twice collected from nine healthy individuals (6 males, 3 females; 28±5 years) using supramaximal transcutaneous electrical stimuli applied at two tibial nerve sites to distinguish between muscle-driven and passive toe-flexion torque about the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Innervating extrinsic muscles and PIMs concurrently produced peak torques (hallux=3.05±0.70 N m, MTP angle=48.0±13.6 deg; lesser digits=3.19±0.98 N m, MTP angle=42.6±13.4 deg) exceeding by 208% (hallux) and 150% (lesser digits), respectively, those from PIM stimulation alone. Notably, MTP joint angles pertinent to gait corresponded to the ascending limb of the active torque–angle relationship, with active muscle joint torques being the dominant contributor over passive torques. The latter finding suggests that human toe flexors are well adapted to generate the MTP joint torques that are necessary for walking and running. This further supports the notion that muscles acting within the foot play an important role in the foot's mechanical function and our ability to walk and run in an upright posture.

View all works in NVA

• Risvang, Linn Christin; Strøm, Vegard; Dijk, Jan-Willem van; Rice, Hannah; Sandbakk, Øyvind Bucher & Bovim, Lars Peder Vatshelle [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2025). Investigating the Effects of a High-Load Resistance Training Program on Bone Health in Wheelchair Users (the BoneWheel Study): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. doi: 10.2196/70125. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Low mechanical loading of the bones of wheelchair users leads to low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of bone fractures and associated complications. High-load resistance training of the upper body is one way to achieve mechanical loading of the lumbar spine and the hip bones. In addition, maintaining good nutritional status with key nutrients for bone remodeling, that is, vitamin D and calcium, is important for bone accrual. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of 24 weeks of high-load resistance training combined with nutritional optimization on lumbar spine BMD. Secondary objectives are to investigate the effects of the intervention on (1) bone and physical health parameters, such as bone turnover blood markers, nutritional status, body composition, and maximal muscular strength, as well as (2) exercise motivation and mental health. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, we aimed to include 60 wheelchair users with nonprogressive impairments. Participants were randomly allocated to 24 weeks of either (1) high-load resistance training and nutrition optimization or (2) nutrition optimization only, stratified by sex and sport activity status. The training program consisted of 3 weekly sessions comprising 6 exercises periodized in low-, moderate-, and high-load phases. The nutritional optimization aimed to ensure sufficient intake of protein, vitamin D, and calcium. BMD and body composition; maximal muscular strength; and nutritional, physical, and mental health status were assessed at baseline, midpoint, and postintervention visits. Furthermore, follow-up assessments of a subgroup were conducted at 6 to 18 months after the intervention. This protocol was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics South-East, Norway. Results: Recruitment occurred between November 2022 and 2023. A total of 68 wheelchair users were screened for eligibility, of whom 45 (66%) were enrolled and allocated to one of the study groups (n=24, 53% training group; n=21, 47% control group). At the midpoint and postintervention visits, 36 (n=17, 47% and n=19, 53%, respectively) and 33 (n=14, 42% and n=19, 58%, respectively) participants were assessed, respectively. Analysis of the data collected at the screening visit commenced in spring 2024, while analyses of data collected at the baseline and retest visits began in autumn 2024. Publication of the results of this study is expected by the end of 2025. Conclusions: This protocol presents the first randomized controlled trial of a high-load resistance training intervention in wheelchair users, focusing on bone, physical, and mental health. The results will contribute to new knowledge in exercise science for this population and generate novel hypotheses for future studies.

View all works in NVA