Latinx in Biomechanix Blog

 The 10th World Congress of Biomechanics (WCB) will take place in Vancouver, Canada, from July 11–15, 2026 , bringing together researchers, clinicians, engineers, and students from around the world to share the latest advances in biomechanics. As the joint 2026 meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) , the Canadian Society of Biomechanics (CSB/SCB) , and the European Society of Biomechanics (ESB) , the congress will feature cutting-edge research spanning traditional biomechanics as well as emerging areas such as wearable sensors, artificial intelligence, regenerative medicine, and novel medical technologies. One of the goals of Latinx in Biomechanix (LiB) is to increase the visibility of Latinx researchers while fostering meaningful connections within our community. Conferences provide a unique opportunity to accomplish both. Whether you are attending WCB for the first time or are a returning participant, we encourage you to attend these presentations, introduce yo...

Biomechanics is often described as the application of engineering principles to the study of living systems. At first glance, this may sound straightforward. Engineers already use mathematics, physics, modeling, and experimentation to understand complex systems. Why should studying the human body be any different? The answer lies in the fact that living systems are far more complex, adaptable, and variable than most traditional engineering systems. While biomechanics shares many tools and approaches with fields such as mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering, it also faces unique challenges that make it distinct. Every "Component" Is Different Engineers often rely on standardization. A steel beam manufactured under the same specifications will generally behave similarly regardless of where it is used. Human beings, however, are inherently variable. Differences in anatomy, age, sex, training history, injury history, and even daily activities can influence how a person mov...

One of the greatest strengths of biomechanics is its rapid growth and evolution. Modern biomechanics is no longer limited to traditional motion analysis or mechanical modeling. Today, biomechanics incorporates modern data analysis approaches such as machine learning, subject-specific modeling, wearable technologies, tissue engineering, and patient feedback to improve injury prevention, rehabilitation, and surgical outcomes. Literature reviews and systematic reviews are crucial starting points for research. They help researchers identify gaps in the existing literature, understand current limitations, and stay informed about emerging trends across the field. The purpose of this post is to highlight three recent review papers published in the Journal of Biomechanics (Impact Factor: 2.4). Rather than providing a highly technical discussion, this post aims to serve as a conversation starter and an opportunity to explore topics that may fall outside your own area of expertise. Stress-Based...

Latinx in Biomechanix (LiB) was founded with a clear purpose: to create a sense of community for Latinx individuals in the field of biomechanics. While biomechanics is a growing and interdisciplinary field, it remains, like many areas in academia, relatively homogeneous. For many students and professionals, this can make it difficult to find others who share similar cultural backgrounds or life experiences. The founders of LiB recognized this gap early on. Beyond the academic challenges associated with pursuing higher education, many Latinx students face additional barriers, including relocating to unfamiliar environments and navigating spaces where they may feel underrepresented. As one of our founders,  Ricky Pimentel shared,  “ We wanted to create a sense of community for Latines involved in biomechanics… creating a network of people who shared similar backgrounds could help bolster success for current and future students.” For some, the motivation to build this community ...

When people ask me what I do, my answer often creates more confusion than clarity: “I work in biomechanics.” The immediate response is usually: “Oh, so you work on prosthetics?” Prosthetics are indeed part of biomechanics. But the field is not limited to devices or confined to medicine or engineering. It exists at the intersection of physics, biology, health sciences, sport, technology, and human behavior. It is both analytical and applied. And it is far broader than a single application. Rather than offering a dictionary definition, I asked members of Latinx in Biomechanix a simple question:  What does biomechanics mean to you, and why is it relevant? The responses reveal a field that is technically rigorous, clinically impactful, interdisciplinary, and deeply connected to human movement. Biomechanics as the Foundation of Human Movement For several contributors, biomechanics begins with the mechanical principles underlying motion. "Biomechanics is a field of study that is closely...

We are pleased to introduce the official blog of Latinx in Biomechanix (LiB) — a platform dedicated to sharing insights, achievements, and perspectives that reflect the mission, vision, and excellence of our community. Our organization’s mission is to foster community by promoting cultural awareness and maximizing the impact of Latinx people in movement science. Through this blog, we aim to extend that mission into a dynamic space for communication and connection. It will serve as a resource for updates, reflections, and personal perspectives from across the biomechanics field, offering readers both professional knowledge and a sense of belonging. Readers can expect a variety of posts, including member spotlights, research highlights, conference coverage, and opinion pieces on mentorship, diversity, and professional growth. The blog will also feature educational content, career resources, and community celebrations, providing a comprehensive view of the people and work shaping biomecha...