Musculoskeletal biomechanics: articles, publications, and clinical model
Mauro Lastrico, Laura Manni – Physiotherapists
The AIFIMM biomechanical model is an analytical and systemic clinical framework for interpreting pain, dysfunction, and joint and spinal pathologies. This page collects its theoretical foundations, clinical applications, and international publications. Each article is available as a downloadable PDF, complete with figures and references.
Theoretical foundations of the model Articles defining the physical and biomechanical principles.
Muscle Connective Tissue Shortening: An Integrated Biomechanical Model of Joint Degeneration – indexed article
How muscle shortening generates joint conflict: the role of connective tissue
Do antigravity muscles really oppose gravity?
Why joint conflict develops: vector analysis of muscular forces
Segmental analysis Vector analysis of the main joint and spinal regions.
Cervical hyperlordosis, straightening, and forward head: biomechanical causes and disc compressions
Thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and spinal straightening: vector analysis in the sagittal plane
Vertebral rotation and radicular compression: vector analysis in the frontal and rotatory plane
Scoliosis: vertebral rotation, lateral deviation, and biomechanical intervention criteria
Cranio-cervico-mandibular disorders: when jaw pain comes from the neck and vice versa
Shoulder, elbow, and epicondylitis: vector analysis of the upper limb
Knee and hip: valgus, varus, hyperextension, and intra-articular compressions
Systemic model and clinical reasoning How the system organises, why symptoms develop, how to assess, and how to intervene.
Beyond muscle chains: the musculoskeletal system as a complex system
Pain neuroscience and muscle shortening: three systems, one final effector
Why the symptom returns: clinical reasoning in musculoskeletal pain diagnosis
Why muscle strengthening alone does not correct joint alignment
Books
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and the Mézières Method- Mauro Lastrico — Demi Edizioni, Roma (1st ed. 2016, 3rd reprint 2023) Original theoretical foundation of the model.
Physics of the Musculoskeletal System — From the Vector Model to Clinical Reasoning - Mauro Lastrico, Laura Manni — forthcoming 2026 Advanced systematisation of the theoretical framework.
Articles published in indexed scientific journals
Lastrico M. An integrated biomechanical model linking connective tissue shortening, segmental load distribution, and vectorial dominance to predict joint degeneration patterns. Medical Hypotheses (Elsevier). 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2026.112052
Indexed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science.
Internationally published articles The following articles were submitted to independent editorial review and published by the CPD Certification Service (UK), with verification of theoretical consistency and integration of bibliographic sources.
Muscle Shortening and Joint Dysfunction – Physical and Clinical Mechanisms
Body Equilibrium – A Physical-Clinical Interpretation of Human Upright Stability
Vector Analysis in Musculoskeletal Biomechanics - Part 1: Foundations and Clinical Principles
Vector Analysis of the Vertebral Column in the Frontal Plane – Part 1
Vector Analysis of the Vertebral Column in the Frontal Plane – Part 2
TMJ Biomechanical Analysis - Part 1: Systemic Relationships, Hyoid Function and Dental Influence
TMJ Biomechanical Analysis - Part 2: Muscular Mechanisms, Joint Locking and Clinical Tests
Biomechanical Analysis of the Lower Limb – Part 1: Vectorial Dominances of the Hip and Knee
Biomechanical Analysis of the Lower Limb – Part 2: Vectorial Dominances of the Foot
The Muscle as Final Effector: Three Converging Systems