Promoting Biomechanics in Nigeria for Better Health and Sports Outcomes

A Nigerian biomechanics researcher, Chioma Ezeajughi, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise biomechanics as part of Nigeria’s healthcare and sports policy, saying the science of human movement can significantly reduce disability, improve rehabilitation, and protect athletes from career-ending injuries.

She made the call at the maiden edition of the National Biomechanics Day 2025 hosted at Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State.

The event, which was organised by Ezeajughi, brought together students, lecturers, and clinicians across FUTO, alongside distinguished international guests, including the President-elect of the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB), the Coordinator of the South African Society of Biomechanics (SASB), and an American certified prosthetist and orthotist.

Ezeajughi said biomechanics, which integrates engineering, physics, and biology, provides practical solutions for rehabilitation and sports performance.

“Biomechanics gives us the tools to change the health care and sports narrative. It helps us design affordable prosthetics, retrain gait for people living with musculoskeletal challenges, improve athletic performance, and, most importantly, prevent injuries,” she said.

According to her, Nigeria carries a high burden of limb loss and musculoskeletal injuries caused largely by trauma, diabetes, and infections. She added that many Nigerian athletes, who should inspire the nation, often face premature retirement due to injuries that could have been avoided with modern scientific methods.

At the event, participants witnessed demonstrations of gait analysis systems, motion feedback tools, and injury-prevention techniques. For many students, it was their first exposure to how biomechanics can directly shape both lives and careers.

One of the highlights was the presentation by the ISB president-elect, Professor Felipe Carpes, who shared two of his studies that successfully identified the risks of real-time Achilles tendon rupture. In addition, the coordinator of the South African Society of Biomechanics (SASB) shared the organization’s experiences and emphasized how Nigerian academic and health institutions could benefit from utilizing donated or previously used equipment from abroad.

The coordinator also highlighted the importance of researchers and clinicians in allied health professions collaborating with leading biomechanics countries worldwide. Furthermore, on behalf of SASB, the coordinator volunteered to support lecturers, students, and clinicians by providing guidance on how to write and secure both internal and external grants whenever the association is called upon.

Ezeajughi stressed that adopting biomechanics in Nigeria would not only benefit patients and athletes but also reduce the financial strain on the healthcare system while boosting productivity. 

“Every rehabilitated individual becomes one more active citizen. Every prevented injury saves healthcare costs and preserves talent. Nigerian engineers can also innovate by designing prosthetics and assistive technologies suited to local cultural needs,” she said.

She, however, warned that failure to invest in biomechanics would leave thousands of Nigerians vulnerable to avoidable disabilities and lead to continued loss of sporting talent.

“The government must prioritise biomechanics in health and sports policy. Universities need to establish accessible laboratories. The private sector and NGOs must support affordable technologies, while coaches and clinicians should adopt data-driven methods instead of relying only on observation,” she added.

According to her, the vision is for a Nigeria where “limb loss does not mean loss of independence, where athletes health is prioritised, and where they can compete confidently on the world stage.”