scholarly journals Comparisons of Joint Kinetics in the Lower Extremity Between Stair Ascent and Descent

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.-C. Lin ◽  
T.-W. Lu ◽  
H.-C. Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Joint Kinetics ◽  
Stair Ascent ◽  
Level Walking ◽  
Joint Loads ◽  
Stair Locomotion

AbstractStair locomotion has been used in the rehabilitation of the lower extremity as a motor performance test and multi-joint exercise. Controversies exist regarding joint loads during stair locomotion. The purposes of the study were to investigate the three-dimensional kinetics of the lower limb joints during stair locomotion, and to compare them with those during level walking. Ten normal young adults walked, and ascended and descended stairs in a gait laboratory while kinematic and kinetic data were collected and analyzed. The results showed that the intersegmental resultant forces at the joints during the activities were generally similar in pattern but the force magnitudes, moments and angular impulses were significantly different. The general impression that the loads in the lower limb were larger during stair descent than stair ascent only holds for certain kinetic variables. Most of the peak joint moments and angular impulses over the entire stance phase were bigger during stair ascent than descent. The study provides a complete knowledge of the three-dimensional loading patterns at and dynamic functions of the lower limb joints during level walking and stair locomotion. It will be helpful for the planning and evaluation of treatment programs for patients with neuromusculoskeletal pathologies in the lower extremities.

scholarly journals THREE-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF KINEMATIC AND KINETIC COORDINATION OF THE LOWER LIMB JOINTS DURING STAIR ASCENT AND DESCENT

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (02) ◽  
pp. 101-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
HSIU-CHEN LIN ◽  
TUNG-WU LU ◽  
HORNG-CHAUNG HSU
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Stance Phase ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Stair Ascent ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Stair Descent ◽  
Hip Abduction ◽  
Stair Locomotion

Being a common daily activity, stair locomotion places much higher loads on the lower limb than level walking does so a better understanding of the biomechanics of this activity is important for evaluation and treatment for patients with lower limb problems. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the three-dimensional dynamics and coordination of the joints of the lower limb during the stance phase of stair ascent and descent. Ten normal young adult subjects were recruited to ascend and descend stairs in a gait laboratory where the three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data as well as muscle electromyography (EMG) were collected. The sagittal ranges of motion during stance phase of stair ascent were from 1.85° extension to 53.5° flexion for the hip, 13.1° to 60.1° flexion for the knee and 13.8° dorsiflexion to 14.0° plantarflexion for the ankle. Corresponding data for stair descent were 4.78( to 13.16( flexion for the hip, 8.3° to 77.6° flexion for the knee and 18.3° dorsiflexion to 27.4° plantarflexion for the ankle. Maximum extensor moments of 8.5% and 15.6% (Nm/BW/LL) were required at the hip and knee respectively during loading response while 19.4% (Nm/BW/LL) at the ankle shortly before toe-off. During stair descent, maximum extensor moments of about 4.4% were required at the hip during loading response and before toe-off while 13.3% and 15.2% (Nm/BW/LL) at the knee and ankle respectively before toe-off The joint angles, moments, and powers in the frontal and transverse planes were relatively small, except for hip abduction. The hip abductor moments and powers were significantly bigger than those of the knee and ankle in both stair activities. Joint powers and the corresponding muscle activation patterns in stair ascent were significantly different from those in descent, with concentric powers generated mostly during stair ascent and with eccentric powers stair descent. The differences of the movements of the lower limb during stair ascent and descent were due to different safety requirements and kinematic and kinetic constraints from the stairs. The complete description of the biomechanics of the lower extremity while performing stair locomotion will be helpful for the planning and evaluation of treatment programs for patients with lower limb problems.

Elevated Knee Joint Kinetics and Reduced Ankle Kinetics Are Present During Jogging and Hopping After Achilles Tendon Ruptures

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 1124-1133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W. Willy ◽  
Annelie Brorsson ◽  
Hayley C. Powell ◽  
John D. Willson ◽  
Roy Tranberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Joint ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Patellofemoral Joint ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Joint Power ◽  
Joint Stress ◽  
Joint Kinetics ◽  
Joint Loads

Background: Deficits in plantarflexor function are common after an Achilles tendon rupture. These deficits may result in an altered distribution of joint loads during lower extremity tasks. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that, regardless of treatment, the Achilles tendon–ruptured limb would exhibit deficits in ankle kinematics and joint power while exhibiting elevated knee joint power and patellofemoral joint loads during walking, jogging, and hopping. We further hypothesized that this loading pattern would be most evident during jogging and hopping. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Thirty-four participants (17 participants treated surgically, 17 treated nonsurgically) were tested at a mean 6.1 ± 2.0 years after an Achilles tendon rupture. Lower extremity kinematics and kinetics were assessed while participants completed walking, jogging, and single-legged hopping trials. Patellofemoral joint stress was calculated via a musculoskeletal model. Data were analyzed via mixed-model repeated analyses of variance (α = .05) and the limb symmetry index (LSI). Results: No differences ( P ≥ .05) were found between the surgical and nonsurgical groups. In both groups, large side-to-side deficits in the plantarflexion angle at toeoff (LSI: 53.5%-73.9%) were noted during walking, jogging, and hopping in the involved limb. Side-to-side deficits in the angular velocity were only present during jogging (LSI: 93.5%) and hopping (LSI: 92.5%). This pattern was accompanied by large deficits in eccentric (LSI: 80.8%-94.7%) and concentric (LSI: 82.2%-84.7%) ankle joint powers in the involved limb during all tasks. Interestingly, only jogging and hopping demonstrated greater knee joint loads when compared with the uninvolved limb. Concentric knee power was greater during jogging (LSI: 117.2%) and hopping (LSI: 115.9%) compared with the uninvolved limb. Similarly, peak patellofemoral joint stress was greater in the involved limb during jogging (LSI: 107.5%) and hopping (LSI: 107.1%), while only hopping had a greater loading rate of patellofemoral joint stress (LSI: 110.9%). Conclusion: Considerable side-to-side deficits in plantarflexor function were observed during walking, jogging, and hopping in patients after an Achilles tendon rupture. As a possible compensation, increased knee joint loads were present but only during jogging and hopping. Clinical Relevance: These data suggest that after an Achilles tendon rupture, patients may be susceptible to greater mechanical loading of the knee during sporting tasks, regardless of surgical or nonsurgical treatment.

Late Rearfoot Eversion and Lower-limb Internal Rotation Caused by Changes in the Interaction between Forefoot and Support Surface

2009 ◽  
Vol 99 (6) ◽  
pp. 503-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thales R. Souza ◽  
Rafael Z. Pinto ◽  
Renato G. Trede ◽  
Renata N. Kirkwood ◽  
Antônio E. Pertence ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Support Surface ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Mechanical Factors ◽  
Lateral Wedges ◽  
Rearfoot Eversion

Background: The influence of distal mechanical factors that change the interaction between the forefoot and the support surface on lower-limb kinematics is not well established. This study investigated the effects of the use of lateral wedges under the forefoot on the kinematics of the lower extremity during the stance phase of walking. Methods: Sixteen healthy young adults participated in this repeated-measures study. They walked wearing flat sandals and laterally wedged sandals, which were medially inclined only in the forefoot. One wedged sandal had a forefoot lateral wedge of 5° and the other wedged sandal had a forefoot lateral wedge of 10°. Kinematic variables of the lower extremity, theoretically considered clinically relevant for injury development, were measured with a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The variables were evaluated for three subphases of stance: loading response, midstance, and late stance. Results: The 5° laterally wedged sandal increased rearfoot eversion during midstance and the 10° laterally wedged sandal increased rearfoot eversion during mid- and late stances, in comparison to the use of flat sandals. The 10° laterally wedged sandal produced greater internal rotation of the shank relative to the pelvis and of the hip joint, during the midstance, also compared to the use of flat sandals. Conclusions: Lateral wedges under the forefoot increase rearfoot eversion during mid-and late stances and may cause proximal kinematic changes throughout the lower-extremity kinetic chain. Distal mechanical factors should be clinically addressed when a patient presents late excessive rearfoot eversion during walking. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(6): 503–511, 2009)

Three-Dimensional Knee Joint Kinetics During a Golf Swing

1998 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles J. Gatt ◽  
Michael J. Pavol ◽  
Richard D. Parker ◽  
Mark D. Grabiner
Keyword(s):  
Knee Joint ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Skill Level ◽  
Golf Swing ◽  
Joint Kinetics ◽  
Peak Loads ◽  
Knee Rehabilitation ◽  
Peak Knee ◽  
Knee Loading ◽  
Joint Loads

This study characterized knee joint kinetics during a golf swing and determined the influence of shoe type and golfer skill on the peak knee joint loads. Thirteen golfers each hit a golf ball using a five iron under two footware conditions: spiked and spikeless golf shoes. Data from a video-based motion capture system and force plates were used to compute the knee joint kinetics. Mean peak forces and moments differed significantly between the lead and trail knees, but these peak loads were not significantly affected by shoe type. Only the lead knee flexion and internal rotation moments were significantly correlated to skill level. The magnitude of some of the peak loads at the knee during the golf swing approached those reached during activities prohibited until late-stage knee rehabilitation. We concluded the following: The type of shoe worn and the skill level of the golfer need not be considered in deciding time to return to golfing; however, the leg that is recovering from surgery or injury should be considered. The most stressful phase of the golf swing, relative to the knee, is the downswing. There is probably no “normal” swing; each golfer seems to possess consistent, characteristic, patterns of knee loading.

scholarly journals Dynamic alignment changes during level walking in patients with dropped head syndrome: analyses using a three-dimensional motion analysis system

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuya Igawa ◽  
Ken Ishii ◽  
Akifumi Suzuki ◽  
Hideto Ui ◽  
Ryunosuke Urata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motion Analysis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Motion Analysis System ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Dropped Head Syndrome ◽  
Level Walking ◽  
Analysis System ◽  
Dynamic Alignment

AbstractIn patients with dropped head syndrome (DHS), cervical malalignment is one of the risk factors for impaired horizontal gaze and restrictions to ambulation. The characteristics of gait in patients with DHS have not been clarified biomechanically from the viewpoint of dynamic alignment and lower limb kinematics. This study aimed to clarify kinematic and kinetic differences during level walking in patients with DHS compared to the healthy elderly. Twelve patients with DHS and healthy elderly individuals performed level walking at a self-selected speed. Spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic data were recorded using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Statistical analysis was performed to compare these data between the two groups, respectively. Compared with the healthy elderly, stride length and peak hip-joint extension angle in patients with DHS were significantly shorter and smaller. The thorax was also significantly tilted backwards. Peak ankle-joint plantar-flexion moment was significantly smaller despite larger dorsiflexion angle compared with the healthy elderly. The walking of DHS patients demonstrated kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the lower limb joints and alignment of the thorax and pelvis corresponding to their short stride and walking speed.

scholarly journals Energy absorption at lower limb joints in different foot contact strategies while descending stairs

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 433-440
Author(s):  
Hyeong-Min Jeon ◽  
Ki-Kwang Lee ◽  
Jun-Young Lee ◽  
Ju-Hwan Shin ◽  
Gwang-Moon Eom
Keyword(s):  
Knee Joint ◽  
Potential Energy ◽  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Connective Tissues ◽  
Stair Descent ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Power And Energy ◽  
Joint Loads

BACKGROUND: Joint loads in different walking strategies during stair descent have been investigated in terms of the joint moment in association with the risk of osteoarthritis. However, the absorption mechanisms of the potential energy loss are not known. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the mechanical energy absorptions in lower limb joints in different initial foot contact strategies. METHODS: Nineteen young subjects walked down on instrumented stairs with two different strategies, i.e., forefoot and rearfoot strike. Power and energy at lower limb joints during stance phase were compared between strategies. RESULTS: Lower limb joints absorbed 73 ± 11% of the potential energy released by descending stairs and there was no difference between strategies. Rearfoot strategy absorbed less energy than forefoot strategy at the ankle joint in the 1st phase, which was compensated mainly by more energy absorption at the knee in the 2nd phase and less energy generation at the hip joints in the 3rd phase. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a leg absorbs most of the potential energy while descending stairs irrespective of the walking strategies and that any reduction of energy absorption at one joint is compensated by other joints. Greater energy absorption at the knee joint compared to the other joints suggests high burden of knee joint muscles and connective tissues during stair-descent, which is even more significant for the rearfoot strike strategy.

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