scholarly journals Trunk Control during Gait: Walking with Wide and Narrow Step Widths Present Distinct Challenges

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai-Jung Steffi Shih ◽  
James Gordon ◽  
Kornelia Kulig
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Frontal Plane ◽  
Feedback System ◽  
Transverse Plane ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Trunk Control ◽  
Vector Coding ◽  
Trunk Kinematics

AbstractThe active control of the trunk plays an important role in frontal plane gait stability. We characterized trunk control in response to different step widths using a novel feedback system and examined the different effects of wide and narrow step widths as they each present unique task demands. Twenty healthy young adults walked on a treadmill at 1.25 m/s at five prescribed step widths: 0.33, 1.67, 1, 1.33, 1.67 times preferred step width. Motion capture was used to record trunk kinematics, and surface electromyography was used to record longissimus muscle activation bilaterally. Vector coding was used to analyze coordination between pelvis and thorax segments of the trunk. Results showed that while center of mass only varied across step width in the mediolateral direction, trunk kinematics in all three planes were affected by changes in step width. Angular excursions of the trunk segments increased only with wider widths in the transverse plane. Thorax-pelvis kinematic coordination was affected more by wider widths in transverse plane and by narrower widths in the frontal plane. Peak longissimus activation and bilateral co-activation increased as step widths became narrower. As a control task, walking with varied step widths is not simply a continuum of adjustments from narrow to wide. Rather, narrowing step width and widening step width from the preferred width represent distinct control challenges that are managed in different ways. This study provides foundation for future investigations on the trunk during gait in different populations.

Influence of Previous Iliotibial Band Syndrome on Coordination Patterns and Coordination Variability in Female Runners

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 305-311
Author(s):  
Eric Foch ◽  
Clare E. Milner
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Frontal Plane ◽  
Transverse Plane ◽  
Iliotibial Band ◽  
Coordination Pattern ◽  
Vector Coding ◽  
Iliotibial Band Syndrome ◽  
History Of ◽  
Coordination Patterns ◽  
Ellipse Area

It is unknown if female runners who have sustained multiple iliotibial band syndrome occurrences run differently compared with runners who developed the injury once or controls. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if differences existed in coordination patterns and coordination variability among female runners with recurrent iliotibial band syndrome, 1 iliotibial band syndrome occurrence, and controls. Overground running trials were collected for 36 female runners (n = 18 controls). Lower extremity coordination patterns were examined during running via a vector coding analysis. Coordination variability was calculated via the ellipse area method. Separate 1-way (group) Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed to compare each coordination pattern and coordination variability. Lower extremity coordination between frontal plane hip–transverse plane hip, frontal plane pelvis–frontal plane thigh, and frontal plane thigh–transverse plane shank was similar among groups and so may not be related to the risk of iliotibial band syndrome. Runners with 1 iliotibial band syndrome occurrence demonstrated greater coordination variability for 2 of 3 couplings compared with both controls and runners with recurrent iliotibial band syndrome. Thus, the number of previous injury episodes may influence coordination variability in female runners with a history of iliotibial band syndrome.

scholarly journals Effects of Transverse and Frontal Plane Knee Laxity on Hip and Knee Neuromechanics during Drop Landings

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1821-1830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra J. Shultz ◽  
Randy J. Schmitz
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Frontal Plane ◽  
Knee Laxity ◽  
Transverse Plane ◽  
Ligament Injury ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background Varus-valgus (LAXVV) and internal-external (LAXIER) rotational knee laxity have received attention as potential contributing factors in anterior cruciate ligament injury. This study compared persons with above- and below-average LAXVV and LAXIER values on hip and knee neuromechanics during drop jump landings. Hypothesis People with greater LAXVV and LAXIER values will have greater challenges controlling frontal and transverse plane knee motions, as evidenced by greater joint excursions, joint moments, and muscle activation levels during the landing phase. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Recreationally active participants (52 women and 44 men) between 18 and 30 years old were measured for LAXVV and LAXIER and for their muscle activation and transverse and frontal plane hip and knee kinetics and kinematics during the initial landing phase of a drop jump. The mean value was obtained for each sex, and those with above-average values on LAXVV and LAXIER (LAXHIGH = 17 women, 16 men) were compared with those with below-average values (LAXLOW = 18 women, 17 men). Results Women with LAXHIGH verus LAXLOW were initially positioned in greater hip adduction and knee valgus and also produced more prolonged internal hip adduction and knee varus moments as they moved toward greater hip adduction and internal rotation as the landing progressed. These patterns in LAX HIGH women were accompanied by greater prelanding and postlanding muscle activation amplitudes. Men with LAXHIGH versus LAXLOW also demonstrated greater hip adduction motion and produced greater internal hip internal rotation and knee varus and internal rotation moments. Conclusion Participants with greater LAXVV and LAXIER landed with greater hip and knee transverse and frontal plane hip and knee motions. Clinical Relevance People (especially, women) with increased frontal and transverse plane knee laxity demonstrate motions associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury mechanisms.

SWEAT2 Study: Effectiveness of Trunk Training on Gait and Trunk Kinematics After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (9) ◽  
pp. 1568-1581
Author(s):  
Tamaya Van Criekinge ◽  
Ann Hallemans ◽  
Nolan Herssens ◽  
Christophe Lafosse ◽  
Dirk Claes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Carryover Effects ◽  
Trunk Control ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Limb Kinematics ◽  
Trunk Kinematics ◽  
Lower Limb Kinematics

Abstract Objective Trunk training after stroke is an effective method for improving mobility, yet underlying associations leading to the observed mobility carryover effects are unknown. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of trunk training for gait and trunk kinematics and to find explanatory variables for the mobility carryover effects. Methods This study was an assessor-masked, randomized controlled trial. Participants received either additional trunk training (n = 19) or cognitive training (n = 20) after subacute stroke. Outcome measures were the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), the Trunk Impairment Scale, spatiotemporal gait parameters, center-of-mass excursions, and trunk and lower limb kinematics during walking. Multivariate analysis with post hoc analysis was performed to observe treatment effects. Correlation and an exploratory regression analysis were used to examine associations with the mobility carryover effects. Results Significant improvements after trunk training, compared with the findings for the control group, were found for the Trunk Impairment Scale, Tinetti POMA, walking speed, step length, step width, horizontal/vertical center-of-mass excursions, and trunk kinematics. No significant differences were observed in lower limb kinematics. Anteroposterior excursions of the trunk were associated with 30% of the variability in the mobility carryover effects. Conclusions Carryover effects of trunk control were present during ambulation. Decreased anteroposterior movements of the thorax were the main variable explaining higher scores on the Tinetti POMA Gait subscale. However, the implementation and generalizability of this treatment approach in a clinical setting are laborious and limited, necessitating further research. Impact Trunk training is an effective strategy for improving mobility after stroke. Regaining trunk control should be considered an important treatment goal early after stroke to adequately prepare patients for walking.

Effects of fatigue on lower limb, pelvis and trunk kinematics and muscle activation: Gender differences

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Camparis Lessi ◽  
Ana Flávia dos Santos ◽  
Luis Fylipe Batista ◽  
Gabriela Clemente de Oliveira ◽  
Fábio Viadanna Serrão
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Trunk Kinematics

scholarly journals Neuromechanical adaptations of foot function to changes in surface stiffness during hopping

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathon V. Birch ◽  
Luke A. Kelly ◽  
Andrew G. Cresswell ◽  
Sharon J. Dixon ◽  
Dominic J. Farris
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
High Stiffness ◽  
Movement Strategies ◽  
Compliant Surfaces ◽  
Foot Function ◽  
Intrinsic Muscles ◽  
Ankle Mechanics

Humans choose work-minimizing movement strategies when interacting with compliant surfaces. Our ankles are credited with stiffening our lower limbs and maintaining the excursion of our body's center of mass on a range of surface stiffnesses. We may also be able to stiffen our feet through an active contribution from our plantar intrinsic muscles (PIMs) on such surfaces. However, traditional modelling of the ankle joint has masked this contribution. We compared foot and ankle mechanics and muscle activation on Low, Medium and High stiffness surfaces during bilateral hopping using a traditional and anatomical ankle model. The traditional ankle model overestimated work and underestimated quasi-stiffness compared to the anatomical model. Hopping on a low stiffness surface resulted in less longitudinal arch compression with respect to the high stiffness surface. However, because midfoot torque was also reduced, midfoot quasi-stiffness remained unchanged. We observed lower activation of the PIMs, soleus and tibialis anterior on the low and medium stiffness conditions, which paralleled the pattern we saw in the work performed by the foot and ankle. Rather than performing unnecessary work, participants altered their landing posture to harness the energy stored by the sprung surface in the low and medium conditions. These findings highlight our preference to minimize mechanical work when transitioning to compliant surfaces and highlight the importance of considering the foot as an active, multi-articular, part of the human leg.

scholarly journals Comparison of osteotomy technique and jig type in completion of distal femoral osteotomies for correction of medial patellar luxation

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (01) ◽  
pp. 28-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Piras ◽  
Bruno Peirone ◽  
Derek Fox ◽  
Matteo Olimpo
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Frontal Plane ◽  
Transverse Plane ◽  
Wedge Osteotomy ◽  
Angular Deformity ◽  
Femoral Bone ◽  
Radiographic Assessment ◽  
Opening Wedge ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Osteotomy Technique

SummaryObjectives: Femoral osteotomies are frequently completed to correct malalignment associated with patellar luxation. The objectives of this study were to compare the use of: 1) two different types of jig; and 2) different types of osteotomy in the realignment of canine femoral bone models which possessed various iterations of angular deformity.Methods: Models of canine femora possessing distal varus, external torsion and a combination of varus and torsion underwent correction utilizing two alignment jigs (Slocum jig and Deformity Reduction Device) and either a closing wedge ostectomy (CWO) or an opening wedge osteotomy (OWO). Post-correctional alignment was evaluated by radiographic assessment and compared between groups.Results: The use of the Slocum jig resulted in frontal plane overcorrection when used with CWO in models of femoral varus, and when used with OWO in models of femoral varus and external torsion when compared to other techniques. The Deformity Reduction Device tended to realign the frontal plane closer to the post-correction target value in all angulation types. The use of both jigs resulted in undercorrection in the transverse plane in models with varus and torsion.Clinical significance: Jig selection and osteotomy type may lead to different post-correctional alignment results when performing distal femoral osteotomies. Whereas OWO allows accurate correction when used with either jig to address frontal plane deformities, the Deformity Reduction Device can be utilized with both CWO and OWO to correct torsion-angulation femoral deformities to optimize frontal plane alignment.

RUNNING PATTERN GENERATION OF HUMANOID BIPED WITH A FIXED POINT AND ITS REALIZATION

2009 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 631-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
BAEK-KYU CHO ◽  
ILL-WOO PARK ◽  
JUN-HO OH
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Point ◽  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Maximum Velocity ◽  
Frontal Plane ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Pattern Generation ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Running Pattern

This paper discusses the generation of a running pattern for a humanoid biped and verifies the validity of the proposed method of running pattern generation via experiments. Two running patterns are generated independently in the sagittal plane and in the frontal plane and the two patterns are then combined. When a running pattern is created with resolved momentum control in the sagittal plane, the angular momentum of the robot about the Center of Mass (COM) is set to zero, as the angular momentum causes the robot to rotate. However, this also induces unnatural motion of the upper body of the robot. To solve this problem, the biped was set as a virtual under-actuated robot with a free joint at its support ankle, and a fixed point for a virtual under-actuated system was determined. Following this, a periodic running pattern in the sagittal plane was formulated using the fixed point. The fixed point is easily determined in a numerical approach. In this way, a running pattern in the frontal plane was also generated. In an experiment, a humanoid biped known as KHR-2 ran forward using the proposed running pattern generation method. Its maximum velocity was 2.88 km/h.

Muscle Mechanical Work Adaptations With Increasing Walking Speed

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard R. Neptune ◽  
Kotaro Sasaki ◽  
Steven A. Kautz
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Force ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Plantar Flexor ◽  
Vertical Support ◽  
Increased Activity ◽  
Body Support

Recent modeling studies of walking at self-selected speeds have identified how individual muscles work in synergy to satisfy the task demands including body support, forward propulsion and swing initiation (e.g. [1, 6]). These analyses revealed that young adults walking at a self-selected speed utilize a distribution of hip and knee extensor muscle force in early stance and ankle plantar flexor and rectus femoris force in late stance to provide support and forward propulsion [6]. However, how these muscles’ putative contributions to these functional tasks change with walking speed is not well understood. Intuitively, increasing walking speed would necessitate an increase in activity for muscles that contribute to forward propulsion. However, increasing walking speed is also associated with longer stride lengths (e.g., [2]), which may require increased activity from those muscles contributing to swing initiation, and increased activity from those muscles contributing to vertical support because the vertical excursion of the body’s center of mass increases.

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