Obesity: Effects on Gait in an Osteoarthritic Population

1996 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen P. Messier ◽  
Walter H. Ettinger ◽  
Thomas E. Doyle ◽  
Timothy Morgan ◽  
Margaret K. James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Kinematic Data ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Gait Mechanics ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Walking Velocity

The purpose of our study was to examine the association between obesity and gait mechanics in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Subjects were 101 older adults (25 males and 76 females) with knee OA. High-speed video analysis and a force platform were used to record sagittal view lower extremity kinematic data and ground reaction forces. Increased body mass index (BMI) was significantly related to both decreases in walking velocity and knee maximum extension. There were no significant relationships between BMI and any of the hip or ankle kinematic variables. BMI was directly related to vertical force minimum and maximum values, vertical impulse, and loading rate. Increases in braking and propulsive forces were significantly correlated with increased BMI. Maximum medially and laterally directed ground reaction forces were positively correlated with BMI. Our results suggests that, in subjects with knee OA, obesity is associated with an alteration in gait.

scholarly journals Are running speeds maximized with simple-spring stance mechanics?

2014 ◽  
Vol 117 (6) ◽  
pp. 604-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth P. Clark ◽  
Peter G. Weyand
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Spring Model ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Force Application ◽  
Asymmetrical Pattern ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Time Waveform

Are the fastest running speeds achieved using the simple-spring stance mechanics predicted by the classic spring-mass model? We hypothesized that a passive, linear-spring model would not account for the running mechanics that maximize ground force application and speed. We tested this hypothesis by comparing patterns of ground force application across athletic specialization (competitive sprinters vs. athlete nonsprinters, n = 7 each) and running speed (top speeds vs. slower ones). Vertical ground reaction forces at 5.0 and 7.0 m/s, and individual top speeds ( n = 797 total footfalls) were acquired while subjects ran on a custom, high-speed force treadmill. The goodness of fit between measured vertical force vs. time waveform patterns and the patterns predicted by the spring-mass model were assessed using the R2 statistic (where an R2 of 1.00 = perfect fit). As hypothesized, the force application patterns of the competitive sprinters deviated significantly more from the simple-spring pattern than those of the athlete, nonsprinters across the three test speeds ( R2 <0.85 vs. R2 ≥ 0.91, respectively), and deviated most at top speed ( R2 = 0.78 ± 0.02). Sprinters attained faster top speeds than nonsprinters (10.4 ± 0.3 vs. 8.7 ± 0.3 m/s) by applying greater vertical forces during the first half (2.65 ± 0.05 vs. 2.21 ± 0.05 body wt), but not the second half (1.71 ± 0.04 vs. 1.73 ± 0.04 body wt) of the stance phase. We conclude that a passive, simple-spring model has limited application to sprint running performance because the swiftest runners use an asymmetrical pattern of force application to maximize ground reaction forces and attain faster speeds.

scholarly journals Metabolic cost of generating horizontal forces during human running

1999 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 1657-1662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Hui Chang ◽  
Rodger Kram
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Support Body Weight ◽  
Human Running

Previous studies have suggested that generating vertical force on the ground to support body weight (BWt) is the major determinant of the metabolic cost of running. Because horizontal forces exerted on the ground are often an order of magnitude smaller than vertical forces, some have reasoned that they have negligible cost. Using applied horizontal forces (AHF; negative is impeding, positive is aiding) equal to −6, −3, 0, +3, +6, +9, +12, and +15% of BWt, we estimated the cost of generating horizontal forces while subjects were running at 3.3 m/s. We measured rates of oxygen consumption (V˙o 2) for eight subjects. We then used a force-measuring treadmill to measure ground reaction forces from another eight subjects. With an AHF of −6% BWt,V˙o 2 increased 30% compared with normal running, presumably because of the extra work involved. With an AHF of +15% BWt, the subjects exerted ∼70% less propulsive impulse and exhibited a 33% reduction inV˙o 2. Our data suggest that generating horizontal propulsive forces constitutes more than one-third of the total metabolic cost of normal running.

Twisting and Bending: The Functional Role of Salamander Lateral Hypaxial Musculature During Locomotion

2001 ◽  
Vol 204 (11) ◽  
pp. 1979-1989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wallace O. Bennett ◽  
Rachel S. Simons ◽  
Elizabeth L. Brainerd
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
The Body ◽  
Transversus Abdominis ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Terrestrial Locomotion ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Hypaxial Muscle

SUMMARY The function of the lateral hypaxial muscles during locomotion in tetrapods is controversial. Currently, there are two hypotheses of lateral hypaxial muscle function. The first, supported by electromyographic (EMG) data from a lizard (Iguana iguana) and a salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus), suggests that hypaxial muscles function to bend the body during swimming and to resist long-axis torsion during walking. The second, supported by EMG data from lizards during relatively high-speed locomotion, suggests that these muscles function primarily to bend the body during locomotion, not to resist torsional forces. To determine whether the results from D. ensatus hold for another salamander, we recorded lateral hypaxial muscle EMGs synchronized with body and limb kinematics in the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum. In agreement with results from aquatic locomotion in D. ensatus, all four layers of lateral hypaxial musculature were found to show synchronous EMG activity during swimming in A. tigrinum. Our findings for terrestrial locomotion also agree with previous results from D. ensatus and support the torsion resistance hypothesis for terrestrial locomotion. We observed asynchronous EMG bursts of relatively high intensity in the lateral and medial pairs of hypaxial muscles during walking in tiger salamanders (we call these ‘α-bursts’). We infer from this pattern that the more lateral two layers of oblique hypaxial musculature, Mm. obliquus externus superficialis (OES) and obliquus externus profundus (OEP), are active on the side towards which the trunk is bending, while the more medial two layers, Mm. obliquus internus (OI) and transversus abdominis (TA), are active on the opposite side. This result is consistent with the hypothesis proposed for D. ensatus that the OES and OEP generate torsional moments to counteract ground reaction forces generated by forelimb support, while the OI and TA generate torsional moments to counteract ground reaction forces from hindlimb support. However, unlike the EMG pattern reported for D. ensatus, a second, lower-intensity burst of EMG activity (‘β-burst’) was sometimes recorded from the lateral hypaxial muscles in A. tigrinum. As seen in other muscle systems, these β-bursts of hypaxial muscle coactivation may function to provide fine motor control during locomotion. The presence of asynchronous, relatively high-intensity α-bursts indicates that the lateral hypaxial muscles generate torsional moments during terrestrial locomotion, but it is possible that the balance of forces from both α- and β-bursts may allow the lateral hypaxial muscles to contribute to lateral bending of the body as well.

scholarly journals Flèche versus Lunge as the Optimal Footwork Technique in Fencing

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (13) ◽  
pp. 2315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zbigniew Borysiuk ◽  
Natalia Markowska ◽  
Mariusz Konieczny ◽  
Krzysztof Kręcisz ◽  
Monika Błaszczyszyn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Movement Time ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Muscular Tension ◽  
Explosive Force ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Gastrocnemius Muscles ◽  
Sensorimotor Responses

The objective of the study reported in this paper involved identifying the fencing attack (flèche versus lunge) that provides greater effectiveness in a real competition. Two hypotheses are presented in the study. The first hypothesis involves the greater effectiveness of the flèche with regard to bioelectric muscular tension, and the second hypothesis involves the reduction of movement time of the flèche. Therefore, analyses were conducted by the application of EMG (electromyography) signal, ground reaction forces, and parameters representing sensorimotor responses (RT—reaction time and MT—movement time). This study included six world-leading female épée fencers (mean age: 24.6 ± 6.2 years). Throughout the procedure, the subjects performed flèche and lunge touches at the command of the coach based on visual stimuli. The experimental results indicated the greater effectiveness of the flèche compared with the lunge with regard to increases in EMG values (p = 0.027) in the lateral and medial gastrocnemius muscles and decreases in the duration of the movement phase (p = 0.049) and vertical force of the rear leg (p = 0.028). In conclusion, higher levels of EMG and ground reaction forces were generated during the flèche compared with the lunge, which promotes an improvement in the explosive force and contributes to a reduction in the movement phase of the entire offensive action.

Ground Reaction Forces in Children’s Gait

1989 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy L. Greer ◽  
Joseph Hamill ◽  
Kevin R. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Braking Force ◽  
Force Components ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Minimum Force

Ground reaction force patterns during walking were observed in 18 children 3 and 4 years of age. The children walked barefoot at a self-chosen walking pace. Selected variables representing the vertical, anteroposterior, and mediolateral force components were evaluated. The results indicated that children in this age range contact the ground with greater vertical force measures relative to body mass than do adults. In addition, the minimum vertical force was lower, the transition from braking to propulsion occurred earlier, and the mediolateral force excursions were higher than typically found in adults. When the children were divided into groups on the basis of sex, differences were observed between those groups. The boys exhibited a greater difference in the vertical peak forces, a lower minimum force, a greater braking force, and a higher mediolateral force excursion value. The results indicated that children display a different ground reaction force pattern than do adults and that differences between boys and girls may be observed as early as ages 3 and 4 years.

scholarly journals The acute effect of using of texture foot orthoses on ground reaction forces in older adults during walking

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 756-763
Author(s):  
Aydin Valizadeh orang ◽  
Arefeh Mokhtari Malekabadi ◽  
AmirAli Jafarnezhadgero
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Frequency Spectrum ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Acute Effect ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Reaction Forces

Background:Walking is one the common daily activities. With the beginning of middle age, weakness in the lower limb muscles can reduce the ability to walk. The use of foot orthoses reduce the load on the limbs and supports the joints during walking. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the acute effect of foot orthoses on the frequency spectrum of ground reaction forces during walking in the older adults. Methods: In this semi-experimental and laboratory study, 21 elderly (15 females and 6 males) with a mean height of 164.19±4.26 centimeters and weight of 80.04±3.50 kg, and age of 66.00±3.50 years were volunteered to participate in the study. The walking trials were done during three conditions including walking without foot orthoses, walking with small and large textured orthoses. The Bertec force plate (made in USA) with dimensions of 40 * 60 cm was used to record ground reaction forces. Results: The results of this study did not show any significant differences between walking without foot orthoses, walking with small and large textured foot orthoses for frequency of 99.5%, median frequency, frequency band and number of essential harmonics (P>0.05). However, the comfort level during wearing of large texture insole condition significantly increased compared to other conditions (P<0.05). Conclusion: The textured foot orthoses do not affect the frequency spectrum of ground reaction forces; however, it improves the comfort of the individual while walking.

Kinetic and kinematic evaluation of compensatory movements of the head, pelvis and thoracolumbar spine associated with asymmetric weight bearing of the pelvic limbs in trotting dogs

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (06) ◽  
pp. 453-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Millis ◽  
D. A. Hicks
Keyword(s):  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Thoracolumbar Spine ◽  
Vertical Motion ◽  
Body Motion ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Measured Variable ◽  
Kinematic Data ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Pelvic Limb ◽  
Kinematic Evaluation

SummaryObjectives: To determine ground reaction forces, head and pelvis vertical motion (HVM and PVM, respectively), and thoraco-lumbar lateral angular motion (LAM) of the spine using kinematic gait analysis in dogs with mild asymmetric weight-bearing of the pelvic limbs while trotting.Methods: Twenty-seven hound-type dogs were fitted with reflective markers placed on the sagittal crest of the skull, the ischiatic tuberosity, and thoracolumbar spine of dogs to track motion while trotting. Kinetic and kinematic data were used to characterize asymmetry between the left and right pelvic limbs, and to describe HVM, PVM and thoraco-lumbar LAM. Maximum and minimum position and total motion values were determined for each measured variable.Results: Dogs with asymmetric weight bearing of the pelvic limbs had greater PVM on the side with a greater peak vertical force (PVF), and greater thoraco-lumbar LAM toward the side with a lower PVF while trotting. No differences in mean HVM were detected, and there were no significant correlations between the magnitude of HVM, PVM and thoraco-lumbar LAM and the degree of asymmetric weight bearing.Clinical significance: Dogs with subtle asymmetric weight bearing of a pelvic limb had patterns of body motion that may be useful in identifying subtle lameness in dogs; greater PVM on the side with greater weight bearing and greater thoraco-lumbar LAM toward the side with less weight bearing while trotting. Description of these compensatory movements is valuable when evaluating dogs with subtle weight bearing asymmetry in the pelvic limbs and may improve the sensitivity of lameness detection during subjective clinical lameness examination.

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