Estimates of Gastrocnemius Muscle Length During Simulated Pathological Gait

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smita Rao ◽  
Fred Dietz ◽  
H. John Yack
Keyword(s):  
Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Line Model ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Segmented Model ◽  
Normal Gait ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Crouch Gait ◽  
Pathological Gait

The purpose of this study was to compare estimates of gastrocnemius muscle length (GML) obtained using a segmented versus straight-line model in children. Kinematic data were acquired on eleven typically developing children as they walked under the following conditions: normal gait, crouch gait, equinus gait, and crouch with equinus gait. Maximum and minimum GML, and GML change were calculated using two models: straight-line and segmented. A two-way RMANOVA was used to compare GML characteristics. Results indicated that maximum GML and GML change during simulated pathological gait patterns were influenced by model used to calculate gastrocnemius muscle length (interaction: P = .004 and P = .026). Maximum GML was lower in the simulated gait patterns compared with normal gait (P < .001). Maximum GML was higher with the segmented model compared with the straight-line model (P = .030). Using either model, GML change in equinus gait and crouch with equinus gait was lower compared with normal gait (P < .001). Overall, minimum GML estimated with the segmented model was higher compared with the straight-line model (P < .01). The key findings of our study indicate that GML is significantly affected by both gait pattern and method of estimation. The GML estimates tended to be lower with the straight-line model versus the segmented model.

Muscle Contracture Modeling and Optimal Control for Crouch Gait Prediction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matilde Tomasi ◽  
Alessio Artoni
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Control ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Computational Framework ◽  
Control Framework ◽  
Crouch Gait ◽  
Pathological Gait ◽  
Muscle Groups ◽  
Muscle Activations ◽  
Research Challenge

Abstract Prediction of human movement, and especially of pathological gait, is nowadays an important and mostly unsolved research challenge. In this work, a recently developed computational framework based on optimal control was adopted and explored to assess its potential for predicting a pathological gait pattern, in particular the crouch gait typical of subjects affected by cerebral palsy. To this end, the generic musculoskeletal model on which this optimal control framework is based was made representative of such pathological case by modeling contracture of relevant muscle groups commonly associated with crouch gait, namely knee and hip flexors. All the conducted simulations succeeded in inducing the model into a crouch gait pattern, despite their diversity in cost functions. Moreover, the obtained joint angle trajectories correlated well with the experimental ones obtained from a CP child walking in crouch. These kinematic results suggest that optimal control techniques and proper tuning of musculotendon parameters are an important pairing for predictive simulations of human walking. On the other hand, the obtained results confirm that estimation of muscle activations is strongly dependent on the selected objective function and still requires deeper investigations.

EXPLOITING VISUAL CUES FOR LEARNING GAIT PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuhelee Roy ◽  
Geelapaturu Subrahmanya Venkata Radha Krish Rao ◽  
Savarimuthu, Margret Anouncia
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Visual Cues ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Shape Features ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Normal Gait ◽  
Abnormal Gait ◽  
Gait Abnormalities

Records of cases involving neurological disorders often exhibit abnormalities in the gait pattern of an individual. As mentioned in various articles, the causes of various gait disorders can be attributed to neurological disorders. Hence analysis of gait abnormalities can be a key to predict the type of neurological disorders as a part of early diagnosis. A number of sensor-based measurements have aided towards quantifying the degree of abnormalities in a gait pattern. A shape oriented motion based approach has been proposed in this paper to envisage the task of classifying an abnormal gait pattern into one of the five types of gait viz. Parkinsonian, Scissor, Spastic, Steppage and Normal gait. The motion and shape features for two cases viz. right-leg-front and left-leg-front will be taken into account. Experimental results of application on real-time videos suggest the reliability of the proposed method.

Muscle Contracture Emulating System for Studying Artificially Induced Pathological Gait in Intact Individuals

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrej Olenšek ◽  
Zlatko Matjačić ◽  
Tadej Bajd
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical System ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Gait Variability ◽  
Spastic Diplegia ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Gait Kinematics ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Pathological Gait ◽  
Analysis System ◽  
Kinematics And Kinetics

When studying pathological gait it is important to correctly identify primary gait anomalies originating from damage to the central nervous and musculoskeletal system and separate them from compensatory changes of gait pattern, which is often challenging due to the lack of knowledge related to biomechanics of pathological gait. A mechanical system consisting of specially designed trousers, special shoe arrangement, and elastic ropes attached to selected locations on the trousers and shoes is proposed to allow emulation of muscle contractures of soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius (GAS) muscles and both SOL-GAS. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare gait variability as recorded in normal gait and when being constrained with the proposed system. Six neurologically and orthopedically intact volunteers walked along a 7-m walkway while gait kinematics and kinetics were recorded using VICON motion analysis system and two AMTI forceplates. Statistical analysis of coefficient of variation of kinematics and kinetics as recorded in normal walking and during the most constrained SOL-GAS condition showed comparable gait variability. Inspection of resulting group averaged gait patterns revealed considerable resemblance to a selected clinical example of spastic diplegia, indicating that the proposed mechanical system potentially represents a novel method for studying emulated pathological gait arising from artificially induced muscle contractures in neurologically intact individuals.

scholarly journals Three-Dimensional Human Gait Pattern: Reference Data for Young, Active Women Walking with Low, Preferred, and High Speeds

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slawomir Winiarski ◽  
Jadwiga Pietraszewska ◽  
Bogdan Pietraszewski
Keyword(s):  
Reference Data ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Human Gait ◽  
Specific Population ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Normative Database ◽  
High Speeds ◽  
Normal Gait ◽  
Adjustment Of Parameters

Normal gait pattern is the key component in the investigation of pathological gait patterns. In computer motion analysis there is a need to include data from participants with different somatic structures to develop a normative database or to limit the database results to a specific population. The aim of this study was to determine kinematic gait patterns for young, active women walking with low, preferred, and self-selected speeds with regard to their somatic characteristics. Laboratory-based gait analysis was performed on 1320 gait cycles taken from 20 young, active women walking with three different speeds. Comprehensive anthropometric measurements and descriptive statistics were used to describe spatiotemporal and angular variables at each walking condition. The results demonstrated some significant differences in young, active women walking between different speeds and compared to the literature. This suggests that there is a need to include data from participants with different somatic structures to develop a normative database or limit the database results to a specific population. Detailed linear and angular kinematic variables allow for proper adjustment of parameters depending on the gait speed of people with locomotion disorders.

scholarly journals Gait Training in Orthopedic Rehabilitation after Joint Replacement - Back to Normal Gait with Sonification?

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Pietschmann ◽  
F. Geu Flores ◽  
T. Jöllenbeck
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Gait Training ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Contralateral Side ◽  
Angle Measurement ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Normal Gait ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Orthopedic Rehabilitation ◽  
Post Test

Abstract Even several years after total hip (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) surgery patients frequently show deficient gait patterns leading to overloads and relieving postures on the contralateral side or in the spine. Gait training is, in these cases, an essential part of rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to compare different feedback methods during gait training after THR and TKR focusing, in particular, on auditory feedback via sonification. A total of 240 patients after THR and TKR were tested in a pre-post-test design during a 3-week rehabilitation period. Even though sonification did not show, statistically, a clear advantage over other feedback methods, it was well accepted by the patients and seemed to significantly change gait pattern during training. A sudden absence of sonification during training led to a rapid relapse into previous movement patterns, which highlights its effectiveness in breaking highly automated gait patterns. A frequent use of sonification during and after rehabilitation could, hence, reduce overloading after THR and TKR. This may soon be viable, since new technologies, such as inertial measurement units, allow for wearable joint angle measurement devices. Back to normal gait with sonification seems possible.

Nordic Walking Improves Postural Alignment and Leads to a More Normal Gait Pattern Following Weeks of Training: A Pilot Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 575-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Dalton ◽  
Julie Nantel
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Normal Pattern ◽  
Nordic Walking ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Postural Alignment ◽  
Normal Gait ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an 8-week Nordic walking (NW) intervention on older adult gait patterns and postural alignment. Twelve healthy older adults aged 60–80 years (8 female, 4 male) participated, all performing two 6-min walk tests (one with poles [WP], one without poles [NP]) and six 5-m walk trials (3 WP, 3 NP) at pre- and posttesting. Gait and postural variables were compared between poling conditions (i.e., WP to NP) as well as before and following the intervention. Following training, pole use resulted in various gait changes including: longer stride, faster gait, and increased power generation at the hip (H3) and power absorption at the knee (K1 and K4). We conclude that an initial 8-week training period is necessary for novice NW to perfect technique and to restore gait to a more natural, normal pattern following training.

scholarly journals Efficiency and Stability of Step-To Gait in Slow Walking

2022 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kento Hirayama ◽  
Yohei Otaka ◽  
Taichi Kurayama ◽  
Toru Takahashi ◽  
Yutaka Tomita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Muscle Weakness ◽  
Lateral Displacement ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Motor Deficit ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Normal Gait ◽  
Percent Recovery ◽  
Low Speeds

As humans, we constantly change our movement strategies to adapt to changes in physical functions and the external environment. We have to walk very slowly in situations with a high risk of falling, such as walking on slippery ice, carrying an overflowing cup of water, or muscle weakness owing to aging or motor deficit. However, previous studies have shown that a normal gait pattern at low speeds results in reduced efficiency and stability in comparison with those at a normal speed. Another possible strategy is to change the gait pattern from normal to step-to gait, in which the other foot is aligned with the first swing foot. However, the efficiency and stability of the step-to gait pattern at low speeds have not been investigated yet. Therefore, in this study, we compared the efficiency and stability of the normal and step-to gait patterns at intermediate, low, and very low speeds. Eleven healthy participants were asked to walk with a normal gait and step-to gait on a treadmill at five different speeds (i.e., 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 m/min), ranging from very low to normal walking speed. The efficiency parameters (percent recovery and walk ratio) and stability parameters (center of mass lateral displacement) were analyzed from the motion capture data and then compared for the two gait patterns. The results suggested that step-to gait had a more efficient gait pattern at very low speeds of 10–30 m/min, with a larger percent recovery, and was more stable at 10–60 m/min in comparison with a normal gait. However, the efficiency of the normal gait was better than that of the step-to gait pattern at 60 m/min. Therefore, step-to gait is effective in improving gait efficiency and stability when faced with situations that force us to walk slowly or hinder quick walking because of muscle weakness owing to aging or motor deficit along with a high risk of falling.

scholarly journals The Importance of Being Earnest about Shank and Thigh Kinematics Especially When Using Ankle-Foot Orthoses

2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Owen
Keyword(s):  
Joint Kinematics ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Traditional Beliefs ◽  
Vertical Angle ◽  
Gait Biomechanics ◽  
Normal Gait ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthoses ◽  
Pathological Gait ◽  
Kinematics And Kinetics

This paper reviews and summarizes the evidence for important observations of normal and pathological gait and presents an approach to rehabilitation and orthotic management, which is based on the significance of shank and thigh kinematics for standing and gait. It discusses normal gait biomechanics, challenging some traditional beliefs, the interrelationship between segment kinematics, joint kinematics and kinetics and their relationship to orthotic design, alignment and tuning. It proposes a description of four rather than three rockers in gait; a simple categorization of pathological gait based on shank kinematics abnormality; an algorithm for the designing, aligning and tuning of AFO-Footwear Combinations; and an algorithm for determining the sagittal angle of the ankle in an AFO. It reports the results of research on Shank to Vertical Angle alignment of tuned AFO-Footwear Combinations and on the use of ‘point loading’ rocker soles.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document