A Mechanical Sensor Designed for Dynamic Joint Angle Measurement

Background. The measurement of the functional range of motion (FROM) of lower limb joints is an essential parameter for gait analysis especially in evaluating rehabilitation programs.Aim. To develop a simple, reliable, and affordable mechanical goniometer (MGR) for gait analysis, with six-degree freedom to dynamically assess lower limb joint angles.Design. Randomized control trials, in which a new MGR was developed for the measurements of FROM of lower limb joints.Setting. Reliability of the designed MGR was evaluated and validated by a motion analysis system (MAS).Population. Thirty healthy subjects participated in this study.Methods. Reliability and validity of the new MGR were tested by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, and linear correlation analysis.Results. The MGR has good inter- and intrarater reliability and validity withICC≥0.93(for both). Moreover, measurements made by MGR and MAS were comparable and repeatable with each other, as confirmed by Bland-Altman plots. Furthermore, a very high degree of linear correlation (R≥0.92for all joint angle measurements) was found between the lower limb joint angles measured by MGR and MAS.Conclusion. A simple, reliable, and affordable MGR has been designed and developed to aid clinical assessment and treatment evaluation of gait disorders.

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A Dynamic Joint Angle Measurement Device for an Active Hand Rehabilitation System

Journal of Healthcare Engineering ◽

10.1155/2021/6688345 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Yi-Tai Chen ◽

Nguyen Van Hieu ◽

Thien Luan Phan ◽

Tzong Shiun Li ◽

Siang-Ru Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Linear Correlation ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Joint Angle ◽

Evaluation Process ◽

Angle Measurement ◽

Elderly Subjects ◽

Hand Rehabilitation ◽

Rehabilitation Programs ◽

Accuracy And Repeatability

Traditional methods of measuring a joint angle are neither repeatable nor accurate and cannot instantly display, record, and upload the data onto a cloud drive. These mechanisms require development if they are to be used to evaluate rehabilitation programs. This pilot study aim is to create a simple dynamic joint angle measurement system and develop a hand rehabilitation application for stroke users using small and sensitive 3-axis accelerometers. Using Bluetooth communication technology, an electrogoniometer is developed to measure the free range of motion of lower limb joints and automatically send and save all data on to a cloud drive. The reliability of the proposed device is evaluated by comparison with a commercial electrogoniometer. Five healthy youth subjects and five health elderly subjects are involved in the evaluation process for this pilot study. The accuracy and repeatability of the proposed device are tested using Bland–Altman plots and linear correlation analysis. Measurements that were made by the proposed device and a commercial electrogoniometer are shown to be comparable and repeatable, as confirmed by Bland–Atman plots. There is also a very high degree of linear correlation (R2 > 0.99 for all joint angle measurements) between the lower limb joint angles that are measured using both devices. In conclusion, a portable, highly accurate and repeatable device was designed to be used for clinical assessment and for rehabilitation application that gives increased motivation to the user.

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Radiographic Determination of the Canine Elbow Joint Angle in Collimated Views

Acta veterinaria ◽

10.2478/acve-2021-0001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 71 (1) ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Alves-Pimenta Sofia ◽

Colaço Bruno ◽

Ginja Mário

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Elbow Joint ◽

Joint Angle ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Angle Measurement ◽

Intersection Point ◽

Anatomical Landmarks ◽

Joint Angles ◽

Elbow Angle ◽

Measurement Methodology

Abstract The mediolateral flexed, extended, or neutral elbow radiographic views are commonly used in clinical practice. However, there is currently no standardized methodology to accurately measure the elbow joint angle in mediolateral images that include only the elbow joint and surrounding tissues. The main aim of this work is to compare elbow joint angles obtained from mediolateral radiographs that include the complete arm and forearm of the dog, with angles measured in radiographs including only the elbow. Ninety mediolateral views of elbow joints were obtained from 50 canine thoracic limbs, with 39 joints <90º, 30 ≥90 - ≤120º and 21 >120º. Radiographs were centered on the elbow joint and include the shoulder and carpal joints. For each complete forelimb radiographic image, the elbow angle was measured using the methodology described in previous studies. Then, the digital images were cut to obtain only the joint and surrounding tissues, establishing a new set of anatomical landmarks to measure the joint angles: the lateral humeral epicondyle was used as an angular point, with the linking points being the nutritional orifice of the radius at the antebrachial interosseous space and the intersection point of the lateral supracondylar crest with the cranial humeral endosteum. There was a good agreement observed between the two elbow angle measurement methodologies. The intraclass correlation coefficient was statistically significant, with the lower limits of the 95% confidence interval (CI) at >0.75, and with zero being included in the standard error of the mean 95% confidence interval in the Bland-Altman test. This elbow angle measurement methodology based on anatomic landmarks next to the elbow joint is accurate and may be used for clinical and research purposes.

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Kalman-Filtering-Based Joint Angle Measurement with Wireless Wearable Sensor System for Simplified Gait Analysis

IEICE Transactions on Information and Systems ◽

10.1587/transinf.e94.d.1716 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol E94-D (8) ◽

pp. 1716-1720 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Hiroki SAITO ◽

Takashi WATANABE

Keyword(s):

Gait Analysis ◽

Kalman Filtering ◽

Joint Angle ◽

Angle Measurement ◽

Sensor System ◽

Wearable Sensor

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Cervical Spine ROM Measurements: Optimizing the Testing Protocol by Using a 3D Ultrasound-Based Motion Analysis System

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1111/j.1468-2982.2005.00970.x ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 25 (12) ◽

pp. 1133-1145 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

N Strimpakos ◽

V Sakellari ◽

G Gioftsos ◽

M Papathanasiou ◽

E Brountzos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Motion Analysis ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

3D Ultrasound ◽

Standing Position ◽

X Rays ◽

Passive Measurement ◽

Smallest Detectable Difference ◽

Analysis System ◽

Flexion And Extension

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-examiner reliability and validity of neck range of motion (ROM) measurements. Thirty-five healthy subjects were assessed in all neck movements from two initial positions, sitting and standing, actively (open and closed eyes) and passively by using a 3D ultrasound-based motion analysis device (Zebris). Three tests were employed to assess intra-examiner reliability and two examiners used for the inter-examiner reliability. X-rays in neck flexion and extension were used to validate the Zebris system. The standing position yielded higher intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values (>0.86) with less error [smallest detectable difference (SDD) < 13.8%] than sitting (ICC > 0.79, SDD < 14%). Passive assessment of neck ROM presented better reproducibility than active assessment with open or closed eyes in both positions. The inter-examiner reliability was moderate (ICC = 0.43-0.68). The correlation between the Zebris system and X-rays was high in both flexion and extension movements. The results showed that the most reliable protocol for assessment of neck ROM is a passive measurement in the standing position. The measurements were well validiated against X-rays and the experience of the investigators must be considered before any comparison among studies is employed.

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Joint trajectory generator for powered orthosis based on gait modelling using PCA and FFT

Robotica ◽

10.1017/s0263574717000467 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 36 (3) ◽

pp. 395-407 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Nicholas B. Melo ◽

Carlos E. T. Dórea ◽

Pablo J. Alsina ◽

Márcio V. Araújo

Keyword(s):

Principal Component Analysis ◽

Fourier Series ◽

Energy Consumption ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Joint Angle ◽

Principal Component ◽

Orthotic Devices ◽

Joint Angles ◽

Anthropometric Features ◽

Trajectory Generator

SUMMARYIn this work, we propose a method able to find user-oriented gait trajectories that can be used in powered lower limb orthosis applications. Most research related to active orthotic devices focuses on solving hardware issues. However, the problem of generating a set of joint trajectories that are user-oriented still persists. The proposed method uses principal component analysis to extract shared features from a gait dataset, taking into consideration gait-related variables such as joint angle information and the user's anthropometric features, used directly in an orthosis application. The trajectories of joint angles used by the model are represented by a given number of harmonics according to their respective Fourier series analyses. This representation allows better performance of the model, whose capability to generate gait information is validated through experiments using a real active orthotic device, analysing both joint motor energy consumption and user metabolic effort.

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Feasibility study of using a Microsoft Kinect for virtual coaching of wheelchair transfer techniques

Biomedical Engineering / Biomedizinische Technik ◽

10.1515/bmt-2015-0206 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 62 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Seonhong Hwang ◽

Chung-Ying Tsai ◽

Alicia M. Koontz

Keyword(s):

Motion Tracking ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Transfer Task ◽

Angle Measurement ◽

Microsoft Kinect ◽

Joint Angles ◽

Wheelchair Users ◽

Small Standard Error ◽

Mean Square Errors

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to test the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the Kinect skeleton tracking algorithm for measurement of trunk, shoulder, and elbow joint angle measurement during a wheelchair transfer task. Eight wheelchair users were recruited for this study. Joint positions were recorded simultaneously by the Kinect and Vicon motion capture systems while subjects transferred from their wheelchairs to a level bench. Shoulder, elbow, and trunk angles recorded with the Kinect system followed a similar trajectory as the angles recorded with the Vicon system with correlation coefficients that are larger than 0.71 on both sides (leading arm and trailing arm). The root mean square errors (RMSEs) ranged from 5.18 to 22.46 for the shoulder, elbow, and trunk angles. The 95% limits of agreement (LOA) for the discrepancy between the two systems exceeded the clinical significant level of 5°. For the trunk, shoulder, and elbow angles, the Kinect had very good relative reliability for the measurement of sagittal, frontal and horizontal trunk angles, as indicated by the high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values (>0.90). Small standard error of the measure (SEM) values, indicating good absolute reliability, were observed for all joints except for the leading arm’s shoulder joint. Relatively large minimal detectable changes (MDCs) were observed in all joint angles. The Kinect motion tracking has promising performance levels for some upper limb joints. However, more accurate measurement of the joint angles may be required. Therefore, understanding the limitations in precision and accuracy of Kinect is imperative before utilization of Kinect.

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Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL): Reliability and Validity

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20130285 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 94 (5) ◽

pp. 705-721 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Nele Devoogdt ◽

An De Groef ◽

Ad Hendrickx ◽

Robert Damstra ◽

Anke Christiaansen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Internal Consistency ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Activity Limitations ◽

Health Questionnaire ◽

Disability And Health ◽

Measurement Variability ◽

Participation Restrictions ◽

Function Activity

Background Patients may develop primary (congenital) or secondary (acquired) lymphedema, causing significant physical and psychosocial problems. To plan treatment for lymphedema and monitor a patient's progress, swelling, and problems in functioning associated with lymphedema development should be assessed at baseline and follow-up. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability (test-retest, internal consistency, and measurement variability) and validity (content and construct) of data obtained with the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL). Design This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Methods The Lymph-ICF-LL is a descriptive, evaluative tool containing 28 questions about impairments in function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in patients with lower limb lymphedema. The questionnaire has 5 domains: physical function, mental function, general tasks/household activities, mobility activities, and life domains/social life. The reliability and validity of the Lymph-ICF-LL were examined in 30 participants with objective lower limb lymphedema. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability ranged from .69 to .94, and Cronbach alpha coefficients for internal consistency ranged from .82 to .97. Measurement variability was acceptable (standard error of measurement=5.9–12.6). Content validity was good because all questions were understandable for 93% of participants, the scoring system (visual analog scale) was clear, and the questionnaire was comprehensive for 90% of participants. Construct validity was good. All hypotheses for assessing convergent validity and divergent validity were accepted. Limitations The known-groups validity and responsiveness of the Dutch Lymph-ICF-LL and the cross-cultural validity of the English version of the Lymph-ICF-LL were not investigated. Conclusions The Lymph-ICF-LL is a Dutch questionnaire with evidence of reliability and validity for assessing impairments in function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in people with primary or secondary lower limb lymphedema.

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Radiographic measurement of canine stifle joint angles using four different landmark methods

Acta Veterinaria Brno ◽

10.2754/avb202190040399 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 90 (4) ◽

pp. 399-406

Author(s):

Karol Ševčík ◽

Marian Hluchý ◽

Marieta Ševčíková ◽

Valent Ledecký

Keyword(s):

Joint Angle ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Angle Measurement ◽

Radiographic Measurement ◽

Joint Angles ◽

Cranial Cruciate Ligament ◽

Stifle Joint ◽

Ligament Rupture ◽

Kinematic Method ◽

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

This study was conducted to compare angles physically set on the stifle joints of cadaveric limbs of dogs with the results by four different radiographic methods for stifle angle measurement. Thirteen pelvic limbs from various large breeds and skeletally-mature dogs were used. The stifles were fixed at four angles: 125°, 130°, 135° and 140°. Altogether 52 radiographs were done. Each stifle angle set on the cadaver limbs was radiographically measured using four sets of landmarks (the goniometric, long axis, eminence and kinematic methods). We found similarity between angles physically set on cadaver limbs and radiographically measured using the long axis method (P > 0.05). The goniometric method showed similarity in group of limbs with the stifle fixed at 140° (P > 0.05), and other measurements differed significantly (P < 0.05). Eminence and kinematic method measurements were different compared to the angle of fixation of the stifle on the cadaver (P < 0.05) but similar compared to each other (P > 0.05). The method of stifle joint angle measurement should be considered when comparing similar studies, and also in pre-operative measurements for some tibial osteotomies aimed at stabilizing the joint after cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

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Joint Angle, Range of Motion, Force, and Moment Assessment: Responses of the Lower Limb to Ankle Plantarflexion and Dorsiflexion

Applied Bionics and Biomechanics ◽

10.1155/2021/1232468 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Ukadike Chris Ugbolue ◽

Chloe Robson ◽

Emma Donald ◽

Kerry L. Speirs ◽

Frédéric Dutheil ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Joint Angle ◽

Joint Angles ◽

Hip Joints ◽

Exercise Interventions ◽

Biomechanical Assessment ◽

Lower Limb Exercise ◽

Males And Females ◽

Foot Position

There is limited research on the biomechanical assessment of the lower limb joints in relation to dynamic movements that occur at the hip, knee, and ankle joints when performing dorsiflexion (DF) and plantarflexion (PF) among males and females. This study investigated the differences in joint angles (including range of motion (ROM)) and forces (including moments) between the left and right limbs at the ankle, knee, and hip joints during dynamic DF and PF movements in both males and females. Using a general linear model employing multivariate analysis in relation to the joint angle, ROM, force, and moment datasets, the results revealed significant main effects for gender, sidedness, phases, and foot position with respect to joint angles. Weak correlations were observed between measured biomechanical variables. These results provide insightful information for clinicians and biomechanists that relate to lower limb exercise interventions and modelling efficacy standpoints.

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