scholarly journals Running gait impulse asymmetries in below-knee amputees

1992 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Prince ◽  
P. Allard ◽  
R. G. Therrien ◽  
B. J. McFadyen

In running, large gait asymmetry is expected due to the inability of the foot prosthesis to comply with the kinematic demands and produce a powerful plantarflexion moment. In this work, interlimb asymmetry in below-knee (BK) amputee running gait was assessed for one rigid and three flexible keel prostheses, using vertical and anteroposterior ground reaction forces and respective impulses. Nine BK amputees and 6 controls participated in this study. The running speed was monitored by two light sensitive detectors while the ground reaction forces were measured with a Kistler force plate. Between the prosthetic side and the sound limb the impulse indicator showed greater asymmetry than the force. Interlimb asymmetry was very much present in all types of prosthesis tested but is less pronounced in the flexible keel prostheses. In the latter, the asymmetry may be associated with the forcetime history modulation rather than its magnitude alone. Generally, the impulses better describe interlimb asymmetry and the forces allow a greater discrimination between prosthetic foot types.

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
AmirAli Jafarnezhadgero ◽  
Nasrin Amirzadeh ◽  
Amir Fatollahi ◽  
Marefat Siahkouhian ◽  
Anderson S. Oliveira ◽  
...  

Background: In terms of physiological and biomechanical characteristics, over-pronation of the feet has been associated with distinct muscle recruitment patterns and ground reaction forces during running.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of running on sand vs. stable ground on ground-reaction-forces (GRFs) and electromyographic (EMG) activity of lower limb muscles in individuals with over-pronated feet (OPF) compared with healthy controls.Methods: Thirty-three OPF individuals and 33 controls ran at preferred speed and in randomized-order over level-ground and sand. A force-plate was embedded in an 18-m runway to collect GRFs. Muscle activities were recorded using an EMG-system. Data were adjusted for surface-related differences in running speed.Results: Running on sand resulted in lower speed compared with stable ground running (p < 0.001; d = 0.83). Results demonstrated that running on sand produced higher tibialis anterior activity (p = 0.024; d = 0.28). Also, findings indicated larger loading rates (p = 0.004; d = 0.72) and greater vastus medialis (p < 0.001; d = 0.89) and rectus femoris (p = 0.001; d = 0.61) activities in OPF individuals. Controls but not OPF showed significantly lower gluteus-medius activity (p = 0.022; d = 0.63) when running on sand.Conclusion: Running on sand resulted in lower running speed and higher tibialis anterior activity during the loading phase. This may indicate alterations in neuromuscular demands in the distal part of the lower limbs when running on sand. In OPF individuals, higher loading rates together with greater quadriceps activity may constitute a proximal compensatory mechanism for distal surface instability.


1995 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. Arya ◽  
A. Lees ◽  
H. C. Nerula ◽  
L. Klenerman

The Jaipur prosthetic foot was developed in India in response to specific socio-cultural needs of Indian amputees. It is being used extensively in India and several other developing countries. Its claim of being a cheaper and satisfactory alternative to other prosthetic feet has not been investigated biomechanically. The present study was undertaken to compare its biomechanical properties with the SACH and Seattle feet, using ground reaction forces. Three trans-tibial amputees participated in the experiment which measured the ground reaction force data using a Kistler force plate. Subject's normal foot was used as a reference. Six variables from the vertical and anteroposterior components of ground reaction forces were quantified, their statistical analysis showed that the normal foot generates significantly larger ground reaction forces than the prosthetic foot. The shock absortion capacity of the SACH foot was found to be better when compared with the other two feet, while the Jaipur foot allowed a more natural gait and was closer in performance to the normal foot. None of the prostheses significantly influenced the locomotor style of the amputees.


2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pia Gustås ◽  
Christopher Johnston ◽  
Stig Drevemo

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to compare the hoof deceleration and ground reaction forces following impact on two different surfaces. Seven unshod Standardbreds were trotted by hand at 3.0–5.7 m s− 1 over a force plate covered by either of the two surfaces, sandpaper or a 1 cm layer of sand. Impact deceleration data were recorded from one triaxial accelerometer mounted on the fore- and hind hooves, respectively. Ground reaction force data were obtained synchronously from a force plate, sampled at 4.8 kHz. The differences between the two surfaces were studied by analysing representative deceleration and force variables for individual horses. The maximum horizontal peak deceleration and the loading rates of the vertical and the horizontal forces were significantly higher on sandpaper compared with the sand surface (P < 0.001). In addition, the initial vertical deceleration was significantly higher on sandpaper in the forelimb (P < 0.001). In conclusion, it was shown that the different qualities of the ground surface result in differences in the hoof-braking pattern, which may be of great importance for the strength of the distal horse limb also at slow speeds.


2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 180-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niell G. Elvin ◽  
Alex A. Elvin ◽  
Steven P. Arnoczky

Modern electronics allow for the unobtrusive measurement of accelerations outside the laboratory using wireless sensor nodes. The ability to accurately measure joint accelerations under unrestricted conditions, and to correlate them with jump height and landing force, could provide important data to better understand joint mechanics subject to real-life conditions. This study investigates the correlation between peak vertical ground reaction forces, as measured by a force plate, and tibial axial accelerations during free vertical jumping. The jump heights calculated from force-plate data and accelerometer measurements are also compared. For six male subjects participating in this study, the average coefficient of determination between peak ground reaction force and peak tibial axial acceleration is found to be 0.81. The coefficient of determination between jump height calculated using force plate and accelerometer data is 0.88. Data show that the landing forces could be as high as 8 body weights of the jumper. The measured peak tibial accelerations ranged up to 42 g. Jump heights calculated from force plate and accelerometer sensors data differed by less than 2.5 cm. It is found that both impact accelerations and landing forces are only weakly correlated with jump height (the average coefficient of determination is 0.12). This study shows that unobtrusive accelerometers can be used to determine the ground reaction forces experienced in a jump landing. Whereas the device also permitted an accurate determination of jump height, there was no correlation between peak ground reaction force and jump height.


2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Haupenthal ◽  
Heiliane de Brito Fontana ◽  
Caroline Ruschel ◽  
Daniela Pacheco dos Santos ◽  
Helio Roesler

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (89) ◽  
pp. 13-20
Author(s):  
Dimitrije Cabarkapa ◽  
Andrew Fry ◽  
Damjana Cabarkapa ◽  
Arden Rogers ◽  
Eric Mosier

Aim: The purpose of this study was to quantify ground reaction forces for some of the most commonly utilised volleyball blocking approaches and to examine their kinetic and kinematic characteristics. Basic procedures: The study was comprised of 18 healthy recreationally active women who volunteered to participate. Immediately after completion of the warm-up protocol, subjects performed 5 blocking approaches: stationary blocking approach (SBA), shuffle block to the right (SHBR), shuffle block to the left (SHBL), swing block to the right (SWBR) and swing block to the left (SWBL). In order to allow adequate recovery, each trial was randomly assigned and separated by a 1-2 minute rest interval. A uni-axial force plate with data acquisition system sampling at 1000 Hz was used to measure ground reaction forces. Main findings: SWBR and SWBL unveiled the greatest peak concentric force and rate of force development when compared to SBA, while no difference was observed when compared to SHBR and SHBL. Results: No significant differences were observed in peak landing force, impulse, and vertical jump height between any of the blocking approaches examined in this study. Conclusions: Knowing biomechanical characteristics of some of the most commonly utilised volleyball blocking approaches may help athletes to appropriately respond and quickly adjust to the opponent’s attacking position. Kinetic and kinematic variables are likely to be augmented with an advanced level of competition and can be trained and improved by properly designed and implemented strength and conditioning programmes.


2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 243-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Damur ◽  
T. Guerrero ◽  
M. Haessig ◽  
P. Montavon ◽  
K. Voss

Summary Objective: To assess functional outcome in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) using force plate gait analysis, and to evaluate parameters potentially influencing outcome. Study design: Prospective clinical study. Animals: Consecutive clinical patients (n=37) with CrCL-deficient stifles (n=40). Methods: The stifle joints were examined arthroscopically prior to TTA. Meniscal release was not performed if the medial meniscus was intact. Open medial arthrotomy and partial meniscectomy were performed in the presence of meniscal tears. Vertical ground reaction forces were measured preoperatively and at follow-up examinations four to 16 months postoperatively (mean: 5.9 months). The ground reaction forces of a group of 65 healthy dogs were used for the comparison. The potential effects of clinical parameters on functional outcome were evaluated statistically. Results: Complete CrCL rupture was identified in 28 joints, and partial CrCL rupture in 12 joints. The medial meniscus was damaged in 21 stifles. Vertical ground reaction forces were significantly higher at follow-up (P<0.01), but remained significantly lower than those of control dogs (P<0.01). Complications were identified in 25% of joints, and the dogs with complications had significantly lower peak vertical forces at follow-up than the dogs without complications (P=0.04). Other clinical parameters did not influence outcome. Conclusions: Tibial tuberosity advancement significantly improved limb function in dogs with CrCL disease, but did not result in complete return to function. Complications adversely affected functional outcome. Clinical significance: A return to a function of approximately 90% of normal can be expected in dogs with CrCL disease undergoing TTA.


2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chip Wade ◽  
Mark S. Redfern

Locomotion over ballast surfaces provides a unique situation for investigating the biomechanics of gait. Although much research has focused on level and sloped walking on a smooth, firm surface in order to understand the common kinematic and kinetic variables associated with human locomotion, the literature currently provides few if any discussions regarding the dynamics of locomotion on surfaces that are either rocky or uneven. The purpose of this study was to investigate a method for using force plates to measure the ground reaction forces (GRFs) during gait on ballast. Ballast is a construction aggregate of unsymmetrical rock used in industry for the purpose of forming track bed on which railway ties are laid or in yards where railroad cars are stored. It is used to facilitate the drainage of water and to create even running surfaces. To construct the experimental ballast surfaces, 31.75-mm (1¼-in.) marble ballast at depths of approximately 63.5 mm (2.5 in.) or 101.6 mm (4 in.) were spread over a carpeted vinyl tile walkway specially designed for gait studies. GRF magnitudes and time histories from a force plate were collected under normal smooth surface and under both ballast surface conditions for five subjects. GRF magnitudes and time histories during smooth surface walking were similar to GRF magnitudes and time histories from the two ballast surface conditions. The data presented here demonstrate the feasibility of using a force plate system to expand the scope of biomechanical analyses of locomotion on ballast surfaces.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amitava Halder ◽  
Chuansi Gao ◽  
Michael Miller

The effects of cooling on neuromuscular function and performance during gait are not fully examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of local cooling for 20 min in cold water at 10°C in a climate chamber also at 10°C on maximal isometric force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lower leg muscles. Gait ground reaction forces (GRFs) were also assessed. Sixteen healthy university students participated in the within subject design experimental study. Isometric forces of the tibialis anterior (TA) and the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) were measured using a handheld dynamometer and the EMG was recorded using surface electrodes. Ground reaction forces during gait and the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) were recorded using a force plate. There was a significantly reduced isometric maximum force in the TA muscle (P<0.001) after cooling. The mean EMG amplitude of GM muscle was increased after cooling (P<0.003), indicating that fatigue was induced. We found no significant changes in the gait GRFs and RCOF on dry and level surface. These findings may indicate that local moderate cooling 20 min of 10°C cold water, may influence maximal muscle performance without affecting activities at sub-maximal effort.


Author(s):  
Aydin Valizadeh orang ◽  
Arefeh Mokhtari Malekabadi ◽  
AmirAli Jafarnezhadgero

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.


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