scholarly journals A Comparative Biomechanical Analysis during Planned and Unplanned Gait Termination in Individuals with Different Arch Stiffnesses

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1871
Author(s):  
Xuanzhen Cen ◽  
Zhenghui Lu ◽  
Julien S. Baker ◽  
Bíró István ◽  
Yaodong Gu
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Stiffness Index ◽  
Maximum Pressure ◽  
Pressure Data ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Gait Termination

Although values of arch stiffness index (ASI) have been used to evaluate arch structure and injury susceptibility, investigations are limited regarding the influence of ASI on biomechanical characteristics during gait termination, which involves a challenging balance transition from walking to standing. This study aimed to explore plantar pressure distribution and lower extremity joint kinematic differences between individuals with both a stiff and flexible arch (SA and FA, respectively) during planned and unplanned gait termination (PGT and UGT, respectively). Following the calculation of ASI, sixty-five asymptomatic male subjects were classified and participated in two types of gait termination tests to acquire kinematic and plantar pressure data. Parameters were compared between SA and FA using a two-way ANOVA during PGT and UGT, respectively. UGT was found to have a larger range of motion on the hip joint in the sagittal plane and the knee joint in the transverse plane when compared with PGT. The differences in the kinematic characteristics of the lower limb joints caused by the difference in arch stiffness are mainly concentrated in the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints. Plantar pressure data, represented by the maximum pressure, showed significant differences in the forefoot and rearfoot areas. These results suggest that ASI could change freedom of motion of the lower limb joints, and UGT tends to conduct a compensatory adjustment for the lower extremity kinetic chain. An understanding of the biomechanical characteristics of arch structures may provide additional insights into foot function and injury prediction during gait termination.

Late Rearfoot Eversion and Lower-limb Internal Rotation Caused by Changes in the Interaction between Forefoot and Support Surface

2009 ◽  
Vol 99 (6) ◽  
pp. 503-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thales R. Souza ◽  
Rafael Z. Pinto ◽  
Renato G. Trede ◽  
Renata N. Kirkwood ◽  
Antônio E. Pertence ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Support Surface ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Mechanical Factors ◽  
Lateral Wedges ◽  
Rearfoot Eversion

Background: The influence of distal mechanical factors that change the interaction between the forefoot and the support surface on lower-limb kinematics is not well established. This study investigated the effects of the use of lateral wedges under the forefoot on the kinematics of the lower extremity during the stance phase of walking. Methods: Sixteen healthy young adults participated in this repeated-measures study. They walked wearing flat sandals and laterally wedged sandals, which were medially inclined only in the forefoot. One wedged sandal had a forefoot lateral wedge of 5° and the other wedged sandal had a forefoot lateral wedge of 10°. Kinematic variables of the lower extremity, theoretically considered clinically relevant for injury development, were measured with a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The variables were evaluated for three subphases of stance: loading response, midstance, and late stance. Results: The 5° laterally wedged sandal increased rearfoot eversion during midstance and the 10° laterally wedged sandal increased rearfoot eversion during mid- and late stances, in comparison to the use of flat sandals. The 10° laterally wedged sandal produced greater internal rotation of the shank relative to the pelvis and of the hip joint, during the midstance, also compared to the use of flat sandals. Conclusions: Lateral wedges under the forefoot increase rearfoot eversion during mid-and late stances and may cause proximal kinematic changes throughout the lower-extremity kinetic chain. Distal mechanical factors should be clinically addressed when a patient presents late excessive rearfoot eversion during walking. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(6): 503–511, 2009)

Open versus Closed Kinetic Chain Rehabilitation of the Lower Extremity: A Functional and Biomechanical Analysis

1994 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose E. Rivera
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Muscular Activity ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Functional Rehabilitation ◽  
Functional Activities ◽  
Closed Chain ◽  
Closed Kinetic Chain ◽  
Open Versus ◽  
Rehabilitation Exercises

Closed kinetic chain and functional rehabilitation have lately received increased attention in the rehabilitation community. The purpose of this paper is to review biomechanical considerations applicable to the lower extremity, in a way that clearly justifies the use of functionally sound rehabilitation exercises. The origin of the kinetic chain concept is reviewed, and the differences in biomechanical events in the foot, ankle, and knee under open versus closed chain conditions are described. An analysis of these biomechanical events supports the notion that function results from the integration of muscles and joints to achieve desired outcomes. This leads to the conclusion that rehabilitation exercises, in order to be functional, must demand integration of muscular activity, must be of a closed kinetic chain nature, and must challenge the utilization of normal proprioceptive mechanisms. Guidelines for the practical application of these principles are clearly outlined, and examples of functional activities are described. Readers are encouraged to explore creative and challenging approaches to help clients achieve their highest level of function.

Biomechanical analysis for the study of muscle contributions to support load carrying

2010 ◽  
Vol 224 (6) ◽  
pp. 1287-1298 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Selk Ghafari ◽  
A Meghdari ◽  
G R Vossoughi
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Load Carriage ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Muscle Coordination ◽  
Individual Muscle

The objective of this study was to quantify individual muscle function differences between level walking and backpack load carriage at the same speed by using a muscle-actuated forward dynamics simulation. As experimental investigations have revealed that backpack loads of up to 64 per cent of an individual's body mass have little effect on the sagittal plane gait kinema-tics, further biomechanical analyses are necessary to investigate the contributions of individual muscle coordination strategies to achieve a given motor task by mechanical power generation, absorption, and transference to each body segment. A biomechanical framework consisting of a musculoskeletal model actuated by 18 Hill-type musculotendon actuators per leg and a non-linear suspension model of a backpack equipped with shoulder straps and waist belt was utilized to perform the simulation study. An optimization framework based on minimizing the muscle energy consumption was employed to investigate the muscle load sharing mechanism during simulation of the movements under investigation. Estimated muscle activations were in good agreement with the salient features of the corresponding electromyographic recordings of the major lower extremity muscles. Furthermore, simulated joint kinematics closely tracked experimental quantities with root-mean-squared errors less than one degree. Segmental power analysis for individual muscles was performed to elucidate the muscle's contribution to body support and forward progression in load carriage. Comparing muscle functions during the activities under investigation illustrated the different functional performance of the lower extremity muscles and the capability of the joints and segments to reduce the transmission of force during load carriage.

scholarly journals Association of Arch Stiffness with Plantar Impulse Distribution during Walking, Running, and Gait Termination

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 2090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuanzhen Cen ◽  
Datao Xu ◽  
Julien S. Baker ◽  
Yaodong Gu
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Stiffness Index ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Gait Termination ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Plantar Pressure Distribution ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Unidirectional Transfer

The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between arch stiffness and relative regional impulse during walking, running, and stopping. A total of 61 asymptomatic male subjects volunteered to participate in the study. All were classified by calculating the arch stiffness index using 3-dimensional foot morphological scanning. Plantar pressure distribution data were collected from participants using a Footscan pressure platform during gait tests that included walking, running, and gait termination. The stiff arches group (n = 19) and flexible arches group (n = 17) were included in the following data analysis. The results suggested that subjects with stiffer arches had a larger and smaller percentage of plantar impulse in the forefoot and rearfoot, respectively, than subjects with more flexible arches during walking and running. However, during gait termination, which included planned and unplanned gait stopping, the plantar impulse distribution pattern was found to be reversed. The current findings demonstrate that the distributional changes of plantar loading follow unidirectional transfer between the forefoot and the rearfoot on the plantar longitudinal axis. Moreover, the patterns of impulse distribution are also different based on different gait task mechanisms.

The Validity of Summing Lower Extremity Individual Joint Kinetic Measures

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean P. Flanagan ◽  
George J. Salem
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Inverse Dynamics ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Joint Moment ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Lower Extremity Function ◽  
Single Measure ◽  
Work Task ◽  
Joint Kinetics

In the analysis of human movement, researchers often sum individual joint kinetics to obtain a single measure of lower extremity function. The extent to which these summed measures relate to the mechanical objectives of the task has not been formally validated. The criterion validity of these measures was established with comparisons to the mechanical objective of two multiple-joint tasks. For the Work task 18 participants performed a loaded barbell squat using 4 resistances while instrumented for biomechanical analysis. For the Power they performed 2 predetermined amounts of work at both self-selected and fast speeds. Using inverse dynamics techniques, the peak net joint moment (PM) was calculated bilaterally in the sagittal plane at the ankle, knee, and hip and was summed into a single measure. This measure was correlated with the task objectives using simple linear regression. Similar procedures were used for the average net joint moment (AM), peak (PP), and average (AP) net joint moment power, and the net joint moment impulse (IM) and work (IP). For the Work task all 6 measures were significantly correlated with the task objective, but only AM, PM, and IP had correlation coefficients above 0.90. For the Power task, IM was not significantly correlated with the task objective, and only AP had a correlation coefficient above 0.90. These findings indicate that the validity of summing individual kinetic measures depends on both the measure chosen and the mechanical objective of the task.

scholarly journals Kinematic Analysis of Lower Limb Joint Asymmetry during Gait in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 598
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Pau ◽  
Bruno Leban ◽  
Michela Deidda ◽  
Federica Putzolu ◽  
Micaela Porta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Camera Motion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Temporal Parameters ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Edss Score ◽  
Spatio Temporal

The majority of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS), report lower limb motor dysfunctions, which may relevantly affect postural control, gait and a wide range of activities of daily living. While it is quite common to observe a different impact of the disease on the two limbs (i.e., one of them is more affected), less clear are the effects of such asymmetry on gait performance. The present retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the magnitude of interlimb asymmetry in pwMS, particularly as regards the joint kinematics, using parameters derived from angle-angle diagrams. To this end, we analyzed gait patterns of 101 pwMS (55 women, 46 men, mean age 46.3, average Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 3.5, range 1–6.5) and 81 unaffected individuals age- and sex-matched who underwent 3D computerized gait analysis carried out using an eight-camera motion capture system. Spatio-temporal parameters and kinematics in the sagittal plane at hip, knee and ankle joints were considered for the analysis. The angular trends of left and right sides were processed to build synchronized angle–angle diagrams (cyclograms) for each joint, and symmetry was assessed by computing several geometrical features such as area, orientation and Trend Symmetry. Based on cyclogram orientation and Trend Symmetry, the results show that pwMS exhibit significantly greater asymmetry in all three joints with respect to unaffected individuals. In particular, orientation values were as follows: 5.1 of pwMS vs. 1.6 of unaffected individuals at hip joint, 7.0 vs. 1.5 at knee and 6.4 vs. 3.0 at ankle (p < 0.001 in all cases), while for Trend Symmetry we obtained at hip 1.7 of pwMS vs. 0.3 of unaffected individuals, 4.2 vs. 0.5 at knee and 8.5 vs. 1.5 at ankle (p < 0.001 in all cases). Moreover, the same parameters were sensitive enough to discriminate individuals of different disability levels. With few exceptions, all the calculated symmetry parameters were found significantly correlated with the main spatio-temporal parameters of gait and the EDSS score. In particular, large correlations were detected between Trend Symmetry and gait speed (with rho values in the range of –0.58 to –0.63 depending on the considered joint, p < 0.001) and between Trend Symmetry and EDSS score (rho = 0.62 to 0.69, p < 0.001). Such results suggest not only that MS is associated with significantly marked interlimb asymmetry during gait but also that such asymmetry worsens as the disease progresses and that it has a relevant impact on gait performances.

scholarly journals EFFECTIVENESS OF PRE-SEASON PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TESTS IN IDENTIFYING IN-SEASON LOWER EXTREMITY INJURIES IN ADOLESCENT GYMNASTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0014
Author(s):  
Danielle A Farzanegan ◽  
Emily Francione ◽  
Nicole Melfi
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Performance Tests ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Lower Extremity Injuries ◽  
Common Location ◽  
Acute Injuries ◽  
Extremity Injuries

Background: Artistic competitive gymnastics results in a wide, unique spectrum of injuries. Due to the high number of injuries and the current lack of research related to pre-competitive testing in adolescent gymnasts, it is crucial to find a method to predict the likelihood of an athlete sustaining an in-season injury. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to 1) describe the frequency and type of pre-season and in-season injuries, 2) determine if there were differences in physical performance tests between those who had a lower extremity (LE) injury in-season and those who did not, and 3) determine if there were differences in age, level, sex, BMI, sport modifications, previous injury, and current injury between those who had a LE injury and those who didn’t. Methods: Thirty-seven adolescent gymnasts (average age: 12.81 years) were included with levels ranging from 5 (novice) to 10 (elite). Participants (15 males and 22 females) were surveyed for previous and current injury. The athletes completed a performance battery before the competition season including: Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (LQYBT), Closed Kinetic Chain dorsiflexion (CKCDF), single hop (SH), triple hop (TH), and the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Follow-up data was collected at the end of the competitive season for comparison. The data was analyzed using descriptive methods and comparative analyses including chi-square and independent t-tests with an alpha level set at .05. Results: Sixty-five percent reported an injury in the last year and seventy-eight percent reported pre-season injuries at testing day. The most common location for pre-season injury was the ankle/foot (24% and 31% respectively). There were no differences between injured and non-injured athletes when comparing asymmetries in CKCDF, LQYBT posteromedial or posterolateral reach, hop testing, or FMS. The LQYBT-anterior scores were significantly different at p=.049 between the injured versus uninjured groups, with 91% of the in-season injury group having a difference <4cm. Similarly, the LQYBT-composite score using a cut-off of 95% was significant at p=.043 with those >95% category being more likely to get injured. There were no significant differences in demographic information comparing injury occurrence. Conclusion: The tested physical performance battery may be useful in tracking gymnasts over time, but may not be beneficial in forecasting injuries in a sport with high percentages of acute injuries. The collected injury volume may not be reflective of a standard season as COVID-19 decreased the number of competitions. Additional research to identify athletes at risk for injury requires further investigation.

scholarly journals Biologically Inspired Design and Development of a Variable Stiffness Powered Ankle-Foot Prosthesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Agboola-Dobson ◽  
Guowu Wei ◽  
Lei Ren
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Frontal Plane ◽  
Variable Stiffness ◽  
Plane Motion ◽  
Biologically Inspired ◽  
Passive Rotation ◽  
Ground Conditions ◽  
Biologically Inspired Design

Recent advancements in powered lower limb prostheses have appeased several difficulties faced by lower limb amputees by using a series-elastic actuator (SEA) to provide powered sagittal plane flexion. Unfortunately, these devices are currently unable to provide both powered sagittal plane flexion and two degrees of freedom (2-DOF) at the ankle, removing the ankle’s capacity to invert/evert, thus severely limiting terrain adaption capabilities and user comfort. The developed 2-DOF ankle system in this paper allows both powered flexion in the sagittal plane and passive rotation in the frontal plane; an SEA emulates the biomechanics of the gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon for flexion while a novel universal-joint system provides the 2-DOF. Several studies were undertaken to thoroughly characterize the capabilities of the device. Under both level- and sloped-ground conditions, ankle torque and kinematic data were obtained by using force-plates and a motion capture system. The device was found to be fully capable of providing powered sagittal plane motion and torque very close to that of a biological ankle while simultaneously being able to adapt to sloped terrain by undergoing frontal plane motion, thus providing 2-DOF at the ankle. These findings demonstrate that the device presented in this paper poses radical improvements to powered prosthetic ankle-foot device (PAFD) design.

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