Conservative treatment of partial gastrocnemius muscle avulsions in dogs using therapeutic ultrasound

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (03) ◽  
pp. 243-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Gradner ◽  
K. M. Hittmair ◽  
G. Dupré ◽  
B. A. Bockstahler ◽  
M. C. Mueller

Summary Objectives: In this report two cases of partial gastrocnemius muscle avulsion treated with pulsed therapeutic ultrasound are described. Methods: The outcome in these two dogs was evaluated using ultrasonographic imaging and the measurement of ground reaction forces with a force plate. Results: Both dogs showed an amelioration of the clinical signs within one month after commencement of the ultrasound therapy. The follow-up time for these cases was one year and six months respectively. Both of the dogs were free of lameness and had returned to their normal amount of exercise. Palpation of the fabella associated with the muscle injury did not produce any signs of pain. Ultrasonographic imaging did not detect any signs of haemorrhage or oedema, although scarring of muscle fibres was present. The force-plate analyses revealed an improvement. Clinical significance: These results suggest that therapeutic ultrasound could be a beneficial treatment modality for this kind of muscle injury.

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.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma M. Harding-Esch ◽  
Martin J. Holland ◽  
Jean-François Schémann ◽  
Ansumana Sillah ◽  
Boubacar Sarr ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin is a cornerstone of the trachoma elimination strategy. Although the global prevalence of active trachoma has declined considerably, prevalence persists or even increases in some communities and districts. To increase understanding of MDA impact, we investigated the prevalence of active trachoma and ocular C. trachomatis prevalence, organism load, and circulating strains at baseline and one-year post-MDA in The Gambia and Senegal. Methods Pre- and one-year post-MDA, children aged 0–9 years were examined for clinical signs of trachoma in six Gambian and 12 Senegalese villages. Ocular swabs from each child’s right conjunctiva were tested for evidence of ocular C. trachomatis infection and organism load (ompA copy number), and ompA and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was performed. Results A total of 1171 children were examined at baseline and follow-up in The Gambia. Active trachoma prevalence decreased from 23.9% to 17.7%, whereas ocular C. trachomatis prevalence increased from 3.0% to 3.8%. In Senegal, 1613 and 1771 children were examined at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Active trachoma prevalence decreased from 14.9% to 8.0%, whereas ocular C. trachomatis prevalence increased from 1.8% to 3.6%. Higher organism load was associated with having active trachoma and severe inflammation. Sequence typing demonstrated that all Senegalese samples were genovar A, whereas Gambian samples were a mix of genovars A and B. MLST provided evidence of clustering at village and household levels and demonstrated differences of strain variant frequencies in Senegal, indicative of an “outbreak”. MLST, including partial ompA typing, provided greater discriminatory power than complete ompA typing. Conclusions We found that one round of MDA led to an overall decline in active trachoma prevalence but no impact on ocular C. trachomatis infection, with heterogeneity observed between villages studied. This could not be explained by MDA coverage or number of different circulating strains pre- and post-MDA. The poor correlation between active trachoma and infection prevalence supports the need for further work on alternative indicators to clinical signs for diagnosing ocular C. trachomatis infection. MLST typing has potential molecular epidemiology utility, including better understanding of transmission dynamics, although relationship to whole-genome sequence variability requires further exploration.


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.


2011 ◽  
Vol 43 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 755
Author(s):  
Caitlin Amiton ◽  
Jeff Nessler ◽  
Allison Xavier ◽  
Brian J. Martin ◽  
Kara A. Witzke

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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-49
Author(s):  
Alexey Vasilievich Zvozil ◽  
Valery Vladimirovich Umnov ◽  
Vladimir Aleksandrovich Novikov ◽  
Dmitry Valerievi Umnov

For the treatment of focal spasticity in the TurnerInstitute we developed and applied the approach toreduce spasticity in children with cerebral palsy byapplying the method of radiofrequency thermal de-struction of peripheral nerves and muscle motorpoints. This method is based on the effect of heatrelease during the passage through biological tissueof radiofrequency currents. The procedure was totally performed in 112 patients aged 1,2 to 14 yearsold with a level of spasticity over 3 points on a scaleAshworth. In order to reduce hypertonia of femuradductors, the target for RF ablation was obturatornerve; we targeted on the motor point of the gastrocnemius muscle in equinus, to reduce forearm flexorhypertonia we targeted on the musculo-cutaneousnerve, flexor muscles of the hand we intervened on their motor points. A positive result was maintained at follow-up of 6 months to one year in all patients, maximum - 2 years. The obtained results are preliminary and subject to further statistical processing, but they are quite comparable with the results of the use of type A botulinum toxin preparations. The proposed method of treatment is minimally invasive, virtually devoid of the risk of postoperative complications, can cut one stage spasticity in the muscles of various motor segments in children with cerebral palsy of great age range, including children up to 2 years old.


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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