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Akuzawa H, Morito T, Oshikawa T, Kumai T, Kaneoka K. Functional relationship between the foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles in walking. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2023; 71:102781. [PMID: 37247509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2023.102781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic and extrinsic muscles are considered to stabilize the foot and contribute to propulsion during walking. This study aimed to clarify the functional relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles during walking. Thirteen healthy men participated in this study. The muscle activities of the intrinsic muscles (quadratus plantae and abductor hallucis), and the extrinsic muscles (flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, and tibialis posterior) were measured using fine-wire and surface electromyography during walking. The muscle onset timing after foot contact was calculated and compared among muscles using the one-way ANOVA. The stance phase was divided into early and late braking, and early and late propulsion phases. Muscle activity among phases was compared using repeated-measures ANOVA. The onset time of the abductor hallucis was significantly earlier than those of the flexor digitorum longus and tibialis posterior. The quadratus plantae demonstrated significantly earlier onset than that of the tibialis posterior. In the late propulsion phase, the activity of extrinsic muscles decreased, whereas intrinsic muscles were continuously active. Early activation of the intrinsic muscles may stabilize the foot for efficient torque production by the extrinsic muscles. Furthermore, the intrinsic muscles may contribute to the final push-off after the deactivation of extrinsic muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Akuzawa
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan; Institute for Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Nishi-Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tsuyoshi Morito
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Nishi-Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Oshikawa
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Nishi-Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Kumai
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Nishi-Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Kaneoka
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Nishi-Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Caron-Laramée A, Walha R, Boissy P, Gaudreault N, Zelovic N, Lebel K. Comparison of Three Motion Capture-Based Algorithms for Spatiotemporal Gait Characteristics: How Do Algorithms Affect Accuracy and Precision of Clinical Outcomes? SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:2209. [PMID: 36850806 PMCID: PMC9965262 DOI: 10.3390/s23042209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Gait assessment is of interest to clinicians and researchers because it provides information about patients' functional mobility. Optoelectronic camera-based systems with gait event detection algorithms are considered the gold standard for gait assessment. Yet, the choice of the algorithm used to process data and extract the desired parameters from those detected gait events has an impact on the validity and reliability of the gait parameters computed. There are multiple techniques documented in the literature for computing gait events, including the analysis of the minimal position of the heel and toe markers, the computation of the relative distance between sacrum and foot markers, and the assessment of the smallest distance between the heel and toe markers. Validation studies conducted on these algorithms report variations in accuracy. Yet, these studies were conducted in different conditions, at varying gait velocities, and on different populations. The purpose of this study is to compare accuracy, precision, and robustness of three algorithms using motion capture data obtained from 25 healthy persons and 21 psoriatic arthritic patients walking at three distinct speeds on an instrumented treadmill. Errors in gait events recognition (heel strike-HS and toe-off-TO) and their impact on gait metrics (stance phase and stride length) are reported and compared to ground reaction force events measured with force plates. Over the 9114 collected steps across all walking speeds, more than 99% of gait events were recognized by all algorithms. On average, HS events were detected within 1.2 ms of the reference for two algorithms, while the third one detected HS late, with an average detection error of 40.7 ms. Yet, significant variations in accuracy were noted with gait speed; the performance decreased for all algorithms at slow speed. TO events were identified early by all algorithms, with an average error ranging from 16.0 to 100.0 ms. These gait events errors lead to 2-15% inaccuracies in stance phase assessment, while the impact on stride length remains below 0.3 cm. Overall, the algorithm based on the relative distance between the sacral and foot markers stood out for its accuracy, precision, and robustness at all walking speeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Caron-Laramée
- Département de Génie Électrique et de Génie Informatique, Faculté de Génie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Roua Walha
- Department of Surgery, Orthopedics Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Vieillissement, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 4C4, Canada
| | - Patrick Boissy
- Department of Surgery, Orthopedics Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Vieillissement, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 4C4, Canada
| | - Nathaly Gaudreault
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Nikola Zelovic
- Département de Génie Électrique et de Génie Informatique, Faculté de Génie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Karina Lebel
- Département de Génie Électrique et de Génie Informatique, Faculté de Génie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur le Vieillissement, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 4C4, Canada
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Cherni Y, Laurendeau S, Robert M, Turcot K. The Influence of Transtibial Prosthesis Type on Lower-Body Gait Adaptation: A Case Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:439. [PMID: 36612761 PMCID: PMC9819038 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gait parameters are altered and asymmetrical in individuals with transtibial amputation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of four different prosthetic feet on lower-limb biomechanics during gait. A 34-year-old man with transtibial amputation performed four gait analysis sessions with four foot-ankle prostheses (Variflex, Meridium, Echelon, and Kinterra). Kinematic and kinetic parameters and gait symmetry were analyzed in different prosthetic conditions. The type of prosthesis had little effect on the participant's spatiotemporal parameters. Throughout the stance phase, increased hip angle, reduced knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion were observed in the amputated leg. For kinetic parameters, reduced propulsive force (SI = 0.42-0.65), reduced knee extension moment (mainly during Echelon and Kinterra conditions, SI = 0.17 and 0.32, respectively), and increased knee abduction moment (mainly during the Variflex and Meridium, SI = 5.74 and 8.93, respectively) were measured in the amputated leg. Lower support moments were observed in the amputated leg as compared to the unaffected leg, regardless of the type of prosthesis (SI = 0.61-0.80). The prostheses tested induced different lower-limb mechanical adaptations. In order to achieve the clinical goal of better gait symmetry between lower limbs, an objective gait analysis could help clinicians to prescribe prosthetic feet based on quantitative measurement indicators to optimize gait rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosra Cherni
- Department of Rehabilitation, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec City, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
| | - Simon Laurendeau
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec City, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Maxime Robert
- Department of Rehabilitation, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec City, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
| | - Katia Turcot
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec City, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Lalumiere M, Bourbonnais D, Goyette M, Perrino S, Desmeules F, Gagnon DH. Unilateral symptomatic Achilles tendinopathy has limited effects on bilateral lower limb ground reaction force asymmetries and muscular synergy attributes when walking at natural and fast speeds. J Foot Ankle Res 2022; 15:66. [PMID: 36071465 PMCID: PMC9450385 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-022-00570-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achilles tendinopathy (AT) may affect ground reaction force (GRF) and muscle synergy (MS) during walking due to pain, biological integrity changes in the tendon and neuroplastic adaptations. The objective of this study was to compare GRF asymmetries and MS attributes between symptomatic and asymptomatic lower limbs (LL) during walking at natural and fast speeds in adults with unilateral AT. METHODS A convenience sample consisting of twenty-eight participants walked on an instrumented treadmill at natural (1.3 m/s) and fast (1.6 m/s) speeds. Peak GRF were measured in mediolateral, anteroposterior and vertical directions. Individualized electromyography (EMG) activation profiles were time- and amplitude-normalized for three consecutive gait cycles and MS were extracted using non-negative matrix factorization algorithms. MS were characterized by the number, composition (i.e., weighting of each muscle) and temporal profiles (i.e., duration and amplitude) of the MS extracted during walking. Paired Student's t-tests assessed peak GRF and MS muscle weighting differences between sides whereas Pearson correlation coefficients characterized the similarities of the individualized EMG and MS activation temporal profiles within sides. RESULTS AT had limited effects on peak GRF asymmetries and the number, composition and temporal profiles of MS between symptomatic and asymptomatic LL while walking on a level treadmill at natural and fast speeds. In most participants, four MS with a specific set of predominantly activated muscles were extracted across natural (71 and 61%) and fast (54 and 50%) walking speeds for the symptomatic and asymptomatic side respectively. Individualized EMG activation profiles were relatively similar between sides (r = 0.970 to 0.999). As for MS attributes, relatively similar temporal activation profiles (r = 0.988 to 0.998) and muscle weightings (p < 0.05) were found between sides for all four MS and the most solicited muscles. Although the faster walking speed increased the number of merged MS for both sides, it did not significantly alter MS symmetry. CONCLUSION Faster walking speed increased peak GRF values but had limited effects on GRF symmetries and MS attribute differences between the LL. Corticospinal neuroplastic adaptations associated with chronic unilateral AT may explain the preserved quasi-symmetric LL motor control strategy observed during natural and fast walking among adults with chronic unilateral AT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Lalumiere
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Station Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Bourbonnais
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Station Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Goyette
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Perrino
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Station Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - François Desmeules
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Station Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (CRHMR), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dany H Gagnon
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Station Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada. .,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Cárdenas AM, Uribe J, Font-Llagunes JM, Hernández AM, Plata JA. The effect of prosthetic alignment on the stump temperature and ground reaction forces during gait in transfemoral amputees. Gait Posture 2022; 95:76-83. [PMID: 35461047 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower limb prosthetic alignment is a procedure mostly subjective. A prosthetic misaligned induces gait deviations and long-term joint diseases. The alignment effects for each lower limb and the stump stays uncertain. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE To identify the effect of the transfemoral alignment prosthesis on ground reaction forces and thermal images of the residual limb. METHODS The effect of misalignment and nominal alignment was evaluated in sixteen transfemoral amputees. The nominal alignment was considered as the optimal alignment for each subject. Misalignment included random variations in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral translation of the prosthetic foot and the angle of flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and internal-external rotation of the socket and prosthetic foot. The control group consisted of fifteen non-amputee individuals. The ground reaction force parameters and stump temperature were analyzed for each alignment condition. The statistical analysis included the one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and multiple comparison tests. RESULTS The prosthesis did not produce statistically significant changes in the average temperature of residual limbs. However, the temperature distribution on the stump skin was different (P < 0.05). The transfemoral prosthesis misalignment produced an irregular heat diffusion on the anterior, posterior, and lateral sides of the stump contour compared to the nominal alignment (P < 0.05). The sound limb did not show differences between nominal alignments and misalignments for most ground reaction force parameters. For almost all GRF parameters, significant differences were observed for the prosthetic limb between misalignment and nominal alignment (P < 0.001). The symmetry indices of ground reaction force parameters of transfemoral amputees did not show any kind of significant improvements after aligning the prosthesis nominally. SIGNIFICANCE The stump's temperature distribution and the ground reaction force findings for the prosthetic limb provide a better understanding of the alignment procedure of the transfemoral prosthesis and improve the amputees' compliance to the prosthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres M Cárdenas
- Bioinstrumentation and Clinical Engineering Research Group - GIBIC, Bioengineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia; Research Group in Computational Modeling and Simulation - GIMSC, Engineering Faculty, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Carrera 56C No. 51-110, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Juliana Uribe
- Bioinstrumentation and Clinical Engineering Research Group - GIBIC, Bioengineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Josep M Font-Llagunes
- Biomechanical Engineering Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Santa Rosa 39‑57, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Alher M Hernández
- Bioinstrumentation and Clinical Engineering Research Group - GIBIC, Bioengineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jesús A Plata
- Grupo Rehabilitación en Salud, Sede de Investigación Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia; Mahavir Kmina Artificial Limb Center, Carrera 54 No. 79 AA Sur 40, Bodegas La Troja, Local 116, La Estrella, Colombia
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6
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Development of a Three-Axis Monolithic Flexure-Based Ground Reaction Force Sensor for Various Gait Analysis. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2022.3146921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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7
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Saveko A, Brykov V, Kitov V, Shpakov A, Tomilovskaya E. Adaptation in Gait to Lunar and Martian Gravity Unloading During Long-Term Isolation in the Ground-Based Space Station Model. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 15:742664. [PMID: 35095445 PMCID: PMC8790089 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.742664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the adaptive responses of biomechanical and electromyographic parameters to vertical unloading (Lunar—0.15 G and Martian—0.35 G) when walking during the 4-month isolation experiment SIRIUS-19 in the ground-based space station model (GBI). The study involved 6 healthy international crew members of the SIRIUS-19 project aged 34 ± 6.2 years (3 women and 3 men). Body Weight Unloading (BWU) conditions was created by the h/p/cosmos airwalk system. The locomotor test included walking (3.5 ± 0.3 km/h) with a sequential change of BWU modes: 5-min walking with 0% BWU (1 G), 5-min walking with 65% BWU (0.35 G) and 5-min walking with 85% BWU (0.15 G). Ground Reaction Force was recorded by the h/p/cosmos treadmill device. Muscle Lab Model 4000e device was used to record the electromyographic signals of the hip and shin muscles. The locomotor test was performed twice before GBI, monthly during GBI and 1 week after leaving isolation. The results obtained before GBI demonstrate that the changes of support and proprioceptive afferentation signals play significant role in reorganizing of the biomechanical structure of motor acts and the development of new movement patterns. The results of the study are consistent with the previously obtained results of other studies in this direction. Despite the fact that during the GBI the participants of the experiment performed regular physical training, a decrease in the performance indicators values was detected, especially pronounced after 100 days of GBI. This is probably due to limited space of a space station model, as well as the development of a special motor stereotype in it. Noteworthy are the results obtained after the 4th session of the experiment, indicating the effect of sensorimotor learning. We think that the data obtained in this study will be useful in research both in gravitational physiology and in clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Saveko
- Russian Federation State Scientific Center, Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vitaly Brykov
- Russian Federation State Scientific Center, Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Kitov
- Russian Federation State Scientific Center, Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Shpakov
- Russian Federation State Scientific Center, Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Federal Science Center of Physical Culture and Sport (VNIIFK), Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Tomilovskaya
- Russian Federation State Scientific Center, Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Kokolevich ZM, Biros E, Tirosh O, Reznik JE. Distinct Ground Reaction Forces in Gait between the Paretic and Non-Paretic Leg of Stroke Patients: A Paradigm for Innovative Physiotherapy Intervention. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9111542. [PMID: 34828588 PMCID: PMC8620401 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This case report study aims to identify the differences in the ground reaction forces (GRF) placed on the forefoot, hindfoot, and entire foot between the paretic and non-paretic legs in two stroke patients to identify potential targets for improved physiotherapy treatment. A digital gait analysis foot pressure insole was fitted inside the participants’ shoes to measure the percentage of body weight taken during the stance phase, and the vertical GRF of the two subjects are reported in this paper. Both patients presented noteworthy differences in gait parameters individually and between their paretic and non-paretic legs. The trend shows a decreased percentage of body weight on the paretic forefoot and hindfoot, although the percentage bodyweight placed on the entire foot remained similar in both feet. The gait patterns shown were highly individual and indicated that both legs were affected to some degree. These findings identify key motion targets for an improved physiotherapy treatment following a stroke, suggesting that physiotherapy treatment should be targeted and individually tailored and should include both extremities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Mass Kokolevich
- “Eshel Avraham” Centre for Special Needs Adults, Ezer Mizion, Bnei Brak 51553, Israel;
| | - Erik Biros
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia;
| | - Oren Tirosh
- Biomechanics School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia;
| | - Jacqueline Elise Reznik
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Heidner GS, Nascimento RB, Aires AG, Baptista RR. Barefoot walking changed relative timing during the support phase but not ground reaction forces in children when compared to different footwear conditions. Gait Posture 2021; 83:287-293. [PMID: 33232866 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of available biomechanical kinetic data comparing shod and barefoot conditions in children. RESEARCH QUESTION Do children wearing footwear have comparable gait velocity, ground reaction forces (GRF), spatiotemporal parameters, propulsive and braking impulses when compared to children walking barefoot? METHODS Seventy-five children were divided into four groups: Group 1 females aged 4-9 years old (n = 29). Group 2 females aged 3-5 years old (n = 16). Group 3 males aged 6-9 years old (n = 13). Group 4 males aged 4-8 years old (n = 17). Children walked at a self-selected pace over a walkway of force platforms. Each footwear and barefoot represented a separate condition. The order of conditions was randomized. A repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to investigate the effects of the footwear type on gait parameters in each group. Multiple comparisons with Bonferroni corrections were conducted when appropriate. RESULTS There were no statistical differences in velocity or in vertical and anteroposterior GRF across conditions for all groups. There was a significant effect of the footwear worn on time to loading response peak (p = 0.008), time to midstance force (p = 0.006), and time to propulsive peak (p < 0.001). For Group 3, there was a significant effect of the footwear worn on time to braking peak (p < 0.001) and time to propulsive peak (p < 0.001). Regarding impulses for Group 1, there was a significant effect of the footwear worn on the loading response impulse (p = 0.016) and terminal stance and pre-swing impulse (p = 0.001). For Group 4, there was a significant effect of the footwear worn on the loading response impulse (p = 0.028). SIGNIFICANCE There is no influence of the evaluated children's footwear on gait velocity or GRF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andreia Gomes Aires
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90619-900, Brazil.
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10
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An Evaluation of Symmetries in Ground Reaction Forces during Self-Paced Single- and Dual-Task Treadmill Walking in the Able-Bodied Men. Symmetry (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/sym12122101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gait is a complex autonomous activity that has long been viewed as a symmetrical locomotion, even when it adapts to secondary concurrent attention-demanding tasks. This study aimed to evaluate the symmetry of the three ground reaction forces (GRFs) in able-bodied individuals during self-paced treadmill walking with and without concurrent cognitive demands. Twenty-five male participants (age: 34.00 ± 4.44 years) completed two gait assessment sessions, each of whom were familiarized with the walking trials during their first session. Both sessions involved six-minute self-paced treadmill walking under three conditions: single-task walking and walking while concurrently responding to auditory 1-back and 2-back memory tasks. The symmetry of the GRFs was estimated using a nonlinear approach. Changes in the symmetry and walking speed across conditions in both sessions were assessed using inferential statistics. Results demonstrated that the three GRFs deviated from perfect symmetry by ≥10%. Engaging working memory during walking significantly reduced the symmetry of the vertical GRF (p = 0.003), and its detrimental effects on walking speed were significantly reduced in the second session with respect to the first session (p < 0.05). The findings indicate imperfect gait symmetry in able-bodied individuals, suggesting that common perceptions of gait symmetry should be reconsidered to reflect its objective importance in clinical settings.
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11
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Quasi-stiffness of the knee joint is influenced by walking on a destabilising terrain. Knee 2020; 27:1889-1898. [PMID: 33220578 DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2020.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predictive models have been devised to estimate the necessary quasi-stiffness that a transfemoral prosthesis should be set to aligning the body and gait parameters of the user. Current recommendations exist only for walking over level ground. This study aimed to ascertain whether walking across destabilising terrain influences the quasi-stiffness of the knee joint thus influencing prosthetic engineering. METHODS Ten healthy males (age: 25.1 ± 2.5 years; mean ± sd, height: 1.78 ± 0.05 m, weight: 84.40 ± 11.02 kg) performed 14 gait trials. Seven trials were conducted over even ground and seven over 20 mm ballast. Three-dimensional motion capture and ground reaction force were collected. Paired samples t-tests and Wilcoxon signed ranked test compared variables including; quasi-stiffness, gait speed, stride length and stride width. RESULTS Quasi-stiffness (d = 0.562, P = 0.001) and stride width (d = 0.909, P < 0.001) were significantly greater in the destabilising terrain condition. Gait speed (r = -0.731, P = 0.001) was significantly greater in the control condition. No significant difference was seen in stride length (d = 0.583, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS An increase in quasi-stiffness when walking across destabilising terrain was attributed to a magnified shock absorption mechanism, facilitating an increased flexion angle during the stance phase. This causes a lower centre of mass resulting in the musculoskeletal system having to produce a greater knee extensor moment to prevent the knee collapsing. Therefore, transfemoral prostheses should be tuned to apply increased extension moments if ambulation is to occur on a destabilising terrain.
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Zago M, Corsi C, Condoluci C, Galli M. Kinetic-based indexes for the functional evaluation of gait in diplegic children: a preliminary report. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2019; 22:1043-1046. [PMID: 31131627 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2019.1618454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the feasibility of a set of indexes based on ground reaction forces to discriminate between the degree of severity of spastic diplegia, identified via Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). A stepwise discriminant ordinal regression analysis performed on a sample of 58 children returned a subset of variables related to the ratio between braking and propulsive vertical forces and anteroposterior timings. Rather, parameters concerning bilateral symmetry were poorly discriminating. The relative simplicity of the selected indexes allows for their easy implementation on existing gait analysis applications for screening purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zago
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano , Milano , Italy.,Fondazione Istituto Farmacologico Filippo Serpero , Milano , Italy
| | - Carolina Corsi
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Federal University of São Carlos , São Carlos , Brasil
| | | | - Manuela Galli
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano , Milano , Italy
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Prediction of ground reaction forces for Parkinson's disease patients using a kinect-driven musculoskeletal gait analysis model. Med Eng Phys 2017; 50:75-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Fischer AG, Wolf A. Body weight unloading modifications on frontal plane joint moments, impulses and Center of Pressure during overground gait. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2016; 39:77-83. [PMID: 27697627 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body weight unloading is a common method of gait rehabilitation. However, little is known about its effects on the overground gait biomechanical parameters which were often confounded by the walking modality (treadmill) or the speed variability when subjects walked overground while having to pull the body weight unloading system to which they were attached. By designing a mechanical device that pulled the system at a constant speed, we were able to assess the unique effects of body weight unloading on healthy subjects' kinetics during overground gait. METHODS Fifteen healthy subjects walked overground under three (0%, 15%, and 30%) body weight unloading experimental conditions. Kinetic measures included hip and knee frontal plane moments and impulses and the foot center of pressure. FINDINGS A significant inverse relationship was shown between increased body weight unloading levels (0% to 30%) and a decrease in the hip and knee first adduction moments and impulses and an increase in the lateral shift of the foot center of pressure. Frontal plane hip and knee kinetic curvature patterns remained similar as evidenced by low normalized RMSE under paired comparisons of the experimental conditions. INTERPRETATION Overground gait with up to 30% body weight unloading stands out as an efficient method of reducing loads on joints without distorting kinetic gait curvature patterns. The relationship between increased unloading with decreased hip and knee moments and impulses and increased lateral shift of the center of pressure also suggests that this shift may be an important diagnostic tool in gait assessment and correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle G Fischer
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Alon Wolf
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Lower Limb Loading during Gait in Patients Long Period after Total Hip Arthroplasty Revision. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:7538236. [PMID: 27579321 PMCID: PMC4989054 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7538236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess lower limb loading during walking after unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision. Twenty-three THA revision subjects (12 men, 11 women) were divided into three groups according to time since surgery as 1 to 6 years, 6 to 11 years, and over 11 years. Two force plates were used to measure the ground reaction force during the stance phase. On the operated limb, compared to nonoperated limb, we found lower first vertical peak in the group of 1 to 6 years after revision and lower propulsion peak in the group of 6 to 11 years since revision. In the group of 11 years since THA revision, no significant difference was found. With advancing years after surgery, the stance phase duration got reduced and propulsion peak increased in the operated limb; minimal vertical force decreased and the time of minimal vertical force increased in the nonoperated limb. The study findings suggest the tendency to a more gradual and safer weight acceptance on the operated limb during the first years after THA revision, followed by limitation of foot propulsion. Despite this fact, lower limb loading can be considered as symmetrical across the whole measured period.
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