283 results on '"Vannozzi, G"'
Search Results
102. Evolution of the in-shoe temperature during walking and running
- Author
-
taiar redha, Rebay, M., Vannozzi, G., Sanna, G., and Cappozzo, A.
103. Smooth pursuits decrease balance control during locomotion in young and older healthy females.
- Author
-
Thomas, N.M., Dewhurst, S., Bampouras, T.M., Donovan, T., Macaluso, A., Vannozzi, G., Thomas, N.M., Dewhurst, S., Bampouras, T.M., Donovan, T., Macaluso, A., and Vannozzi, G.
- Abstract
Dynamic balance control-characterised as movement of the trunk and lower limbs-was assessed during fixation of a fixed target, smooth pursuits and saccadic eye movements in ten young (22.9 ± 1.5 years) and ten older (72.1 ± 8.2 years) healthy females walking overground. Participants were presented with visual stimuli to initiate eye movements, and posture and gaze were assessed with motion analysis and eye tracking equipment. The results showed an increase in medial/lateral (ML) trunk movement (C7: p = 0.012; sacrum: p = 0.009) and step-width variability (p = 0.052) during smooth pursuits compared to a fixed target, with no changes for saccades compared to a fixed target. The elders demonstrated greater ML trunk movement (sacrum: p = 0.037) and step-width variability (p = 0.037) than the younger adults throughout, although this did not interact with the eye movements. The findings showed that smooth pursuits decreased balance control in young and older adults similarly, which was likely a consequence of more complicated retinal flow. Since healthy elders are typically already at a postural disadvantage, further decreases in balance caused by smooth pursuits are undesirable.
104. Mechanisms of head stability during gait initiation in young and older women: A neuro-mechanical analysis
- Author
-
Maslivec, A., Bampouras, T.M., Dewhurst, S., Vannozzi, G., Macaluso, A., Laudani, L., Maslivec, A., Bampouras, T.M., Dewhurst, S., Vannozzi, G., Macaluso, A., and Laudani, L.
- Abstract
Decreased head stability has been reported in older women during locomotor transitions such as the initiation of gait. The aim of the study was to investigate the neuro-mechanical mechanisms underpinning head stabilisation in young and older women during gait initiation. Eleven young (23.1 ± 1.1 yrs) and 12 older (73.9 ± 2.4 yrs) women initiated walking at comfortable speed while focussing on a fixed visual target at eye level. A stereophotogrammetric system was used to assess variability of angular displacement and RMS acceleration of the pelvis, trunk and head, and dynamic stability in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Latency of muscle activation in the sternocleidomastoid, and upper and lower trunk muscles were determined by surface electromyography. Older displayed higher variability of head angular displacement, and a decreased ability to attenuate accelerations from trunk to head, compared to young in the anteroposterior but not mediolateral direction. Moreover, older displayed a delayed onset of sternocleidomastoid activation than young. In conclusion, the age-related decrease in head stability could be attributed to an impaired ability to attenuate accelerations from trunk to head along with delayed onset of neck muscles activation
105. The Use of Wearable Sensors for Preventing, Assessing, and Informing Recovery from Sport-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Scoping Review
- Author
-
Ezio Preatoni, Elena Bergamini, Silvia Fantozzi, Lucie I. Giraud, Amaranta S. Orejel Bustos, Giuseppe Vannozzi, Valentina Camomilla, Preatoni E., Bergamini E., Fantozzi S., Giraud L.I., Orejel Bustos A.S., Vannozzi G., and Camomilla V.
- Subjects
inertial sensor ,exercise ,injury mechanism ,Biochemistry ,Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics ,Analytical Chemistry ,rehabilitation ,accelerometer ,Wearable Electronic Devices ,prevention ,Humans ,biomechanic ,Musculoskeletal Diseases ,athlete ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,Musculoskeletal Disease ,Instrumentation ,force transducer ,movement analysi ,Sports ,Human ,Sport - Abstract
Wearable technologies are often indicated as tools that can enable the in-field collection of quantitative biomechanical data, unobtrusively, for extended periods of time, and with few spatial limitations. Despite many claims about their potential for impact in the area of injury prevention and management, there seems to be little attention to grounding this potential in biomechanical research linking quantities from wearables to musculoskeletal injuries, and to assessing the readiness of these biomechanical approaches for being implemented in real practice. We performed a systematic scoping review to characterise and critically analyse the state of the art of research using wearable technologies to study musculoskeletal injuries in sport from a biomechanical perspective. A total of 4952 articles were retrieved from the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases; 165 were included. Multiple study features—such as research design, scope, experimental settings, and applied context—were summarised and assessed. We also proposed an injury-research readiness classification tool to gauge the maturity of biomechanical approaches using wearables. Five main conclusions emerged from this review, which we used as a springboard to propose guidelines and good practices for future research and dissemination in the field.
- Published
- 2022
106. Automatic detection of surface EMG activation timing using a wavelet transform based method
- Author
-
Giuseppe Vannozzi, Silvia Conforto, Tommaso D'Alessio, Vannozzi, G, Conforto, Silvia, and D'Alessio, Tommaso
- Subjects
Male ,Accuracy and precision ,Computer science ,muscle activation interval, discontinuity detection ,Speech recognition ,0206 medical engineering ,Population ,Biophysics ,Neuroscience (miscellaneous) ,02 engineering and technology ,Signal ,Standard deviation ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Wavelet ,EMG ,Humans ,Biomechanics ,education ,Muscle, Skeletal ,Exercise ,wavelet transform ,education.field_of_study ,Signal processing ,business.industry ,Noise (signal processing) ,Electromyography ,Wavelet transform ,Pattern recognition ,Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ,020601 biomedical engineering ,Biomechanical Phenomena ,Discontinuity detection ,Neurology (clinical) ,Artificial intelligence ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Algorithms ,Muscle Contraction - Abstract
The problem of the identification of the muscle contraction timing by using surface electromyographic signal is addressed. The timing detection of the muscular activation in dynamic conditions has a real clinical diagnostic impact. Widely used single threshold methods still rely on the experience of the operator in manually setting that threshold. A new approach to detect the muscular activation intervals, that is based on discontinuities detection in the wavelet domain, is proposed. Accuracy and precision of the algorithm were assessed by using a set of simulated signals obtaining values lower than 11.0 and 8.7 ms for biases and standard deviations of the estimation, respectively. Moreover an experimental application of the algorithm was carried out recruiting a population of 10 able-bodied subjects and processing the myoelectric signals recorded from the lower limb during an isokinetic exercise. The algorithm was able to reveal correctly the timing of muscular activation with performance comparable to the state-of-the-art methods. The detection algorithm is automatic and user-independent, it manages the detection of both onset and offset activation, it can be fruitfully applied even in presence of noise and, therefore, it can be used also by unskilled operators. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
107. Dynamic Stability, Symmetry, and Smoothness of Gait in People with Neurological Health Conditions.
- Author
-
Tramontano M, Orejel Bustos AS, Montemurro R, Vasta S, Marangon G, Belluscio V, Morone G, Modugno N, Buzzi MG, Formisano R, Bergamini E, and Vannozzi G
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Female, Middle Aged, Biomechanical Phenomena physiology, Aged, Walking physiology, Adult, Brain Injuries, Traumatic physiopathology, Walking Speed physiology, Gait physiology, Parkinson Disease physiopathology, Postural Balance physiology, Stroke physiopathology
- Abstract
Neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's disease (PD), and severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) are leading global causes of disability and mortality. This study aimed to assess the ability to walk of patients with sTBI, stroke, and PD, identifying the differences in dynamic postural stability, symmetry, and smoothness during various dynamic motor tasks. Sixty people with neurological disorders and 20 healthy participants were recruited. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors were employed to measure spatiotemporal parameters and gait quality indices during different motor tasks. The Mini-BESTest, Berg Balance Scale, and Dynamic Gait Index Scoring were also used to evaluate balance and gait. People with stroke exhibited the most compromised biomechanical patterns, with lower walking speed, increased stride duration, and decreased stride frequency. They also showed higher upper body instability and greater variability in gait stability indices, as well as less gait symmetry and smoothness. PD and sTBI patients displayed significantly different temporal parameters and differences in stability parameters only at the pelvis level and in the smoothness index during both linear and curved paths. This study provides a biomechanical characterization of dynamic stability, symmetry, and smoothness in people with stroke, sTBI, and PD using an IMU-based ecological assessment.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
108. Cognitive-motor dual-task training improves dynamic stability during straight and curved gait in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.
- Author
-
Tramontano M, Argento O, Orejel Bustos AS, DE Angelis S, Montemurro R, Bossa M, Belluscio V, Bergamini E, Vannozzi G, and Nocentini U
- Subjects
- Young Adult, Humans, Single-Blind Method, Exercise Therapy, Gait physiology, Cognition, Postural Balance physiology, Multiple Sclerosis complications, Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation
- Abstract
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, demyelinating, degenerative disease of the central nervous system and the second most frequent cause of permanent disability in young adults. One of the most common issues concerns the ability to perform postural and gait tasks while simultaneously completing a cognitive task (namely, dual-task DT)., Aim: Assessing cognitive-motor dual-task training effectiveness in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) for dynamic gait quality when walking on straight, curved, and blindfolded paths., Design: Two-arm single-blind randomized controlled trial. Follow-up at 8 weeks., Setting: Neurorehabilitation Hospital., Population: A sample of 42 PwMS aged 28-71, with a score of 4.00±1.52 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale were recruited., Methods: Participants were randomized in conventional (CTg) neurorehabilitation and dual-task training (DTg) groups and received 12 sessions, 3 days/week/4 weeks. They were assessed at baseline (T0), after the treatment (T1), and 8 weeks after the end of the treatment (T2) through Mini-BESTest, Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, Modified Barthel Index, and a set of spatiotemporal parameters and gait quality indices related to stability, symmetry, and smoothness of gait extracted from initial measurement units (IMUs) data during the execution of the 10-meter Walk Test (10mWT), the Figure-of-8 Walk Test (Fo8WT) and the Fukuda Stepping Test (FST)., Results: Thirty-one PwMS completed the trial at T2. Significant improvement within subjects was found in Mini-BESTest scores for DTg from T0 to T1. The IMU-based assessment indicated significant differences in stability (P<0.01) and smoothness (P<0.05) measures between CTg and DTg during 10mWT and Fo8WT. Substantial improvements (P<0.017) were also found in the inter-session comparison, primarily for DTg, particularly for stability, symmetry, and smoothness measures., Conclusions: This study supports the effectiveness of DT in promoting dynamic motor abilities in PwMS., Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: Cognitive-motor DT implemented into the neurorehabilitation conventional program could be a useful strategy for gait and balance rehabilitation.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
109. Upper limb assessment with inertial measurement units according to the international classification of functioning in stroke: a systematic review and correlation meta-analysis.
- Author
-
Martino Cinnera A, Picerno P, Bisirri A, Koch G, Morone G, and Vannozzi G
- Subjects
- Humans, Upper Extremity, Hand, Biomechanical Phenomena, Stroke, Stroke Rehabilitation
- Abstract
Objective: To investigate the usefulness of inertial measurement units (IMUs) in the assessment of motor function of the upper limb (UL) in accordance with the international classification of functioning (ICF)., Data Sources: PubMed; Scopus; Embase; WoS and PEDro databases were searched from inception to 1 February 2022., Methods: The current systematic review follows PRISMA recommendations. Articles including IMU assessment of UL in stroke individuals have been included and divided into four ICF categories (b710, b735, b760, d445). We used correlation meta-analysis to pool the Fisher Z-score of each correlation between kinematics and clinical assessment., Results: A total of 35 articles, involving 475 patients, met the inclusion criteria. In the included studies, IMUs have been employed to assess the mobility of joint functions ( n = 6), muscle tone functions ( n = 4), control of voluntary movement functions ( n = 15), and hand and arm use ( n = 15). A significant correlation was found in overall meta-analysis based on 10 studies, involving 213 subjects: ( r = 0.69) (95% CI: 0.69/0.98; p < 0.001) as in the d445 ( r = 0.71) and b760 ( r = 0.64) ICF domains, with no heterogeneity across the studies., Conclusion: The literature supports the integration of IMUs and conventional clinical assessment in functional evaluation of the UL after a stroke. The use of a limited number of wearable sensors can provide additional kinematic features of UL in all investigated ICF domains, especially in the ADL tasks when a strong correlation with clinical evaluation was found.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
110. Cortico-cortical stimulation and robot-assisted therapy (CCS and RAT) for upper limb recovery after stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
- Author
-
Cinnera AM, Bonnì S, D'Acunto A, Maiella M, Ferraresi M, Casula EP, Pezzopane V, Tramontano M, Iosa M, Paolucci S, Morone G, Vannozzi G, and Koch G
- Subjects
- Humans, Treatment Outcome, Upper Extremity, Recovery of Function, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Stroke Rehabilitation methods, Robotics, Stroke diagnosis, Stroke therapy
- Abstract
Background: Since birth, during the exploration of the environment to interact with objects, we exploit both the motor and sensory components of the upper limb (UL). This ability to integrate sensory and motor information is often compromised following a stroke. However, to date, rehabilitation protocols are focused primarily on recovery of motor function through physical therapies. Therefore, we have planned a clinical trial to investigate the effect on functionality of UL after a sensorimotor transcranial stimulation (real vs sham) in add-on to robot-assisted therapy in the stroke population., Methods: A randomised double-blind controlled trial design involving 32 patients with a single chronic stroke (onset > 180 days) was planned. Each patient will undergo 15 consecutive sessions (5 days for 3 weeks) of paired associative stimulation (PAS) coupled with UL robot-assisted therapy. PAS stimulation will be administered using a bifocal transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) on the posterior-parietal cortex and the primary motor area (real or sham) of the lesioned hemisphere. Clinical, kinematics and neurophysiological changes will be evaluated at the end of protocol and at 1-month follow-up and compared with baseline. The Fugl-Meyer assessment scale will be the primary outcome. Secondly, kinematic variables will be recorded during the box-and-block test and reaching tasks using video analysis and inertial sensors. Single pulse TMS and electroencephalography will be used to investigate the changes in local cortical reactivity and in the interconnected areas., Discussion: The presented trial shall evaluate with a multimodal approach the effects of sensorimotor network stimulation applied before a robot-assisted therapy training on functional recovery of the upper extremity after stroke. The combination of neuromodulation and robot-assisted therapy can promote an increase of cortical plasticity of sensorimotor areas followed by a clinical benefit in the motor function of the upper limb., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05478434. Registered on 28 Jul 2022., (© 2023. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
111. Long-term effects of bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation on gait disorders in Parkinson's disease: a clinical-instrumental study.
- Author
-
Cavallieri F, Campanini I, Gessani A, Budriesi C, Fioravanti V, Di Rauso G, Feletti A, Damiano B, Scaltriti S, Guagnano N, Bardi E, Corni MG, Rossi J, Antonelli F, Cavalleri F, Molinari MA, Contardi S, Menozzi E, Puzzolante A, Vannozzi G, Bergamini E, Pavesi G, Meoni S, Fraix V, Fraternali A, Versari A, Lusuardi M, Biagini G, Merlo A, Moro E, and Valzania F
- Subjects
- Male, Humans, Middle Aged, Postural Balance, Treatment Outcome, Time and Motion Studies, Gait, Parkinson Disease therapy, Parkinson Disease drug therapy, Subthalamic Nucleus physiology, Deep Brain Stimulation methods
- Abstract
Objective: To assess the long-term effects of bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on gait in a cohort of advanced Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients., Methods: This observational study included consecutive PD patients treated with bilateral STN-DBS. Different stimulation and drug treatment conditions were assessed: on-stimulation/off-medication, off-stimulation/off-medication, and on-stimulation/on-medication. Each patient performed the instrumented Timed Up and Go test (iTUG). The instrumental evaluation of walking ability was carried out with a wearable inertial sensor containing a three-dimensional (3D) accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer. This device could provide 3D linear acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic field vector. Disease motor severity was evaluated with the total score and subscores of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale part III., Results: Twenty-five PD patients with a 5-years median follow-up after surgery (range 3-7) were included (18 men; mean disease duration at surgery 10.44 ± 4.62 years; mean age at surgery 58.40 ± 5.73 years). Both stimulation and medication reduced the total duration of the iTUG and most of its different phases, suggesting a long-term beneficial effect on gait after surgery. However, comparing the two treatments, dopaminergic therapy had a more marked effect in all test phases. STN-DBS alone reduced total iTUG duration, sit-to-stand, and second turn phases duration, while it had a lower effect on stand-to-sit, first turn, forward walking, and walking backward phases duration., Conclusions: This study highlighted that in the long-term after surgery, STN-DBS may contribute to gait and postural control improvement when used together with dopamine replacement therapy, which still shows a substantial beneficial effect., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
112. Ambient assisted living systems for falls monitoring at home.
- Author
-
Orejel Bustos AS, Tramontano M, Morone G, Ciancarelli I, Panza G, Minnetti A, Picelli A, Smania N, Iosa M, and Vannozzi G
- Subjects
- Humans, Movement, Algorithms, Machine Learning, Accidental Falls prevention & control, Ambient Intelligence
- Abstract
Introduction: Monitoring systems at home are critical in the event of a fall, and can range from standalone fall detection devices to activity recognition devices that aim to identify behaviors in which the user may be at risk of falling, or to detect falls in real-time and alert emergency personnel., Areas Covered: This review analyzes the current literature concerning the different devices available for home fall detection., Expert Opinion: Included studies highlight how fall detection at home is an important challenge both from a clinical-assistance point of view and from a technical-bioengineering point of view. There are wearable, non-wearable and hybrid systems that aim to detect falls that occur in the patient's home. In the near future, a greater probability of predicting falls is expected thanks to an improvement in technologies together with the prediction ability of machine learning algorithms. Fall prevention must involve the clinician with a person-centered approach, low cost and minimally invasive technologies able to evaluate the movement of patients and machine learning algorithms able to make an accurate prediction of the fall event.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
113. Interplay between speech and gait variables in Parkinson's disease patients treated with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation: A long-term instrumental assessment.
- Author
-
Cavallieri F, Gessani A, Merlo A, Campanini I, Budriesi C, Fioravanti V, Di Rauso G, Feletti A, Damiano B, Scaltriti S, Guagnano N, Bardi E, Corni MG, Antonelli F, Cavalleri F, Molinari MA, Contardi S, Menozzi E, Puzzolante A, Vannozzi G, Bergamini E, Pavesi G, Fraix V, Meoni S, Fraternali A, Versari A, Lusuardi M, Biagini G, Pinto S, Moro E, and Valzania F
- Subjects
- Male, Humans, Middle Aged, Speech, Treatment Outcome, Gait, Parkinson Disease therapy, Parkinson Disease drug therapy, Subthalamic Nucleus, Deep Brain Stimulation
- Abstract
Objective: To evaluate correlations between speech and gait parameters in the long term and under different medication and subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) conditions in a cohort of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients., Methods: This observational study included consecutive PD patients treated with bilateral STN-DBS. Axial symptoms were evaluated using a standardized clinical-instrumental approach. Speech and gait were assessed by perceptual and acoustic analyses and by the instrumented Timed Up and Go (iTUG) test, respectively. Disease motor severity was evaluated with the total score and subscores of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III. Different stimulation and drug treatment conditions were assessed: on-stimulation/off-medication, off-stimulation/off-medication, and on-stimulation/on-medication., Results: Twenty-five PD patients with a 5-year median follow-up after surgery (range 3-7 years) were included (18 males; disease duration at surgery: 10.44 [SD 4.62] years; age at surgery: 58.40 [SD 5.73] years). In the off-stimulation/off-medication and on-stimulation/on-medication conditions, patients who spoke louder had also the greater acceleration of the trunk during gait; whereas in the on-stimulation/on-medication condition only, patients with the poorer voice quality were also the worst to perform the sit to stand and gait phases of the iTUG. Conversely, patients with the higher speech rate performed well in the turning and walking phases of the iTUG., Conclusions: This study underlines the presence of different correlations between treatment effects of speech and gait parameters in PD patients treated with bilateral STN-DBS. This may allow us to better understand the common pathophysiological basis of these alterations and to develop a more specific and tailored rehabilitation approach for axial signs after surgery., (© 2023 European Academy of Neurology.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
114. Facilitating or disturbing? An investigation about the effects of auditory frequencies on prefrontal cortex activation and postural sway.
- Author
-
Belluscio V, Cartocci G, Terbojevich T, Di Feo P, Inguscio BMS, Ferrari M, Quaresima V, and Vannozzi G
- Abstract
Auditory stimulation activates brain areas associated with higher cognitive processes, like the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and plays a role in postural control regulation. However, the effects of specific frequency stimuli on upright posture maintenance and PFC activation patterns remain unknown. Therefore, the study aims at filling this gap. Twenty healthy adults performed static double- and single-leg stance tasks of 60s each under four auditory conditions: 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 Hz, binaurally delivered through headphones, and in quiet condition. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure PFC activation through changes in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration, while an inertial sensor (sealed at the L5 vertebra level) quantified postural sway parameters. Perceived discomfort and pleasantness were rated through a 0-100 visual analogue scale (VAS). Results showed that in both motor tasks, different PFC activation patterns were displayed at the different auditory frequencies and the postural performance worsened with auditory stimuli, compared to quiet conditions. VAS results showed that higher frequencies were considered more discomfortable than lower ones. Present data prove that specific sound frequencies play a significant role in cognitive resources recruitment and in the regulation of postural control. Furthermore, it supports the importance of exploring the relationship among tones, cortical activity, and posture, also considering possible applications with neurological populations and people with hearing dysfunctions., Competing Interests: GC and BI were employed by the company BrainSigns Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Belluscio, Cartocci, Terbojevich, Di Feo, Inguscio, Ferrari, Quaresima and Vannozzi.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
115. "Posture first": Interaction between posture and locomotion in people with low back pain during unexpectedly cued modification of gait initiation motor command.
- Author
-
Rum L, Russo Y, Vannozzi G, and Macaluso A
- Subjects
- Humans, Cues, Postural Balance physiology, Gait physiology, Locomotion physiology, Muscle, Skeletal physiology, Posture physiology, Biomechanical Phenomena, Low Back Pain
- Abstract
The ability to adapt anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) in response to perturbations during single-joint movements is altered in people with chronic low back pain (LBP), but a comprehensive analysis during functional motor tasks is still missing. This study aimed to compare APAs and stepping characteristics during gait initiation between people with LBP and healthy controls, both in normal (without cue occurrence) condition and when an unexpected visual cue required to switch the stepping limb. Fourteen individuals with LPB and 10 healthy controls performed gait initiation in normal and switch conditions. The postural responses were evaluated through the analysis of center of pressure, propulsive ground reaction forces, trunk and whole-body kinematics, and activation onsets of leg and back muscles. During normal gait initiation, participants with LBP exhibited similar APAs and stepping characteristics to healthy controls. In the switch condition, individuals with LBP were characterized by greater mediolateral postural stability but decreased forward body motion and propulsion before stepping. The thorax motion was associated with forward propulsion parameters in both task conditions in people with LBP but not healthy controls. No between-group differences were found in muscle activation onsets. The results suggest that postural stability is prioritized over forward locomotion in individuals with LBP. Furthermore, the condition-invariant coupling between thorax and whole-body forward propulsion in LBP suggests an adaptation in the functional use of the thorax within the postural strategy, even in poor balance conditions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work and have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
116. Erratum to "Effects of wearing a foot orthosis on ankle function in children with idiopathic toe walking during gait." [Heliyon 8(10) (October 2022) e11021].
- Author
-
Brasiliano P, Alvini M, Di Stanislao E, Vannozzi G, Di Rosa G, and Camomilla V
- Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11021.]., (© 2022 The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
117. Estimating the Standing Long Jump Length from Smartphone Inertial Sensors through Machine Learning Algorithms.
- Author
-
De Lazzari B, Mascia G, Vannozzi G, and Camomilla V
- Abstract
The length of the standing long jump (SLJ) is widely recognized as an indicator of developmental motor competence or sports conditional performance. This work aims at defining a methodology to allow athletes/coaches to easily measure it using the inertial measurement units embedded on a smartphone. A sample group of 114 trained young participants was recruited and asked to perform the instrumented SLJ task. A set of features was identified based on biomechanical knowledge, then Lasso regression allowed the identification of a subset of predictors of the SLJ length that was used as input of different optimized machine learning architectures. Results obtained from the use of the proposed configuration allow an estimate of the SLJ length with a Gaussian Process Regression model with a RMSE of 0.122 m in the test phase, Kendall's τ < 0.1. The proposed models give homoscedastic results, meaning that the error of the models does not depend on the estimated quantity. This study proved the feasibility of using low-cost smartphone sensors to provide an automatic and objective estimate of SLJ performance in ecological settings.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
118. Ankle Kinematics Characterization in Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking: Does the Foot Model Change the Clinical Evaluation?
- Author
-
Brasiliano P, Alvini M, Di Stanislao E, Vannozzi G, Di Rosa G, and Camomilla V
- Abstract
Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is a gait deviation characterized by forefoot contact with the ground, sometimes observed in children, that alters ankle kinematics, possibly leading to health-related issues. When studying foot and ankle gait deviations, the adoption of a single-segment foot model entails a significant simplification of foot and ankle movement, and thus may potentially mask some important foot dynamics. Differences in ankle kinematics between single- (conventional gait model, PiG, or Davis) and multi-segment (Oxford foot model, OFM) foot models were investigated in children with ITW. Fourteen participants were enrolled in the study and underwent instrumented gait analysis. Children were asked to walk barefoot and while wearing a foot orthosis that modified the ankle movement pattern toward a more physiological one without blocking foot intrinsic motion. ITW gait abnormalities, e.g., the absence of heel rocker and the presence of anticipated forefoot rocker, were found/not found according to the foot model. Walking conditions significantly interacted with the foot model effect. Finally, the different characterization of gait abnormalities led to a different classification of ITW, with a possible impact on the clinical evaluation. Due to its closer adhesion to ankle anatomy and to its sensitivity to ITW peculiarities, OFM may be preferable for instrumented gait analysis in this population.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
119. Impact of Gait Events Identification through Wearable Inertial Sensors on Clinical Gait Analysis of Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking.
- Author
-
Brasiliano P, Mascia G, Di Feo P, Di Stanislao E, Alvini M, Vannozzi G, and Camomilla V
- Abstract
Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is a gait deviation characterized by forefoot contact with the ground and excessive ankle plantarflexion over the entire gait cycle observed in otherwise-typical developing children. The clinical evaluation of ITW is usually performed using optoelectronic systems analyzing the sagittal component of ankle kinematics and kinetics. However, in standardized laboratory contexts, these children can adopt a typical walking pattern instead of a toe walk, thus hindering the laboratory-based clinical evaluation. With these premises, measuring gait in a more ecological environment may be crucial in this population. As a first step towards adopting wearable clinical protocols embedding magneto-inertial sensors and pressure insoles, this study analyzed the performance of three algorithms for gait events identification based on shank and/or foot sensors. Foot strike and foot off were estimated from gait measurements taken from children with ITW walking barefoot and while wearing a foot orthosis. Although no single algorithm stands out as best from all perspectives, preferable algorithms were devised for event identification, temporal parameters estimate and heel and forefoot rocker identification, depending on the barefoot/shoed condition. Errors more often led to an erroneous characterization of the heel rocker, especially in shoed condition. The ITW gait specificity may cause errors in the identification of the foot strike which, in turn, influences the characterization of the heel rocker and, therefore, of the pathologic ITW behavior.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
120. Vestibular Rehabilitation Improves Gait Quality and Activities of Daily Living in People with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
- Author
-
Tramontano M, Belluscio V, Bergamini E, Allevi G, De Angelis S, Verdecchia G, Formisano R, Vannozzi G, and Buzzi MG
- Subjects
- Humans, Single-Blind Method, Treatment Outcome, Gait, Activities of Daily Living, Brain Injuries, Traumatic rehabilitation
- Abstract
Neurorehabilitation research in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) showed how vestibular rehabilitation (VR) treatments positively affect concussion-related symptoms, but no studies have been carried out in patients with severe TBI (sTBI) during post-acute intensive neurorehabilitation. We aimed at testing this effect by combining sensor-based gait analysis and clinical scales assessment. We hypothesized that integrating VR in post-acute neurorehabilitation training might improve gait quality and activity of daily living (ADL) in sTBI patients. A two-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial with 8 weeks of follow-up was performed including thirty sTBI inpatients that underwent an 8-week rehabilitation program including either a VR or a conventional program. Gait quality parameters were obtained using body-mounted magneto-inertial sensors during instrumented linear and curvilinear walking tests. A 4X2 mixed model ANOVA was used to investigate session−group interactions and main effects. Patients undergoing VR exhibited improvements in ADL, showing early improvements in clinical scores. Sensor-based assessment of curvilinear pathways highlighted significant VR-related improvements in gait smoothness over time (p < 0.05), whereas both treatments exhibited distinct improvements in gait quality. Integrating VR in conventional neurorehabilitation is a suitable strategy to improve gait smoothness and ADL in sTBI patients. Instrumented protocols are further promoted as an additional measure to quantify the efficacy of neurorehabilitation treatments.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
121. Effects of wearing a foot orthosis on ankle function in children with idiopathic toe walking during gait.
- Author
-
Brasiliano P, Alvini M, Di Stanislao E, Vannozzi G, Di Rosa G, and Camomilla V
- Abstract
Background: Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is a gait deviation characterized by forefoot contact with the ground, possibly enhancing the risk of falling and causing Achilles' tendon shortening and psychological discomfort. Between possible treatments, foot orthosis may limit ITW when worn. With these premises, the effects of a novel foot orthosis (A.Dyn.O.®) on ankle function were analyzed in children with ITW during gait., Methods: Twenty-one children were recruited in the study after ITW diagnosis. At follow-up assessment after a habituation period of at least two weeks, participants walked in barefoot condition and while wearing A.Dyn.O.®. Kinetics and kinematics were derived from a multi-segment foot model using an optoelectronic system. Gait spatiotemporal parameters, ankle kinetic and kinematic and rockers timing were analyzed. Lastly, ITW severity was classified according to Alvarez classification. Differences between conditions were verified with paired t-test. Statistical parametric mapping was used to evaluate differences in the entire kinematic and kinetic waveforms., Findings: Wearing A.Dyn.O.®, step cadence was reduced, step length, stance phase and stride duration increased; physiological heel rocker was present, thus postponing the timing of ankle and forefoot rockers; ankle dorsiflexion angular excursion, range of motion, maximal dorsiflexor and plantarflexor moments together with maximal power absorption and production were all amplified., Interpretation: While wearing it, A.Dyn.O.® limited gait deviations typical of ITW and improved ITW severity classification for most of the participants. These findings suggest that the use of A.Dyn.O.® may assist ITW treatment, preventing children from toe walking and thus limiting its side effects., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following conflict of interests: The authors declare that Giuseppe Di Rosa and Eugenio Di Stanislao are inventors of the orthosis and that ITOP SpA Officine Ortopediche is the patent holder. Martina Alvini and Eugenio Di Stanislao are employed in ITOP SpA Officine Ortopediche. All other authors have no conflict of interest associated with this publication., (© 2022 The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
122. Does visual cueing improve gait initiation in people with Parkinson's disease?
- Author
-
Russo Y, Stuart S, Silva-Batista C, Brumbach B, Vannozzi G, and Mancini M
- Subjects
- Cognition, Cues, Gait, Humans, Gait Disorders, Neurologic, Parkinson Disease
- Abstract
Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) prior to gait initiation are impaired in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly in those who report Freezing of Gait (FOG). External cues can improve gait parameters in people with PD, but the effects of visual cues on gait initiation are poorly known. The study aimed to (i) assess differences, during gait initiation, between people with PD with (FOG+) and without FOG (FOG-) and healthy controls (HC), (ii) explore the effect of disease severity on gait initiation and (iii) investigate the acute effect of visual cueing on gait initiation and straight-ahead gait. Twenty FOG- and twenty FOG+, and eighteen HC participated in this study. Participants were asked to perform self-initiated gait with and without visual cues presented as transverse taped lines on the floor. Gait initiation and gait were characterized with wireless inertial measurement units. Results showed that FOG+ had smaller APAs than HC and FOG-; although no differences were detected between FOG+ and FOG- when taking into account disease severity. Significant correlations between MDS-UPDRS III scores and gait initiation/straight-ahead gait variables confirmed that differences between FOG+ and FOG- were driven by disease severity. In gait initiation, visual cues elicited different behaviors in people with and without PD. Particularly, people with PD showed smaller and longer APAs, whereas HC showed longer first step durations, compared to baseline. However, the adopted visual cues improved gait speed and stride length in all individuals. These results suggest that people with PD, despite the presence of FOG, utilize different motor strategies, compared to HC, to adapt to the new biomechanical requirements of gait initiation dictated by the visual cues., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
123. Editorial: Rhythmic Patterns in Neuroscience and Human Physiology.
- Author
-
Dominici N, Iosa M, Vannozzi G, and De Bartolo D
- Abstract
Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
124. The Use of Wearable Sensors for Preventing, Assessing, and Informing Recovery from Sport-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Scoping Review.
- Author
-
Preatoni E, Bergamini E, Fantozzi S, Giraud LI, Orejel Bustos AS, Vannozzi G, and Camomilla V
- Subjects
- Humans, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Sports, Wearable Electronic Devices
- Abstract
Wearable technologies are often indicated as tools that can enable the in-field collection of quantitative biomechanical data, unobtrusively, for extended periods of time, and with few spatial limitations. Despite many claims about their potential for impact in the area of injury prevention and management, there seems to be little attention to grounding this potential in biomechanical research linking quantities from wearables to musculoskeletal injuries, and to assessing the readiness of these biomechanical approaches for being implemented in real practice. We performed a systematic scoping review to characterise and critically analyse the state of the art of research using wearable technologies to study musculoskeletal injuries in sport from a biomechanical perspective. A total of 4952 articles were retrieved from the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases; 165 were included. Multiple study features-such as research design, scope, experimental settings, and applied context-were summarised and assessed. We also proposed an injury-research readiness classification tool to gauge the maturity of biomechanical approaches using wearables. Five main conclusions emerged from this review, which we used as a springboard to propose guidelines and good practices for future research and dissemination in the field.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
125. Biomechanics of the Hammer Throw: Narrative Review.
- Author
-
Castaldi GM, Borzuola R, Camomilla V, Bergamini E, Vannozzi G, and Macaluso A
- Abstract
Hammer throw is a discipline characterized by unique biomechanical features, which have often captured the interest of scientists and coaches in athletics. However, most studies have been published on technical journals for coaches and there are only few works on the biomechanical aspects of hammer throw in scientific literature. This narrative review provides a critical evaluation of the articles published in scientific and the most relevant technical journals with a particular focus on the biomechanical aspects that underlie the throwing technique and contribute to performance enhancement. The modern throwing technique has many elements in common with that used by the best throwers in the Eighties, underlying a limited development in the biomechanical understanding of throwing motion in recent years. This review analyses the ballistic and environmental aspects of the discipline as well as the motion of the center of mass of both the hammer and thrower. Furthermore, the orbital movement of the hammer and the forces involved in the throw are evaluated. This review emphasizes the kinematic and dynamic parameters that emerge as the most relevant to improve the throwing performance. Among these, linear release velocity appears to be a fundamental element. To maximize this variable, the athlete is required to accelerate the hammer by applying force. The curve of the time-tangential velocity of the hammer follows a trajectory very similar to that of the forces applied to the hammer-thrower system indicating a strong relationship between the two variables. The thrower uses the action of the leg muscles to gain momentum, which is then transferred to the hammer through the trunk and arm muscles, thus obtaining an increase of the linear release velocity. This review provides coaches with a critical analysis of the hammer throw technique, highlighting relevant factors for future development of training programmes. Our work reveals a substantial gap in the literature, particularly concerning the evaluation of fundamental key aspects of the throw such as the assessment of preliminary winds, the entry to the first turn and the definition of the rotation axes involved in the throw. A more in-depth analysis of these key elements is required to improve the understanding of the biomechanics of hammer throw., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Castaldi, Borzuola, Camomilla, Bergamini, Vannozzi and Macaluso.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
126. Motor Competence in Individuals with Down Syndrome: Is an Improvement Still Possible in Adulthood?
- Author
-
Quinzi F, Vannozzi G, Camomilla V, Piacentini MF, Boca F, Bortels E, Kathrein E, Magyar A, Verdone F, and Sbriccoli P
- Subjects
- Adaptation, Physiological, Adult, Child, Humans, Motor Skills, Down Syndrome
- Abstract
In children, motor competence (MC) and the amount of physical activity are tightly interconnected. In adults with Down syndrome (DS), MC has been poorly addressed, resulting in a limited understanding of the possibility to improve MC over time. Here, we aim to: (1) investigate MC in adults with DS by comparing them with a group of typically developed peers and (2) verify the effect of an adapted karate program on MC. Adults with DS (DSG; n = 57) and typically developed adults (TDG; n = 21) performed the Test of Gross Motor Development version 3 (TGMD-3). The total TGMD-3 score (
TOT TGMD-3), the locomotor (LOC TGMD-3), and object control (OBJ TGMD-3) scores were computed. After a 40 week adapted karate program, DSG ( n = 37) underwent the post-training TGMD-3 assessment. Compared to TDG, DSG showed lowerTOT TGMD-3 (DSG: 45.5 ± 17.3; TDG: 77.3 ± 9.5),LOC TGMD-3 (DSG: 22.2 ± 10.0; TDG: 36.2 ± 7.6) andOBJ TGMD-3 (DSG: 23.3 ± 10.9; TDG: 41.1 ± 5.6). After the training,TOT TGMD-3,LOC TGMD-3 andOBJ TGMD-3 increased by 35.6%, 30.0% and 40.7%, respectively. Our results suggest that MC acquisition does not evolve into a mature form in adulthood in individuals with DS. Moreover, a brief exposure to an adapted karate program induces an increase in motor competence in DS, even in adulthood.- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
127. One-Pot Procedure for the Synthesis of Asymmetric Substituted Ureido Benzene Sulfonamides as Effective Inhibitors of Carbonic Anhydrase Enzymes.
- Author
-
Vannozzi G, Vullo D, Angeli A, Ferraroni M, Combs J, Lomelino C, Andring J, Mckenna R, Bartolucci G, Pallecchi M, Lucarini L, Sgambellone S, Masini E, Carta F, and Supuran CT
- Subjects
- Animals, Carbonic Anhydrase II antagonists & inhibitors, Crystallography, X-Ray, Drug Design, Glaucoma drug therapy, Intraocular Pressure drug effects, Male, Models, Molecular, Protein Binding, Rabbits, Structure-Activity Relationship, Benzenesulfonamides, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors chemical synthesis, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors pharmacology, Sulfonamides chemical synthesis, Sulfonamides pharmacology
- Abstract
We report a one-pot procedure for the synthesis of asymmetrical ureido-containing benzenesulfonamides based on in situ generation of the corresponding isocyanatobenezenesulfonamide species, which were trapped with the appropriate amines. A library of new compounds was generated and evaluated in vitro for their inhibition properties against a representative panel of the human (h) metalloenzymes carbonic anhydrases (EC 4.2.1.1), and the best performing compounds on the isozyme II (i.e., 7c , 9c , 11g , and 12c ) were screened for their ability to reduce the intraocular pressure in glaucomatous rabbits. In addition, the binding modes of 7c , 11f , and 11g were assessed by means of X-ray crystallography.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
128. Characterization of Anticipatory Postural Adjustments in Lateral Stepping: Impact of Footwear and Lower Limb Preference.
- Author
-
Russo Y, Marinkovic D, Obradovic B, and Vannozzi G
- Subjects
- Humans, Lower Extremity, Orientation, Spatial, Postural Balance, Shoes
- Abstract
Lateral stepping is a motor task that is widely used in everyday life to modify the base of support, change direction, and avoid obstacles. Anticipatory Postural Adjustments (APAs) are often analyzed to describe postural preparation prior to forward stepping, however, little is known about lateral stepping. The aim of the study is to characterize APAs preceding lateral steps and to investigate how these are affected by footwear and lower limb preference. Twenty-two healthy young participants performed a lateral step using both their preferred and non-preferred leg in both barefoot and shod conditions. APA spatiotemporal parameters (size, duration, and speed) along both the anteroposterior and mediolateral axes were obtained through force plate data. APAs preceding lateral stepping showed typical patterns both along the anteroposterior and mediolateral axis. RM-ANOVA highlighted a significant effect of footwear only on medio-lateral APAs amplitude ( p = 0.008) and velocity ( p = 0.037). No differences were found for the limb preference. APAs in lateral stepping presented consistent features in the sagittal component, regardless of limb/shoe factors. Interestingly, the study observed that footwear induced an increase in the medio-lateral APAs size and velocity, highlighting the importance of including this factor when studying lateral stepping.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
129. Magnetic-free Extended Kalman Filter for upper limb kinematic assessment in Yoga.
- Author
-
Truppa L, Garofalo P, Raggi M, Bergamini E, Vannozzi G, Sabatini AM, and Mannini A
- Subjects
- Biomechanical Phenomena, Humans, Motion, Movement, Upper Extremity, Yoga
- Abstract
Human motion analysis is gaining increased importance in several fields, from movement assessment in rehabilitation to recreational applications such as virtual coaching. Among all the technologies involved in motion capture, Magneto-Inertial Measurements Units (MIMUs) is one of the most promising due to their small dimensions and low costs. Nevertheless, their usage is strongly limited by different error sources, among which magnetic disturbances, which are particularly problematic in indoor environments. Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) could, thus, be considered as alternative solution. Indeed, relying exclusively on accelerometers and gyroscopes, they are insensitive to magnetic disturbances. Even if the literature has started to propose few algorithms that do not take into account magnetometer input, their application is limited to robotics and aviation. The aim of the present work is to introduce a magnetic-free quaternion based Extended Kalman filter for upper limb kinematic assessment in human motion (i.e., yoga). The algorithm was tested on five expert yoga trainers during the execution of the sun salutation sequence. Joint angle estimations were compared with the ones obtained from an optoelectronic reference system by evaluating the Mean Absolute Errors (MAEs) and Pearson's correlation coefficients. The achieved worst-case was 6.17°, while the best one was 2.65° for MAEs mean values. The accuracy of the algorithm was further confirmed by the high values of the Pearson's correlation coefficients (lowest mean value of 0.86).Clinical Relevance- The proposed work validated a magnetic free algorithm for kinematic reconstruction with inertial units. It could be used as a wearable solution to track human movements in indoor environments being insensitive to magnetic disturbances, and thus could be potentially used also for rehabilitation purposes.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
130. Muscle synergies in archery: an explorative study on experienced athletes with and without physical disability .
- Author
-
Vendrame E, Rum L, Belluscio V, Truppa L, Vannozzi G, Lazich A, Bergamini E, and Mannini A
- Subjects
- Biomechanical Phenomena, Humans, Muscle, Skeletal, Shoulder, Athletes, Upper Extremity
- Abstract
Archery technique requires a coordinated activation of shoulder girdle and upper extremity muscles to perform a successful shot. The analysis of muscle synergies can provide information about the motor strategy that underlies the shooting performance, also supporting the investigation of motor impairments in athletes with disability. For this purpose, electromyographic (EMG) data from five muscles were collected from a non-disabled and a W1 category Paralympic athlete, and muscle synergies were extracted from EMG envelopes using non-negative matrix factorization. Muscle synergies analysis revealed features of the motor strategy specific to the athletes' shooting technique, such as the contribution of the biceps muscle instead of the posterior deltoid during the arrow drawing and target aiming in the Paralympic athlete compared to the non-disabled athlete. It is concluded that the evaluation of the muscle synergies may be a valuable tool for exploring the motor strategies adopted by athletes with disability, providing useful information to improve athletic performance and possibly prevent the risk of injury.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
131. Three-dimensional acceleration of the body center of mass in people with transfemoral amputation: Identification of a minimal body segment network.
- Author
-
Simonetti E, Bergamini E, Bascou J, Vannozzi G, and Pillet H
- Subjects
- Acceleration, Amputation, Surgical, Biomechanical Phenomena, Humans, Amputees, Gait
- Abstract
Background: The analysis of biomechanical parameters derived from the body center of mass (BCoM) 3D motion allows for the characterization of gait impairments in people with lower-limb amputation, assisting in their rehabilitation. In this context, magneto-inertial measurement units are promising as they allow to measure the motion of body segments, and therefore potentially of the BCoM, directly in the field. Finding a compromise between the accuracy of computed parameters and the number of required sensors is paramount to transfer this technology in clinical routine., Research Question: Is there a reduced subset of instrumented segments (BSN) allowing a reliable and accurate estimation of the 3D BCoM acceleration transfemoral amputees?, Methods: The contribution of each body segment to the BCoM acceleration was quantified in terms of weight and similarity in ten people with transfemoral amputation. First, body segments and BCoM accelerations were obtained using an optoelectronic system and a full-body inertial model. Based on these findings, different scenarios were explored where the use of one sensor at pelvis/trunk level and of different networks of segment-mounted sensors for the BCoM acceleration estimation was simulated and assessed against force plate-based reference acceleration., Results: Trunk, pelvis and lower-limb segments are the main contributors to the BCoM acceleration in transfemoral amputees. The trunk and shanks BSN allows for an accurate estimation of the sagittal BCoM acceleration (Normalized RMSE ≤ 13.1 %, Pearson's correlations r ≥ 0.86), while five segments are necessary when the 3D BCoM acceleration is targeted (Normalized RMSE ≤ 13.2 %, Pearson's correlations r ≥ 0.91)., Significance: A network of three-to-five segments (trunk and lower limbs) allows for an accurate estimation of 2D and 3D BCoM accelerations. The use of a single pelvis- or trunk-mounted sensor does not seem advisable. Future studies should be performed to confirm these results where inertial sensor measured accelerations are considered., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
132. Modifications in Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation in Linear and Curvilinear Dual Task Walking: A Combined fNIRS and IMUs Study.
- Author
-
Belluscio V, Casti G, Ferrari M, Quaresima V, Sappia MS, Horschig JM, and Vannozzi G
- Subjects
- Gait, Humans, Oxyhemoglobins metabolism, Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared, Young Adult, Prefrontal Cortex, Walking
- Abstract
Increased oxygenated hemoglobin concentration of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been observed during linear walking, particularly when there is a high attention demand on the task, like in dual-task (DT) paradigms. Despite the knowledge that cognitive and motor demands depend on the complexity of the motor task, most studies have only focused on usual walking, while little is known for more challenging tasks, such as curved paths. To explore the relationship between cortical activation and gait biomechanics, 20 healthy young adults were asked to perform linear and curvilinear walking trajectories in single-task and DT conditions. PFC activation was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, while gait quality with four inertial measurement units. The Figure-of-8-Walk-Test was adopted as the curvilinear trajectory, with the "Serial 7s" test as concurrent cognitive task. Results show that walking along curvilinear trajectories in DT led to increased PFC activation and decreased motor performance. Under DT walking, the neural correlates of executive function and gait control tend to be modified in response to the cognitive resources imposed by the motor task. Being more representative of real-life situations, this approach to curved walking has the potential to reveal crucial information and to improve people' s balance, safety, and life's quality.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
133. Hopping skill in individuals with Down syndrome: A qualitative and quantitative assessment.
- Author
-
Quinzi F, Camomilla V, Bratta C, Piacentini MF, Sbriccoli P, and Vannozzi G
- Subjects
- Acceleration, Adult, Back, Biomechanical Phenomena, Humans, Movement, Down Syndrome
- Abstract
Introduction: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) show a delayed acquisition of gross motor skills. Among gross motor skills, hopping is a particular form of jumping that can be performed using one leg. Despite its large use during play and physical activity, this skill in adults with DS has not received much attention so far. Here, we aim at investigating hopping skill in adults with DS both from a quantitative and qualitative point of view., Methods: Center of mass and dominant leg kinematics during hopping over distance were recorded from 24 adult individuals with DS and from 21 typically developed adults (TD) using two inertial measurement units positioned on the posterior aspect of the lower back and on the lateral malleolus of the hopping leg. From linear acceleration and angular velocity signals, hopping frequency (HF), cycle, stance and flight duration (CD, SD, FD), vertical stiffness (K
V ) and peak to peak linear acceleration and angular velocities about the cranio-caudal, antero-posterior and medio-lateral axes were extracted. A qualitative process assessment of the hopping skill was carried out using the performance criteria of the test for gross motor development (TGMD-3). The extracted parameters were submitted to analysis of covariance, with stature as a covariate to rule-out possible confounding effects., Results: The qualitative assessment highlighted a poorer hopping performance in the DS group compared to the TD group. DS participants showed higher HF and KV , shorter CD, SD, FD and lower angular velocity about the cranio-caudal axis compared to the TD group. Significant correlations between the temporal parameters of the quantitative assessment and the results of the qualitative assessment were observed., Discussion: The poorer motor competence in hopping in individuals with DS compared to TD peers may be related to the shorter flight time and higher vertical stiffness observed in TD peers. The adopted instrumental approach, overcoming the limitations of subjective evaluations, represents a promising opportunity to quantify motor competence in hopping., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
134. The Hybrid Subischial Socket for Persons With Transfemoral Amputation: Gait Parameters and Clinical Assessment of a Case Series.
- Author
-
Pellegrini R, Denza G, Brunelli S, Zenardi D, Imperio M, Vannozzi G, and Traballesi M
- Abstract
Background: The subischial socket interface design is a promising new shape of socket for persons with transfemoral amputation. Typically, the proximal trim line is located distal to the ischial tuberosity, improving comfort in prosthetic users without interfering with gait parameters compared to Ischial Containment Socket (ICS). No studies have investigated the performances of a subischial sockets with suction suspension system. A new subischial socket (Hybrid Subischial Socket - HySS) combined with a hypobaric passive suspension system has been recently developed., Objective: To assess the effects of HySS in terms of comfort, hip range-of-motion and gait parameters., Methodology: Three persons with transfemoral amputation were tested first using their usual ICS and then after one month of continuous use of HySS., Findings: The following parameters improved in all participants using HySS: 1) hip range-of-motion, 2) walking speed and distance, 3) Timed-Up-and-Go-Test time, 4) stride length, 5) double support duration, 6) peak value of hip extension during stance, 7) satisfaction with the prosthesis., Conclusion: These findings suggest that the use of HySS could allow improvements for prosthetic use., Competing Interests: All the authors declare to have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright (c) 2021 Pellegrini R, Denza G, Brunelli S, Zenardi D, Imperio M, Vannozzi G, Traballesi M.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
135. Anticipatory postural adjustments in forward and backward single stepping: Task variability and effects of footwear.
- Author
-
Russo Y and Vannozzi G
- Subjects
- Humans, Orientation, Spatial, Postural Balance, Shoes
- Abstract
A single step is usually preceded by the so-named anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs). These are normally described through the observation of the trajectory of the center of pressure (CoP). Even though, external factors such as stepping direction and footwear are known to modify APAs, quantitative investigations regarding their relevant effects are understudied in the literature. Therefore, this study aims at characterizing APAs patterns prior to forward and backward stepping when performed either in barefoot or shod condition and explores their variability. Twenty-eight young healthy volunteers participated in the study. CoP trajectories were recorded using a force plate and relevant spatio-temporal parameters extracted (i.e. duration, amplitude, and mean speed). Results showed distinct effects of both direction of the step and footwear on APAs: the first mainly induces variations of APAs along the anteroposterior direction, whereas the latter in the mediolateral direction. In addition, variability indices exhibited lower values for the APAs along the mediolateral axis which was affected by neither footwear nor direction of the step. This study extends previous literature by revealing significant direction X footwear interactions on APAs. Furthermore, regardless of these factors, the medio-lateral strategy is still well preserved, highlighting the prioritization of balance control over motor performance. In conclusion, both direction and footwear have a major effect on postural preparation therefore both factors should be included when evaluating APAs in real-life condition., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
136. Biomechanical characteristics of handstand walking initiation.
- Author
-
Grabowiecki M, Rum L, Laudani L, and Vannozzi G
- Subjects
- Adult, Biomechanical Phenomena, Female, Humans, Male, Young Adult, Postural Balance physiology, Walking physiology
- Abstract
Background: The initiation in human locomotion is defined as the transition between upright stance and steady-state gait. While past literature abundantly investigated the initiation in bipedal gait, the initiation of handstand walking remains unexplored., Research Question: The current study aims to characterise the centre of pressure (CoP) and centre of mass (CoM) trajectory of handstand walking initiation as well as the spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters and balance strategy of this task. Also, the study examined the CoP trajectory similarity within- and between-participants using a coefficient of multiple correlation analysis., Methods: Nineteen gymnasts took part in this study. Handstand walking initiation trials were recorded using force plates and a stereophotogrammetric system. CoM and CoP trajectories were analysed during the Baseline, Preparation and Execution phases of the motor task., Results: We found that to successfully perform the handstand walking initiation, a shift of the CoM forward and towards the stance hand is required as a result of a lateral and posterior CoP shift. All participants performed a similar CoP pattern in the mediolateral direction, whereas two anteroposterior CoP displacement strategies were identified across participants based on different timing execution of posterior CoP shift. While CoP and CoM kinematic differences were identified during the Preparation Phase due to the adopted strategy, no significant difference was found in the Execution Phase for the spatiotemporal and kinematic characteristics., Significance: A better understanding of the required CoP/CoM patterns and balance control provides the basis for further neuromechanics research on the topic and could contribute to individualise training protocols to improve the learning of the task., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
137. Estimation of 3D Body Center of Mass Acceleration and Instantaneous Velocity from a Wearable Inertial Sensor Network in Transfemoral Amputee Gait: A Case Study.
- Author
-
Simonetti E, Bergamini E, Vannozzi G, Bascou J, and Pillet H
- Subjects
- Acceleration, Biomechanical Phenomena, Gait, Humans, Amputees, Wearable Electronic Devices
- Abstract
The analysis of the body center of mass (BCoM) 3D kinematics provides insights on crucial aspects of locomotion, especially in populations with gait impairment such as people with amputation. In this paper, a wearable framework based on the use of different magneto-inertial measurement unit (MIMU) networks is proposed to obtain both BCoM acceleration and velocity. The proposed framework was validated as a proof of concept in one transfemoral amputee against data from force plates (acceleration) and an optoelectronic system (acceleration and velocity). The impact in terms of estimation accuracy when using a sensor network rather than a single MIMU at trunk level was also investigated. The estimated velocity and acceleration reached a strong agreement (ρ > 0.89) and good accuracy compared to reference data (normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) < 13.7%) in the anteroposterior and vertical directions when using three MIMUs on the trunk and both shanks and in all three directions when adding MIMUs on both thighs (ρ > 0.89, NRMSE ≤ 14.0% in the mediolateral direction). Conversely, only the vertical component of the BCoM kinematics was accurately captured when considering a single MIMU. These results suggest that inertial sensor networks may represent a valid alternative to laboratory-based instruments for 3D BCoM kinematics quantification in lower-limb amputees.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
138. Neuromechanical response of the upper body to unexpected perturbations during gait initiation in young and older adults.
- Author
-
Rum L, Vannozzi G, Macaluso A, and Laudani L
- Subjects
- Aged, Biomechanical Phenomena, Electromyography, Humans, Muscle, Skeletal, Torso, Gait, Postural Balance
- Abstract
Background: Control of upper body motion deteriorates with ageing leading to impaired ability to preserve balance during gait, but little is known on the contribution of the upper body to preserve balance in response to unexpected perturbations during locomotor transitions, such as gait initiation., Aim: To investigate differences between young and older adults in the ability to modify the trunk kinematics and muscle activity following unexpected waist lateral perturbations during gait initiation., Methods: Ten young (25 ± 2 years) and ten older adults (73 ± 5 years) initiated locomotion from stance while a lateral pull was randomly applied to the pelvis. Two force plates were used to define the feet centre-of-pressure displacement. Angular displacement of the trunk in the frontal plane was obtained through motion analysis. Surface electromyography of cervical and thoracic erector spinae muscles was recorded bilaterally., Results: A lower trunk lateral bending towards the stance leg side in the preparatory phase of gait initiation was observed in older participants following perturbation. Right thoracic muscle activity was increased in response to the perturbation during the initial phase of gait initiation in young (+ 68%) but not in older participants (+ 7%)., Conclusions: The age-related reduction in trunk movement could indicate a more rigid behaviour of the upper body employed by older compared to young individuals in response to unexpected perturbations preceding the initiation of stepping. Older adults' delayed activation of thoracic muscles could suggest impaired reactive mechanisms that may potentially lead to a fall in the early stages of the gait initiation.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
139. Wearable Sensors in Sports for Persons with Disability: A Systematic Review.
- Author
-
Rum L, Sten O, Vendrame E, Belluscio V, Camomilla V, Vannozzi G, Truppa L, Notarantonio M, Sciarra T, Lazich A, Mannini A, and Bergamini E
- Subjects
- Athletes, Humans, Monitoring, Physiologic, Disabled Persons, Sports, Wearable Electronic Devices
- Abstract
The interest and competitiveness in sports for persons with disabilities has increased significantly in the recent years, creating a demand for technological tools supporting practice. Wearable sensors offer non-invasive, portable and overall convenient ways to monitor sports practice. This systematic review aims at providing current evidence on the application of wearable sensors in sports for persons with disability. A search for articles published in English before May 2020 was performed on Scopus, Web-Of-Science, PubMed and EBSCO databases, searching titles, abstracts and keywords with a search string involving terms regarding wearable sensors, sports and disability. After full paper screening, 39 studies were included. Inertial and EMG sensors were the most commonly adopted wearable technologies, while wheelchair sports were the most investigated. Four main target applications of wearable sensors relevant to sports for people with disability were identified and discussed: athlete classification, injury prevention, performance characterization for training optimization and equipment customization. The collected evidence provides an overview on the application of wearable sensors in sports for persons with disability, providing useful indication for researchers, coaches and trainers. Several gaps in the different target applications are highlighted altogether with recommendation on future directions.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
140. Age differences in anticipatory and executory mechanisms of gait initiation following unexpected balance perturbations.
- Author
-
Laudani L, Rum L, Valle MS, Macaluso A, Vannozzi G, and Casabona A
- Subjects
- Accidental Falls prevention & control, Adaptation, Physiological physiology, Adult, Aged, Aging physiology, Biomechanical Phenomena physiology, Cognition physiology, Electromyography methods, Female, Humans, Leg physiology, Male, Muscle, Skeletal physiology, Gait physiology, Postural Balance physiology, Posture physiology
- Abstract
Purpose: An age-related decline in anticipatory postural mechanisms has been reported during gait initiation; however, it is unclear whether such decline may jeopardize whole-body stability following unexpected balance perturbations. This study aimed to compare young and older individuals' ability to generate postural responses and preserve stability in response to external waist perturbations delivered within gait initiation., Methods: Ten young and ten older participants performed 10 gait initiation trials followed by 48 unperturbed and 12 perturbed trials in a random order. A stereophotogrammetric system and three force platforms were used to quantify mechanical parameters from the preparatory phase (e.g., timing and amplitude of postural adjustments) and from the stepping phase (e.g., step characteristics and dynamic stability). Activation patterns of lower leg muscles were determined by surface electromyography., Results: Older participants responded to perturbation with lower increase in both magnitude (p < 0.001; η
2 p = 0.62) and duration (p = 0.001; η2 p = 0.39) of preparatory parameters and soleus muscle activity (p < 0.001; η2 p = 0.55), causing shorter (p < 0.001; η2 p = 0.59) and lower (p < 0.001; η2 p = 0.43) stepping, compared to young participants. Interestingly, young participants showed greater correlations between preparatory phase parameters and dynamic stability of the first step than older participants (average r of - 0.40 and - 0.06, respectively)., Conclusion: The results suggest that young participants took more time than older to adjust the anticipatory biomechanical response to perturbation attempting to preserve balance during stepping. In contrast, older adults were unable to modify their anticipatory adjustments in response to perturbation and mainly relied on compensatory mechanisms attempting to preserve stability via a more cautious stepping strategy.- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
141. Non-specific chronic low back pain elicits kinematic and neuromuscular changes in walking and gait termination.
- Author
-
Rum L, Brasiliano P, Vannozzi G, Laudani L, and Macaluso A
- Subjects
- Adult, Chronic Disease, Female, Humans, Male, Biomechanical Phenomena physiology, Gait physiology, Low Back Pain complications, Range of Motion, Articular physiology, Walking physiology
- Abstract
Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with an increased trunk stiffness and muscle coactivation during walking. However, it is still unclear whether CLBP individuals are unable to control neuromechanically their upper body motion during a sudden termination of gait (GT), which involves a challenging balance transition from walking to standing., Research Question: Does CLBP elicit neuromuscular and kinematic changes which are specific to walking and GT?., Methods: Eleven individuals with non-specific CLBP and 11 healthy controls performed walking and sudden GT in response to an external visual cue. 3D kinematic characteristics of thorax, lumbar and pelvis were obtained, with measures of range of motion (ROM) and intra-subject variability of segmental movement being calculated. Electromyographic activity of lumbar and abdominal muscles was recorded to calculate bilateral as well as dorsoventral muscle coactivation., Results: CLBP group reported greater transverse ROM of the lumbar segment during walking and GT compared to healthy controls. Thorax sagittal ROM was higher in CLBP than healthy participants during GT. Greater overall movement variability in the transverse plane was observed in the CLBP group while walking, whereas GT produced greater variability of lumbar frontal motion. CLBP participants showed higher bilateral lumbar coactivation compared to healthy participants after the stopping stimulus delivery during GT., Significance: These results suggest that CLBP can elicit a wider and more variable movement of the upper body during walking and GT, especially in the transverse plane and at lumbar level. Alterations in upper body motor control appeared to depend on task, plane of motion and segmental level. Therefore, these findings should be considered by practitioners when screening before planning specific training interventions for recovery of motor control patterns in CLBP population., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
142. Auditory Cue Based on the Golden Ratio Can Improve Gait Patterns in People with Parkinson's Disease.
- Author
-
Belluscio V, Iosa M, Vannozzi G, Paravati S, and Peppe A
- Subjects
- Acoustic Stimulation, Aged, Female, Gait, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Walking, Cues, Gait Disorders, Neurologic, Parkinson Disease diagnosis
- Abstract
The harmonic structure of walking relies on an irrational number called the golden ratio (ϕ): in healthy subjects, it coincides with the stride-to-stance ratio, and it is associated with a smooth gait modality. This smoothness is lost in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), due to deficiencies in the execution of movements. However, external auditory cues seem to facilitate movement, by enabling the timing of muscle activation, and helping in initiating and modulating motor output. Based on a harmonic fractal structure of gait, can the administration of an auditory cue based on individual's ϕ-rhythm improve, in acute, gait patterns in people with PD? A total of 20 participants (16 males, age 70.9 ± 8.4 years, Hoehn and Yahr stage-II) were assessed through stereophotogrammetry: gait spatio-temporal parameters, and stride-to-stance ratio were computed before, during, and after the ϕ-rhythm administration. Results show improvements in terms of stride length ( p = 0.018), walking speed ( p = 0.014), and toe clearance ( p = 0.013) when comparing gait patterns before and after the stimulus. Furthermore, the stride-to-stance ratio seems to correlate with almost all spatio-temporal parameters, but it shows the main changes in the before-during rhythm comparison. In conclusion, ϕ-rhythm seems an effective cue able to compensate for defective internal rhythm of the basal ganglia in PD.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
143. Does Curved Walking Sharpen the Assessment of Gait Disorders? An Instrumented Approach Based on Wearable Inertial Sensors.
- Author
-
Belluscio V, Bergamini E, Tramontano M, Formisano R, Buzzi MG, and Vannozzi G
- Subjects
- Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Walk Test, Young Adult, Gait Analysis, Gait Disorders, Neurologic diagnosis, Walking, Wearable Electronic Devices
- Abstract
Gait and balance assessment in the clinical context mainly focuses on straight walking. Despite that curved trajectories and turning are commonly faced in our everyday life and represent a challenge for people with gait disorders. The adoption of curvilinear trajectories in the rehabilitation practice could have important implications for the definition of protocols tailored on individual's needs. The aim of this study was to contribute toward the quantitative characterization of straight versus curved walking using an ecological approach and focusing on healthy and neurological populations. Twenty healthy adults (control group (CG)) and 20 patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (9 severe, sTBI-S, and 11 very severe, sTBI-VS) performed a 10 m and a Figure-of-8 Walk Test while wearing four inertial sensors that were located on both tibiae, sternum and pelvis. Spatiotemporal and gait quality indices that were related to locomotion stability, symmetry, and smoothness were obtained. The results show that spatiotemporal, stability, and symmetry-related gait patterns are challenged by curved walking both in healthy subjects and sTBI-S, whereas no difference was displayed for sTBI-VS. The use of straight walking alone to assess gait disorders is thus discouraged, particularly in patients with good walking abilities, in favor of the adoption of complementary tests that were also based on curved paths.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
144. Sensorized Assessment of Dynamic Locomotor Imagery in People with Stroke and Healthy Subjects.
- Author
-
De Bartolo D, Belluscio V, Vannozzi G, Morone G, Antonucci G, Giordani G, Santucci S, Resta F, Marinozzi F, Bini F, Paolucci S, and Iosa M
- Subjects
- Aged, Healthy Volunteers, Humans, Lower Extremity, Male, Movement, Young Adult, Monitoring, Physiologic, Stroke, Walking
- Abstract
Dynamic motor imagery (dMI) is a motor imagery task associated with movements partially mimicking those mentally represented. As well as conventional motor imagery, dMI has been typically assessed by mental chronometry tasks. In this paper, an instrumented approach was proposed for quantifying the correspondence between upper and lower limb oscillatory movements performed on the spot during the dMI of walking vs. during actual walking. Magneto-inertial measurement units were used to measure limb swinging in three different groups: young adults, older adults and stroke patients. Participants were tested in four experimental conditions: (i) simple limb swinging; (ii) limb swinging while imagining to walk (dMI-task); (iii) mental chronometry task, without any movement (pure MI); (iv) actual level walking at comfortable speed. Limb swinging was characterized in terms of the angular velocity, frequency of oscillations and sinusoidal waveform. The dMI was effective at reproducing upper limb oscillations more similar to those occurring during walking for all the three groups, but some exceptions occurred for lower limbs. This finding could be related to the sensory feedback, stretch reflexes and ground reaction forces occurring for lower limbs and not for upper limbs during walking. In conclusion, the instrumented approach through wearable motion devices adds significant information to the current dMI approach, further supporting their applications in neurorehabilitation for monitoring imagery training protocols in patients with stroke.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
145. Stepping forward, stepping backward: a movement-related cortical potential study unveils distinctive brain activities.
- Author
-
Berchicci M, Russo Y, Bianco V, Quinzi F, Rum L, Macaluso A, Committeri G, Vannozzi G, and Di Russo F
- Subjects
- Adult, Cognition physiology, Electroencephalography, Female, Humans, Male, Neural Pathways physiology, Young Adult, Brain physiology, Walking physiology
- Abstract
Human locomotion is the product of complex dynamic systems, which rely on physical capacities as well as cognitive functions. In our daily life, we mostly experience forward walking, but also backward stepping can occur, as in protective stepping. In this work, we investigated the electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of cognitive processing underpinning step initiation by means of movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) analysis and force-plates recordings. Healthy young volunteers (N = 11) performed self-paced forward- and backward-oriented steps on two force platforms, which were synchronized to simultaneous EEG recordings. MRCPs and their source localization analyses were computed. Results demonstrate the involvement of cognitive processing during step preparation and execution, as showed by the prefrontal activity, which was enhanced in backward stepping. Further, the parietal activity was larger in forward than backward stepping, while motor-related regions were involved in both step directions. Thus, the neural timing and sources of forward and backward stepping suggest a functional distinction of these two actions, which undergo different cortical organizations. Backward stepping requires enhanced cognitive control and can be regarded as an avoidance behavior, while forward stepping would be assimilated to an oriented-to-action behavior mainly localized over parietal areas. In conclusion, preparing body locomotion involves high cognitive processing, with step direction showing different cortical organization and functional specialization., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
146. Gait event detection using inertial measurement units in people with transfemoral amputation: a comparative study.
- Author
-
Simonetti E, Villa C, Bascou J, Vannozzi G, Bergamini E, and Pillet H
- Subjects
- Algorithms, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Time Factors, Amputation, Surgical, Femur surgery, Gait physiology
- Abstract
In recent years, inertial measurement units (IMUs) have been proposed as an alternative to force platforms and pressure sensors for gait events (i.e., initial and final contacts) detection. While multiple algorithms have been developed, the impact of gait event timing errors on temporal parameters and asymmetry has never been investigated in people with transfemoral amputation walking freely on level ground. In this study, five algorithms were comparatively assessed on gait data of seven people with transfemoral amputation, equipped with three IMUs mounted at the pelvis and both shanks, using pressure insoles for reference. Algorithms' performance was first quantified in terms of gait event detection rate (sensitivity, positive predictive value). Only two algorithms, based on shank mounted IMUs, achieved an acceptable detection rate (positive predictive value > 99%). For these two, accuracy of gait events timings, temporal parameters, and absolute symmetry index of stance-phase duration (SPD-ASI) were assessed. Whereas both algorithms achieved high accuracy for stride duration estimates (median errors: 0%, interquartile ranges < 1.75%), lower accuracy was found for other temporal parameters due to relatively high errors in the detection of final contact events. Furthermore, SPD-ASI derived from IMU-based algorithms proved to be significantly different to that obtained from insoles data. Graphical abstract Gait event detection with IMU in people with transfemoral amputation: initial contact (IC) and final contact (FC) events at the sound (s) and prosthetic (p) side are identified. Five algorithms were implemented using either shank-mounted or pelvis-mounted IMUs. Gait events were used to estimate temporal parameters (stride duration, stance phase duration [SPD], and double support time) and SPD asymmetry.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
147. Gait Quality Assessment in Survivors from Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Instrumented Approach Based on Inertial Sensors.
- Author
-
Belluscio V, Bergamini E, Tramontano M, Orejel Bustos A, Allevi G, Formisano R, Vannozzi G, and Buzzi MG
- Subjects
- Acceleration, Adult, Anthropometry, Case-Control Studies, Cognition, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Monitoring, Physiologic methods, Motor Skills, Postural Balance, Survivors, Treatment Outcome, Walk Test, Wearable Electronic Devices, Brain Injuries, Traumatic physiopathology, Gait Analysis, Monitoring, Physiologic instrumentation
- Abstract
Despite existing evidence that gait disorders are a common consequence of severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI), the literature describing gait instability in sTBI survivors is scant. Thus, the present study aims at quantifying gait patterns in sTBI through wearable inertial sensors and investigating the association of sensor-based gait quality indices with the scores of commonly administered clinical scales. Twenty healthy adults (control group, CG) and 20 people who suffered from a sTBI were recruited. The Berg balance scale, community balance and mobility scale, and dynamic gait index (DGI) were administered to sTBI participants, who were further divided into two subgroups, severe and very severe, according to their score in the DGI. Participants performed the 10 m walk, the Figure-of-8 walk, and the Fukuda stepping tests, while wearing five inertial sensors. Significant differences were found among the three groups, discriminating not only between CG and sTBI, but also for walking ability levels. Several indices displayed a significant correlation with clinical scales scores, especially in the 10 m walking and Figure-of-8 walk tests. Results show that the use of wearable sensors allows the obtainment of quantitative information about a patient's gait disorders and discrimination between different levels of walking abilities, supporting the rehabilitative staff in designing tailored therapeutic interventions.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
148. A wearable gait analysis protocol to support the choice of the appropriate ankle-foot orthosis: A comparative assessment in children with Cerebral Palsy.
- Author
-
Contini BG, Bergamini E, Alvini M, Di Stanislao E, Di Rosa G, Castelli E, Vannozzi G, and Camomilla V
- Subjects
- Child, Child, Preschool, Cross-Over Studies, Female, Gait, Humans, Male, Shoes, Wearable Electronic Devices, Ankle physiopathology, Cerebral Palsy physiopathology, Cerebral Palsy rehabilitation, Foot physiopathology, Foot Orthoses, Gait Analysis, Gait Disorders, Neurologic physiopathology
- Abstract
Background: Cerebral Palsy is, nowadays, the most common cause of pediatric disabilities, particularly debilitating for daily living activities. While the adoption of ankle-foot orthoses is very well established as gait treatment, the choice of the most appropriate orthotic configuration is not strongly supported by scientific evidence. The aim of this study was to develop an instrumented assessment protocol based on wearable gait analysis to support clinicians in ankle-foot orthoses configuration selection., Methods: Ten children with spastic diplegic Cerebral Palsy were assessed (7 males, aged 4 to 11 years; all functionally classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System I or II, with clinical indication of conservative treatment through use of ankle-foot orthoses). They performed a 10Meter Walk Test in three conditions: barefoot and wearing alternatively a polypropylene hinged and solid ankle-foot orthosis accommodated in the same off-the-shelf shoe model, after 20 days of daily use of each configuration. An instrumented assessment protocol based on body-mounted magneto-inertial sensors was devised to derive spatio-temporal, gait stability and symmetry biomechanical parameters within an observational pre and post cross over design., Findings: The analysis at the individual level quantitatively revealed how different patients benefited differently from the two orthoses. No general indications were obtained in favour of or against a specific configuration for the sample as a whole., Interpretation: The proposed instrumented protocol represents a quantitative and useful tool to support the clinical selection of an appropriate orthotic treatment and, potentially, in evaluating its effectiveness., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
149. Upper limb joint kinematics using wearable magnetic and inertial measurement units: an anatomical calibration procedure based on bony landmark identification.
- Author
-
Picerno P, Caliandro P, Iacovelli C, Simbolotti C, Crabolu M, Pani D, Vannozzi G, Reale G, Rossini PM, Padua L, and Cereatti A
- Subjects
- Aged, Anatomic Landmarks, Biomechanical Phenomena, Bone and Bones anatomy & histology, Calibration, Clinical Protocols, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Photography, Range of Motion, Articular, Elbow Joint physiology, Magnetics, Shoulder Joint physiology, Wearable Electronic Devices, Wrist Joint physiology
- Abstract
The estimate of a consistent and clinically meaningful joint kinematics using wearable inertial and magnetic sensors requires a sensor-to-segment coordinate system calibration. State-of-the-art calibration procedures for the upper limb are based on functional movements and/or pre-determined postures, which are difficult to implement in subjects that have impaired mobility or are bedridden in acute units. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an alternative calibration procedure based on the direct identification of palpable anatomical landmarks (ALs) for an inertial and magnetic sensor-based upper limb movement analysis protocol. The proposed calibration procedure provides an estimate of three-dimensional shoulder/elbow angular kinematics and the linear trajectory of the wrist according to the standards proposed by the International Society of Biomechanics. The validity of the method was assessed against a camera-based optoelectronic system during uniaxial joint rotations and a reach-to-grasp task. Joint angular kinematics was found as characterised by a low-biased range of motion (<-2.6°), a low root mean square deviation (RMSD) (<4.4°) and a high waveform similarity coefficient (R
2 > 0.995) with respect to the gold standard. Except for the cranio-caudal direction, the linear trajectory of the wrist was characterised by a low-biased range of motion (<11 mm) together with a low RMSD (8 mm) and high waveform similarity (R2 > 0.968). The proposed method enabled the estimation of reliable joint kinematics without requiring any active involvement of the patient during the calibration procedure, complying with the metrological standards and requirements of clinical movement analysis.- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
150. The Association between Prefrontal Cortex Activity and Turning Behavior in People with and without Freezing of Gait.
- Author
-
Belluscio V, Stuart S, Bergamini E, Vannozzi G, and Mancini M
- Subjects
- Aged, Analysis of Variance, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Movement physiology, Psychomotor Performance physiology, Walking physiology, Gait physiology, Gait Disorders, Neurologic physiopathology, Parkinson Disease physiopathology, Prefrontal Cortex physiopathology
- Abstract
Turning elicits Freezing of Gait (FoG) episodes in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and is thought to require higher cortical control compared to straight ahead gait. Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has been used to examine prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity while walking, but the relationship between PFC activity and turn performance remains unclear. The aim of this pilot study was to examine PFC activity during turning in PD and healthy controls, and to investigate the association between PFC activity and turning. Thirty-two subjects, 15 freezers (PD + FoG) and 17 non-freezers (PD - FoG), and 8 controls were asked to perform a 2-min turning-in-place test under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions. Each participant wore an fNIRS system to measure changes in oxyhemoglobin, as measure of PFC activity, and inertial sensors to quantify turning. Our results show a significant group (p = .050), task (p = .039), and interaction (p = .047) for the PFC activity during turning. Specifically, PD + FoG show higher PFC during turning compared to the other groups; PFC activity during DT is overall different compared to ST with an opposite trend in PD + FoG compared to controls and PD - FoG. In addition, higher PFC is associated with worse FoG in PD + FoG (r = 0.57, p = .048) and with lower number of turns in PD - FoG (r = -0.70, p = .002). The increased PFC activity in PD and the association between higher PFC activity and poorer turning performance may be a sign of poor movement automaticity in PD. Although further investigations are required, these pilot findings may guide development of personalized treatments to improve motor automaticity in PD., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.