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Problem Statement: Skipping is a warm-up and drill exercise used to enhance running ability in sports coaching. However, existing evidence on the efficacy of skipping in improving running ability is insufficient. Purpose: This study aimed to develop a skipping drill to enhance running ability by investigating the relationship between skipping and running motions. Approach: The study included 73 male junior high school students (mean height: 165.2±5.7 cm, mean weight: 54.7±9.7 kg, age range: 14-15 years). Each participant underwent a 30 m skipping test and 50 m sprint test, which were recorded via a video camera. Based on their sprint performance, participants were divided into two groups: higher (HP, faster than 7.3 s) and lower performance (LP, slower than 8.5 s) groups. We analyzed the motion of support limb in stance phase during sprinting and skipping using Frame DIAS VI, a motion analysis software. Results: The average angular velocity of hip extension in the HP group was significantly higher than in the LP group during sprinting and skipping. The maximal angular acceleration in hip extension during skipping was significantly higher than that during sprinting in both groups. Furthermore, during sprinting, the maximal angular acceleration in hip extension of the HP and LP groups appeared at approximately 40% of the foot contact period and immediately before take-off, respectively. Even in skipping, maximal angular acceleration in hip extension in the HP and LP groups appeared at approximately 50% of the foot contact period and past 80% of the period, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicated that maximal angular acceleration in hip extension of the HP group appeared earlier than that in the LP group in the stance phase during both sprinting and skipping. In conclusion, the kinematic characteristics of hip extension during the stance phase of skipping and sprinting reflect running ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knee hyperextension is common following stroke because of changes in joint range of motion (ROM), muscle tone and strength on the hemiparetic side. There is no clear consensus in the literature as to the cause of knee hyperextension during the stance phase of gait. Objectives: Our study aimed to determine the feasibility of methods to investigate the association between ankle joint function and knee hyperextension in patients with hemiparetic stroke during the stance phase of gait. Methods: We used a cross-sectional observational study to assess bilateral ankle muscle strength using a handheld dynamometer, ROM using a digital inclinometer and muscle tone using the Modified Tardieu Scale. The knee angles of the hemiparetic leg during the stance phase of gait were assessed using the Kinovea movement analysis software. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences with significance level set at 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Twelve participants were included, and no alterations were necessary to the planned methodology. We found positive associations in six participants between the tibialis anterior muscle tone and the hemiparetic knee angles during heel strike, terminal stance and pre-swing phases (p 0.05, p 0.01 and p 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: The results of the data analysis suggests that there may be a correlation between tibialis anterior muscle tone and knee hyperextension, a larger study will be imperative to confirm this association. Clinical implications: The methods described in our pilot study are feasible for a larger study to be conducted with the recommendations considered.

Introduction: Gait analysis is one of the most important components of functional outcome evaluation in patients with lower-extremity tumors. Disparities between operated limbs when compared with non-operated limbs and healthy populations based on gait parameters have rarely been studied. In the present study, we attempted to analyze the gait difference and its impacts on daily life. Methods: The gait parameters of distal femoral tumor-resected patients were collected from PubMed, CNKI, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar till September 30, 2022, by strictly following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Differences between gait parameters in the operated and non-operated limbs or healthy limbs of distal femoral tumor patients were analyzed based on stance phase, swing phase, cadence, and velocity. The fixed-effects and random-effects models were used to conduct a meta-analysis. Results: Six studies were included according to the selection criteria. There were 224 patients in total in these studies. Standard mean differences were calculated for all of our outcomes. Our results showed that there was a minimal difference in the standard mean difference of gait parameters between operated and non-operated limbs and healthy limbs. Conclusion: Distal femoral tumor resections have been associated with deficient muscle function and strength and impaired gait parameters. Minimal differences in the gait parameters highlighted the advantage of distal femoral resection when replaced with a prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionGait analysis is one of the most important components of functional outcome evaluation in patients with lower-extremity tumors. Disparities between operated limbs when compared with non-operated limbs and healthy populations based on gait parameters have rarely been studied. In the present study, we attempted to analyze the gait difference and its impacts on daily life.MethodsThe gait parameters of distal femoral tumor-resected patients were collected from PubMed, CNKI, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar till September 30, 2022, by strictly following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Differences between gait parameters in the operated and non-operated limbs or healthy limbs of distal femoral tumor patients were analyzed based on stance phase, swing phase, cadence, and velocity. The fixed-effects and random-effects models were used to conduct a meta-analysis.ResultsSix studies were included according to the selection criteria. There were 224 patients in total in these studies. Standard mean differences were calculated for all of our outcomes. Our results showed that there was a minimal difference in the standard mean difference of gait parameters between operated and non-operated limbs and healthy limbs.ConclusionDistal femoral tumor resections have been associated with deficient muscle function and strength and impaired gait parameters. Minimal differences in the gait parameters highlighted the advantage of distal femoral resection when replaced with a prosthesis.

Plantar heel pain associated with plantar fascia pathology (PHP) is one of the most common running overuse injuries. Degeneration and changes in the mechanical properties of the plantar fascia associated with PHP can result in changes in foot kinematics during gait. How do running gait foot kinematics differ between female and male runners with and without PHP? Retrospective study of 13 runners with PHP (7 female, 6 male) and a matched group of 13 uninjured runners (6 female, 7 male). A seven-segment foot model was used to quantify six functional articulations (rearfoot complex, lateral and medial midfoot, lateral and medial forefoot, and first metatarsophalangeal). Functional articulation ROM during early, mid, and propulsion running stance subphases was assessed. Two-way ANOVAs and Friedman's two-way ANOVA for ranks tests were conducted for normally distributed variables and non-normally distributed variables, respectively. During early stance, PHP runners demonstrated significantly increased lateral midfoot eversion ROM compared to uninjured runners. During the propulsion phase, male runners with PHP demonstrated increased medial midfoot eversion and dorsiflexion ROM and increased medial forefoot plantar flexion compared to uninjured male runners. Also during propulsion, females with PHP went through significantly less medial forefoot plantar flexion ROM compared to uninjured female runners. Given the function of the plantar fascia to assist foot supination, the differences in runners with PHP, which were consistent with increased pronation or inadequate supination, may be the result of insufficient tension during the stance phase of running gait caused by degeneration of the plantar fascia. Further, the significant medial midfoot and medial forefoot group by sex interactions during propulsion suggest that PHP may affect male and female runners differently. Understanding the effect of PHP on foot function during running may aid in the development of future rehabilitation programs and/or treatment outcome assessments. • Lateral midfoot eversion ROM was increased in PHP runners during early stance. • Male PHP group medial midfoot eversion and dorsiflexion ROM increased in propulsion. • Male PHP runner medial forefoot plantar flexion ROM was increased in propulsion. • Female PHP runner plantar flexion ROM was decreased in propulsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smoking is one of the predictors of decreased cardiopulmonary endurance. Gait disturbance may be due to many reasons, including cardiovascular endurance. This study aimed to determine differences in gait parameters between non-smoker and smoker participants. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving thirty non-smokers and thirty-seven smokers as participants. Detailed interviews were conducted to gather information on smoking habits, status, and history. Gait parameters were measured using a high-quality 3D accelerometer, 3D gyroscope, and barometric pressure sensors (Physilog4 from GaitUp). Anthropometric characteristics were described, and mean values with standard deviations (SD) were calculated. An independent two-tailed t-test was conducted to compare gait parameters between non-smokers and smokers, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. The analysis revealed significant differences in various gait parameters between non-smokers and smokers. Specifically, significant differences were found in cadence (t=9.95, p=0.001), stride length (t=6.85, p=0.001), stride velocity (t=-6.58, p=0.001), stance (t=2.02, p=0.001), swing (t=3.46, p=0.001), foot flat (t=-8.94, p=0.001), pushing (t=3.53, p=0.001), and double support (t=-13.35, p=0.001). However, no significant difference was found between non-smokers and smokers in the loading phase (t=-1.57, p= 0.121). There were significant differences in general and temporal gait parameters between smokers and non-smokers. Gait parameters provide valuable insights for evaluating functional performance and providing objective and quantitative data to assess gait disorders. Future studies should include longitudinal studies with large sample sizes to explore the effects of potential confounders on gait parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knee hyperextension is common following stroke because of changes in joint range of motion (ROM), muscle tone and strength on the hemiparetic side. There is no clear consensus in the literature as to the cause of knee hyperextension during the stance phase of gait. Objectives: Our study aimed to determine the feasibility of methods to investigate the association between ankle joint function and knee hyperextension in patients with hemiparetic stroke during the stance phase of gait. Methods: We used a cross-sectional observational study to assess bilateral ankle muscle strength using a handheld dynamometer, ROM using a digital inclinometer and muscle tone using the Modified Tardieu Scale. The knee angles of the hemiparetic leg during the stance phase of gait were assessed using the Kinovea movement analysis software. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences with significance level set at 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Twelve participants were included, and no alterations were necessary to the planned methodology. We found positive associations in six participants between the tibialis anterior muscle tone and the hemiparetic knee angles during heel strike, terminal stance and pre-swing phases (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: The results of the data analysis suggests that there may be a correlation between tibialis anterior muscle tone and knee hyperextension, a larger study will be imperative to confirm this association. Clinical implications: The methods described in our pilot study are feasible for a larger study to be conducted with the recommendations considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, training of the gait function for patients with cerebral stroke using the biofeedback technology is an independent, effective, and promising method. The most common training and exposure parameters are the gait speed, cycle length, and cadence. However, the application of basic and more complex types of selective training using wearable sensor technology is rare due to the technological complexity of their use for biofeedback. Aims: To study the possibility of using the biofeedback training technology with a targeted effect on one of the basic parameters characterizing the symmetry of walking, the duration of the support period, in patients in the early recovery period of cerebral stroke. Methods: We examined 12 patients who underwent a course of biofeedback training to harmonize the period of support during the early recovery period of hemispheric cerebral stroke in the middle cerebral artery basin. The biomechanics of voluntary walking was investigated before and after the training. The spatio-temporal parameters of walking, kinematics of movements in the hip, knee, and ankle joints, and the maximum EMG amplitudes of the main muscle groups responsible for walking were recorded. The classical clinical scales were also used. The biofeedback training on a treadmill consisted of 10 sessions; the duration of the support period was the training parameter. Results. As a result of the treatment, a significant improvement was noted according to the UpGo clinical scale and Hausers walking index. The differences in the trained support phase after the treatment are not significant and demonstrate positive changes. The kinematics of movements in the joints also demonstrates relatively small, but significant changes for the knee joint. For the hip joint, no dynamics in the parameters values is observed; the joint function does not change significantly, and the amplitude asymmetry remains unchanged. For the knee joint, the greatest dynamics is observed for the main swing amplitude and its phase. Conclusion: The study has shown that the purposeful biofeedback training of the gait function using the support period to reduce the functional asymmetry in this parameter, and also has a positive effect on other gait parameters.

Objective Knee osteoarthritis is a common, progressive, and chronic disease that affects approximately 13% of the population over the age of 60. Osteoarthritis causes progressive disability and changes in gait parameters, decreased function and quality of life of patients by causing malalignment of the knee in the frontal plane following destruction of articular cartilage. Braces as a mechanical intervention are a successful treatment for osteoarthritis knee and its associated malalignment. Using a three-point pressure mechanism, braces create a natural alignment in the knee by straps attached to the thigh and shank shells, which reduce the medial knee load and correct the varus alignment. This distributes the force properly while walking. However, applying a constant force on three pressure points of the leg, thigh and affected knee joint reduces the adduction angle of the knee in all phases of gait cycle , while the correction of the adduction angle of the knee in patients is essential only in phases between 30% to 60% of the stance phase, when the knee deviation reaches its peak. The aim of this study is to design and fabricate a brace joint with a new intermittent correction mechanism for patients with osteoarthritis medial compartment knee and to investigate its effect on a patient's gait parameters. Materials & Methods The new joint design of the knee brace was based on the conversion of the knee extension movement at the end of the swing on the sagittal plane to the abduction movement on the frontal plate by stretching the converter piece. Participant gait was assessed in two ways with and without braces. Kinematic variables including knee joint angles in the sagittal and frontal planes and spatio-temporal variables of patient gait were measured and recorded. Results The results of the new brace joint function on the knee showed that the angle of flexion of the knee in the swing phase increased from 44.72° to 46.19° when using brace. Also, knee adduction angle in the stance phase decreased from 4.25° to 2.3° and patient's walking speed while wearing the brace increased from 0.88 m/s to 0.93 m/s. On the other hand, step length increased from 1.125 m to 1.451 m when using brace and the percentage of stance phase decreased from 63.53 to 62.68 when using brace. Conclusion In this one-sample study, a knee brace with a new joint was able to help correct the direction of knee joint in the frontal and sagittal plane and affect the patient's gait parameters. It seems that if the same results are obtained in a large-scale clinical study, this brace could be a suitable replacement for invasive methods and inappropriate orthoses.

Simple Summary: Lameness is the most common cause of reduced performance in equids. Therefore, its detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are important for animal welfare and economics. Subjective evaluation of a lame horse by visual assessment is prone to error. To objectify the examination, several computer-based systems have been developed. While kinematic investigations focus on the detection of movement asymmetries (e.g., of head, pelvis, withers) with the help of position sensors, kinetic examinations are based on pressure measurement under the hooves. In the current study, horses with unilateral forelimb lameness were equipped with a non-invasive pressure measurement system on both forelimbs simultaneously. Bilateral vertical force distribution (in kg) was evaluated during all phases of stance (landing, midstance, breakover) before and after diagnostic anaesthesia. Vertical force was reduced on the lame limb compared to the sound limb before diagnostic anaesthesia. After positive diagnostic anaesthesia, asymmetries were neutralised: vertical force increased on the lame limb, with breakover being most affected. In conclusion, the current pressure measurement system can be used to objectify lameness examinations in a clinical setting. Both lameness and diagnostic anaesthesia influence the particular phases of stance differently. This might contribute to a better understanding of equine gait and lead to individually optimised shoes. Kinetic examinations of horses with induced lameness as well as the effect of perineural anaesthesia in sound horses have shown promise, but clinical studies regarding the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia during the different stance phases are rare. Fourteen horses with unilateral forelimb lameness were examined with the Hoof™ System during trot to assess vertical force distribution (in kg) affecting both front hooves before and after diagnostic anaesthesia during landing, midstance, and breakover. For statistical analysis, a covariance analysis with repeated measurements regarding the limb (lame/sound) as well as anaesthesia (before/after) and the covariable body weight was performed. The p-values for the pairwise comparisons were adjusted using the Bonferroni–Holm correction (p < 0.05). For all phases of the stance, a significant interaction between the factors limb and anaesthesia was shown. Before diagnostic anaesthesia, vertical force was significantly reduced on the lame limb compared to the sound limb during landing (−25%, p < 0.001), midstance (−20%, p < 0.001) and breakover (−27%, p < 0.001). After anaesthesia, the difference between both forelimbs was not significant anymore for all phases. The vertical force on the lame limb increased significantly after positive anaesthesia during the whole stance phase, with breakover being most affected (+27%, p = 0.001). Pressure measurements with the Hoof™ System can be used to evaluate the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia in a clinical setting with pain-related vertical force asymmetries being neutralised after diagnostic anaesthesia. Breakover is the main event influenced by lameness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crouch gait is a motor complication that is commonly associated with cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia, stroke, and motor-neurological pathologies, broadly defined as knee flexion in excess of 20° in the gait cycle. Uncorrected crouch gait results in fatigue, joint degradation, and loss of ambulation. Torsion springs have been used in cycling to store energy in the knee flexion to reduce fatigue in the quadriceps during knee extension. SolidWorks was used to design a passive exoskeleton for the knee, incorporating torsion springs of stiffnesses 20,000 N/mm and 30,000 N/mm at the knee joint, to correct four different crouch gaits. OpenSim was used to gather data from the moments produced, and knee angles from each crouch gait and the normal gait. Motion analysis of the exoskeleton was simulated using knee angles for each crouch gait and compared with the moments produced with the normal gait moments in the stance phase of the gait cycle. All crouch gait moments were significantly reduced, and the correction of peak crouch moments was achieved, corresponding to the normal gait cycle during the stance phase. These results offer significant potential for nonsurgical and less invasive options for wearable exoskeletons in crouch gait correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine the gait parameters of Aksaray Malakli Shepherd dogs in order to identify the breed-specific gait characteristics and obtain the reference values for early diagnosis of the diseases. The force data were classified and analyzed based on plantar areas. For this purpose, 20 Aksaray Malakli Shepherd dogs (10 females and 10 males) that were 18-36 months old were used. The dogs to be included in the study underwent a preliminary examination for lameness and the healthy ones were detected. Pressure-sensitive gait analysis system was used to obtain gait data. The dogs walked on the pressure platform for two rounds including an average of 20 steps in each at normal walking speed and temporospatial analysis, kinetic gait analysis, and postural static analysis were conducted. The plantar pressure distribution parameters, maximum pressure (N/cm²), maximum force (N), and time maximum of contact phase (%) were analyzed. It was found that the dog carried 66.55% of its total weight on its forelimbs and 33.45% of its total weight on its hindlimbs at postural stance and the difference between them was statistically significant. The maximum force was applied in the third and fourth digital pads in the forelimb and hindlimb. The force values on metapodial pads were lower than those of the other plantar areas. While the mean stance and swing phases were respectively 63.79% and 36.21% for forelimb, they were 56.38% and 43.62%, respectively, for hindlimb. Both static and all kinetic data revealed that a higher force was generated on the forelimb compared to the hindlimb during walking. Anatomically specific walking characteristics of the animals can be revealed using gait analysis systems. It is also a quite beneficial method for veterinary orthopedics that is based on visual examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though the rabbit is a common animal model in musculoskeletal research, there are very limited data reported on healthy rabbit biomechanics. Our objective was to quantify the normative hindlimb biomechanics (kinematics and kinetics) of six New Zealand White rabbits (three male, three female) during the stance phase of gait. We measured biomechanics by synchronously recording sagittal plane motion and ground contact pressure using a video camera and pressure-sensitive mat, respectively. Both foot angle (i.e., angle between foot and ground) and ankle angle curves were unimodal. The maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle was 66.4 ± 13.4° (mean ± standard deviation across rabbits) and occurred at 38% stance, while the maximum ankle plantarflexion angle was 137.2 ± 4.8° at toe-off (neutral ankle angle = 90 degrees). Minimum and maximum foot angles were 17.2 ± 6.3° at 10% stance and 123.3 ± 3.6° at toe-off, respectively. The maximum peak plantar pressure and plantar contact area were 21.7 ± 4.6% BW/cm2 and 7.4 ± 0.8 cm2 respectively. The maximum net vertical ground reaction force and vertical impulse, averaged across rabbits, were 44.0 ± 10.6% BW and 10.9 ± 3.7% BW·s, respectively. Stance duration (0.40 ± 0.15 s) was statistically significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with vertical impulse (Spearman's ρ = 0.76), minimum foot angle (ρ = -0.58), plantar contact length (ρ = 0.52), maximum foot angle (ρ = 0.41), and minimum foot angle (ρ = -0.30). Our study confirmed that rabbits exhibit a digitigrade gait pattern during locomotion. Future studies can reference our data to quantify the extent to which clinical interventions affect rabbit biomechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though the rabbit is a common animal model in musculoskeletal research, there are very limited data reported on healthy rabbit biomechanics. Our objective was to quantify the normative hindlimb biomechanics (kinematics and kinetics) of six New Zealand White rabbits (three male, three female) during the stance phase of gait. We measured biomechanics by synchronously recording sagittal plane motion and ground contact pressure using a video camera and pressure-sensitive mat, respectively. Both foot angle (i.e., angle between foot and ground) and ankle angle curves were unimodal. The maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle was 66.4 ± 13.4° (mean ± standard deviation across rabbits) and occurred at 38% stance, while the maximum ankle plantarflexion angle was 137.2 ± 4.8° at toe-off (neutral ankle angle = 90 degrees). Minimum and maximum foot angles were 17.2 ± 6.3° at 10% stance and 123.3 ± 3.6° at toe-off, respectively. The maximum peak plantar pressure and plantar contact area were 21.7 ± 4.6% BW/cm2 and 7.4 ± 0.8 cm2 respectively. The maximum net vertical ground reaction force and vertical impulse, averaged across rabbits, were 44.0 ± 10.6% BW and 10.9 ± 3.7% BW∙s, respectively. Stance duration (0.40 ± 0.15 s) was statistically significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with vertical impulse (Spearman’s ρ = 0.76), minimum foot angle (ρ = −0.58), plantar contact length (ρ = 0.52), maximum foot angle (ρ = 0.41), and minimum foot angle (ρ = −0.30). Our study confirmed that rabbits exhibit a digitigrade gait pattern during locomotion. Future studies can reference our data to quantify the extent to which clinical interventions affect rabbit biomechanics.

Objective: Knee osteoarthritis is a common, progressive, and chronic disease that affects approximately 13% of the population over the age of 60. Osteoarthritis causes progressive disability and changes in gait parameters, decreased function and quality of life of patients by causing malalignment of the knee in the frontal plane following destruction of articular cartilage. Braces as a mechanical intervention are a successful treatment for osteoarthritis knee and its associated malalignment. Using a three-point pressure mechanism, braces create a natural alignment in the knee by straps attached to the thigh and shank shells, which reduce the medial knee load and correct the varus alignment. This distributes the force properly while walking. However, applying a constant force on three pressure points of the leg, thigh and affected knee joint reduces the adduction angle of the knee in all phases of gait cycle, while the correction of the adduction angle of the knee in patients is essential only in phases between 30% to 60% of the stance phase, when the knee deviation reaches its peak. The aim of this study is to design and fabricate a brace joint with a new intermittent correction mechanism for patients with osteoarthritis medial compartment knee and to investigate its effect on a patient's gait parameters. Materials & Methods: The new joint design of the knee brace was based on the conversion of the knee extension movement at the end of the swing on the sagittal plane to the abduction movement on the frontal plate by stretching the converter piece. Participant gait was assessed in two ways with and without braces. Kinematic variables including knee joint angles in the sagittal and frontal planes and spatiotemporal variables of patient gait were measured and recorded. Results: The results of the new brace joint function on the knee showed that the angle of flexion of the knee in the swing phase increased from 44.72° to 46.19° when using brace. Also, knee adduction angle in the stance phase decreased from 4.25° to 2.3° and patient's walking speed while wearing the brace increased from 0.88 m/s to 0.93 m/s. On the other hand, step length increased from 1.125 m to 1.451 m when using brace and the percentage of stance phase decreased from 63.53 to 62.68 when using brace. Conclusion: In this one-sample study, a knee brace with a new joint was able to help correct the direction of knee joint in the frontal and sagittal plane and affect the patient's gait parameters. It seems that if the same results are obtained in a large-scale clinical study, this brace could be a suitable replacement for invasive methods and inappropriate orthoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study attempts to apply geometric morphometric techniques for the analysis of 3D kinematic marker-based gait data. As a test, we attempted to identify sexual dimorphism during the stance phase of the gait cycle. Two techniques were used to try to identify differences in the way males and females walk without the results being affected by individual differences in body shape and size. Twenty-eight kinematic markers were placed on the torso and legs of 6 male and 8 female subjects, and the 3D time varying coordinates of the kinematic markers were recorded. The gait cycle trials were time-normalized to 61 frames representing the stance phase of gait, and the change in the shape of the configuration of kinematic markers was analyzed using principal components analysis to produce 'gait signatures' that characterize the kinematics of each individual. The variation in the gait signatures was analyzed with a further principal components analysis. These methods were able to detect significant sexual dimorphism even after the effects of sexual body shape and size differences were factored out. We discuss insights gained from performing this study which may be of value to others attempting to apply geometric morphometric methods to motion analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinetic examinations of horses with induced lameness as well as the effect of perineural anaesthesia in sound horses have shown promise, but clinical studies regarding the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia during the different stance phases are rare. Fourteen horses with unilateral forelimb lameness were examined with the Hoof™ System during trot to assess vertical force distribution (in kg) affecting both front hooves before and after diagnostic anaesthesia during landing, midstance, and breakover. For statistical analysis, a covariance analysis with repeated measurements regarding the limb (lame/sound) as well as anaesthesia (before/after) and the covariable body weight was performed. The p-values for the pairwise comparisons were adjusted using the Bonferroni–Holm correction (p < 0.05). For all phases of the stance, a significant interaction between the factors limb and anaesthesia was shown. Before diagnostic anaesthesia, vertical force was significantly reduced on the lame limb compared to the sound limb during landing (−25%, p < 0.001), midstance (−20%, p < 0.001) and breakover (−27%, p < 0.001). After anaesthesia, the difference between both forelimbs was not significant anymore for all phases. The vertical force on the lame limb increased significantly after positive anaesthesia during the whole stance phase, with breakover being most affected (+27%, p = 0.001). Pressure measurements with the Hoof™ System can be used to evaluate the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia in a clinical setting with pain-related vertical force asymmetries being neutralised after diagnostic anaesthesia. Breakover is the main event influenced by lameness.

Crouch gait is a motor complication that is commonly associated with cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia, stroke, and motor-neurological pathologies, broadly defined as knee flexion in excess of 20° in the gait cycle. Uncorrected crouch gait results in fatigue, joint degradation, and loss of ambulation. Torsion springs have been used in cycling to store energy in the knee flexion to reduce fatigue in the quadriceps during knee extension. SolidWorks was used to design a passive exoskeleton for the knee, incorporating torsion springs of stiffnesses 20,000 N/mm and 30,000 N/mm at the knee joint, to correct four different crouch gaits. OpenSim was used to gather data from the moments produced, and knee angles from each crouch gait and the normal gait. Motion analysis of the exoskeleton was simulated using knee angles for each crouch gait and compared with the moments produced with the normal gait moments in the stance phase of the gait cycle. All crouch gait moments were significantly reduced, and the correction of peak crouch moments was achieved, corresponding to the normal gait cycle during the stance phase. These results offer significant potential for nonsurgical and less invasive options for wearable exoskeletons in crouch gait correction.

The development of on-board technologies has enabled the development of quantification systems to monitor equine locomotion parameters. Their relevance among others relies on their ability to determine specific locomotor events such as foot-on and heel-off events. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of different methods for an automatic gait events detection from inertial measurement units (IMUs). IMUs were positioned on the cannon bone, hooves, and withers of seven horses trotting on hard and soft straight lines and circles. Longitudinal acceleration and angular velocity around the latero-medial axis of the cannon bone, and withers dorso-ventral displacement data were identified to tag the foot-on and a heel-off events. The results were compared with a reference method based on hoof-mounted-IMU data. The developed method showed bias less than 1.79%, 1.46%, 3.45% and −1.94% of stride duration, respectively, for forelimb foot-on and heel-off, and for hindlimb foot-on and heel-off detection, compared to our reference method. The results of this study showed that the developed gait-events detection method had a similar accuracy to other methods developed for straight line analysis and extended this validation to other types of exercise (circles) and ground surface (soft surface).

Abstract Background Many different fixation devices are used to maintain the correction angle after medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). Each device must provide at least sufficient mechanical stability to avoid loss of correction and unwanted fracture of the contralateral cortex until the bone heals. In the present study, the mechanical stability of following different implants was compared: the TomoFix small stature (sm), the TomoFix standard (std), the Contour Lock, the iBalance and the second generation PEEKPower. Simplified loading, usually consisting of a vertical load applied to the tibia plateau, is used for experimental testing of fixation devices and also in numerical studies. Therefore, this study additionally compared this simplified experimental loading with a more realistic loading that includes the muscle forces. Method Two types of finite element models, according to the considered loading, were created. The first type numerically simulated the static tests of MOWHTO implants performed in a previous experimental biomechanical study, by applying a vertical compressive load perpendicularly to the plateau of the osteotomized tibia. The second type included muscle forces in finite element models of the lower limb with osteotomized tibiae and simulated the stance phase of normal gait. Section forces in the models were determined and compared. Stresses in the implants and contralateral cortex, and micromovements of the osteotomy wedge, were calculated. Results For both loading types, the stresses in the implants were lower than the threshold values defined by the material strength. The stresses in the lateral cortex were smaller than the ultimate tensile strength of the cortical bone. The implants iBalance and Contour Lock allowed the smallest micromovements of the wedge, while the PEEKPower allowed the highest. There was a correlation between the micromovements of the wedge, obtained for the simplified loading of the tibia, and the more realistic loading of the lower limb at 15% of the gait cycle (Pearson’s value r = 0.982). Conclusions An axial compressive load applied perpendicularly to the tibia plateau, with a magnitude equal to the first peak value of the knee joint contact forces, corresponds quite well to a realistic loading of the tibia during the stance phase of normal gait (at 15% of the gait cycle and a knee flexion of about 22 degrees). However, this magnitude of the knee joint contact forces overloads the tibia compared to more realistic calculations, where the muscle forces are considered. The iBalance and Contour Lock implants provide higher rigidity to the bone-implant constructs compared to the TomoFix and the PEEKPower plates.

Abstract Background Results of finite element (FE) analyses can give insight into musculoskeletal diseases if physiological boundary conditions, which include the muscle forces during specific activities of daily life, are considered in the FE modelling. So far, many simplifications of the boundary conditions are currently made. This study presents an approach for FE modelling of the lower limb for which muscle forces were included. Methods The stance phase of normal gait was simulated. Muscle forces were calculated using a musculoskeletal rigid body (RB) model of the human body, and were subsequently applied to a FE model of the lower limb. It was shown that the inertial forces are negligible during the stance phase of normal gait. The contact surfaces between the parts within the knee were modelled as bonded. Weak springs were attached to the distal tibia for numerical reasons. Results Hip joint reaction forces from the RB model and those from the FE model were similar in magnitude with relative differences less than 16%. The forces of the weak spring were negligible compared to the applied muscle forces. The maximal strain was 0.23% in the proximal region of the femoral diaphysis and 1.7% in the contact zone between the tibia and the fibula. Conclusions The presented approach based on FE modelling by including muscle forces from inverse dynamic analysis of musculoskeletal RB model can be used to perform analyses of the lower limb with very realistic boundary conditions. In the present form, this model can be used to better understand the loading, stresses and strains of bones in the knee area and hence to analyse osteotomy fixation devices.

In this study, we present the experimental results demonstrating the functionality of our recently developed "balancing device" for walking restoration in patients with spinal cord injuries. Since we are preparing this device for testing on dogs, we program the analytical core of the device to recognize both stance and swing phases of the dog gait, the direction that the dog is falling, as well as selecting a suitable balancing strategy to prevent falling. The analytical core of the device is a commercial microcontroller, the Teensy, which is able to provide suitable stimulation commands and intensities as a voltage for delivery to the stimulation circuit and target muscles. We show the functional schematic of the device along with experimental results obtained by testing the device in a simulated robotic dog. Results show that the sensory system of the animal lost by spinal cord injury can be replaced by the sensing core of the device and the analytical core can provide appropriate stimulation control to balance the body of a dog. All test results are obtained using our robot test-bed and living animals are not involved in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interplay between the medial gastrocnemius muscle and the Achilles tendon is crucial for efficient walking. In cerebral palsy, muscle and tendon remodelling alters the role of contractile and elastic components. The aim was to investigate the length changes of medial gastrocnemius belly and fascicles, and Achilles tendon to understand their interplay to gait propulsion in individuals with cerebral palsy. Twelve young individuals with cerebral palsy and 12 typically developed peers were assessed during multiple gait cycles using 3D gait analysis combined with a portable ultrasound device. By mapping ultrasound image locations into the shank reference frame, the medial gastrocnemius belly, fascicle, and Achilles tendon lengths were estimated throughout the gait cycle. Participants with cerebral palsy were classified into equinus and non-equinus groups based on their sagittal ankle kinematics. In typically developed participants, the Achilles tendon undertook most of the muscle-tendon unit lengthening during stance, whereas in individuals with cerebral palsy, this lengthening was shared between the medial gastrocnemius belly and Achilles tendon, which was more evident in the equinus group. The lengthening behaviour of the medial gastrocnemius fascicles resembled that of the Achilles tendon in cerebral palsy. The findings revealed similar length changes of the medial gastrocnemius fascicles and Achilles tendon, highlighting the enhanced role of the muscle in absorbing energy during stance in cerebral palsy. These results, together with the current knowledge of increased intramuscular stiffness, suggest the exploitation of intramuscular passive forces for such energy absorption. • Gastrocnemius muscle-Achilles tendon function is altered in cerebral palsy gait. • Both muscle and tendon contribute to muscle-tendon unit lengthening in stance phase. • Muscle fascicles and Achilles tendon resembled a similar behaviour in stance phase. • Intramuscular passive force transmission may be enhanced in cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]