Wyniki wyszukiwania - BazTech

1

Discobulbulator - interaktywne urządzenie do terapii motoryki małej i integracji sensorycznej

Nowak Julia, Muzalewska Małgorzata

Aktualne Problemy Biomechaniki

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2022

|

z. 22

29--37

PL

DiscoBulbulator to edukacyjne urządzenie terapeutyczne, pozwalające na wykonanie odpowiednich ruchów stylusem, co powoduje gratyfikację sygnałem dźwiękowym. Różnorodność stylusów oraz dodatkowych modułów i akcesoriów pozwala na urozmaicenie wykonywanych ćwiczeń polegających na zamknięciu ścieżki przewodu. Interaktywne urządzenie przeznaczone jest do terapii motoryki małej oraz integracji sensorycznej w pracy z dziećmi z niepełnosprawnościami.

EN

DiscoBulbulator is an educational therapeutic device that works based on user making appropriate movements with a stylus, which results in gratification with a sound signal. The variety of styluses as well as additional modules and accessories allows to diversify exercises performed during therapy sessions. Basic premise of the device is to close the cable path. The interactive device is designed to be used in fine motor skills therapy and sensory integration for children with various disabilities.

2

Assessment of the physiological state during gait with metrorhythmic stimulations

Mańka Anna, Romaniszyn-Kania Patrycja, Bugdol Monika N., Nowakowska-Lipiec Katarzyna, Michnik Robert, Mitas Andrzej

Aktualne Problemy Biomechaniki

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2021

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z. 21

25--33

EN

The study aimed to examine the influence of providing information about reacting to the heard musical stimuli while treadmill walking on physiological signals of participants. The study group consisted of 30 adults: group 1 was not informed how to react, group 2 received an instruction to adjust the frequency of steps to the music. The gait was carried out on a Zebris FDM-S treadmill for various sound stimuli using the Empatica E4 band to acquire electrodermal activity and heart rate. Information about moving to the stimuli did not change how the subjects responded physiologically during the test.

PL

Celem badania było sprawdzenie, czy informacje o sposobie reagowania na słyszane bodźce muzyczne podczas chodzenia na bieżni istotnie wpływają na sygnały fizjologiczne uczestników. W badaniu uczestniczyło 30 dorosłych: grupa 1 nie została poinformowana o tym, jak reagować na słyszane dźwięki, grupa 2 otrzymała polecenie dostosowania częstotliwości kroków do muzyki. Chód rejestrowano na bieżni Zebris FDM-S, a do akwizycji sygnałów fizjologicznych wykorzystano opaskę Empatica E4. Informacje o tym, jak reagować na bodźce nie zmieniały sygnałów fizjologicznych u badanych.

3

Body balance a few years after total hip replacement

Wareńczak Agnieszka, Lisiński Przemysław

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2020

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Vol. 22, no. 1

87--96

EN

These aim of the study was to conduct a long-term evaluation of whether total hip replacement permanently affects the dynamic body balance. Methods: Twenty-five patients after the unilateral total hip replacement (mean age: 69.9 ± 6.2) and 25 subjects without the total hip replacement (mean age: 68.4 ± 4.8) who matched the age and overall health participated in this study. The force platform and functional tests such as Timed Up and Go, 3m walk test, Functional Reach Test, 30s Chair Stand Test, Step Test and Berg Balance Scale were used to assess dynamic balance. The results obtained in individual trials were compared using the Student’s t-test for independent variables, the Welch test or the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: Subjects from the THR group exhibited significantly increased time and distance in the tests performed on the force platform, compared to the control group. We also observed worse balance and functional test scores in the THR group: Timed Up and Go test ( p < 0.001), 3 m walk test ( p < 0.001), Functional Reach Test ( p < 0.001), 30 s Chair Stand Test ( p = 0.001) and Step Test (operated leg: p < 0.001, non-operated leg: p < 0.001). The results obtained in the Berg Balance Scale tests were not significantly different between the groups ( p = 0.218). Conclusions: We observed significant differences in postural stability and dynamic balance between patients after THR and subjects in the same age without endoprosthesis. Our research shows that total hip replacement permanently impairs patients’ dynamic balance and their functionality in certain lower-extremity activities.

4

Biomechanical evaluation of swing-through crutch gait in patients with lower extremity injury

Rzepnicka Agata, Kabaciński Jarosław, Murawa Michał, Fryzowicz Anna, Syczewska Małgorzata, Dworak Lechosław Bogdan

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2020

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Vol. 22, no. 1

111--117

EN

The main purpose was to determine the values of spatio-temporal parameters and ground reaction forces during the swingthrough crutch gait. Methods: Eighteen male patients with unilateral injury within the foot, ankle or shank (age: 25.4 ± 7.7 years, body height: 1.79 ± 0.06 m, body mass: 76.1 ± 11.5 kg) participated in the study. In the experiment, 6-camera optoelectronic motion capture system and force platform were used. The measurements of spatio-temporal parameters and ground reaction force (GRF) were performed for uninjured lower extremity (ULE), crutch on the ULE side (CrU) and crutch on the injured lower extremity side (CrI). Results: Analysis demonstrated a significantly longer stance phase and a significantly shorter swing phase for ULE than crutches ( p < 0.05), and a significantly longer first, compared to the second, double support phase ( p < 0.05). Comparisons showed also significantly higher maximum values of the vertical GRF and extreme values of the horizontal antero-posterior GRF for ULE than crutches ( p < 0.05) as well as for CrI than CrU ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: The present study provides biomechanical data related to the spatio-temporal parameters and GRFs for the swing-through crutch gait in patients with the lower extremity injuries.

5

Physiological parameters analysis of transfemoral amputees with different prosthetic knees

Li Sujiao, Cao Wujing, Yu Hongliu, Meng Qiaoling, Chen Wenming

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2019

|

Vol. 21, no. 3

135--142

EN

Physiological parameters analysis allows for a precise quantification of energy expenditure of transfemoral amputees with different prosthetic knees. Comparative physiological parameters analysis that indicate the functional characteristics of knee joints is essential to the choice of transfemoral amputee. The aim of this study was to propose a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee (i-KNEE) and conducted physiological parameters (energy cost, gait efficiency and relative exercise intensity) comparison of transfemoral amputees with C-leg, Rheo Knee and Mauch under different walking speeds. Methodsː A microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee with hydraulic damper (i-KNEE) was developed. A two-factor repeated measurement experiment design was used. Each subject was instructed to accept the same treatments. The two factors were type of prosthetic knees (the i-KNEE, the C-Leg, the Rheo Knee and the Mauch) and speed (0.5, 0.7, 0.9, 1.1, 1.3 m/s). The energy cost, gait efficiency and relative exercise intensity of ten transfemoral amputees were measured. Resultsː For all the prosthetic knees, the energy cost increased along with walking speed. There was no significant difference between three microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees in energy cost. The gait efficiency of Mauch was always less than or equal to other three microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees in specific walking speed. The relative exercise intensity increased with speed for all the prosthetic knees. More effort was needed for the transfemoral amputees with Mauch than other three microprocessorcontrolled prosthetic knees in the same walking speed. Conclusionsː The use of the microprocessor-controlled knee joints resulted in reduced energy cost, improved gait efficiency and smaller relative exercise intensity.

6

How does applying of one or two orthoses influence gait parameters of children with hemiplegia?

Boryczka-Trefler Anna, Syczewska Małgorzata, Stępowska Jolanta

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2019

|

Vol. 21, no. 2

95--100

EN

The aim of this study was to evaluate how wearing one or two orthoses influence the gait parameters in children with hemiplegia. Four children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy participated in the study. Patients were from 3 to 7 years old; one girl and three boys; one patient with right side hemiplegia, three patients with left side hemiplegia. Patients underwent the VICON MX system gait analysis three times (sessions): one with bare feet, the other two with shoes and orthoses: one with orthoses used unilaterally on palsied limb, one with orthoses used bilaterally. The following gait parameters were analyzed: velocity, cadence, pelvis tilt, range of pelvic movement in sagittal plane, separately for affected and non-affected side: step length, stance time (as a percentage of the gait cycle), range of hip movement in sagittal plane, knee flexion at initial contact, maximum knee flexion in swing phase. Results of the study showed which and how many gait parameters changed while wearing one in comparison with two orthoses. The results did not give a clear indication which condition is better: wearing one or two orthoses, however they suggest that when the orthotic devices are considered for patients with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, the objective, instrumented gait analysis can be used to take the best decision whether one or two orthoses should be prescribed.

7

Do different muscle strength levels affect stability during unplanned gait termination?

Cen Xuanzhen, Jiang Xinyan, Gu Yaodong

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2019

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Vol. 21, no. 4

27--35

EN

Unplanned gait termination (UGT) widely occurs in various sports and daily life as a kind of stress response to unexpected stimulus. However, the body stability may be greatly affected when the body completely stops. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between muscle strength levels and body stability during UGT through comparing the plantar pressure. Methods: Twenty healthy participants (10 male and 10 female) with different lower limbs muscle strength and power were asked to perform planned gait termination (PGT) and unplanned gait termination (UGT) on an 8-m walkway. Related plantar pressure data including maximum pressure, maximum force, contact area and center of pressure were recorded with Footscan pressure platform. Results: Two types of gait termination have significant differences in the plantar pressure distribution. Maximum pressure and maximum force in the lateral metatarsal increased significantly during UGT, compared to PGT. At the same time, data from the current study suggested that there might be a correlation between the muscle strength levels of individual and the stability during the gait termination, especially between the muscle power and UGT, which means that the more excellent muscle power an individual has, the more stable the body is when UGT is performed. Conclusions: The findings suggest that different muscle strength levels could affect stability during unplanned gait termination.

8

Analysis of fatigue loads of the knee joint during gait

Stępniewski Andrzej

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2019

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Vol. 21, no. 3

159--167

EN

The aim of the work was to show that the fatigue load of bone tissue causes permanent structural changes in it. Methods: On the basis of the movie recording of gait, the time courses of angular changes in the joints of the lower limb were determined. Using the method of transforming Denavit–Hartenberg coordinate systems, the course of force loading the hip joint and, after that, the course of normal contact reaction of the femoral head of the knee joint during gait for the support phase were determined. On the basis of the Hertz formula, the course of contact stresses in the femoral joint head and the damage coefficient were determined according to the Palmgren–Miner damage accumulation hypothesis. Results: A calculation example was made using own software. The course of the obtained damage factor was compared to the image fixed in the X-ray image after its appropriate processing. The thesis of the work has been confirmed to a satisfactory degree. Conclusions: The nature of the lesions is similar to the image of structural changes in the head of the joint. It should be assumed that the image fixed in the bone is the result of the stored history of loads. Analysis of the obtained image can be used to determine the state of bone strength.

9

Alteration of the multi-segment foot motion during gait in individuals with plantar fasciitis: a matched case-control study

Bovonsunthonchai Sunee, Thong-On Suthasinee, Vachalathiti Roongtiwa, Intiravoranont Warinda, Suwannarat Sarawut, Smith Richard

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2019

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Vol. 21, no. 4

73--82

EN

The objective of this study was to compare the ground reaction forces (GRFs) and the multi-segment foot motion between individuals with plantar fasciitis (PF) and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-one individuals with PF and 21 matched-case healthy controls who passed the criteria participated in the study. Gait data were assessed during their self-selected comfortable speeds by the 3D motion analysis system. The multi-segment foot motions were determined by the Oxford Foot Model. Outcome measures included the vertical and antero-posterior ground reaction forces (GRFs) and the multi-segment foot motions [the dorsiflexion (DF), plantarflexion (PF), inversion (Inv), eversion (Eve), adduction (Add), and abduction (Abd) peak angles for the forefoot with respect to hindfoot (FFHF) and the DF, PF, Inv, Eve, internal rotation (IR), and external rotation (ER) peak angles for the hindfoot with respect to tibia (HFTB) as well as their ranges (R)]. Results: Comparisons between individuals with PF and healthy controls showed no significant differences in any of the GRFs. Significant reductions were found in the FFHF-DF, FFHF-DF-R, FFHF-Inv, and HFTB-Inv/Eve-R in individuals with PF. In addition, there were tendencies of the increased angles of the FFHF-PF, HFTB-DF, HFTB-Inv, and HFTB-ER, but not significantly for individuals with PF, compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: Adaptations of the intra-foot motion showed the reduction of some angles but no change for the GRFs in individuals with PF compared to the healthy controls when both groups walked at a similar gait speed.

10

Determination of the loads of the musculoskeletal system of the upper limb while walking with crutches

Chrzan M., Michnik R., Wodarski P., Bieniek A.

Modelowanie Inżynierskie

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2018

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T. 38, nr 69

17--22

EN

An important issue in the case of people with physical disabilities is total or partial restoration of independent movement. The aim of the work was to determine the loads of the musculoskeletal system of the upper limb while walking with crutches. The methodology of the work consisted of carrying out studies of kinematics and ground reactions when walking with crutches. The next stage of the work was to perform simulations in the AnyBody environment. The results obtained during the simulation are values of forces occurring in the joints of the upper limb.

PL

Istotną sprawą w przypadku osób z niepełnosprawnością ruchową jest całkowite lub częściowe przywrócenie możliwości samodzielnego poruszania się. Jednym z podstawowych narzędzi używanym w celach reedukacyjnych są kule, balkony oraz rollatory do chodzenia [4]. Metodyka pracy składała się z przeprowadzenia badań kinematyki oraz reakcji podłoża podczas chodu z kulami. Badania te wykonane zostały z wykorzystaniem kombinezonu MVN Biomech oraz platform dynamometrycznych firmy AMTI. Następnie zsynchronizowane ze sobą zostały wyniki kinematyki oraz reakcji podłoża i wybrana została chwila czasowa, dla której reakcja podłoża była największa. Kolejnym etapem pracy było wykonanie symulacji w środowisku AnyBody. Wyniki uzyskane podczas symulacji to wartości sił występujących w stawach kończyny górnej.

11

The effect of aging and gender on plantar pressure distribution during the gait in elderly

Gimunova M., Zvonař M., Mikeska O.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2018

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Vol. 20, no. 3

139--144

EN

The effect of age on structural foot characteristics as well as on the plantar pressure distribution has been shown previously. However, the number of studies focused also on gender gait differences of elderly is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare dynamic gait characteristic in younger and older elderly and to investigate the gender differences as the life-long load and footwear choice differ in males and females. Methods: 61 healthy elderly participants were divided by age and gender into four groups: males 60–69, males 70–79, females 60–69 and females 70–79 years old. Plantar pressures were recorded during barefoot walking at naturally chosen speed using Emed-at (Novel GmbH, Germany). Three steps of the left foot of each participant were used for further analysis, furthermore, hallux angle, foot progression angle, and arch index were calculated by the Emed software from obtained footprints. To compare the differences between the analyzed groups, effect size obtained by Cohen’s d was used. Results: Comparing the two age male groups, higher mean pressure was found in the 70–79 age group in region MH4, MH5 and mid-foot, suggesting a greater lateral load and decreased longitudinal arch of the foot. Comparing female groups, the higher mean pressure was found in the older age group in region MH1. In all other regions, the mean pressures were reduced in the older groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that the effect of aging on plantar pressure distribution during the gait is affected by gender and should be considered when evaluating the gait of elderly.

12

The differences between overground and treadmill walking in nonlinear, entropy-based and frequency variables derived from accelerometers in young and older women : preliminary report

Bizovska L., Svoboda Z., Kubonova E., Vuillerme N., Hirjakova Z., Janura M.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2018

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Vol. 20, no. 1

93--100

EN

The aim of this study was to compare gait stability and variability between walking conditions and age groups. Methods: Twenty-six healthy younger and older females participated. Trunk acceleration in the vertical (V), medial-lateral (ML) and anteriorposterior (AP) directions during 5 minutes walking overground and 3 minutes walking on the treadmill at self-selected speed were recorded. Root mean square and standard deviations of acceleration, stride time and its variability, Lyapunov exponents (LE), multiscale entropy (MSE) and harmonic ratios (HR) were computed. Results: Both age groups showed significantly higher stride time variability and short-term LE in all directions during overground walking. For the older group, overground walking showed higher V and AP standard deviation. Significantly lower values for overground walking were observed for long-term LE (V and ML for the younger group, ML for the older group), HR (ML for the older group) and MSE (V for the older group). Significant age-related differences were found for V long-term LE for overground walking. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that both linear and advanced computational techniques for gait stability and variability assessment in older adults are sensitive to walking conditions.

13

Center of plantar pressure during gait in pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and the effect of pelvic belts

Bertuit J., Leyh C., Feipel V.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2018

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Vol. 20, no. 3

69--76

EN

Many pregnant women suffer from pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy. Etiologies are multifactorial and affect the joint stability of the sacroiliac joint. Pelvic belts could restore stability and reduce pain during gait. The center of pressure (COP) is a reliable parameter to assess gait and balance. The objectives of this study were to analyze the COP during gait in pregnant women with PGP, to evaluate the effect of pelvic belts and to compare two types of belts on COP parameters. Materials and Methods: 46 pregnant women with PGP, 58 healthy pregnant women and 23 non-pregnant women participated in the study. The motor task consisted of three gait trials at different velocities on an electronic walkway. Two pelvic belts for pregnant women were used. An analysis of variance was performed to determine the effects of the progression of the pregnancy, gait speed, presence of pregnancy and occurrence of pain on the COP parameters. Results: Compared to the control group, pregnant women with PGP had a higher stance time, but COP displacement and velocity were lower. The COP parameters varied between pregnant women with and without pelvic girdle pain, the use of a belt during pregnancy decreased the walking velocity. No difference was found according to the type of belt. Conclusions: Differences in COP parameters during gait between pregnant women with or without PGP were minimal. Pelvic girdle pain did not affect the center of pressure. Wearing a belt during pregnancy modified the center of pressure velocity during gait in pregnant women with PGP.

14

Biomechanical characterization of slope walking using musculoskeletal model simulation

Masayuki K., Hata K., Kiyama R., Maeda T., Yone K.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2018

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Vol. 20, no. 1

117--125

EN

Upslope and downslope walking are basic activities necessary for normal daily living in community, and they impose greater joint load on the lower extremities than during level walking. Thus, the purpose of this study was to quantify the resultant and shear forces in the hip and knee joints during slope walking. Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers were evaluated when walking under level and 10° up- and downslope conditions. Three-dimensional gait analysis was conducted using a 7-camera optoelectronic motion analysis system combined with a force plate to measure ground reactive force. Joint forces in the hip and knee joints were estimated using musculoskeletal model simulation. Results: Results showed that the resultant hip force was increased significantly to 117.2% and 126.9%, and the resultant knee force was increased to 133.5% and 144.5% in up- and downslope walking, respectively, compared to that of level walking. Furthermore, increased shear force in the hip and knee joints was noted during both slope walking conditions. Conclusions: This information may be beneficial for therapists advising elderly people or patients with osteoarthrosis on an appropriate gait pattern, gait assistive devices, or orthoses according to their living environment.

15

The effect of running in an electromagnetic field on human joint and skin lubricationin the metabolic process

Wierzcholski K., Miszczak A.

Tribologia

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2017

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nr 6

105--115

EN

This paper presents an experimental and theoretical implementation of the influence of the run-walk treatment in the presence of an electro-magnetic field on energy burn increments in the human body, its metabolism, and finally on the decrements of the human body weight. The experimental research presented in this paper was performed using the following devices: a magnetic induction field produced by a new Polish MT-24 Apparatus, a new German Magcell Arthro magneto electronic device, and a Segmental Body Composition Analyzer Tanita MC 780MA. The author's experience was gained in German research institutes, and practical results were confirmed after measurements and information from students and patients. Up to now, theoretical solutions have not been considered. The theoretical and numerical model presented was implemented by using the Mathcad 15 Professional Program. The main conclusion obtained in this paper can be formulated in the following sentence: The run-walk training implemented by an electro-magnetic magnetic field using tight sportswear leads to the increments of the dynamic viscosity of synovial fluid, changes the internal energy contained in the human body, increases the muscle weight, and the percentage of water in the human body; therefore, it accelerates the slimming process connected with the body weight decrements.

PL

Niniejsza praca stanowi teoretyczną i eksperymentalną implementację wpływu biegania i chodu w obecności pola elektromagnetycznego na wzrost energii spalania w ciele człowieka, na jego metabolizm, a ostatecznie na zmniejszenie wagi i masy ciała. Badania doświadczalne przedstawione w pracy przeprowadzono dzięki wykorzystaniu następujących podmiotów i urządzeń: nowy polski aparat MT-24 wytwarzający pole indukcji magnetycznej, niemiecki magnetoelektroniczny aparat Magcell Arthro, Analizator Składu Masy ciała Tanita MC 780MA na licencji japońskiej, doświadczenia badawcze pozyskane w niemieckich instytutach badawczych, wywiady od studentów-sportowców i pacjentów. Do tej pory modele teoretyczne nie były rozpatrywane. Prezentowany w niniejszej pracy teoretyczno-numeryczny model został implementowany Profesjonalnym Programem Mathcad 15. Do najważniejszych rezultatów zawartych w niniejszej pracy zalicza autor wzrost lepkości cieczy synowialnej i potu, wzrost energii wewnętrznej zawartej w ciele człowieka, minimalny wzrost wagi i masy mięśni, wzrost procentowej zawartości wody w organizmie, zmniejszenie masy i wagi sportowca uprawiającego biego-chody implementowane polem elektromagnetycznym z wykorzystaniem w trakcie biegania ciasnego kompletu dresu treningowego.

16

Ocena rozkładu obciążeń stóp kobiet ciężarnych na podłoże podczas chodu

Swinarska D.

Aktualne Problemy Biomechaniki

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2017

|

z. 12

75--80

PL

Ciąża jest stanem fizjologicznym, podczas którego zachodzi wiele przemian biochemicznych oraz biomechanicznych. Zmiany te znacząco wpływają na kondycję fizyczną kobiety ciężarnej. Powiększający się brzuch oraz zmiany temu towarzyszące znacząco wpływają na komfort poruszania się kobiety. Fizjologiczne zmiany zachodzące w czasie ciąży mogą być przyczyną nieprawidłowego ustawiania stopy, co może powodować bóle pleców i kończyn dolnych. Celem niniejszej pracy jest ocena rozkładu obciążeń stóp kobiet ciężarnych na podłoże podczas chodu.

EN

Pregnancy is a very special period in women's life. Anatomical, biomechanical and hormonal changes are characteristic for this period and may have impact on incorrect posture or affect musculoskeletal balance. Twenty-one pregnant women were recruited in three semesters pregnancy. Measurements included in-shoe plantar pressure distribution. Results suggest higher plantar pressure magnitude in all trimesters pregnancy. Especially, in the third trimester the changes in magnitude of pressure distribution were observe under the forefoot, medial arch and heel (p<0,05).

17

Pregnancy-related changes in centre of pressure during gait

Bertuit J., Leyh C., Rooze M., Feipel F.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2017

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Vol. 19, no. 4

95--102

EN

Physical and hormonal modifications occuring during the pregnancy, can lead to an increase in postural instability and to a higher risk of falls during gait. The first objective was to describe the center of pressure (COP) during late pregnancy at different gait velocity. Comparison of nulliparous women with postpartum women were conducted in order to investigate the effects of pregnancy. The second objective was to analyse COP variability between pregnant and non-pregnant women in order to investigate the effects of regnancy on gait variability. Methods: Fifty-eight pregnant women in the last four months of pregnancy, nine postpartum women and twenty-three healthy non-pregnant women performed gait trials at three different speeds: preferred, slow and fast. Results: In the last four months of pregnancy gait velocity decreased. During the pregnancy, gait velocity decreased by 22%, stopover time increased by 6–12%, COP excursion XY decreased by 5% and COP velocity decreased by 16% and 20% along the anteroposterior and transverse axes, respectively. After delivery, gait velocity increased by 3% but remained a lower compared to non-pregnant women (–12%). Intra-individual variability was greater for non-pregnant than pregnant women. Conclusions: COP parameters were influenced by pregnancy. This suggests that pregnant women establish very specific and individual strategies with the aim of maintaining stability during gait.

18

Three-dimensional kinematic adaptations of gait throughout pregnancy and post-partum

Branco M. A. C., Santos-Rocha R., Vieira F., Aguiar R., Veloso A. P.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2016

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Vol. 18, no. 2

153--162

EN

Purpose: The kinematic analysis of gait during pregnancy provides more information about the anatomical changes and contributes to exercise and rehabilitation prescription. The purposes were to describe and quantify the spatial, temporal and kinematic parameters in the joints of the lower limb during gait at the end of the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Methods: A three-dimensional analysis was performed in eleven pregnant women. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed for comparisons between periods. Results: The longitudinal effect of pregnancy was not observed in spatial and temporal parameters. In joint kinematics the effect of pregnancy was observed in all joints for the three planes of motion. The hip joint and pelvis are the structures with more changes, and the results point to an increase in the anterior tilt of the pelvis as the pregnancy progresses, as well as a decrease of the amplitudes of the hip joint. The results suggested that pregnant women need to maintain the stability of the body, and become more efficient in locomotion. Conclusions: In general, the results retrieve the values from the beginning of pregnancy, indicating that the body was self-organized in order to overcome the morphological and physiological changes which women suffer during pregnancy, indicating that they have the ability to adapt depending on the demands, and after the effect of pregnancy is over, they return to values similar to those found in early pregnancy

19

Research of the spatial-temporal gait parameters and pressure characteristic in spastic diplegia children

Pauk J., Ihnatouski M., Daunoraviciene K., Laskhousky U., Griskevicius J.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2016

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Vol. 18, no. 2

121--129

EN

Purpose: Spastic diplegia is the most common form of cerebral palsy. It presents with symmetric involvement of the lower limbs and upper limbs. Children with spastic diplegia frequently experience problems with motor control, spasticity, and balance which lead to gait abnormalities. The aim of this study is twofold. Firstly, to determine the differences in spatial-temporal gait parameters and magnitude of plantar pressure distribution between children with spastic diplegia (CP) and typical children. Secondly, to compare and evaluate main changes of plantar pressure and spatial-temporal gait parameters instead of data between spastic diplegia children with prescribed ankle – solid foot orthosis (AFOs) and without using AFOs. Methods: The evaluation was carried out on 20 spastic diplegia children and 10 agematched children as a control group aged 6–15 years. Twenty children with spastic diplegia CP were divided into two groups: ten subjects with prescribed AFOs and ten subjects without use of assistive device. Patients used the AFOs orthosis for one year. Measurements included in-shoe plantar pressure distribution and spatial-temporal gait parameters. Results: Spatial-temporal gait parameters showed meaningful difference between study groups in velocity, stride length, step length and cadence ( p < 0.05). However no significant differences between patients with and without AFOs were found ( p > 0.05). Significant differences between typical and spastic diplegia children with AFOs were observed in the magnitude of plantar pressure under the toes, the metatarsal heads, the medial arch, and the heel ( p < 0.05). For typical subjects, the highest pressure amplitudes were found under the heel and the metatarsal heads, while the lowest pressure distribution was under the medial arch. In CP patients the lateral arch was strongly unloaded. The peak pressure under heel was shifted inside. Conclusions: Collected data and calculated scores present a state of the gait in test groups, showed the difference and could be valuable for physicians in decision making by choosing qualitative therapy. Furthermore, it allows predicting probability of further possible changes in gait of spastic diplegia patients with AFOs and without it. In conclusion, our current results showed that the use of AFOs, prescribed on a clinical basis by doctors improves gait patterns and gait stability in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

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Are electromyographic patterns during gait related to abnormality level of the gait in patients with spastic cerebral palsy?

Syczewska M., Święcicka A.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2016

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Vol. 18, no. 3

EN

Purpose: One of the aims of the treatment in ambulant cerebral palsy (CP) patients is improvement of gait. Level of gait pathology is assessed by instrumented gait analysis, including surface electromyography. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation of the abnormality level of the gait and the co-contraction of the agonist-antagonist muscles, and relation between symmetry left /right leg in gait and symmetry of muscular activity. Methods: Fifty one patients with Cerebral Palsy underwent clinical assessment and instrumented gait analysis, including surface electromyography. Signals were bilaterally collected from rectus femoris, medial and lateral hamstrings, tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius and gluteus maximus. In older children additionally signals from soleus and lateral vastus were recorded. Sixteen gait variables were selected to calculate Gillette Gait Index, separately for left and right leg. From the envelopes the series of cross-correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: Weak correlations were found between averaged agonist-antagonist correlation coefficient and Gillette Gait Index. Differences between hemiparetic less-involved legs, hemiparetic spastic legs, and diplegic legs were found for co-contraction of rectus femoris and biceps femoris and for averaged agonist-antagonist co-contraction. The differences between hemiparetic and diplegic groups were found for some muscle correlation coefficients. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study show, that the activity pattern of the leg muscles is specific for a given patient, and the dependence of the kinematics pathology on the abnormal activation pattern is not a direct one.