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1

Effect of slope in an immersive virtual environment on segmental asymmetry in people with femoral amputation and a microprocessor knee

Pantera Eric, Denys Victor, Pradon Didier

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2023

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Vol. 25, no. 3

EN

The continued development of microprocessor-based knee prostheses has improved the independence of people with a femoral amputation in many environments. This study aimed to describe the effect of slopes on kinematic joint variables and segmental asymmetry.

2

Analysis of segmental coordination in the lower extremity using vector coding: a pilot return-to-play study of acute ankle sprain

Yang Xiaoyi, Jiang Hanhui, Yu Peimin, Mei Qichang, Fernandez Justin, Gu Yaodong

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

|

2023

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Vol. 25, no. 4

EN

Background: Acute ankle sprain may affect ankle function during sport and daily activities. This study aimed to use vector coding technique to analyze the difference over time between injured and healthy lower limb during the first week of acute ankle sprain phase (P1) and post a 1-month recovery phase (P2) to understand the return-to-play coordination strategy in the lower extremity. Methods: Six females attended the gait experiments with attached 40 reflective markers using eight camera Vicon motion capture system. All participants walked barefoot while turning in four directions (T0°, T45°, T90°, T135°) at their self-selected speed. Coordination patterns were classified as in-phase, anti-phase, proximal or distal dominancy between lower limb joints involving hip, knee, ankle, subtalar, metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint. Results: P1 showed more proximal joint dominant in Hip-Knee coupling angles but P2 displayed more distal joint dominant in Knee-Ankle joint coordination pattern and mainly distal joint dominant in Ankle-MTP coupling angle mapping. The Ankle-TMT1 and Ankle-TMT5 coordination patterns matched best in straight walking but worst in T135 walking. Conclusions: Investigating inter-segmental coordination in different turning movements could provide insights into gait changes from acute ankle sprain from one-month return-to-play recovery. Knowledge of lower limb coordination pattern may provide clinical implications to improve dynamic balance and gait stability for individuals with acute ankle sprain.

3

Discobulbulator - interaktywne urządzenie do terapii motoryki małej i integracji sensorycznej

Nowak Julia, Muzalewska Małgorzata

Aktualne Problemy Biomechaniki

|

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.

4

Validity of the Gait Deviation Index in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Bazarnik-Mucha Katarzyna, Guzik Agnieszka, Szczepanik Magdalena, Snela Sławomir, Drużbicki Mariusz

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2022

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Vol. 24, no. 2

75--82

EN

Effectiveness of the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of the GDI as an outcome measure of gait disturbance children with JIA. Methods: Fifty children and adolescents with JIA were included into the study. The control group included 50 healthy children without gait disorders, matched for age and gender. The kinematic gait parameters were measured using a 3D movement analysis system. Walking speed, walking distance, cadence, step length and single support time were also evaluated. Results: The findings show a statistically significant difference between the values of GDI for the right leg in the study group and the controls ( p = 0.036). The individuals included in the study group achieved significantly lower values in this parameter (mean 94.92 ± 8.38 vs. mean 100.00 ± 10.00). The GDI value for right and left leg and the mean GDI value showed low (0.3 ≤ |R| < 0.5, p < 0.005) to moderate (0.5 ≤ |R| < 0.7, p < 0.001) correlations with the other gait parameters and measures. Conclusions: The GDI scores were lower in individuals with JIA compared to controls. This difference in the GDI values was only significant for the right leg. The GDI values showed low to moderate correlations with other gait parameters.

5

Quantitative parameters of gait imbalance in multiple sclerosis patients

Dzięcioł-Anikiej Zofia, Malinowska Paulina, Daunoraviciene Kristina, Pauk Jolanta, Kułakowska Alina, Dardzińska-Głębocka Agnieszka, Sulewska Anetta

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2022

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Vol. 24, no. 2

15--21

EN

The purpose is to identify objective quantitative parameters for a more accurate evaluation of gait imbalance and relate it to Body Mass Index and age. Methods: 25 multiple sclerosis (MS) and 30 healthy people (CG) aged between 22 and 66 years old (50.4 ± 9.5) were examined in static and dynamic tasks. The demographic data were as follows: body mass (72.4 ± 18.4 kg in CG vs. 66.8 ± 11.5 kg in MS); body height (1.78 ± 0.15 m in CG vs. 1.70 ± 0.11 m in MS); BMI (24.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2 in CG vs. 23.5 ± 3.0 kg/m2 in MS). First, all individuals remained static for baropodometric, pulse and saturation evaluation. Later on, a 6-minute walk and timed up and go tests were performed and additionally included quantitative measurements by barometry and pulse oximeter. Results: The dynamic condition revealed meaningful differences in the foot surface and hindfoot loading, in addition to foot max. loading between study groups. TUG disclosed significantly different results between groups in time and the number of steps. For MS in statics, the moderate positive correlations between BMI and the right forefoot and right hindfoot, and in MS statics, the correlation of the age vs. maximal left foot loading, forefoot loading and hindfoot loading was observed. In the dynamic, the age and plantar angle of the foot had weak relation. Conclusions: Quantitative parameters defining balance deviations of MS are related to BMI and age in statics and dynamics, therefore should be taken into account during MS imbalance assessment.

6

Effects of age and gender on spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters in older adults

Tanaka Ryo, Jung Hungu, Yamashina Shunsuke, Inoue Yu, Nakamura Rinna, Toda Haruki, Imura Takeshi, Tamura Hiroyuki

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2022

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Vol. 24, no. 4

13--19

EN

Gait changes are more prominently observed in older adults than in young adults, especially in kinematics of lower extremities and trunk. These changes can result in incidental falls during gait, possibly leading to inability to perform activities of daily living independently. This study aimed to investigate the effect of gender and age on gait changes, such as spatiotemporal parameters and peak joint angles in lower extremities and trunk during gait. Methods: A total of 387 participants (223 women) were included. The Microsoft Kinect V2 sensor was used to obtain the coordinate data of lower extremities and trunk during gait. The coordinate data obtained were processed using the software. Walking speed, stride length, stride time and cadence were calculated as spatiotemporal variables of walking. Forward trunk tilt angle (FTT), hip flexion and extension, and knee flexion and extension were measured as peak angles during one-gait cycle. Participants were categorized into five groups according to age by five years. Multivariate analysis of variance was performed to compare the spatiotemporal and kinematical data among groups. Results: Significant differences among age groups were noted in terms of the walking speed and stride length. Significant differences were also observed in the FTT and hip extension angle. Conclusions: Increased gait changes, increased peak FTT and decreased peak hip extension angle were observed with an increase of age. These altered symptoms may contribute to the screening of older adults at risk of declined physical function at an early stage.

7

Correlation between rotational moments of the knee and other joints during gait, including the free moment of patients with a medial meniscus tear

Ibara Takuya, Hada Kiyotaka, Karashima Ryosuke, Kawashima Mahito, Anan Masaya

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2022

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Vol. 24, no. 4

119--126

EN

Rotation of the knee puts stress on the medial meniscus and can be a factor in the progression of knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to investigate the rotational moment (internal rotation and external rotation) of the knee during gait and relationship between the rotational moments of the knee and other joints, including the free moment during gait. Methods: We included 18 patients with medial meniscus tears (MM group) and 10 asymptomatic participants in this study. We performed 3D gait analysis. The internal ankle, knee, and hip rotational moments as well as free moment were compared between the groups. Additionally, we investigated correlations between rotational moments of the knee and other joints during gait. Results: The maximal knee external rotation moment in the MM group was smaller than that in the asymptomatic group ( p = 0.04, g = 0.76); however, there were no significant differences in the maximal internal rotation moment between the groups ( p = 0.97, g = 0.02). The internal rotation (external knee external rotation) moment positively correlated with the hip internal rotation moment ( p < 0.01, r = 0.69) in the MM group. Conclusions: The internal rotation (passive knee external rotation moment) did not decrease sufficiently, and correlation was observed between moments of the knee and hip in the MM group, especially during the late stance phase of gait. Reducing these abnormal moments during gait through rehabilitation may be important in patients with medial meniscus tears to prevent rapid progression of knee osteoarthritis.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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.

13

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

|

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.

14

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

|

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.

15

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

|

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.

16

Computational gait analysis using fuzzy logic for everyday clinical purposes - preliminary findings

Mikołajewska E., Prokopowicz P., Mikołajewski D.

Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems

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2017

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Vol. 13, no. 1

37--42

EN

Background: Proper, early, and exact identification of gait impairments and their causes is regarded as a prerequisite for specific therapy and a useful control tool to assess efficacy of rehabilitation. There is a need for simple tools allowing for quickly detecting general tendencies. Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the outcomes of traditional and fuzzy-based analysis of the outcomes of post-stroke gait reeducation using the NeuroDevelopmental Treatment-Bobath (NDT-Bobath) method. Materials and methods: The research was conducted among 40 adult people: 20 of them after ischemic stroke constituted the study group, and 20 healthy people constituted the reference group. Study group members were treated through 2 weeks (10 therapeutic sessions) using the NDT-Bobath method. Spatio-temporal gait parameters were assessed before and after therapy and compared using novel fuzzy-based assessment tool. Results: Achieved results of rehabilitation, observed as changes of gait parameters, were statistically relevant and reflected recovery. One-number outcomes from the proposed fuzzy-based estimator proved moderate to high consistency with the results of the traditional gait assessment. Conclusions: Observed statistically significant and favorable changes in the health status of patients, described by gait parameters, were reflected also in outcomes of fuzzy-based analysis. Proposed fuzzy-based measure increases possibility of the clinical gait assessment toward more objective clinical reasoning based on common use of the mHealth solutions.

17

Ocena rozkładu obciążeń stóp kobiet ciężarnych na podłoże podczas chodu

Swinarska D.

Aktualne Problemy Biomechaniki

|

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).

18

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

|

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.

19

Gait features analysis using artificial neural networks : testing the footwear effect

Wang J, Zielińska T.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

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2017

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Vol. 19, no. 1

17--32

EN

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to provide the methods for automatic detection of the difference in gait features depending on a footwear. Methods: Artificial neural networks were applied in the study. The gait data were recorded during the walk with different footwear for testing and validation of the proposed method. The gait properties were analyzed considering EMG (electromyography) signals and using two types of artificial neural networks: the learning vector quantization (LVQ) classifying network, and the clustering competitive network. Results: Obtained classification and clustering results were discussed. For comparative studies, velocities of the leg joint trajectories, and accelerations were used. The features indicated by neural networks were compared with the conclusions formulated analyzing the above mentioned trajectories for ankle and knee joints. Conclusions: The matching between experimentally recorded joint trajectories and the results given by neural networks was studied. It was indicated what muscles are most influenced by the footwear, the relation between the footwear type and the muscles work was concluded.

20

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

|

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