Gait & posture最新文献

{"title":"Impact of subject’s physical properties on joint biomechanics: Hypermobility alters lower extremity biomechanics during knee-bearing activity","authors":"Shavkat Kuchimov, Mehmed Özkan, Adnan Apti, Nazif Ekin Akalan, Burcu Semin Akel, Karsten Hollander","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.134","url":null,"abstract":"Hypermobility is a physical specificity of the subject that refers to an increased range of motion in one or more joints beyond what is considered normal or expected for an individual's age, gender, and body type. The previous studies on hypermobility stated that generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) may cause joint instability and muscle weakness [1]. The knee joint structural integrity and function maintained essentially by the cruciate ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) work together to provide stability to the knee joint by preventing excessive movement of the tibia (shin bone) in relation to the femur (thigh bone). The more common ligament injury is ACL injury and non-contact ACL injuries remain a serious problem among athletes [2]. Activities demanding mechanical bearing on the knee joint recommended for classifying an athlete's anterior cruciate ligament injury risk [3]. Some biomechanical factors determined in these tests are associated with future injuries [4]. In order to protect the athlete from injury, it is necessary to determine the causes of biomechanical factors determined by functional tests. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of GJH on Pelvis and lower body joint biomechanics with Single Leg Landing (SLL) test. Does hypermobility alter lower extremity biomechanics? Eight healthy volunteers with no history of musculoskeletal injury or pain participated in this study (mean age: 16.6±4.2). Casual sports participants were divided into two equal groups (control ≤4, hypermobile ≥6) according to the Beighton score which measures GJH [5]. SLL tests were acquired for each subject using 3D motion analysis (6 Vantage 5 Camera, 2 Force Platforms, Vicon Motion Systems Ltd UK). Plug-in-gait model for lower extremity is utilized as marker set that described in the previous studies [4]. Three repetitive tests were evaluated for each leg side. An Independent t-test was used for statistical analysis. Participants with hypermobility exhibited higher peak angles of pelvic external rotation (p=0.01), hip adduction (p=0.03), and knee valgus (p=0.02) during the stance phase of knee-bearing activity (see Table 1). In contrast, peak values of pelvic posterior tilt angle (p=0.03), foot internal progression (p=0.05), and knee flexion moment (p=0.01) were found to be decreased in participants with hypermobility.Download : Download high-res image (113KB)Download : Download full-size image It has been determined that joint hypermobility can lead to alterations in lower extremity biomechanics during SLL test. Increase in peak hip adduction and knee valgus angles lead to both acute (ACL rupture factor) and overuse sport injuries [6]. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of joint hypermobility using detailed marker set for better quantification of specifically knee joint movement.","PeriodicalId":94018,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"43 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135298378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reduced reciprocal inhibition during passive spasticity assessments is related with increased muscle co-activation during perturbations of standing balance","authors":"Jente Willaert, Lena H. Ting, Anja Van Campenhout, Kaat Desloovere, Friedl De Groote","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.269","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.269","url":null,"abstract":"Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often have balance impairments, but little is known about the relation between joint hyper-resistance (i.e., the most common symptom in spastic CP) and balance impairments (1). Both during clinical tests of joint hyper-resistance and when standing balance is perturbed, muscles are stretched. In children with CP, the stretch reflex in response to passive joint rotations is often hyper-excitable and reduced reciprocal inhibition has been observed in the antagonistic muscle (2). Furthermore, children with CP often have increased muscle co-activation during standing balance perturbations (3). Recently, we demonstrated that this increased muscle co-activation is not a useful compensation strategy and might therefore be a consequence of reduced reciprocal inhibition (4). Here, we investigated whether a reduction in reciprocal inhibition between plantarflexors and dorsiflexors in response to a passive stretching of the plantarflexors was related to higher levels of co-activation in response to toe-up rotational perturbations of standing balance. Twenty children with spastic CP participated in the study. We performed an instrumented spasticity assessment of the plantarflexors (5) followed by a standing balance assessment (Fig. 1, row1-2). During the instrumented spasticity assessment, the ankle was rotated as fast as possible from a plantar flexed position until the end of range of motion towards dorsiflexion. At least 7 seconds of rest were provided between different trials, five in total. Reactive standing balance was tested on a moving platform. Participants were instructed to maintain balance without stepping and the platform was rotated such that ankle dorsiflexion was elicited. Perturbations were repeated 8 times. Electromyography (EMG) from gastrocnemius lateralis (LG) and medialis (MG), soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA) was collected during both assessments. EMG was filtered and normalized to the maximal value across assessments (Fig. 1, row 3). We calculated the co-contraction index (CCI) as the overlap between TA and respectively LG, MG, and SOL EMG (6). We tested the relation between the CCI during passive joint rotations and reactive standing balance. The CCI between the plantarflexors and tibialis anterior during spasticity assessment was moderately correlated with the CCI during reactive balance responses (LG-TA: r=0.55; p= 0.02; MG-TA: r= 0.57, p=0.01; SOL-TA: r=0.54, p=0.02; Fig. 1, row 4). Fig. 1: Correlation between co-contraction index during instrumented spasticity assessment and perturbations of standing balance.Download : Download high-res image (242KB)Download : Download full-size image Our results suggest that deficits in spinal pathways governing the stretch reflex, and more specifically reduced reciprocal inhibition, might hinder reactive balance control. Successful postural control might therefore rely on compensations in supraspinal pathways to generate net balance correcting ankle momen","PeriodicalId":94018,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"26 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135299044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Medial gastrocnemius morphology after orthopedic surgery in a child with spastic cerebral palsy","authors":"Babette Mooijekind, Lynn Bar-On, Marjolein M. van der Krogt, Wouter Schallig, Melinda M. Witbreuk, Annemieke I. Buizer","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.164","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.164","url":null,"abstract":"To improve gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), the calf muscle can be surgically elongated, for instance with an incision at the muscle-tendon junction [1,2]. Previous studies showed that this procedure results in a larger ankle range of motion [1,2]. However, it is unclear whether the elongation originates from lengthening of the tendon, the muscle belly, or a combination of both. What is the effect of surgical elongation on the morphology of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) in a child with CP and how does the MG morphology of the child with CP relate to MG morphology of typically developing children (TD) before and after the surgery? Muscle-tendon unit (MTU), muscle belly, tendon, and fascicle lengths, pennation angle of the fascicles as well as muscle volume were determined with 3D ultrasound for a boy with spastic CP (13 years, GMFCS I) one week before and 21 weeks after surgery (including a period of intensive physiotherapy), and compared to reference data of 20 TD children (10±3 years). Morphological variables were collected with the foot positioned at an angle corresponding to a moment of 0 Nm. Lengths were normalized to tibia length and volume to body weight. One-sample t-tests were conducted to compare the CP case with TD reference data. Before surgery, ankle angle at 0 Nm, MTU length, muscle belly length, and muscle volume were significantly lower and tendon length longer in the child with CP compared to TD references (Fig. 1). Fascicle length and pennation angle were similar to TD. After surgery, the ankle angle at 0 Nm increased with 18° achieved by an increase in MTU, muscle belly and tendon length with 11%, 1% and 18% respectively. Fascicle length decreased with 16% and muscle volume and pennation angle increased with 8% and 62% respectively. After surgery, only MTU length was similar in CP compared to TD. In this case, the surgical elongation resulted more ankle dorsiflexion mainly due to tendon elongation. Despite the better overall MTU length, there was overall more atypical MG morphology. The simultaneous increase in muscle volume and reduced fascicle length could be explained by the combined effect of fascicle hypertrophy and increase in pennation angle. The increased ankle dorsiflexion and longer MTU length may have improved the child’s function during daily life and physiotherapy, thereby facilitating fascicle hypertrophy shown by the increase in muscle volume. Our results should be verified in a larger sample size and related to his gait pattern and capacity. Additionally, more insight in the healing process can be obtained with recurring follow-up measurements planned 1 year post-surgery. Fig. 1. Adaptations following surgical elongation of the medial gastrocnemius.Download : Download high-res image (87KB)Download : Download full-size image","PeriodicalId":94018,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135297870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Muscle strength and equilibrium-maintaining ability in post-COVID women","authors":"Patrycja Bobowik, Ida Wiszomirska, Jan Gajewski, Michalina Błażkiewicz, Katarzyna Kaczmarczyk","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.113","url":null,"abstract":"The WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic [1], but the long-term consequences and aftermath of the disease remain unclear. The SARS-CoV-2 virus infects the respiratory system and probably also affects many other systems, including the musculoskeletal system [2–4]. In clinical practice, it has been observed that after recovering from COVID-19, a large number of seniors report prolonged general weakness and muscle fatigue. Falls, for instance, are a well-known consequence of reduced muscle strength [5,6]. Is COVID-19 infection associated with long-term reductions in muscle strength and balance ability in older women? The Study Group included 25 women, aged 65+, who declared they had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The Control Group consisted of women (n=30) of similar age, tested prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Muscle torques were measured for the knee flexors (KF), knee extensors (KE), trunk flexors (TF), trunk extensors (TE), and elbow flexors (EF) under isometric conditions using a JBA Staniak® isometric torquemeter, by the maximum voluntary contraction method. Balance was assessed using a Biodex Balance System SD (BBS) platform. A static Postural Stability Test (PST) was performed using the stability platform with eyes open and eyes closed. A dynamic Fall Risk Test (FRT) was performed with eyes open at various levels of platform instability, and on this basis a fall risk index (FRI 6-2) was determined for each subject. Differences between the groups were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. A significance level of α=0.05 was assumed. Muscle torque values were normalized to the body weight of each subject. Statistical analysis showed higher values of EF, TF and TE for the Control Group. No statistical differences were found in static stabilographic parameters between groups. The Post-COVID Group did show higher results of the dynamic stabilographic index (FRI6-2) compared to the Control Group, which is indicative of poorer balance abilities. Results are presented in Table 1. Table 1 The results of the muscle toques of various muscle groups and fall risk in Post-COVID Group and Control GroupDownload : Download high-res image (88KB)Download : Download full-size image EF– elbow flexors torque; KF– knee flexors torque; KE– knee extensor torque; TF– trunk flexors torque; TE– trunk extensors torque; FRI– fall risk index; *n=24 We found FRI6-2 to be correlated with TE (r= -0.38) and TF (r= -0.37) for all participants, but this correlation was larger in the Post-COVID Group (r= -0.68 for TE and r= -0.55 for TF). Results indicate that post-COVID women exhibit impaired strength of various muscle groups and body balance in dynamic conditions. Post-COVID physiotherapy should therefore take into account not only respiratory problems but also musculoskeletal and equilibrium disorders, e.g. by using resistance training to improve muscle strength.","PeriodicalId":94018,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"43 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135299053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An approach to establishing the thresholds of plantar loading in obese children","authors":"Shiyang Yan, Yihong Zhao, Longbin Zhang, Luming Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.273","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.273","url":null,"abstract":"Excessive weight-bearing positively affects the overloaded foot, which can induce multiple foot deformities [1]. Previous studies normalized maximum force to eliminate the influence of body weight on the mechanical loading of the foot [2]. To explore body weight itself to the change of the plantar pressure distribution, this study adopts a strategy of body weight scale to compare loading patterns between normal-weighted and obese children. It can acquire the exceeded foot loading data accurately for obese children compared to normal-weighted children, which could lead to finding the pressure threshold in obese children. Is there a method to grade the pressure thresholds of plantar overload in obese children? A cross-sectional study with a large sample size of 1170 participants aged 7-11 years was used to divide normal-weighted (n = 812) and obese children (n = 358) into eight groups based on the same weight class strategy: group 1 (25.5-30.4 kg), group 2 (30.5-35.4 kg), group 3 (35.5-40.4 kg), group 4 (40.5-45.4 kg), group 5 (45.5-50.4 kg), group 6 (50.5-55.4 kg), group 7 (55.5-60.4 kg), group 8 (60.5-65.4 kg). Dynamic plantar pressure data were collected using a Footscan® plantar pressure system (RSscan International, Belgium). Maximum forces were extracted from the main plantar region using principal component analysis. The change of obese children with the same weight grade compared with normal-weighted children was divided into six grades, to define the pressure threshold of obese children's plantar pressure compared with normal-weighted children. The assessment criteria of the pressure threshold level are set at 10 N (trivial effect), 10-20 N (very weak effect), 20-30 N (weak effect), 30-40 N (moderate effect), 40-50 N (strong effect) and 50-60 N (very strong effect). Table 1 shows the levels of the pressure threshold in obese children compared to normal-weighted children with the same weight class.Download : Download high-res image (64KB)Download : Download full-size image The results showed that the maximum force of obese children with 25.5-35.4 kg did not cause significant damage to the main stress area of the plantar, and there was no need for clinical intervention or other related foot decompression strategies. When the weight of obese children is greater than 35.5 kg, it is necessary to pay attention to the influence of excessive foot load on the development and health of obese children's feet. This study can provide data support for foot decompression protocols such as shoes or insoles and weight loss training.","PeriodicalId":94018,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"57 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135299057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Test-retest reliability of 3D ultrasound to visualize the gross structures of the medial gastrocnemius","authors":"Babette Mooijekind, Louise S. van Muijlwijk, Annemieke I. Buizer, Marjolein M. van der Krogt, Lynn Bar-On","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.165","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.165","url":null,"abstract":"3D ultrasound (3DUS) can be used to visualize the gross morphology of the medial gastrocnemius (MG), including muscle belly, tendon and fascicle lengths, pennation angle and muscle volume [1]. Such information can be used to indicate, and evaluate the effects of treatments that target these structures, for example in children with cerebral palsy [2]. It is essential that 3DUS is sufficiently reliable to quantify changes due to treatment at the individual level. The test-retest reliability of MG 3DUS, particularly of the fascicles, is not well established. What is the test-retest reliability of 3DUS applied on the MG of healthy adults? The MG of 16 healthy adults (27.30±6 years, 10 women, 6 men) was visualized with 3DUS with the foot in an overhanging position (Fig. 1). Two scans were carried out and participants were asked to walk approximately 50 m between scans. Muscle belly, tendon and fascicle lengths, pennation angle and muscle volume were determined from 3D reconstructions using custom-made scripts [1]. Test-retest reliability was analyzed with Bland Altmann plots to visually determine systematic differences between scans and by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the relative standard error of measurement ((SEM/mean)*100%) and the relative smallest detectable difference ((SDD/mean)*100%). An intraclass correlation coefficient <0.50 was interpreted as poor, 0.50–0.75 as moderate, 0.75–0.90 as good, and >0.90 as excellent reliability [3]. No systematic differences for the morphological variables were observed between scans based on the absence of clusters in the Bland Altmann plots. ICC values were excellent (0.91-1.00) for muscle belly, tendon, and fascicle lengths, and muscle volume and good for the pennation angle (0.82). The test re-test reliability of the tendon length was found to be most reliable (ICC 1.00) with a relative SEM and SDD of 0.99% and 2.75%, respectively. Muscle belly length (%SEM 2.45%, %SDD 6.78%) and volume (%SEM 3.83%, %SDD 10.62%) were found to have better reliability than fascicle length (%SEM 5.76%, %SDD 15.97%) and pennation angle (%SEM 7.61%, %SDD 21.08%). Based on previous literature [2], the SDD values of the current study may be small enough to detect the effects of MG surgical elongation on muscle belly length and volume in children with cerebral palsy using 3DUS. However, to further elucidate the sensitivity of 3DUS, reliability and sensitivity studies should be carried out on children with cerebral palsy. Further improvements could be made to increase the accuracy of fascicle length and pennation angle determination in 3D. Fig. 1. Schematic representation of measurement set-up and analysis.Download : Download high-res image (92KB)Download : Download full-size image","PeriodicalId":94018,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"87 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135299062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pattern-specific effects of botulinum neurotoxin type A injections and selective dorsal rhizotomy on gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy","authors":"Eirini Papageorgiou, Els Ortibus, Guy Molenaers, Anja Van Campenhout, Kaat Desloovere","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.191","url":null,"abstract":"Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT) injections and selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) are often applied tone reduction procedures in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).[1,2] BoNT is focal and temporary, whereas SDR is generalized and non-reversible. Previous studies have investigated the changes inflicted by these treatments in generic CP-groups.[3,4] It is not yet clear whether specific gait patterns would respond differently to each treatment. What are the short-term, gait pattern-specific changes inflicted by BoNT injections or SDR in children with CP? Retrospective samples that had been treated either BoNT injections (NBoNT=117; baseline ageBoNT= 6y4mo±2y4mo; GMFCS I/II/III: 70/31/16) or SDR (NSDR=89; baseline ageSDR=9y5mo±2y3mo; GMFCS I/II/III: 18/54/17) were selected. All patients underwent three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA) sessions at baseline and post-treatment (on average 1 y post-SDR and 2mo post-BoNT). The baseline 3DGA was used to classify the gait patterns of the patients, using the gait pattern classification system for children with spastic CP (GaP-CP).[5] For children with bilateral CP, both lower limbs were considered in case of asymmetric patterns between the two lower limbs, Their most affected side was selected when they displayed symmetric gait patterns, similar to the affected lower limb for children with unilateral CP. Gait-related changes focused on sagittal plane kinematics, which were compared with statistical non-parametric mapping (vector of four components, paired Hotellings T2 test, α=0.05 and post-hoc component-level comparisons, paired t-tests, α=0.0125). The comparisons were conducted in the total cohorts, as well as in gait pattern-specific subgroups. Thereafter, statistical clusters were deemed clinically relevant if their duration exceeded 3% of the gait cycle and the respective standard errors of measurement (SEM).[6,7] Changes in neuromuscular impairments were evaluated using the composite spasticity, weakness and selectivity scores of the muscles acting in the sagittal plane,[8] based on the clinical examination. Apparent equinus and jump gait were the best BoNT-responders, followed by dropfoot, where improvements were only observed in the ankle joint. In these three gait patterns, spasticity was improved, but not at the expense of additional weakness or selectivity. For SDR, the best responders were children with jump gait, crouch gait and apparent equinus. Spasticity was improved, while weakness and selectivity either improved or remained stable, in all gait patterns and for the total cohort. Fig. 1 shows the pre- vs post-treatment kinematics and statistically identified clusters of the three best responders to each treatment. \"Fig. 1. Pre- vs post-treatment kinematics and statistically identified clusters of the three best responders to each treatment.\"Download : Download high-res image (251KB)Download : Download full-size image These results highlight the need to inspect the short-term effects o","PeriodicalId":94018,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"120 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135298194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Designing a novel protocol to investigate mechanisms of falls in children with cerebral palsy, informed by lived experiences","authors":"Rebecca Louise Walker, Tom D O'Brien, Gabor J Barton, Bernie Carter, David M Wright, Richard J Foster","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.262","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.262","url":null,"abstract":"Children with cerebral palsy (CwCP) regularly fall (35% fall daily), yet reasons for their falls are not well understood [1]. Stability and changes in walking behaviour of CwCP when negotiating challenging walking environments (e.g. uneven surfaces) have been accurately measured in laboratory settings [2], however these have not captured the real-world fall-risk that CwCP face daily. Walk-along interviews are a useful approach to capture the meaningful lived experiences of children whilst they are walking outside in challenging environments [3,4]. Previously, we co-designed a novel walk-along interview protocol by engaging with CwCP[5]. Real-world insights gathered from these walk-along interviews could enable us to design bespoke research protocols that explore the mechanisms of daily falls in CwCP. How do lived experiences of CwCP inform the development of a bespoke lab-based protocol to investigate the mechanisms of falls? Twelve CwCP (GMFCS I to III, 6 diplegia, 6 hemiplegia, 12±3 years old) and their parents took part in tailored walk-along interviews in which they discussed everyday fall experiences based on environments encountered on an outdoor walk. Chest-mounted cameras (Kaiser Baas X450) and wireless microphones (RODE GO II) captured environments and conversations. Walk-along interviews were analysed in NVivo using interpretive description[6]. Key insights from interviews (e.g. previous fall experiences) were used to determine the types of environments to be included in a bespoke walking protocol for assessing mechanisms of falls. Four CwCP and their parents were consulted about the findings from walk-along interviews to support protocol design. Walk-along interviews revealed that falls most often result when environmental challenges (“bumpy” surfaces) and sensory challenges (being “distracted” or “not looking”) are present together. Discussing previous falls or trips (Fig. 1) with CwCP and their parents informed the design of a bespoke walkway to investigate mechanisms of falls in challenging environments. The walkway includes common environmental challenges that cause falls (grass potholes and uneven pavements). To emulate the sensory challenges reported during walk-along interviews, randomly selected trials over the bespoke walkway will include a virtual distraction imitating noises and images of a busy street. Consultations with CwCP suggested these virtual distractions should include dogs barking and cars driving on busy roads. Download : Download high-res image (87KB)Download : Download full-size image We have designed a bespoke protocol that replicates the challenging environmental features and distractions faced daily by CwCP. Our protocol is unique because it was informed by the lived experiences of CwCP and their parents during novel walk-along interviews. We will next investigate, using 3D motion capture, potential indicators of high fall-risk (e.g. foot placement, decreased margins of stability) in CwCP compared to typicall","PeriodicalId":94018,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"57 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135298552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"What are the effects of induced toe flexor weakness on foot kinematics? A study protocol and preliminary results","authors":"Halenur Evrendilek, İlknur Özkaradeniz, Kubra Onerge, Nazif Ekin Akalan, Derya Çelik","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.182","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.182","url":null,"abstract":"The foot core is supported by active subsystems like intrinsic foot muscles(1). Weakness of these muscles can lead to a decrease in the medial longitudinal arch(MLA), resulting in altered foot mechanics, function, and increasing the risk of injuries(1,2). Intrinsic muscle strength is compatible with toe flexor strength and has been found to be lower in flat feet (3,4). It is challenging to determine the isolated effects of intrinsic muscle weakness in foot kinematics while walking(4) which can provide valuable insights for clinical reasoning. What are the effects of induced toe flexor weakness on foot kinematics? 4 adults (3 female,1 male;24.75±2.98 y.o.) with typical foot posture (Foot-Posture-Index-6 score: <5) participated into the pilot study. Toe flexor muscle strength of the dominant foot was assessed with a dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, USA) while sitting before and after the fatigue procedure (Figure-1:a1-a2) (5). A 3D-printed foot arc heightening device (AHD) with 4 kg resistance spring was used to generate fatigue in the toe flexor muscles (Figure-1:2). The participants were required to complete 75 reps. for each set by a metronome at 45 BPM under the discomfort level (6/10) until achieving 10% muscle force-drop(Figure-1:c1-c2). Heel-rising and extrinsic muscle activation were not allowed. The Oxford Foot Model was used to analyze three trials of walking kinetics and kinematics. Wilcoxon test was used for statistical non-parametric paired analysis (p<0.05).Download : Download high-res image (148KB)Download : Download full-size image To achieve >10% muscle weakness each participant completed varying numbers of sets (3-5 sets). The decrease of great toe and toe flexor muscle strength was 19.57%±7.01 and 19.01%±3.58 after the procedure respectively. Some of the effects of the procedure remained after analyses were completed (15.67%±13.34 and 12.3%±11.31). The mean velocity, temporospatial parameters, kinematic parameters of pelvis, hip and knee joints, ankle power and arch height were not different before and after the procedure (p>0.05). Peak hindfoot plantarflexion was lower and peak hindfoot inversion was higher significantly after the procedure. The sagittal and frontal plane range of the hindfoot relative to the tibia decreased (p<0.05, Graph-1: I,II,III) The pilot study protocol was effective enough to induce temporary toe flexor muscle weakness. Although the isometric muscle force reduced for intrinsic muscles after the procedure, controversially to the literature (2), increased hindfoot inversion was found which may be related to increased motor unit activation or proprioceptive alterations which should be studied in detail. The device was more efficient in great toe grasping compared to other toes, which might result in differential level muscle weakness among the toes. Comparison studies with a larger sample size are needed to conclude to describe the effects of fatigue procedure.","PeriodicalId":94018,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"45 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135297871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of postural control with deprivation of visual system and somatosensorial perturbation in child with autism: case report","authors":"Juliana D.O.H. Mendes, Lorraine B. Cordeiro, Grazielly N. Santos, Fernanda B.D. Carvalho, Luanda A.C. Grecco, Pedro A.S. Ribeiro, Priscilla M. Moraes, Claudia Oliveira","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.176","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.07.176","url":null,"abstract":"Mental maturity is a state of preparation for physical, mental and social aspects of life.1 Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have low mental maturity and deficits with regards to social interactions, language,1 motor skills and postural control.2 Postural control is achieved by the integration of three systems: visual, vestibular and somatosensorial.3 Postural perturbation increases the risk of falls and can exert a negative impact on the development of communication skills and social interactions.4 Children with autism are more susceptible due to deficits related to visual and somatosensorial feedback.5 Do deprivation of the visual system and somatosensorial perturbation alter postural control variables in a child with autism compared to a child with neurotypical development? This case report involved two male children aged seven years and four months – one with a diagnosis of ASD (22 kg, 132 cm) and another with neurotypical development (26.4 kg, 129 cm). The psychological evaluation (general reasoning capacity) was performed using the Columbia Mental Maturity Scale (CMMS-3). The motor assessment was performed using the SMART-D 140® system (BTS Engineering), which has two force plates (Kistler Platform, model 9286BA). Postural control was investigated under the following conditions: eyes open, eyes closed, without a mat and with a 5-cm foam rubber mat. Table 1 lists the results of the CMMS-3 and force plate variables. The child with ASD had average reasoning capacity. Both children exhibited oscillations in postural control, but the child with autism had poorer results in the occurrence of visual deprivation and somatosensorial perturbation. Table 1- Results of Columbia Mental Maturity Scale-3 and force plate variablesDownload : Download high-res image (94KB)Download : Download full-size image This study investigated whether mental maturity exerts an influence on postural control in a child with autism and whether the deprivation of the visual system and sensorial perturbation alter postural control variables. The results suggest that mental maturity (general reasoning capacity) exerts an influence on postural control, the understanding of the positioning on the force plate and the cognitive information process of maintaining a static position, especially with sensorial input caused by the foam rubber mat. Deprivation of the visual system and somatosensorial perturbation exert an influence on postural control in children with ASD,6,7 generating an increase in body sway and the area of displacement of the centre of plantar pressure.","PeriodicalId":94018,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"57 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135298695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}