Angular Kinematics Research Articles

The Influence of Different Force and Pressure Measuring Transducers on Lower Extremity Kinematics Measured During Running

In running analyses where both kinetic and kinematic information is recorded, participants are required to make foot contact with a force and/or pressure measuring transducer. Problems arise if participants modify their gait patterns to ensure contact with the device. There is currently a paucity of research investigating the influence of different underfoot kinetic measuring devices on 3-dimensional kinematics of running. Fifteen participants ran at 4.0 m/s in four different conditions: over a floor embedded force plate, Footscan, Matscan, and with no device. Three-dimensional angular kinematic parameters were collected using an eight camera motion analysis system. Hip, knee, and ankle joint kinematics were contrasted using repeated-measures ANOVAs. Participants also rated their subjective comfort in striking each of the three force measuring devices. Significant differences from the uninhibited condition were observed using the Footscan and Matscan in all three planes of rotation, whereas participants subjectively rated the force plate significantly more comfortable than either the Footscan/Matscan devices. The findings of the current investigation therefore suggest that the disguised floor embedded force plate offers the most natural running condition. It is recommended that analyses using devices such as the Footscan/Matscan mats overlying the laboratory surface during running should be interpreted with caution.

About the cortical origin of the low-delta and high-gamma rhythms observed in EEG signals during treadmill walking

This paper presents a spectral and time–frequency analysis of EEG signals recorded on seven healthy subjects walking on a treadmill at three different speeds. An accelerometer was placed on the head of the subjects in order to record the shocks undergone by the EEG electrodes during walking. Our results indicate that up to 15 harmonics of the fundamental stepping frequency may pollute EEG signals, depending on the walking speed and also on the electrode location. This finding may call into question some conclusions drawn in previous EEG studies where low-delta band (especially around 1Hz, the fundamental stepping frequency) had been announced as being the seat of angular and linear kinematics control of the lower limbs during walk. Additionally, our analysis reveals that EEG and accelerometer signals exhibit similar time–frequency properties, especially in frequency bands extending up to 150Hz, suggesting that previous conclusions claiming the activation of high-gamma rhythms during walking may have been drawn on the basis of insufficiently cleaned EEG signals. Our results are put in perspective with recent EEG studies related to locomotion and extensively discussed in particular by focusing on the low-delta and high-gamma bands.

달리기 시 체간의 골반-척추구조변형이 동적안정성에 미치는 연구

The purposes of this study were to assess dynamic stability toward pelvis-spine column distortion during running and to compare the typical three-dimensional angular kinematics of the trunk motion; cervical, thoracic, lumbar segment spine and the pelvis from the multi-segmental spine model between exercise group and non-exercise group. Subjects were recruited as exercise healthy women on regular basis (group A, n=10) and non-exercise idiopathic scoliosis women (group B, n=10). Data was collected by using a vicon motion capture system (MX-T40, UK). The pelvis, spine segments column and lower limbs analysiaed through the 3D kinematic angular ROM pattern. There were significant differences in the time-space variables, the rotation motion of knee joint in lower limbs and the pelvis variables; obliquity in side bending, inter/outer rotation in twisting during running leg movement. There were significant differences in the spinal column that is lower-lumbar, upper-lumbar, upper-thoracic, mid-upper thoracic, mid-lower thoracic, lower thoracic and cervical spine at inclination, lateral bending and twist rotation between group A and group B (<.05, <.01 and <.001). As a results, group B had more restrictive motion than group A in the spinal column and leg movement behaved like a 'shock absorber". And the number of asymmetry index (AI) showed that group B was much lager unbalance than group A. In conclusion, non-exercise group was known to much more influence the dynamic stability of equilibrium for bilateral balance. These finding suggested that dynamic stability aimed at increasing balance of the trunk ROM must involve methods and strategies intended to reduce left/right asymmetry and the exercise injury.

Fine attitude maneuvering by reaction wheel via sliding mode speed driver

The objective of this paper was to design a set of proper speed controllers for reaction wheels in the presence of unknown coulomb friction and parametric uncertainties. The controller goal was to change the rotational speed of reaction wheels to adjust the satellite to a desired attitude. The mathematical model of a satellite that utilizes three reaction wheels as actuators was developed by angular kinematics and kinetic equations. Variable-structure control theory was then applied on the reaction wheel via a real-time microcontroller-based Hardware in the Loop. The simulated satellite response to wheel speed shows that the sliding mode speed controller is effective, and a small attitude angle could be tracked more effectively than with a Proportional–Integral–Derivative speed controller.

Effect of the Physical Effort Levels on the Angular Impact Kinematics When Performing Kicking Accuracy with Instep in the Soccer Junior

Effect of the Physical Effort Levels on the Angular Impact Kinematics When Performing Kicking Accuracy with Instep in the Soccer Junior

DEVELOPMENT OF 3D GAIT ANALYZER SOFTWARE BASED ON MARKER POSITION DATA

Human walking analysis is instrumental in medical rehabilitation because it provides quantitative information of human body segment during walking. The present work is a part of a research on the development of 3D gait analyzer software. The software consists of a program to process and display 3D kinematics and kinetics parameters of human gait based on position of external skin markers as a function of time in X, Y, Z axis and anthropometric data of a subject. To achieve good results, the marker position data is initially smoothed to eliminate noises before further processing. A graphical user interface is also constructed in this work for ease of use of the program and to enable presenting the results readily. The program developed in the present research could successfully calculate parameters of human gait such as spatio temporal parameters, linear kinematics, angular kinematics of joints, as well as ground reaction and joint forces.

Three-dimensional kinematic comparison of treadmill and overground running

The treadmill is an attractive device for the investigation of human locomotion, yet the extent to which lower limb kinematics differ from overground running remains a controversial topic. This study aimed to provide an extensive three-dimensional kinematic comparison of the lower extremities during overground and treadmill running. Twelve participants ran at 4.0 m/s ( ± 5%) in both treadmill and overground conditions. Angular kinematic parameters of the lower extremities during the stance phase were collected at 250 Hz using an eight-camera motion analysis system. Hip, knee, and ankle joint kinematics were quantified in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes, and contrasted using paired t-tests. Of the analysed parameters hip flexion at footstrike and ankle excursion to peak angle were found to be significantly reduced during treadmill running by 12° (p = 0.001) and 6.6° (p = 0.010), respectively. Treadmill running was found to be associated with significantly greater peak ankle eversion (by 6.3°, p = 0.006). It was concluded that the mechanics of treadmill running cannot be generalized to overground running.

Distal hindlimb kinematics of gallopingThoroughbred racehorses on dirt and synthetic racetrack surfaces

The effect of racetrack surface (dirt or synthetic) on distal hindlimb kinematics of racehorses running at competition speeds is not known. To compare distal hindlimb and hoof kinematics during stance of breezing (unrestrained gallop) racehorses between dirt and synthetic surfaces. Two-dimensional kinematic video analysis of 5 Thoroughbred racehorses galloping at high speeds (12-17 m/s) on a dirt racetrack and a synthetic racetrack. The positions of kinematic markers applied to the left hindlimb were recorded at 500 Hz. Position, velocity and acceleration of joint angles and hoof translation during stance were calculated in the sagittal plane. Peak translational and angular kinematic values were compared between the dirt and synthetic race surfaces using mixed model analyses of covariance. Maximum and heel-strike metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) angles were greater (P<0.05) on the dirt surface than on the synthetic surface. Maximum fetlock angle occurred earlier during stance on the dirt surface (P<0.05). Greater horizontal displacement of the heel during slide occurred on the dirt surface (P<0.05). During high-speed gallop, hindlimb fetlock hyperextension and horizontal hoof slide are greater on a dirt surface than on a synthetic surface. Synthetic race surfaces may mitigate risk of injury to hindlimb fetlock structures by reducing fetlock hyperextension and associated strains in fetlock support structures. Differences in hoof slide may contribute to different distal hindlimb kinematics between surfaces.

Effect of a Pessoa training aid on temporal, linear and angular variables of the working trot

Development of core muscle strength is important for training and during rehabilitation following injury. A Pessoa training aid (PTA) is a system of ropes and pulleys which is commonly used during equine training and rehabilitation, but there is limited information on its effectiveness. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of the PTA on the temporal, linear and angular kinematics of the working trot. Influence of testing order on effect of a PTA was assessed in four horses. Twelve riding horses were lunged at working trot on a 16m diameter circle without (WO) and with a PTA (WP) that was set level with the shoulder. Objective measurements were carried out using high-speed motion capture (125Hz) and inertial measurement units. Subjective video assessment was also undertaken.When a PTA was applied there was a significant reduction in speed, stride length, head angle (P<0.0001 for all) and lumbosacral angle at maximal hindlimb retraction (P=0.0028), but no effect on limb joint angles. The highest point of the horse was significantly different between conditions (WO, poll; WP, crest) (P=0.0010). Dorsoventral displacement of the middle of the back (P⩽0.0001) and overall impression grade (P=0.0002) were significantly greater WP compared with WO. These findings indicated that a PTA may be beneficial for general training and rehabilitation as a method of improving posture, stimulating core muscle activation and improving overall way of going, without increasing the loading of forelimb and hindlimb structures. Further work is warranted to understand the mechanism which induces these changes.

Concurrent validation of Xsens MVN measurement of lower limb joint angular kinematics

This study aims to validate a commercially available inertial sensor based motion capture system, Xsens MVN BIOMECH using its native protocols, against a camera-based motion capture system for the measurement of joint angular kinematics. Performance was evaluated by comparing waveform similarity using range of motion, mean error and a new formulation of the coefficient of multiple correlation (CMC). Three dimensional joint angles of the lower limbs were determined for ten healthy subjects while they performed three daily activities: level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent. Under all three walking conditions, the Xsens system most accurately determined the flexion/extension joint angle (CMC > 0.96) for all joints. The joint angle measurements associated with the other two joint axes had lower correlation including complex CMC values. The poor correlation in the other two joint axes is most likely due to differences in the anatomical frame definition of limb segments used by the Xsens and Optotrak systems. Implementation of a protocol to align these two systems is necessary when comparing joint angle waveforms measured by the Xsens and other motion capture systems.

Measuring motion with kinematically redundant accelerometer arrays: Theory, simulation and implementation

This work presents two schemes of measuring the linear and angular kinematics of a rigid body using a kinematically redundant array of triple-axis accelerometers with potential applications in biomechanics. A novel angular velocity estimation algorithm is proposed and evaluated that can compensate for angular velocity errors using measurements of the direction of gravity. Analysis and discussion of optimal sensor array characteristics are provided. A damped 2 axis pendulum was used to excite all 6 DoF of the a suspended accelerometer array through determined complex motion and is the basis of both simulation and experimental studies. The relationship between accuracy and sensor redundancy is investigated for arrays of up to 100 triple axis (300 accelerometer axes) accelerometers in simulation and 10 equivalent sensors (30 accelerometer axes) in the laboratory test rig. The paper also reports on the sensor calibration techniques and hardware implementation.

An Instrumented Mouthguard for Measuring Linear and Angular Head Impact Kinematics in American Football

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel instrumented mouthguard as a research device for measuring head impact kinematics. To evaluate kinematic accuracy, laboratory impact testing was performed at sites on the helmet and facemask for determining how closely instrumented mouthguard data matched data from an anthropomorphic test device. Laboratory testing results showed that peak linear acceleration (r (2) = 0.96), peak angular acceleration (r (2) = 0.89), and peak angular velocity (r (2) = 0.98) measurements were highly correlated between the instrumented mouthguard and anthropomorphic test device. Normalized root-mean-square errors for impact time traces were 9.9 ± 4.4% for linear acceleration, 9.7 ± 7.0% for angular acceleration, and 10.4 ± 9.9% for angular velocity. This study demonstrates the potential of an instrumented mouthguard as a research tool for measuring in vivo impacts, which could help uncover the link between head impact kinematics and brain injury in American football.

Assessment of upper limb function in young Friedreich ataxia patients compared to control subjects using a new three-dimensional kinematic protocol

BackgroundThe assessment of Friedreich ataxia effects on upper limb function in clinical follow-up remains a challenging issue. To complete the usual clinical scales, an upper limb kinematic protocol adapted to Friedreich ataxia children and young adults has been developed and applied to both patients and control subjects. MethodsNineteen Friedreich ataxia patients (7–24years old) and fifteen healthy controls (9–24) were examined twice during three tasks (drawing, pointing, pro-supination) inspired from the “International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale”. A custom-made and adjustable device allowed standardized positioning of the subject (in a seated position) and task execution. A three-dimensional kinematic analysis of the whole upper limb was performed using an electromagnetic device. The between session reliability and measurement errors of spatiotemporal and angular kinematic parameters were quantified before the analysis of their discriminative ability between healthy subjects and patients. FindingsMost of the parameters were significantly different between ataxia patients and controls, showing the discriminative ability between these two populations. In particular, the task duration, the drawing and pointing errors were higher for ataxia patients. In most of the cases, the between session reliability was found good to excellent for the spatiotemporal parameters and moderate to excellent for the kinematic parameters. InterpretationKinematic differences have been pointed out between Friedreich ataxia patients and controls, leading to a better understanding of the effect of this pathology on upper limb function. Discriminative ability and reliability of the developed protocol were demonstrated for many parameters, making it a relevant tool for clinical follow-up.

The influence of barefoot and barefoot-inspired footwear on the kinetics and kinematics of running in comparison to conventional running shoes

Background: Barefoot running has been the subject of much attention in footwear biomechanics literature, based on the supposition that it serves to reduce the occurrence of overuse injuries in comparison to conventional shoe models. This consensus has led footwear manufacturers to develop shoes that aim to mimic the mechanics of barefoot locomotion. Objectives: This study compared the impact kinetics and three-dimensional (3-D) joint angular kinematics observed while running barefoot, in conventional cushioned running shoes and in shoes designed to integrate the perceived benefits of barefoot locomotion. The aim of the current investigation was therefore to determine whether differences in impact kinetics exist between the footwear conditions and whether shoes that aim to simulate barefoot movement patterns can closely mimic the 3-D kinematics of barefoot running. Method: Twelve participants ran at 4.0 m s−1 (±5%) in each footwear condition. Angular joint kinematics from the hip, knee and ankle in the sagittal, coronal and transverse planes were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system. In addition, simultaneous tibial acceleration and ground reaction forces were obtained. Impact parameters and joint kinematics were subsequently compared using repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Results: The kinematic analysis indicated that, in comparison to the conventional and barefoot-inspired shoes, running barefoot was associated with significantly greater plantar–flexion at footstrike and range of motion to peak dorsiflexion. Furthermore, the kinetic analysis revealed that, compared to the conventional footwear, impact parameters were significantly greater in the barefoot condition. Conclusions: This study suggests that barefoot running is associated with impact kinetics linked to an increased risk of overuse injury when compared to conventional shod running. Furthermore, the mechanics of the shoes that aim to simulate barefoot movement patterns do not seem to closely mimic the kinematics of barefoot locomotion.

The Biomechanical Determinants of Concussion: Finite Element Simulations to Investigate Brain Tissue Deformations During Sporting Impacts to the Unprotected Head

Concussion is an injury of specific interest in collision and contact sports, resulting in a need to develop effective preventive strategies. A detailed finite element model of the human head was used to approximate the regional distribution of tissue deformations in the brain by simulating reconstructions of unhelmeted concussion and no-injury head impacts. The results were evaluated using logistic regression analysis and it was found that angular kinematics, in the coronal plane, and maximum principal strains, in all regions of the brain, were significantly associated with concussion. The results suggested that impacts to the temporal region of the head cause coronal rotations, which render injurious strain levels in the brain. Tentative strain tolerance levels of 0.13, 0.15, and 0.26 in the thalamus, corpus callosum, and white matter, respectively, for a 50% likelihood of concussion were determined by logistic regression. The tentative strain tolerance levels compared well with previously reported results from reconstruction studies of American football and single axon, optic nerve, and brain slice culture model studies. The methods used in the current study provide an opportunity to collect unique kinematic data of sporting impacts to the unprotected head, which can be employed in various ways to broaden the understanding of concussion.

Does prolonged seated deskwork alter the lumbar flexion relaxation phenomenon?

Sustained maximum lumbar spine flexion can increase the angle at which the low back flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP) is observed. This adaptation has been hypothesized to have implications for the control of lumbar spine stability and increase the potential for low back injury. The objective of this study was to investigate if similar changes in the FRP would occur from sub-maximal spine flexion induced by an extended continuous duration of seated office deskwork. Twenty-three participants (12 male and 11 female) performed three bouts of full forward spine flexion interspersed with two 1-h periods of seated deskwork. Lumbar spine angular kinematics and electromyographic activity from the lumbar erector spinae were obtained throughout all trials. The angles at which myoelectric silence occurred (FRP onset) were documented. Lumbar flexion at FRP onset increased by 1.3±1.5° after 1-h of sitting (p<0.05) with no further increase after 2-h. However, when the angle at the FRP onset was normalized to the total range of flexion, there was no difference in the FRP onset. These results suggest that the seated posture may induce residual deformation in the viscoelastic passive tissues of the low back; this could increase the challenge of controlling spine motion and reduce the load-bearing capacity of the lumbar spine system during activities performed following extended bouts of sitting.

The influence of different Cardan sequences on three-dimensional cycling kinematics

PurposeThree-dimensional (3-D) kinematics are widely utilized to quantify movement in cycling analyses. Three-dimensional angular kinematics are obtained using the Euler/Cardan technique, however, Cardan angles are influenced by their ordered sequence and may affect the resultant angular parameters. An XYZ sequence of rotations is currently recommended, although this technique may not always be appropriate when coronal and transverse plane angles are quantified. This study aimed to determine the influence of the six available Cardan sequences on 3-D lower extremity kinematics during cycling.MethodsKinematic information was obtained from twelve cyclists using an optoelectronic 3-D motion capture system operating at 250 Hz. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare the kinematic parameters obtained using the six Cardan sequences, and intraclass correlations were employed to detect the presence of crosstalk across planes.ResultsThe results show that discrete kinematic parameters in the sagittal, coronal and transverse planes were significantly greater when using the YXZ and ZXY sequences. It was also observed that these sequences were associated with the strongest correlations from the sagittal plane and also exhibited evidence of gimbal lock.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the accurate representation of 3-D kinematics during cycling should continue utilizing the XYZ sequence and avoid the use of the YXZ and ZXY sequences.

The influence of lower extremity coronal plane movements on the passive regulation of instantaneous loading mechanics during running

Background: The repetitive transmission of impact forces may contribute to the aetiology of overuse injuries. Therefore determining the mechanisms that regulate impact loading has potential clinical significance. This study aimed to determine the influence of lower extremity coronal plane kinematics on the regulation of impact loading during running. Material/Methods: Thirty-six participants ran at 4.0 m.s-1striking the centre of a piezoelectric force platform with their dominant limb. Coronal plane angular kinematics about the hip, knee and ankle joints were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system operating at 250 Hz. Regression analyses with instantaneous loading rate magnitude as a criterion were used to identify the coronal plane parameters associated with impact loading. Results: The overall regression model yielded Adj R2 = 0.37, p ≤ 0.01. Two biomechanical parameters were obtained as significant predictors of the instantaneous loading rate. Peak ankle eversion Adj R2 = 0.22, p ≤ 0.01 and peak eversion angular velocity of the ankle Adj R2 = 0.15, p ≤ 0.01 were found to be significant predictors of instantaneous loading rate. Conclusions: The findings of the current investigation therefore suggest that passive joint motions in the coronal plane can regulate the magnitude of impact loading, linked to the development of chronic injuries.

배드민턴 포핸드 헤어핀 동작 시 숙련 정도에 따른 손가락 압력 및 운동학적 변인 비교 분석

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the finger pressure and kinematic variables in the forehand hairpin net shot between skilled elite players and less skilled recreational players. Eight elite players(age: <TEX>$18.1{\pm}0.8yrs$</TEX>, height: <TEX>$176.8{\pm}1.5cm$</TEX>, weight: <TEX>$640.9{\pm}48.6N$</TEX>) with minimum of 6 years of experience and eight recreational players(age: <TEX>$27.9{\pm}1.6yrs$</TEX>, height: <TEX>$177.1{\pm}6.1cm$</TEX>, weight: <TEX>$820.5{\pm}62.8N$</TEX>) with less than one year experience were recruited in this study. For each trial being analyzed, four critical instants were identified from the video recordings: Right heel contact1 (E1), Right toe-off (E2), Right heel contact2 (E3), and Shuttlecock Impact (E4). Each hairpin net shot was broken into consecutive phases: E1~E2 (Right Landing Phase: RLP), E2~E3 (Sliding Step Phase: SSP), and E3~E4 (Impact Phase: IP). Temporal parameters, shuttlecock speed, linear and angular kinematics of body segments, and finger pressures were computed for this study. The results showed that The finger pressure of the ring finger and the middle finger for the skilled group during an impact had significantly greater than those of unskilled group. It is possible that all fingers were not used in the same manner when the racket was gripped in forehand hairpin. The result also suggested that the ring finger and the middle finger pushed the racket from top to bottom while having the mid-phalanx and proximal phalanx of index finger as an axis.

Influence of the helical and six available Cardan sequences on 3D ankle joint kinematic parameters

Cardan/Euler and helical angles are the popular methods of quantifying angular kinematics. Cardan angles are sequence dependent and crosstalk can influence the kinematic calculations. The International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) recommends a sagittal, coronal, and then transverse (XYZ) sequence of rotations, although it has been proposed that when calculating rotations outside of the sagittal plane, this may not be the most appropriate method. This study investigated the influence of the helical and six available Cardan sequences on three-dimensional (3D) ankle joint kinematics. Kinematic data were obtained using an eight-camera motion analysis system as participants ran at 4.0 m/s ± 5%. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare kinematic parameters, and intra-class correlations were employed to identify evidence of crosstalk across planes. The results indicate that in the transverse and coronal planes, peak angle and range of motion values using the YXZ and ZXY sequences were significantly greater than the other sequences. Furthermore, utilization of YXZ and ZXY sequences was associated with the strongest correlations from the sagittal plane, and the XYZ sequence was found to be associated with the lowest correlations. It appears that for the representation of 3D ankle joint kinematics, the XYZ sequence is associated with minimal planar crosstalk and as such its use is encouraged.