Changes In Joint Angles Research Articles

Influence of countermovement depth on net force, push-off time, vertical impulse and performance during jumping

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of push-off distance on maximal jump height and to characterize the relationships between vertical jump mechanical parameters. Seventeen CrossFit athletes performed maximal countermovement jumps on two force-plates, with four different push-off distances induced by different countermovement depths. Results confirmed that push-off distance and maximal jump height were related by a quadratic relationship, and that exists an individual push-off distance maximizing maximal jump height. Furthermore, the increase in push-off distance was associated with an increase in the time of push-off and a concomitant decrease in the mean vertical external force, changing the relative net vertical impulse and so maximal jump height. An almost perfect negative linear relationship was observed between mean vertical external force and time of push-off (r = -0.99, p = 0.006), mathematically resulting in a quadratic relationship between relative net vertical impulse and time of push-off (r = 1.00, p < 0.001). This negative linear relationship could be explained by changes in joint angles and velocities associated with an increase in push-off distance, modifying joint torque production capacities during vertical jumping. This provides new insights to characterize vertical jump mechanical parameters and ways to optimize training and jump performance.

The Influence of Kinematics on Tennis Serve Speed: An In-Depth Analysis Using Xsens MVN Biomech Link Technology.

An inertial measurement system, using a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers, is of great interest to capture tennis movements. We have assessed the key biomechanical moments of the serve phases and events, as well as the kinematic metrics during the serve, to analyze their influence on serve speed. Eighteen male competitive tennis players, equipped with the inertial measurement units, performed a prolonged serve game consisting of 12 simulated points. Participants were divided into groups A and B in accordance with their positioning above or below the sample average serve speed. Group A (compared with their counterparts) presented with lower back hip adduction and knee flexion, and a higher leftward thoracic tilt during the impact event (-14.9 ± 6.9 vs. 13.8 ± 6.4, 2.8 ± 5.9 vs. 14.3 ± 13.0 and -28.9 ± 6.3 vs. 28.0 ± 7.3°). In addition, group A exhibited higher maximal angular velocities in the wrist and thorax, as well as a lower maximal angular velocity in the back hip than group B (427.0 ± 99.8 vs. 205.4 ± 9.7, 162.4 ± 81.7 vs. 193.5 ± 43.8, 205.4 ± 9.7 vs. 308.3 ± 111.7, 193.5 ± 43.8 vs. 81.1 ± 49.7°/s). The relevant biomechanical differences during the serve were identified, highlighting the changes in joint angles and angular velocities between the groups, providing meaningful information for coaches and players to improve their serve proficiency.

Human walking biomechanics on sand substrates of varying foot sinking depth.

Our current understanding of human gait is mostly based on studies using hard, level surfaces in a laboratory environment. However, humans navigate a wide range of different substrates every day, which incur varied demands on stability and efficiency. Several studies have shown that when walking on natural compliant substrates there is an increase in energy expenditure. However, these studies report variable changes to other aspects of gait such as muscle activity. Discrepancies between studies exist even within substrate types (e.g. sand), which suggests that relatively 'fine-scale' differences in substrate properties exert quantifiable influences on gait mechanics. In this study, we compare human walking mechanics on a range of sand substrates that vary in overall foot sinking depth. We demonstrate that variation in the overall sinking depth in sand is associated with statistically significant changes in joint angles and spatiotemporal variables in human walking but exerts relatively little influence on pendular energy recovery and muscle activations. Significant correlated changes between gait metrics are frequently recovered, suggesting a degree of coupled or mechanistic interaction in their variation within and across substrates. However, only walking speed (and its associated spatiotemporal variables) correlate frequently with absolute foot sinkage depth within individual sand substrates, but not across them. This suggests a causative relationship between walking speed and foot sinkage depth within individual sand substates is not coupled with systematic changes in joint kinematics and muscle activity in the same way as is observed across sand substrates.

Using Genetic Algorithms and Bézier Curves for Automatic Path Optimization of a 6-DOF Robot

This paper describes a novel method for automatically planning point-to-point motion paths for a robot with six degrees of freedom (6-DOF). A linear motion path between two points on such robots may be impractical due to joint angle constraints or exceeding the manipulator's operational range. The proposed method employs a genetic algorithm to generate suitable motion paths based on the second-, third-, and fourth-orders of Bézier curves. The control points of Bézier curves are determined using a genetic algorithm, which can adjust the fitness function as the end-effector moves closer to the obstacle. As a result, the algorithm can adjust its motion path planning in response to obstacles. The motion paths are generated with the goal of optimizing the robot's inverse kinematic configuration. The results show that using a genetic algorithm and Bézier curves can produce motion paths with smooth transitions, minimal changes in joint angles, and no sudden jerks within the robot's operational area in both obstacle-free and obstacle avoidance scenarios. This solution may be useful for intelligent robots with automated path-planning capabilities in unknown environments.

Characterizing the Sensing Response of Carbon Nanocomposite-Based Wearable Sensors on Elbow Joint Using an End Point Robot and Virtual Reality.

Physical therapy is often essential for complete recovery after injury. However, a significant population of patients fail to adhere to prescribed exercise regimens. Lack of motivation and inconsistent in-person visits to physical therapy are major contributing factors to suboptimal exercise adherence, slowing the recovery process. With the advancement of virtual reality (VR), researchers have developed remote virtual rehabilitation systems with sensors such as inertial measurement units. A functional garment with an integrated wearable sensor can also be used for real-time sensory feedback in VR-based therapeutic exercise and offers affordable remote rehabilitation to patients. Sensors integrated into wearable garments offer the potential for a quantitative range of motion measurements during VR rehabilitation. In this research, we developed and validated a carbon nanocomposite-coated knit fabric-based sensor worn on a compression sleeve that can be integrated with upper-extremity virtual rehabilitation systems. The sensor was created by coating a commercially available weft knitted fabric consisting of polyester, nylon, and elastane fibers. A thin carbon nanotube composite coating applied to the fibers makes the fabric electrically conductive and functions as a piezoresistive sensor. The nanocomposite sensor, which is soft to the touch and breathable, demonstrated high sensitivity to stretching deformations, with an average gauge factor of ~35 in the warp direction of the fabric sensor. Multiple tests are performed with a Kinarm end point robot to validate the sensor for repeatable response with a change in elbow joint angle. A task was also created in a VR environment and replicated by the Kinarm. The wearable sensor can measure the change in elbow angle with more than 90% accuracy while performing these tasks, and the sensor shows a proportional resistance change with varying joint angles while performing different exercises. The potential use of wearable sensors in at-home virtual therapy/exercise was demonstrated using a Meta Quest 2 VR system with a virtual exercise program to show the potential for at-home measurements.

Lower limb kinematic changes during gait after hallux valgus surgery: A prospective observational study

BackgroundPatients with hallux valgus are known to alter lower limb joint kinematics during gait. However, little information is available about gait changes following hallux valgus surgery. We aimed to longitudinally investigate lower limb kinematic changes at the mid and terminal stances of gait after hallux valgus surgery. MethodsThis prospective observational study included 11 female patients (17 feet), who underwent first metatarsal osteotomy. Gait analyses were performed preoperatively and 1- and 2-year postoperatively using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Toe-out angle, ankle, knee, and hip joint angles during gait were calculated from the recorded data. The spatiotemporal parameters and these angles at the mid and terminal stances of gait were statistically compared between preoperative and postoperative periods. FindingsAll spatiotemporal parameters remained unchanged postoperatively. The toe-out angle was significantly greater at 1- and 2-year postoperatively. The ankle pronation angle, the knee abduction angle, and the hip adduction angle at the mid and terminal stances of gait were smaller postoperatively compared to the preoperative. These angular changes showed a similar trend at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. However, the postoperative changes of the sagittal joint angles were relatively small. InterpretationHallux valgus surgery can affect the toe-out angle and the lower limb coronal kinematics at the mid and terminal stances of gait in patients with hallux valgus. However, surgical correction of hallux valgus deformity did not directly improve the gait characteristics in patients with hallux valgus.

A portable inflatable soft wearable robot to assist the shoulder during industrial work.

Repetitive overhead tasks during factory work can cause shoulder injuries resulting in impaired health and productivity loss. Soft wearable upper extremity robots have the potential to be effective injury prevention tools with minimal restrictions using soft materials and active controls. We present the design and evaluation of a portable inflatable shoulder wearable robot for assisting industrial workers during shoulder-elevated tasks. The robot is worn like a shirt with integrated textile pneumatic actuators, inertial measurement units, and a portable actuation unit. It can provide up to 6.6 newton-meters of torque to support the shoulder and cycle assistance on and off at six times per minute. From human participant evaluations during simulated industrial tasks, the robot reduced agonist muscle activities (anterior, middle, and posterior deltoids and biceps brachii) by up to 40% with slight changes in joint angles of less than 7% range of motion while not increasing antagonistic muscle activity (latissimus dorsi) in current sample size. Comparison of controller parameters further highlighted that higher assistance magnitude and earlier assistance timing resulted in statistically significant muscle activity reductions. During a task circuit with dynamic transitions among the tasks, the kinematics-based controller of the robot showed robustness to misinflations (96% true negative rate and 91% true positive rate), indicating minimal disturbances to the user when assistance was not required. A preliminary evaluation of a pressure modulation profile also highlighted a trade-off between user perception and hardware demands. Finally, five automotive factory workers used the robot in a pilot manufacturing area and provided feedback.

Active Adaptive Strategies of Mallard Feet in Response to Changes in Wetness and Compactness of the Sand Terrain.

Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) exhibit exceptional locomotive abilities in diverse terrains, such as beaches, swamps, and tidal flats. This capability is primarily attributed to their unique webbed toe structure and cooperative locomotion posture of their feet. Therefore, this study aims to further delve into the active adaptive strategies of mallard feet in response to diverse external environmental conditions. Six adult male mallards were selected for this research. Their locomotion on sandy surfaces with differing wetness levels and varying degrees of compaction were captured using a high-speed camera, and analysis of instantaneous and continuous changes in the primary joint angles of the mallards' feet, including the toe-webbed opening and closing angles, the tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint (TMTPJ), and the intertarsal joint (ITJ). It was found that on loose sandy surfaces, increasing wetness expanded the ground contact area of the mallards' feet. This led to greater flexion at the TMTPJ joint during mid-stance, accompanied by decreased flexion of the ITJ during touch-down and mid-stance. Conversely, on compacted sand, increasing wetness resulted in a reduced foot effect area and lessened ITJ flexion at both touch-down and mid-stance. Furthermore, on looser sand, the ground contact area of the mallards' feet decreased, with an increase in ITJ buckling at touch-down. During the swing phase, sand wetness and compactness effected minimally on the feet of the mallards. On dry and loose sand ground, mallards will contract their second and fourth toes with webbing upon ground contact, covering and compacting the sand beneath, while increasing ITJ flexion to mitigate sinking. This adaptation reduces the energy expended on sand and enhances body stability. In wet and compacted sand conditions, mallards expand their second and fourth toes upon ground contact and reduce ITJ flexion. Therefore, this coordinated foot and ITJ locomotion offers mallards a natural advantage when moving on various environmental media.

A pose estimation for motion tracking of infants cerebral palsy

AbstractThe General Movements Analysis (GMA) has demonstrated noteworthy promise in the early detection of infantile Cerebral Palsy (CP). However, it is subjective and requires highly trained clinicians, making it costly and time-consuming. Automation of GMA could potentially enhance accessibility and further our comprehension of infants’ full-body movements. This paper investigates the feasibility of using 2D and 3D pose estimation strategies to observe and scrutinize the infant’s comprehensive body movement attributes to improve our perspective to consider joint movement and positions over time as an alternative to GMA for early CP prediction. The study includes comprehensive movement analysis from video recordings for accurate and efficient analysis of infant movement by computing various metrics such as angle orientations at different predicted joint locations, postural information, postural variability, movement velocity, movement variability, and left–right movement coordination. Along with antigravity movements are assessed and tracked as indicators of CP. We employed a variety Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for CP classification based on a series of robust features that have been developed to enhance the interpretability of the model. The proposed approach is assessed through experimentation using the MINI-RGBD and RVI-38 datasets with a classification accuracy of 92% and 97.37% respectively. These results substantiate the efficacy of employing pose estimation techniques for the precocious prediction of infantile CP, highlighting the importance of monitoring changes in joint angles over time for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Analyzing Handball Techniques Using A Biomechanical Approach: A Systematic Literature Review

Objectives. The study aimed to examine the use of biomechanical analysis in handball technique. Materials and methods. This review study followed the PRISMA standards for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.The study had to be published within the period of 2018 to 2023. The search procedure involved using the keywords (1)handball and (2) biomechanics. Scopus search engine was used in the study. Results. The search results on the database yielded 115 articles, which were adjusted according to the criteria into 11 articles. Conclusion. Biomechanical analysis that can be applied to handball techniques includes such aspects: distance travelled, speed, change of direction, joint angle, postural stability, movement pattern, and injury localization.

Radiological Differences Following Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) Compared to the Contralateral Side and Its Correlation with Harris Hip Score (HHS) in Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture After Three Months

Introduction: The incidence of intertrochanteric femoral fractures, which account for 50% of all hip fractures, is increasing as a result of the aging population. While PFNA surgery typically enhances outcomes, certain individuals continue to have pain, stiffness, and difficulties with their gait. This study aims to determine whether there is a correlation between post-surgical complications and changes in hip joint angles assessed three months following PFNA to lead future advances in PFNA surgery for older persons by comparing impacted and unaffected hips and correlating angles with patients' hip ratings. Methods: This study included 42 individuals who underwent surgery for intertrochanteric fractures aged 50 and above. Eligible participants must possess the ability to walk before to the study, have no history of previous leg fractures, and be capable of participating in rehabilitation. Individuals having comorbidities impacting these aspects or those unable to partake were not included. Result : This study looked at hip angles in 42 people who had surgery intertrochanteric fracture. While the participants varied in age and gender, the surgery itself didn't seem to significantly change the angles of their hip bones or their ability to walk. This suggests that PFNA may not directly affect hip mechanics on its own. Conclusion: This study indicates that attaining acceptable hip angles during the procedure could enhance patients' mobility and post-operative condition. Further investigation involving bigger cohorts and extended periods of observation is necessary to validate these findings and ascertain whether modifying these angles during surgery will result in improved outcomes following PFNA. Keywords: Intertrochanteric fracture; Hip fracture; PFNA

Exploring the potential of the sit-to-stand test for self-assessment of physical condition in advanced knee osteoarthritis patients using computer vision.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent condition often associated with a decline in patients' physical function. Objective self-assessment of physical conditions poses challenges for many advanced KOA patients. To address this, we explored the potential of a computer vision method to facilitate home-based physical function self-assessments. We developed and validated a simple at-home artificial intelligence approach to recognize joint stiffness levels and physical function in individuals with advanced KOA. One hundred and four knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients were enrolled, and we employed the WOMAC score to evaluate their physical function and joint stiffness. Subsequently, patients independently recorded videos of five sit-to-stand tests in a home setting. Leveraging the AlphaPose and VideoPose algorithms, we extracted time-series data from these videos, capturing three-dimensional spatiotemporal information reflecting changes in key joint angles over time. To deepen our study, we conducted a quantitative analysis using the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), resulting in two wavelet coefficients: the approximation coefficients (cA) and the detail coefficients (cD). Our analysis specifically focused on four crucial joint angles: "the right hip," "right knee," "left hip," and "left knee." Qualitative analysis revealed distinctions in the time-series data related to functional limitations and stiffness among patients with varying levels of KOA. In quantitative analysis, we observed variations in the cA among advanced KOA patients with different levels of physical function and joint stiffness. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the cD between advanced KOA patients, demonstrating different levels of physical function and joint stiffness. It suggests that the primary difference in overall movement patterns lies in the varying degrees of joint stiffness and physical function among advanced KOA patients. Our method, designed to be low-cost and user-friendly, effectively captures spatiotemporal information distinctions among advanced KOA patients with varying stiffness levels and functional limitations utilizing smartphones. This study provides compelling evidence for the potential of our approach in enabling self-assessment of physical condition in individuals with advanced knee osteoarthritis.

Differences in run-up, take-off, and flight characteristics: successful vs. unsuccessful high jump attempts at the IAAF world championships.

Studies previously conducted on high jump have yielded important information regarding successful performance. However, analyses in competitive scenarios have often disregarded athletes' unsuccessful attempts. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical differences between successful and unsuccessful jumps during competition. High-speed video footage (200 Hz) was obtained from 11 athletes during the 2018 Men's World Athletics Indoor Championship Final. From each athlete, one successful (SU) and one unsuccessful (UN) jump at the same bar height were included in the analysis, leaving seven athletes in total. Following whole-body 3D manual digitization, several temporal and kinematic variables were calculated for the run-up, take-off, and flight phases of each jump. During SU jumps, athletes raised the center of mass to a greater extent (p < 0.01) from take-off. Touchdown in SU jumps was characterized by a faster anteroposterior velocity (p < 0.05), lower backward lean (p < 0.05), and changes in joint angles for the stance and trail limbs (p < 0.05). Athletes also shortened the final contact time during SU jumps (p < 0.01) after producing a longer flight time in the final step of the run-up (p < 0.05). Elite-level high jumpers undertake a series of adjustments to successfully clear the bar after UN jumps. These adjustments reinforce the importance of the run-up in setting the foundations for take-off and bar clearance. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate the need for coaches to be mindful of the adjustments required in stance and trail limbs when looking to optimize feedback to athletes during training and competition.

Validation of a novel clinical tool for monitoring distal limb stiffness.

To validate a novel technique to measure limb stiffness in a clinical setting. Three horses and three ponies owned by the Royal Veterinary College. Limb stiffness indices for both forelimbs were first derived using the gold standard of kinematic analysis. Using the same animals, limb stiffness indices were then calculated using portable floor scales to record weight and an electrogoniometer to record changes in metacarpophalangeal joint angle. The two techniques were then assessed for correlation and repeatability. The repeatability of limb stiffness measurement using the novel clinical tool was considered to be good based on a small coefficient of variation (5.70%). The correlation of limb stiffness as derived by both methods was high (r = 0.78, p < 0.01). Limb stiffness was positively correlated with the mass of the subject (r = 0.85, p < 0.01), with heavier horses having greater limb stiffness. This study has compared a novel method to measure distal forelimb stiffness non-invasively in a clinical setting to kinematic analysis in six equids. It has demonstrated that limb stiffness increases in a linear fashion with body mass consistent with the role of forelimbs providing energy storage. Because in vivo limb stiffness has been shown previously to alter with injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon, it is hypothesized that this technique will offer a practical technique for the clinician to assess limb stiffness in clinical cases. Further study will be necessary to determine its clinical usefulness in such cases.

Towards Wearable and Portable Spine Motion Analysis Through Dynamic Optimization of Smartphone Videos and IMU Data.

Monitoring spine kinematics is crucial for applications like disease evaluation and ergonomics analysis. However, the small scale of vertebrae and the number of degrees of freedom present significant challenges for noninvasive and convenient spine kinematics estimation. This study developed a dynamic optimization framework for wearable spine motion tracking at the intervertebral joint level by integrating smartphone videos and Inertia Measurement Units (IMUs) with dynamic constraints from a thoracolumbar spine model. Validation involved motion data from 10 healthy males performing static standing, dynamic upright trunk rotations, and gait. This data included rotations of ten IMUs on vertebrae and virtual landmarks from three smartphone videos preprocessed by OpenCap, an application leveraging computer vision for pose estimation. The kinematic measures derived from the optimized solution were compared against simultaneously collected infrared optical marker-based measurements and in vivo literature data. Solutions only based on IMUs or videos were also compared for accuracy evaluation. The proposed optimization approach closely matched the reference data in the intervertebral or segmental rotation range, demonstrating minimal angular differences across all motions and the highest correlation in 3D rotations (maximal Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.92 and 0.94, respectively). Time-series changes of joint angles also aligned well with the optical-marker reference. Dynamic optimization of the spine simulation that integrates IMUs and computer vision outperforms the single-modality method. This markerless 3D spine motion capture method holds potential for spinal health assessment in large cohorts in real-world settings without dedicated laboratories.

A Combination Model of Shifting Joint Angle Changes With 3D-Deep Convolutional Neural Network to Recognize Human Activity.

Research in the field of human activity recognition is very interesting due to its potential for various applications such as in the field of medical rehabilitation. The need to advance its development has become increasingly necessary to enable efficient detection and response to a wide range of movements. Current recognition methods rely on calculating changes in joint distance to classify activity patterns. Therefore, a different approach is required to identify the direction of movement to distinguish activities exhibiting similar joint distance changes but differing motion directions, such as sitting and standing. The research conducted in this study focused on determining the direction of movement using an innovative joint angle shift approach. By analyzing the joint angle shift value between specific joints and reference points in the sequence of activity frames, the research enabled the detection of variations in activity direction. The joint angle shift method was combined with a Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) model to classify 3D datasets encompassing spatial-temporal information from RGB-D video image data. Model performance was evaluated using the confusion matrix. The results show that the model successfully classified nine activities in the Florence 3D Actions dataset, including sitting and standing, obtaining an accuracy of (96.72 ± 0.83)%. In addition, to evaluate its robustness, this model was tested on the UTKinect Action3D dataset, obtaining an accuracy of 97.44%, proving that state-of-the-art performance has been achieved.

Multifidus Denervation After Radiofrequency Ablation of the Medial Nerve Alters the Biomechanics of the Spine-A Computational Study.

Radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch is commonly used to treat chronic low back pain involving facet joints, which accounts for 12% to 37% of the total cases of chronic low back pain. An adverse effect of this procedure is the denervation of the multifidus muscle, which may lead to its atrophy which can affect the spine and possibly disc degeneration. This study aims to quantify changes in joint angles and loading caused by multifidus denervation after radiofrequency ablation. AnyBody model of the torso was used to evaluate intervertebral joints in flexion, lateral bending, and torsion. Force-dependent kinematics was used to calculate joint angles and forces. These dependent variables were investigated in intact multifidus, unilateral, and bilateral ablations of L3L4, L4L5, and L5S1 joints. The results showed pronounced angular joint changes, especially in bilateral ablations in flexion, when compared with other cases. The same changes' trend from intact to unilaterally then bilaterally ablated multifidus occurred in joint angles of lateral bending. Meanwhile, joint forces were not adversely affected. These results suggest that multifidus denervation after radiofrequency ablation affects spinal mechanics. Such changes may be associated with abnormal tissue deformations and stresses that can potentially alter their mechanobiology and homeostasis, thereby possibly affecting the health of the spine.

Energy Behavior of Sandstone Containing Weak Filling Joints with Multiple Angles under Dynamic Splitting Loads

The impact of weak filling joints with multiple angles on the energy dissipation mechanism is significant for surrounding rock engineering to prevent and mitigate disasters. In the present study, the sandstone samples containing weak filling joints were prefabricated, and dynamic splitting tests were conducted under three nominal loading rates with a modified Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar system. The effects of nominal loading rates and joint angles on time-based curves and energy-based curves were investigated systematically. The test results indicated that the nominal loading rate and joint angle had remarkable influences on energy dissipation characteristics. The sample containing a larger joint angle preferred brittle failure, whereas the sample with a smaller joint angle failed with a plastic feature. Moreover, the reflection energy decreased as the joint angle increased, which was opposite to the evolution tendencies of transmission energy and absorption energy. The transmission energy and absorption energy had different sensitivities to changes in joint angle and nominal loading rate. The exponential function could excellently describe the dependence of transmission energy, reflection energy, and absorption energy on joint angles. With the incremental joint angle, the energy reflection ratio had a contrary tendency to the energy transmission ratio.

A comparative study on the overlapping effects of clinically applicable therapeutic interventions in patients with central nervous system damage.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of anti-gravity treadmill (AGT) training, which provides visual feedback and Biorescue training on proprioception, muscle strength, balance, and gait, in stroke patients. A total of 45 people diagnosed with post-stroke were included as study subjects; they were randomized to an AGT training group provided with visual feedback (Group A), a Biorescue training group provided with visual feedback (Group B), and an AGT/Biorescue group that subsequently received AGT training and Biorescue training (Group C). A muscle strength-measuring device was used to evaluate muscle strength. Timed Up and Go and Bug Balance Scale assessment sheets were used to evaluate balance ability. Dartfish software was used to evaluate gait ability. The results of the study showed that Groups A and C had a significant increase in muscle strength compared with Group B; in terms of balance and gait abilities, Group C showed a significant increase in balance ability and gait speed and a significant change in knee joint angle compared with Groups A and B. In conclusion, this study suggests that including a method that applies multiple therapeutic interventions is desirable in the rehabilitation of stroke patients to improve their independence.

Inertial measurement unit sensor-based gait analysis in adults and older adults: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundGait assessment has been used in a wide range of clinical applications, and gait velocity is also a leading predictor of disease and physical functional aspects in older adults. Research questionThe study aim to examine the changes in IMU-based gait parameters according to age in healthy adults aged 50 and older, to analyze differences between aging patients. MethodsA total of 296 healthy adults (65.32 ± 6.74 yrs; 83.10 % female) were recruited. Gait assessment was performed using an IMU sensor-based gait analysis system, and 3D motion information of hip and knee joints was obtained using magnetic sensors. The basic characteristics of the study sample were stratified by age category, and the baseline characteristics between the groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between age as the dependent variable and several measures of gait parameters and joint angles as independent variables. ResultsThe results of this study found that there were significant differences in gait velocity and both terminal double support in the three groups according to age, and statistically significant differences in the three groups in hip joint angle and knee joints angle. In addition, it was found that the gait velocity and knee/hip joint angle changed with age, and the gait velocity and knee/hip joint angle were also different in the elderly and adult groups. ConclusionsWe found changes in gait parameters and joint angles according to age in healthy adults and older adults and confirmed the difference in gait velocity and joint angles between adults and older adults.