Joint Flexion Research Articles

Understanding to Concept of Jarajanya Vyadhi (ageing related diseases) w.s.r. to Sandhigatavata (osteo arthritis)

As age advances Vata Dosha increases in an individual. This increasing Vata trigger and accelerates Dhatu Kshaya (depletion of tissues) and Bala Kshaya (diminished the body strength). Hence advancing age makes man prone to many diseases especially degenerative disorders. Asthis (bones) are the main seat of Vata Dosha and Sandhis (joints) is the main seat of Kapha Dosha. Vata Dosha is responsible for different body movements like Prasaarana and Akunchana of Sandhi (flexion and extension of joints), whereas Shleshaka Kapha located in Sandhi (joints) is provides nutrition, protection and to minimize the friction during the movement. Sandhigatavata is Vata pradhana vyadhi. It is quite similar to osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease stand in modern medical science. Sandhigatavata is Vata dominating disorder which result in inflammatory and degenerative changes in joints. Osteoarthritis is a disease of musculoskeletal system, affecting the joints mostly in elderly population and in weight bearing joints (particularly knee joint). The current standard modern medical pharmacological management of osteoarthritis includes the administration of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, their use neither provides adequate and significant relief in symptoms nor deceleration in disease process. Therefore, Vata shamaka aushadhis along with local application e.g. Abhyanga, different form of Swedana are beneficial. As Sandhigatavata is ageing related heath condition, Rasayana chikitsa can also be helpful in the management of Sandhigatavata (Osteoarthritis). This article enlighten the knowledge about Jarajanya vyadhi especially Sandhigatavata.

Hexaxial external fixator versus intramedullary nail in treating segmental tibial fractures: a retrospective study

BackgroundIt’s difficult to treat segmental tibial fractures (STFs), which are intricate injuries associated with significant soft tissue damage. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effect of hexaxial external fixator (HEF) and intramedullary nail (IMN) in treatment of STFs.MethodsA total of 42 patients with STFs were finally recruited between January 2018 and June 2022. There were 25 males and 17 females with age range of 20 to 60 years. All fractures were classified as type 42C2 using the Arbeitsgemeinschaftfür Osteosythese/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification. 22 patients were treated with HEF and 20 patients were treated with IMN. The condition of vascular and neural injuries, time of full weight bearing, bone union time and infection rate were documented and analyzed between the two groups. The mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), mechanical posterior proximal tibial angle (mPPTA), mechanical lateral distal tibial angle (mLDTA), mechanical anterior distal tibial angle (mADTA), hospital for special surgery (HSS) knee joint score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle joint score, range of motion (ROM) of flexion of keen joint and ROM of plantar flexion and dorsal flexion of ankle joint were compared between the two groups at the last clinical visit.ResultsThere were no vascular and neural injuries or other severe complications in both groups. All 22 patients in HEF group underwent closed reduction but 3 patients in IMN group were treated by open reduction. The time of full weight bearing was (11.3 ± 3.2) days in HEF group and (67.8 ± 5.8) days in IMN group(P < 0.05), with bone union time for (6.9 ± 0.8) months and (7.7 ± 1.4) months, respectively(P < 0.05). There was no deep infection in both groups. In the HEF group and IMN group, mMPTA was (86.9 ± 1.5)° and (89.7 ± 1.8)°(P < 0.05), mPPTA was (80.8 ± 1.9)° and (78.6 ± 2.0)°(P < 0.05), mLDTA was (88.5 ± 1.7)° and (90.3 ± 1.7)°(P < 0.05), while mADTA was (80.8 ± 1.5)° and (78.4 ± 1.3)°(P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups at the last clinical visit concerning HSS knee joint score and AOFAS ankle joint score, ROM of flexion of keen joint and ROM of plantar flexion of ankle joint (P > 0.05). The ROM of dorsal flexion of ankle joint in IMN group was (30.4 ± 3.5)°, better than (21.6 ± 2.8)° in HEF group (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn terms of final clinical outcomes, the use of either HEF or IMN for STFs can achieve good therapeutic effects. While HEF is superior to IMN in terms of completely closed reduction, early full weight bearing, early bone union and alignment. Nevertheless, HEF has a greater impact on the ROM of dorsal flexion of the ankle joint, and much more care and adjustment are needed for the patients than IMN.

Conventional video recordings dependably quantify whole-body lifting strategy using the Stoop-Squat-Index: A methods comparison against motion capture and a reliability study

Whole-body lifting strategies could be derived from conventional video recordings using the Stoop-Squat-Index, which quantifies the ratio between trunk forward lean and lower extremity joint flexion from 0 (full squat) to 100 (full stoop). The purpose of this study was to compare Stoop-Squat-Indices derived from conventional video recordings to those from a three-dimensional marker-based motion capture system and to evaluate interrater and intrarater reliability of the video-based approach.Thirty healthy participants lifted a 5-kg box under different conditions (freestyle, squat, stoop). Kinematic data were recorded using a Vicon motion capture system (serving as reference standard) and an iPad camera. Stoop-Squat-Indices over the entire lifting cycle were derived separately from both approaches. Agreement was assessed using mean differences (video minus motion capture) and limits of agreement. Reliability was investigated by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and minimal detectable changes (MDC) over the course of the lifting cycle. Systematic errors were identified with Statistical Parametric Mapping-based T-tests.Systematic errors between the video-based and the motion capture-based approach were observed among all conditions. Mean differences in Stoop-Squat-Indices over the lifting cycle ranged from −6.9 to 3.2 (freestyle), from −1.8 to 5.3 (squat) and from −2.8 to −1.1 (stoop). Limits of agreement were lower when the box was close to the floor, and higher towards upright standing. Reliability of the video-based approach was excellent for most of the lifting cycle, with ICC above 0.995 and MDC below 3.5.These findings support using a video-based assessment of Stoop-Squat-Indices to quantify whole-body lifting strategy in field.

Examining the joint coordination during dynamic balance learning using vector coding and statistical parametric mapping analyses

We aimed to examine the changes in balance performance, kinematic variables, and joint coordination of the lower extremities during the Y-balance learning task. Twenty female university students completed five consecutive blocks of Y-balance learning from days 3 to 7 (135 trials). Pre-tests and tests were performed on days 1 and 9. Maximum reach distance, peak joint angle, and joint coordination in the anterior (AL), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) directions were measured to determine the efficacy of Y-balance performance. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed for the maximum reach distance across learning blocks to confirm whether learning had occurred. Our results indicated that the maximum reach distance on day 5 was longer than that on other learning days. The maximum reach distance significantly increased in the PL and PM directions after learning. The hip flexion (PL/PM), abduction (PM), internal rotation (PM), and external rotation (PL) angles increased after learning. The knee joint flexion angle increased in both AL and PL directions. Only the ankle dorsiflexion angle increased in the AL direction. Joint coordination indicated that the knee and hip joints performed simultaneously during internal rotation. Ankle-knee joint coordination was performed using dorsiflexion and flexion strategies. Statistical parametric mapping analysis indicated significant differences in the ankle sagittal plane in the AL direction, hip horizontal and hip/knee sagittal planes in the PL direction, and hip/knee sagittal and hip frontal/horizontal planes in the PM direction. These data suggest that the dynamic balance ability of the novice participants improved in relation to changes in coordination patterns after learning. The results of this study can be applied to other populations to improve their dynamic balance and prevent fall injuries.

The moment arms and lines of action of subscapularis after the Latarjet procedure.

The Latarjet procedure is an established surgical treatment for recurrent glenohumeral joint instability with glenoid bone loss. Intraoperatively, the conjoint tendon and its attachement on the coracoid bone graft is routedthrough a split in subscapularis where the graft is fixed to and augments the anteroinferior glenoid. The objective of this in vitro study was to quantify the influence of glenohumeral joint position and conjoint tendon force on the lines of action and moment arms of subscapularis muscle sub-regions after Latarjet surgery. Eight fresh-frozen, entire upper extremities were mounted onto a testing apparatus, and a cable-pulley system was used to apply physiological muscle loading to the major shoulder muscles. The lines of action and moment arms of four subregions of subscapularis (superior, mid-superior, mid-inferior, and inferior) were quantified radiographically with the conjoint tendon unloaded and loaded while the shoulder was in (i) 0° abduction (ii) 90° abduction (iii) 90° abduction and full external rotation (ABER), and (iv) the apprehension position, defined as ABER with 30° horizontal extension. Conjoint tendon loading after Latarjet surgery significantly increased the inferior inclination of the lines of action of the mid-inferior and inferior subregions of subscapularis in the scapular plane in ABER and apprehension positions (p < 0.001), as well as decreased the horizontal flexion moment arm of the inferior subscapularis (p = 0.040). Increased subscapularis inferior inclination may ultimately increase inferior joint shear potential, while smaller horizontal flexion leverage may reduce joint flexion capacity. The findings have implications for Latarjet surgical planning and postoperative rehabilitation prescription.

Evaluation of the ankle function after Achilles tendon resection: a retrospective clinical study

IntroductionThe Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body and has the function of plantar ankle flexion. When the tendon is exposed, the peritendineum has been breached and the thick avascular tendon colonized with bacteria, a complete resection of the tendon may be indicated to achieve infection control and facilitate wound closure. The Achilles tendon reconstruction is not mandatory, as the plantar flexion of the ankle joint is assumed by the remaining flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus and tibialis posterior muscles. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of Achilles tendon resection without reconstruction on leg function and quality of life.Material and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated all patients who were treated with an Achilles tendon resection between January 2017 and June 2022 in our quaternary institution. After evaluating the data, the patients who survived and were not amputated were contacted for re-evaluation, which included isokinetic strength measurement of both ankle joints, evaluation of the ankle range of motion and collection of several functional scores.ResultsThirty patients were included in the retrospective study, with a mean age of 70.3 years, including 11 women and 19 men. The most frequent cause of the infection was leg ulcer (43.3%), followed by open tendon suture (23.3%). No tendon reconstruction was performed. Fifteen patients could be gained for reevaluation. The average difference in ankle flexion torque on the injured side compared to the healthy side at 30 degrees/second was 57.49% (p = 0.003) and at 120 degrees/second was 53.13% (p = 0.050) while the difference in power was 45.77% (p = 0.025) at 30 degrees/second and 38.08% (p = 0.423) at 120 degrees/second. The follow-up time was between 4 and 49 months and a positive correlation could be determined between the time elapsed from surgery and the ankle joint strength. There was a significant loss of range of motion on the operated side compared to the healthy side: 37.30% for plantar flexion, 24.56% for dorsal extension, 27.79% for pronation and 24.99% for supination. The average Lepillhati Score was 68.33, while the average American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score was 74.53.ConclusionThe complete Achilles tendon resection leaves the patient with satisfactory leg function and an almost normal gait. Especially in elderly, multimorbid patients, straightforward tendon resection and wound closure provide fast infection control with acceptable long-term results. Further prospective studies should compare the ankle function and gait in patients with and without Achilles tendon reconstruction after complete resection.

Wide strain range and high sensitivity sandwich structure CNTs/AgNWs/CNTs/TPU strain sensors for human motion detection

Nowadays, designing a flexible strain sensor that offers both high sensitivity and a wide operating range has been a significant challenge. However, this paper demonstrates the successful preparation of a sandwich-structured, flexible strain sensor with high sensitivity and wide operating range through vacuum-assisted filtration. The substrate of sensor is composed of electrospinning TPU. The three conductive layers of the sensor consist of CNTs, AgNWs, and CNTs. The AgNWs provide extremely low initial resistance and serve to bridge the individual CNTs islands under large strains. The CNTs/AgNWs/CNTs/TPU flexible strain sensor boasts a high sensitivity (GF=1005.8), a wide strain range (up to 350%), and fast response time (39 ms). It also maintains a long working range and long-term usage stability at 2500 cycles. Additionally, the electrothermal and photothermal performance of the sensor were investigated, which revealed a rapid temperature rise to 93.1 °C at 5 V and 80.8 °C at 500 mW/cm2 irradiation intensity. This sensor can accurately monitor the full range of human motion, from tiny pulse and breathing to large-scale finger joint flexion. These findings suggest that our sensor could have great potential for application in wearable devices as well as body health monitoring.

Analysis of muscle synergy and gait kinematics during regain of gait function through rehabilitation in a monoplegic patient.

We conducted muscle synergy and gait analyses in a monoplegic patient whose gait function improved through training, to explore the possibility of using these parameters as indicators of training. A 49-year-old male had monoplegia of the right lower limb caused by infarction of the left paracentral lobule. After 2 months of training, he was able to walk and returned to work. Consecutive analyses were done after admission. Muscle synergy analysis: during walking, surface electromyograms of gluteus maximus, quadriceps femoris, adductor femoris, hamstrings, tibialis anterior, medial/lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus on both sides were recorded and processed for non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF) analysis. Gait analysis: markers were placed at foot, and walking movements were video recorded as changes in position of the markers. Compared with three muscle synergies detected on the non-paretic side, two muscle synergies were extracted on the paretic side at admission, and the number increased to three and then four with progress in rehabilitation training. Changes in weighting and activity of the muscle synergies were greater on the non-paretic side than on the paretic side. With training, the knee joint flexor and the ankle dorsiflexor activities on the paretic side and the gluteus maximus activity on the non-paretic side increased during swing phase as shown by weight changes of muscle synergies, and gait analysis showed increased knee joint flexion and ankle joint dorsiflexion during swing phase in the paretic limb. On the non-paretic side, however, variability of muscle activity was observed, and three or four muscle synergies were extracted depending on the number of strides analyzed. The number of muscle synergies is considered to contribute to motor control. Rehabilitation training improves gait by increasing the number of muscle synergies on the paretic side and changing the weights of the muscles constituting the muscle synergies. From the changes on the non-paretic side, we propose the existence of compensatory mechanisms also on the non-paretic side. In muscle synergy analysis, in addition to the filters, the number of strides used in each analysis set has to be examined. This report highlights the issues of NNMF as analytical methods in gait training for stroke patients.

RFWBS Model: Multilevel Hybrid Mapping Solution Framework for Designing Neurorehabilitation Physiotherapy Devices

Healthcare services and rehabilitation equipment have entered a phase of rapid development driven by user requirements. However, the development of corresponding design models for rehabilitation equipment is lacking. A general framework and development process are urgently needed for neurorehabilitation physiotherapy equipment. To address problems such as inadequate knowledge representation in the design process and difficulties in modeling the functional structure of the product, we combined a decomposition topology model of neurorehabilitation physiotherapy equipment with the modular design method. We proposed a general model for the design of neurorehabilitation physiotherapy equipment comprising the following modules: requirements (R), function (F), principle workspace (W), behavior (B), and structure (S), i.e., the RFWBS model. Using the neurorehabilitation robotic glove as an example for design practice, in terms of kinematics, the mechanism is analyzed by establishing a Lagrangian coordinate system for resolution. The mechanism has three degrees of freedom and can achieve the natural flexion and extension angles of each finger joint. In terms of dynamics, during the entire finger extension, the angular acceleration is almost zero, and the average angular velocity is approximately 30~50°/s. This indicates that the mechanism is suitable for wearable use, validating the scientific and effective nature of the RFWBS expanded model.

Unimodal and bimodal curves of ground reaction force-time profiles identify the drop jump performance

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the kinematics and kinetics differences in ground reaction force (GRF)-time profiles with uni- and bimodal curves (UNC and BIC) during the concentric phase of the drop jump (DJ). Twenty two male Physical Education college student who met UNC (N = 11) or BIC (N = 11) of the GRF-time profile of were recruited. Two force plates and eight infrared optical cameras were synchronised to collect the GRF and motion data during DJ from a 30-cm height. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of data. The Wilcoxon test was used when data were not normally distributed. Otherwise, Independent t-tests were used to compare differences between the UNC and BIC groups for each dependent variable. The UNC group demonstrated shorter ground contact time, lower jump height, greater leg stiffness, greater peak power during the eccentric phase, less work during the eccentric and concentric phases, and greater hip and knee joint flexion and extension angle displacements (p < 0.05). No significant intergroup differences were found in reactive strength index (p > 0.05). The UNC and BIC of the GRF-time profiles can indicate whether athletes can practice DJ appropriately. UNC can be representative of a better DJ performance with an efficient stretch-shortening cycle function.

Finite element analysis of a customized coronoid prosthesis for traumatic coronoid deficiency

BackgroundTraumatic coronoid deficiency with persistent elbow instability is a challenging condition. Autologous bone graft reconstruction is often associated with a range of additional clinical problems and the outcome is often unpredictable. The purpose of this study was to design a prosthetic device that can reconstruct coronoid deficiency of any height and to evaluate its mechanical properties using finite element analysis. Materials and MethodsA customized coronoid prosthesis was designed based on image registration, automatic measurement and computer-aided design. After pilot study and sample size calculation, image data collected from six patients who underwent bilateral complete upper extremity CT scans were reconstructed. The test was divided into three groups: coronoid intact, prosthesis and autograft. Regan-Morrey type II and autologous olecranon osteotomy models were established. The prosthesis and autogenous olecranon were assembled to the coronoid base. Stress was applied axially along the proximal humeral diaphysis and implant micromotion and contact mechanics of the humeroulnar joint were measured at 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° of joint flexion respectively. ResultsAt all flexion angles, the maximum stress on the coronoid articular surface was significantly reduced in the prosthesis and autograft groups, with the reduction being more significant in the latter (P < 0.001). With increasing flexion, the maximum stress at the coronoid articular surface increased significantly after autograft reconstruction (7.2 to 68 MPa, P < 0.001), whereas the humeroulnar joint obtained a similar contact mechanics pattern to that of the control group after prosthetic reconstruction. As the flexion angle increased, the relative micromotion of both the prosthesis and autograft increased significantly (0.5-1.6 vs 0.2-1.2, Pmeasure time < 0.001, Pgroups < 0.001). Contact pressure and center-of-force paths of the humeroulnar joint experience abrupt stress changes at approximately 60° of flexion. ConclusionThe contact stress pattern in the humeroulnar joint is similar in prosthesis and intact coronoid groups. Autograft reconstruction increases contact stresses at the articular surface and alters the joint center-of-force path. The “stress surge phenomenon” in the humeroulnar joint surface before and after 60° of flexion may be one of the mechanisms of traumatic elbow degeneration.

Анатомо-топографические особенности флексоров тазобедренного сустава у шакало-псовой собаки

The article presents the anatomical features of the hip flexor muscles in shalaika, which are absent in the available literature. The points of fixation of the large lumbar, iliac, sartorial and scallop muscles have been established. The material for the research was a sectional material - pelvic limbs (n=9), selected from adult canine hybrids (shalayki), without external signs of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.It was found that the tensioner of the wide fascia of the thigh has two parts with a versatile direction of bundles of muscle fibers: in the cranial part – from the muckle along the cranial edge of the quadriceps femoris downward, and in the lateral part – from the place of transition of the muckle to the wing (cranial edge), along the middle gluteus muscle in the caudal direction, to the fascial node, on the where the broad fascia proper, the gluteal fascia and the superficial gluteal muscle converge. This circumstance undoubtedly affects the function of this muscle, i.e. together with the flexion of the hip joint, the muscle strains the broad fascia of the thigh itself, interacts in synergy with the gluteal fascia and the kneecap.Fusing the fascia in the distal part with the quadriceps femoris muscle, it creates a pressor effect on this muscle and helps it to unbend the knee joint. It is shown that the tailor's muscle is highly developed and consists of two heads. The cranial head is involved in the flexion of the hip joint, but at the same time in the extension of the knee joint. The caudal head – femoral part is directed along the medial surface of the thigh along the medial condyle of the femur, and the tibial part – along the medial surface of the capsule of the knee joint and the medial condyle of the tibia, which indicates adduction of the hip in the knee joint area and possibly optionally acts as a knee flexor.

Cinética e cinemática do obstáculo passarela em cães de agilidade de diferentes níveis de experiência

ABSTRACT: The injury rate in agility dogs is relatively high compared to the general population. No study to date has considered the biomechanical effects of the dog walk obstacle in agility trials, highlighting a research need. This study assessed forelimb joint kinematics and peak ground reaction forces (PVF) over a dog walk agility obstacle and correlate with experience. Ten (n = 10) dogs were filmed running across a Kennel Club (KC) standard dog walk for kinematics analysis. Two pressure sensors were secured to the (1) dog walk contact area at exit and (2) ground at the end of the dog walk (landing area) for kinetics analysis. Forelimb joints angles and PVF at the contact zone at the walk exit and landing were analysed. A key finding is that the way a dog will move across the obstacle changes depending on their level of experience, with experienced dogs showing faster obstacle negotiation and increased flexion of the elbow joint compared to inexperienced competitors. Higher speeds over the dog walk also resulted in significantly increased elbow joint flexion. Another important finding is that PVF at landing are higher is dogs that are faster and also in dogs performing running technique in comparison to stopped technique. Overall, dog walk obstacle created more forelimbs joint flexion and similar PVF in comparison with previously studied agility contact obstacles which leads us to conclude that further research is required to ascertain the long term health implications for dogs used in agility trials.

Pouzdanost i validnost merenja fleksije ramenog zgloba digitalnom i standardnom goniometrijskom metodom

Based on the literature review and clinical experiences, it can be concluded that measuring the amplitude of movement is one of the fundamental kinesiometric methods used in assessing joint functionality. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of measuring the shoulder joint's range of motion using the digital system KEMTAI compared to a goniometer with arms. This non-experimental observation was conducted on 40 participants whose flexion range in the shoulder joint was measured using both the goniometer with arms and the KEMTAI software system, which utilizes the examiner's mobile phone camera. The results indicated that the lowest mean value was obtained during the first measurement session (M1 = 154.68), while the highest was during the third session (M2 = 156.53). When using the KEMTAI software, the variability of mean values for the total tested population was significantly higher than when using the goniometer with arms. The results suggest that the KEMTAI software/system is reliable when comparing the average results of three measurements. Based on these findings, it is concluded that three experienced measurers demonstrated high reliability in measuring the shoulder joint's flexion range using the goniometer with arms. Despite the identified differences between the measurement results obtained using these two methods, it is considered that the KEMTAI software/system is applicable in practical work.

Development and Validation of a Self-Aligning Knee Exoskeleton With Hip Rotation Capability.

The self-aligning capability of an exoskeleton is important to ensure wearing comfort, and the delicate motion ability of the exoskeleton is essential for motion assistance. Designing a self-aligning exoskeleton that offers improved wearing comfort and enhanced motion-assistance functions remains a challenge. This paper proposes a novel spatial self-aligning mechanism for a knee exoskeleton to enable simultaneous assistance in the flexion and extension (FE) of the knee joint and the internal and external rotation (IER) of the hip joint. Additionally, considering the misalignment of the human-robot joint axes, a kinematic model of the knee exoskeleton is established and analyzed to demonstrate the kinematic compatibility of the exoskeleton. Furthermore, a global torque manipulability (GTM) index is proposed to evaluate the effects of dimensional parameters on the exoskeleton's performance, and then the knee exoskeleton is optimized according to the GTM index. Finally, experiments are conducted to validate the performance of the proposed exoskeleton. The experimental results show that during knee FE and hip IER, the proposed exoskeleton exhibits lower interaction forces and torques than existing exoskeletons.

The Mechanisms, Effects, and Outcomes of Manual Therapy in the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis: A Literature Review

Purpose of the Study: Adhesive capsulitis, commonly called frozen shoulder, is frequently treated with manual therapy. This pathology cycles through three stages and usually resolves itself; however, many patients will use traditional treatments to expedite their recovery. The researchers theorize that a variety of manual therapy techniques improve the adverse effects of this condition, greater than that of traditional treatments. This literature review aimed to explore various manual therapy techniques that are beneficial in preventing and minimizing lifelong symptoms associated with adhesive capsulitis and analyze which ones are most effective in treating this pathology. Methods: The mechanisms of orthopedic manual therapy for adhesive capsulitis are vast. This literature review examined the following techniques. The first technique reviewed was Mulligan’s mobilization with movement techniques applied to the GH joint in elevation, internal rotation, and flexion compared with passive stretching. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques were reviewed, where specific techniques were picked based on the patient’s dysfunctions and compared to traditional manual therapies. In addition, Maitland’s mobilization techniques were reviewed, and patients were given mobilizations to treat pain or restrictions in the tissue. These were compared to Kaltenborn’s mobilization techniques. Next, Maitland’s mobilization techniques were compared with a myofascial release arm-pull technique. Finally, scapular mobilization was compared to posterior capsular stretching in treating adhesive capsulitis. Discussion: The outcomes of this literature review evaluated various manual therapy techniques for treating adhesive capsulitis, aiming to improve shoulder movement and alleviate pain. Researchers expected manual therapy to outperform traditional treatments like medications and surgery by enhancing ROM and reducing pain. Mulligan’s manual therapy demonstrated significant pain reduction and ROM improvement, particularly in flexion, abduction, and rotation. Combining Mulligan’s technique with other modalities yielded superior outcomes compared to passive stretching. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques showed better pain reduction, ROM enhancement, and coracohumeral thickness reduction than traditional manual therapy. Maitland and Kaltenborn’s techniques significantly improved shoulder rotation and functional movement, especially with soft tissue mobilization. Scapular mobilization techniques increased joint motions, but ROM improvements varied. Manual therapy techniques like Mulligan’s, PNF, Maitland, and scapular mobilization offer promising results in improving the quality of life for adhesive capsulitis patients by enhancing ROM and reducing pain. As more research is done with this pathology, it was found that Mulligan’s, Maitland’s, PNF’s, and soft tissue mobilizations were effective in increasing ROM and decreasing stiffness in patients with this diagnosis. These are all effective forms of manual therapy, specifically when performed by a skilled clinician, further advocating for education on these techniques. Additionally, understanding the mechanisms, effects, and outcomes of different manual therapies for treating adhesive capsulitis can reduce the risk of life-long symptoms and improve quality of life. Results: Various manual therapy methods, such as Mulligan’s mobilization with movement (MWM), Maitland’s mobilization, and PNF have been used to treat adhesive capsulitis. These manual therapy techniques increased joint range of motion (ROM) and reduced the patients’ perceived pain.

Influence of segmental joint angle and flexion at delivery stride on pace bowling in cricket

Influence of segmental joint angle and flexion at delivery stride on pace bowling in cricket

Action capture method of animated characters based on virtual reality technology

Abstract Virtual reality technology is a kind of animation technology that is widely used in the creation of film and television animation art, which makes the technological imprint of film and television animation art creation exceptionally obvious. The article utilizes virtual reality technology to create a virtual scene for character motion capture in film and television animation by combining the video motion capture system. The camera position-solving method is used to map the points in the three-dimensional space to the two-dimensional image plane, and then the high-dimensional image signals are converted to the low-dimensional signals of human body postures through the minimum bounding rectangle of the foreground image to realize the solving of the character’s action posture information. Based on the graph convolution neural network, a time domain graph convolution model is established with the help of layering and cross-frame connection of the null time domain convolution to realize the 3D pose estimation and capture of the character movement in film and television animation. The joints’ confidence smooths the pose sequence of the character’s action. The maximum error of the yaw, pitch, and roll angles in 15 frames does not exceed 0.4° in the pose resolution of the animated character. Real and measured joint flexion and extension angles have errors that are less than 0.3°. The average error of the Euler angle data for character motion capture is between 1.37 and 3.86°, and the MPJVE error of the smoothed data is reduced by 1.15 mm compared to the pre-processing data. The virtual scene constructed by relying on the virtual reality technology can help the video motion capture system to obtain the performance of film and television animated characters, and provide a reference to optimize the film and television animated characters’ movements.

A Novel Low-Pressure Robotic Glove Based on CT-Optimized Finger Joint Kinematic Model for Long-Term Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients.

Wearing robotic gloves has become increasingly crucial for hand rehabilitation in stroke patients. However, traditional robotic gloves can exert additional pressure on the hand, such as prolonged use leading to poor blood circulation and muscle stiffness. To address these concerns, this work analyzes the finger kinematic model based on computerized tomography (CT) images of human hands, and designs a low-pressure robotic glove that conforms to finger kinematic characteristics. Firstly, physiological data on finger joint flexion and extension were collected through CT scans. The equivalent rotation centers of finger joints were obtained using the SURF and RANSAC algorithms. Furthermore, the trajectory of finger joint end and the correlation equation of finger joint motion were fitted, and a comprehensive finger kinematic model was established. Based on this finger kinematic model, a novel under-actuated exoskeleton mechanism was designed using a human-machine integration approach. The novel robotic glove fully aligns with the equivalent rotation centers and natural motion trajectories of the fingers, exerting minimal and evenly distributed dynamic pressure on the fingers, with a theoretical static pressure value of zero. Experiments involving gripping everyday objects demonstrated that the novel robotic glove significantly reduces the overall pressure on the fingers during grasping compared to the pneumatic glove and the traditional exoskeleton robotic glove. It is suitable for long-term use by stroke patients for rehabilitation training.

Examination of a practical method to quantitatively evaluate the rolling over movement in a clinical setting.

[Purpose] We investigated the utility of wearable inertial and magnetic sensing modules for analyzing neck and trunk movements during the rolling over movement. [Participants and Methods] The participants were instructed to roll over from the supine to the side-lying position with three sensor units attached to their forehead, xiphoid process of the sternum, and abdomen. Experiments were conducted on two prescribed patterns: one emphasizing hip joint flexion and adduction, and the other focusing on scapular protraction and horizontal shoulder joint adduction in two healthy participants (one male and one female). The flexion and rotation angles of the neck and trunk were calculated using conventional spreadsheet software with data obtained from the sensors. The obtained values were compared for agreement with those derived from a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis device. [Results] The cross-correlation coefficient for the flexion and rotation angles of the neck and trunk between the two measurement methods was approximately 0.85, and the root mean square (RMS) angle difference was approximately 5.0°. [Conclusion] Wearable inertial and magnetic sensors can be used to quantitatively evaluate neck and trunk movements during the rolling over movement.