Leg Lift Research Articles

Modeling Gait Patterns of a Patient with Orthopedic Injury Using an Exoskeleton

Purpose of reseach. The paper describes the EXOLITE-REHAB rehabilitation robotic complex which makes it possible to do rehabilitation exercises of lower limbs of patients by performing leg lifting, verticalization, squats and other types of movement. In many countries, research work is underway to create devices that allow a person to move in space when the musculo-skeletal system is damaged. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to study and set the basic regularities and algorithms based on mathematical models describing the controlled movement of the lower limbs exoskeleton by the example of modeling the movement of the exoskeleton's ankle joint.Methods. The key feature of the complex is the use of a follower-up control system that allows us to provide a prescribed movement of the human ankle joint with a high degree of accuracy in a wide range of parameters’ changes. Methods of mathematical modeling of the ankle joint movement are applied, taking into account their subsequent possible use in modeling the movement of exoskeleton links.Results. A kinematic setting of the ankle joint movement trajectory is used in order to simulate the operation of a robotic system. In order to find the vector of generalized coordinates, the inverse kinematics problem is solved using the vector-matrix method with the application of Jacobian matrix. The results of numerical simulation show high convergence and adequacy of the proposed method.Conclusion. The article considers the method of using a follower-up control system that has a sufficient degree of accuracy of copying the trajectory. The results of modeling the follower-up control system of the EXOLITE-REHAB rehabilitation exoskeleton, working according to the developed algorithm, show that it is able to repeat the required trajectory with sufficient accuracy. In the future, we plan to study the system more deeply on a three-dimensional model with electric drives.

Development of a Human Activity Recognition System for Ballet Tasks

BackgroundAccurate and detailed measurement of a dancer’s training volume is a key requirement to understanding the relationship between a dancer’s pain and training volume. Currently, no system capable of quantifying a dancer’s training volume, with respect to specific movement activities, exists. The application of machine learning models to wearable sensor data for human activity recognition in sport has previously been applied to cricket, tennis and rugby. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop a human activity recognition system using wearable sensor data to accurately identify key ballet movements (jumping and lifting the leg). Our primary objective was to determine if machine learning can accurately identify key ballet movements during dance training. The secondary objective was to determine the influence of the location and number of sensors on accuracy.ResultsConvolutional neural networks were applied to develop two models for every combination of six sensors (6, 5, 4, 3, etc.) with and without the inclusion of transition movements. At the first level of classification, including data from all sensors, without transitions, the model performed with 97.8% accuracy. The degree of accuracy reduced at the second (83.0%) and third (75.1%) levels of classification. The degree of accuracy reduced with inclusion of transitions, reduction in the number of sensors and various sensor combinations.ConclusionThe models developed were robust enough to identify jumping and leg lifting tasks in real-world exposures in dancers. The system provides a novel method for measuring dancer training volume through quantification of specific movement tasks. Such a system can be used to further understand the relationship between dancers’ pain and training volume and for athlete monitoring systems. Further, this provides a proof of concept which can be easily translated to other lower limb dominant sporting activities

Bilateral and Unilateral Asymmetries of Strength and Flexibility in Young Elite Sailors: Windsurfing, Optimist and Laser Classes

In sport sailing, performance is related to the sailor’s ability to maintain the stability of the boat, and the boat class determines the variables involved in such ability. In monohull-type vessels, such as the Optimist and Laser classes, the flexibility of the hip joint is a key performance factor. In the Windsurfing class, performance is determined by the strength of the flexors of the fingers and elbows. The performance of the sailor may be affected by asymmetries in the strength and flexibility of the muscles and joints involved in technical actions. The objective of this study was to evaluate asymmetries in strength and flexibility in young sailors. Thirty-three young sailors (ten girls) from the Windsurfing, Optimist and Laser classes were assessed for manual strength and flexibility, by dynamometry and straight leg lift tests, respectively. The symmetry index and the functional asymmetry of compression force were calculated. The results showed no differences between sailors according to gender. The sailors of the Laser class obtained the highest levels of manual strength, whereas those of the Windsurfing class showed the highest flexibility levels. The girls’ group and Windsurfing class had the highest percentage of sailors with strength asymmetry, whereas, the sailors of the Optimist class presented a greater percentage of asymmetry in flexibility. There were no differences in upper limb strength and lower limb flexibility between the dominant and non-dominant sides.

P1554 Assessment of functional mitral regurgitation with leg lift and exercise echocardiography using the average pixel intensity method

Abstract Background Dynamic changes in functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) during exercise echocardiography were shown to be of prognostic value. However grading of FMR is challenging, especially during exercise echocardiography and therefore questioning its applicability in clinical practice. We recently introduced and validated the Average Pixel Intensity (API) for grading MR based on the pixel intensity of the continuous wave Doppler signal. In the current study we investigate the use of the API method using leg lift and exercise echocardiography in FMR. Methods We prospectively included 50 heart failure patients (mean ejection fraction 36%) in sinus rhythm with different grades of pure, FMR. After assessment of FMR severity at rest, the same acquisitions were repeated during leg lift and exercise echocardiography. FMR was assessed using the API method, color Doppler and quantitative grading methods (proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) and vena contracta width (VCW)). Results The API method could be performed in all patients (100%) with leg lift (n = 50) and in 94% of the patients undergoing exercise echocardiography (n = 44), which was more than PISA and VCW (p < 0.001). During leg lift, there was a small but significant increase on visual color Doppler grading (grade 1.93 to 2.11 (p = 0.004); increase of FMR in 35% of patients, and no difference in 65%). For API, we found the same significant increase (93 to 101 au), however, API values showed increase of MR in 62% and decrease of FMR in 20%. During exercise echocardiography, we found no differences in color Doppler grade and API in the overall cohort (p 0.252 and p 0.832, respectively), despite 62% of patients showing some degree of increase in API during leg lift. On multivariate analysis, no specific echo parameter could be identified as independent predictor of API increase. Conclusions The novel API method is highly feasible for assessing dynamic FMR and may be of added value for in this setting, allowing the detection of even small increments of FMR severity. In the current study, we found only mild increases of FMR during exercise echocardiography. Leg lift testing however proved to be a simple and quick loading approach that induced a significant rise in FMR compared to exercise echocardiography. The prognostic relevance of the findings during leg lift remains to be determined.

Brain networks associated with anticipatory postural adjustments in Parkinson’s disease patients with freezing of gait

Specific impairments of anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) during step initiation have been reported in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and freezing of gait (FoG). Although APA disruption has been associated with FoG, there is scarce knowledge about its neural correlates. We sought to better understand the neural networks involved with APA in patients with FoG by assessing the level of hemodynamic response of specific brain regions and the functional connectivity during the leg lifting task. In the current investigation, APAs of patients with PD, with and without (nFoG) freezing were assessed during a leg lifting task in an event-related, functional magnetic resonance imaging (er-fMRI) protocol. Results identified a high hemodynamic response in the right anterior insula (AI) and supplementary motor area (SMA) in the FoG group when an APA was required. The nFoG had stronger connectivity between the right and left insulae than the FoG group. The strength of this connectivity was negatively correlated with the severity of FoG. Both groups showed different brain network organizations comprising the SMA and the bilateral AI. The SMA was found to be a hub in patients with FoG when an APA was required for the task. Our findings suggest that both groups used compensatory mechanism comprising the insulae during APA. Neither group used the entire network comprised of the insulae and SMA to accomplish the task. The FoG group relied more on SMA as a hub than as part of a broader network to exchange information during the APA.

NEUROMUSCULAR FITNESS IN EARLY LIFE AND ITS IMPACT ON BONE HEALTH IN ADULTHOOD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

ABSTRACTObjective: To systematically review the literature to verify the relationship between neuromuscular fitness indicators in childhood/adolescence and bone strength variables in adulthood.Data sources: A systematic review was conducted in PUBMED, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS, and SciELO, covering the entire period until March 2019.Data synthesis: The search identified 1149 studies. After duplicity analysis and eligibility criteria, four studies were reported. In one study, baseline was childhood and, in the others, adolescence. In childhood, when adjusting the model for age and body mass index, a statistically significant relation was found for girls: standing long jump with quantitative ultrasound index (β=0.11; p<0.05) and with speed of sound (β=0.14; p<0.01). However, when controlling muscular performance in adulthood, the relationship was no longer significant. In adolescence, coefficients ranged from 0.16 for neuromotor battery and bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar region to 0.38 for hanging leg lift test and BMD of arms. The explained variance varied between 2% (bent arm hang for BMD total) and 12% (hanging leg-lift for BMD arms), therefore, a higher performance in neuromuscular fitness in adolescence was associated with better bone strength in adulthood.Conclusions: In adults, bone strength variables showed significant correlation from low to moderate magnitude with neuromuscular fitness indicators in adolescence, but not in childhood, after controlling for adult performance in neuromuscular fitness. However, there is limited evidence to support the neuromuscular fitness in early life as a determinant of bone strength in adulthood.

네발기기 자세에서 푸시업 동작 시 다리 들기에 따른 앞톱니근, 어깨세모근, 위팔세갈래근의 근 활성도 비교

네발기기 자세에서 푸시업 동작 시 다리 들기에 따른 앞톱니근, 어깨세모근, 위팔세갈래근의 근 활성도 비교

Anticipatory postural control differs between low back pain and pelvic girdle pain patients in the absence of visual feedback

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of vision on anticipatory postural control (APA) responses in two groups of clinically diagnosed chronic low back pain patients, those with Posterior Pelvic Girdle pain and those with Non-Specific Low Back Pain compared to a matched group of healthy controls during the modified Trendelenburg task. MethodsSeventy-eight volunteer participants (60 females and 18 males) gave informed consent to take part in this study. 39 with confirmed LBP or PGP lasting longer than 12 weeks and 39 healthy matched controls performed 40 single leg lift tasks (hip flexion to 90° as quickly as possible) with their non-dominant lower limb. A force plate was used to determine the medial-lateral displacement of the center of pressure, and the initiation of weight shift; kinematics was used to determine initiation of leg lift; and electromyography was used to determine onset times from the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO) and lumbar multifidus (MF), gluteus maximus (GM) and biceps femoris (BF). ResultsThe PGP group showed significantly longer muscle onset latencies in the BF, EO MF with visual occlusion (F2,746 = 4.51, p < .0001). ConclusionThe muscle onset delays identified between the two LBP sub-groups suggests that pain may not be the primary factor in alteration of APA response. The PGP group show a greater reliance on vision which may signal impairment in multiple feedback channels.

USING SOMATOSENSORY GAMES TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT OF TAIWANESE OLDER ADULTS IN A COMMUNITY

Objective. Playing games has become a new way to enhance the physical activity, quality of life, social engagement of older adults. This study aims to conduct a 6-month somatosensory game program, inviting older adults to play Microsoft Xbox Kinect games and study whether games can bring benefits to them. Methods. A total of 70 community-dwelling older adults (35 as experimental group, 35 as controls) were recruited. The experiment group played somatosensory games twice per week in a local health center. These games contained three types of categories: 1) Tournament games (for upper limb and lower limb); 2) Single games (for aerobic exercise and muscle training);3) Puzzle games (for collaboration and group dynamics): Results. After 6 months, in the experiment group, the body mass index decreased from 23.45 to 23.29 (p<0.03). In muscular endurance category, 30 second chair rise jumped from 18 to 23.07 (p<0.0001). And 2 min leg lifting increased from 119.48 to 137.75 (p<0.001). In the flexibility category, back scratch test from right hand on top and left hand on top both improved (p<0.026; p<0.46, respectively). Trend analysis indicates that the improvements in 30 second chair rise (p<0.0001) and 2 min leg lifting (p<0.001) is linear. The intensity of social interactions increased noticeably in the experiment group. The SF8 health survey also revealed that experimental group perceived lower level of bodily pain. No significant improvement in the control group in all categories. Conclusion. Playing somatosensory games regularly may help older adults physically and socially.

The shape of disposable diaper affects spontaneous movements of lower limbs in young infants

This study examined the characteristics of young infants’ lower limb spontaneous movements based on differences in shape of diapers. Twenty-seven healthy infants (103 ± 16.3 days old) were enrolled in this study. We measured the spontaneous movements of their lower limbs in four conditions (Naked, wearing Normal type diapers, wearing Type A diapers, and wearing Type B diapers). The Normal diaper has a wider waist belt than the Type A diaper, and the Type B diaper has a narrower crotch area than the Type A diaper. We observed them in seven indices (the velocity of lower limb movements, the trajectory area of knee movement in the sagittal plane and the frontal plane, the distance between both knees and between side of abdomen and knee, and correlation of velocities between side of abdomen and knee and between left and right ankles). The results showed that the velocity of the lower limb movements in the Naked condition was higher than when wearing Normal diapers. The value for the trajectory area of knee movement in sagittal plane, which reflects the range of lower leg lifting movements and closeness of such movements to the trunk, for the Type B diaper condition was higher than that for the Normal diaper condition. This result indicates that the shape of the diaper affects the spontaneous movements of the lower limbs of young infants.

3077Load dependency of left ventricular longitudinal strain by 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography: myth or reality?

Abstract Background 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) derived strain measurements has been proposed as a non-invasive measure of myocardial deformation and function. However, the effects of left ventricular (LV) loading conditions on 2D-STE derived LV longitudinal strain (GLS) have not been totally elucidated and the results of some studies regarding the load dependency of GLS are controversial. Purpose To characterize the effects of acute load change (preload increase) on LV GLS. Methods and results We evaluated the variation of LV GLS by 2D-STE, in response to a preload increasing maneuver (leg lifting maneuver – LLM), in a population of 30 healthy individuals. Clinical, demographic and echocardiographic parameters (including LV longitudinal mechanics obtained with 2D-STE before and after LLM) were described. The population had a mean age of 27±4 years and 73% were women. Increased preload to the heart with LLM was confirmed by an increase in the maximal diameter of the inferior vena cava (16±3.5 vs 22±3.3 mm, p&lt;0.01). No significant changes in left atrial volume, LV ejection volume and LV ejection fraction were observed in response to the LLM. There was a significant variation of global LV GLS (−21.9±2.3 vs −23.2±1.6%, p&lt;0.001, Δ 1.25%, 95% CI 0.5–1.91) – figure. An increase in right ventricular longitudinal function with LLM (TAPSE 22.5±5.4 vs 25.5±0.5 mm, p=0.005, Δ 2.9, 95% CI 0.9–4.8) was also observed. Conclusion To our knowledge this is the first study performed to assess the effect of preload increase in GLS using the LLM in healthy individuals. In this study, the absolute LV GLS value increased significantly in response to preload increase (LLM). The dependence of GLS on preload is in accordance with the Frank-Starling Law, in which an increase in preload in a healthy individual lead to an increase in myocardial contractility. These findings suggest that LV GLS is a sensitive parameter for detecting subtle changes in LV longitudinal function.

Identification of Risk Factors for Injury in Women's Collegiate Gymnastics With the Gymnastics Functional Measurement Tool.

The Gymnastics Functional Measurement Tool (GFMT) is a series of 10 sport-specific tests that evaluates the physical fitness of female gymnasts. The standardized scoring system has been validated in a wide range of competitive levels. To date, there is no screening tool to identify risk factors for injury in female gymnasts. To determine if the total score on the GFMT or the individual test components can identify female collegiate gymnasts who are at risk of developing an injury. Prospective cohort study. Collegiate gymnastics training and competition facilities. One hundred female gymnasts from seven National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division I teams. Gymnasts were tested with the GFMT (vertical jump, hanging leg lifts, agility sprint, 20-meter sprint, pull-ups, push-ups, rope climb, handstand hold, lower extremity flexibility, and shoulder flexibility). Each team's certified athletic trainer recorded injuries over the course of one season. Logistic regression modeling was used to assess the relationship between each individual test and the development of upper extremity, lower extremity, or trunk injuries. Gymnastics-related injuries. A total of 160 injuries from 100 gymnasts were included in the analysis. No tests were significantly associated with developing of upper or lower extremity injuries. A higher score on the vertical jump test was associated with fewer trunk injuries (odds ratio [OR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.91; P = .01). This relationship existed even after adjusting for gymnast characteristics in a multivariable analysis. A one-unit increase in vertical jump score was associated with a 30% decrease in trunk injuries in collegiate-level female gymnasts. Future research to identify risk factors for gymnastics-related injury and methods for prevention are needed. II.

A multicenter randomized controlled trial of a modified Valsalva maneuver for cardioversion of supraventricular tachycardias

Clinical questionValsalva maneuver is a recognized treatment for supraventricular tachycardia, but in clinical setting it has a low chance to achieve successful cardioversion. Studies suggested that the postural modification of valsalva maneuver may improve the rate of cardioversion. We further modified the maneuver and conduct a multicenter randomized controlled trial to test its efficacy. Research in contextAppelboam A, Reuben A, Mann C, et al. Postural modification of the standard Valsalva maneuver for emergency treatment for supraventricular tachycardias (REVERT): a randomized controlled trial. Lancet 2015; 386 (10005):1747–53 [1].Allison Michaud, PhD, Eddy Lang. Leg lift Valsalva maneuver for treatment of supraventricular tachycardias. CJEM 2017; 19(3):235–237 [2]. ObjectiveTo verify the efficacy of the modified Valsalva maneuver in SVT in Chinese population and simplify the operation process further.

Left Atrial Myopathy in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insights from the PROMIS-HFpEF Study

Background Impaired left atrial (LA) function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), defined by worse LA reservoir strain, is linked to adverse clinical outcomes. The characteristics of HFpEF patients who have LA myopathy out of proportion to left ventricular (LV) myopathy remain unclear. Methods In the Prevalence of Microvascular Dysfunction in HFpEF (PROMIS-HFpEF) study (n=241), we defined 3 phenotypes based on degree of LA myopathy (LA reservoir strain) compared with LV myopathy (global longitudinal strain) (Figure 1) and evaluated the associations between LA reservoir strain and 1) stroke volume (SV) response to leg lift and 2) coronary flow reserve (CFR). Results Patients with LA-predominant myopathy (n=42) were older and had a higher rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with balanced LA/LV myopathy (n=151) and LA-preserved myopathy (n=48) (P Conclusion In HFpEF, there is a subgroup of patients with LA myopathy out of proportion to LV myopathy, highlighted by increased age and AF, along with lower SV, reduced SV reserve, and lower CFR. LA-predominant myopathy may serve as a future target for tailored HFpEF therapies.

Characterizing Abdominal Pain in Patients With Gastroparesis Into Neuropathic and Nociceptive Components.

The cause of abdominal pain (AP) in gastroparesis (Gp) is often not known; hence, its treatment can be challenging. Preoccupation with or increased attention (hypervigilance) to pain is associated with perceived pain severity and psychosocial disability. The aims of this study were to (1) characterize AP in Gp patients into neuropathic and nociceptive pain components; (2) assess these patients for hypervigilance to pain. Gp patients with AP as an important symptom, seen from June 2017 to November 2017 were given validated questionnaires to characterize their AP. Carnett's sign (worsened AP/tenderness on head/shoulder lift and/or leg lift) was assessed on examination. Of 32 patients (87% females), 20 had idiopathic Gp, and 9 had diabetic Gp. AP severity using Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms averaged 4.3±0.2 (standard error of mean) for upper AP and 2.3±0.3 for lower AP. AP was typically located in epigastrium (53.1%), and described as sharp (75%). Eleven patients (35.5%) met criteria for neuropathic pain on Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire. Twenty patients (62.5%) had positive Carnett's sign suggesting somatic pain. Fifteen patients (48.4%) were hypervigilant to pain on Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire. Of Gp patients with AP, over one third have a neuropathic component to their pain whereas nearly two thirds have characteristics of somatic pain. Almost half of the Gp patients with AP are hypervigilant to pain. Determining the underlying cause of AP and hypervigilance to pain in Gp patients may assist in devising appropriate treatment strategies.

MOTOR PERFORMANCE OF BRAZILIAN FEMALE ARTISTIC GYMNASTS: INSIGHTS VIA MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS

The aim of this research was to investigate individual and club-level variables that explain individual differences in gymnasts´ motor performance (MP). The sample was comprised of 249 female gymnasts (68 elite; 181 non-elite), aged between 9 and 20 years, split into four age categories: 9-10 years (n=98); 11-12 years (n=72); 13-15 years (n=64), and 16 and above (n=15). Gymnasts were from 26 Brazilian clubs, from six different states. The Talent Opportunity Program physical ability total test score was used to assess gymnasts’ MP, based on a battery of seven tests: handstand hold, cast, rope climb, press handstand, leg flexibility, leg lift, and 20 meter sprint. Anthropometric, body composition, biological maturation, and training history data were also collected, as were club dimensions, infrastructures, competitions, manpower, and availability of selection/talent programs. Data were analyzed using a multilevel modelling approach. Individual gymnast’ characteristics explained 39% of physical ability score variance from which 32% was related to the independent effects of age, competitive level, fat free mass, occurrence of menarche, and trainings hours per week (p&lt;0.05). Club characteristics explained 61% of gymnasts’ total variance in physical ability score; 96% of this amount was related to club dimension, manpower, and talent program. These results reinforce the relevant role of the contextual effects and highlight the need to invest in club infrastructures: ideally in coaches’ expertise and effective selection programs. Such investments should enable the enhancement and development of a gymnast’s careers during their lifetime involvement in training and competition.

Neotropical dancing frog: the rich repertoire of visual displays in a hylodine species

During reproductive season, males usually must defend their territory against competitor males and attract females for reproduction. Acoustic signals evolved as an alternative to physical attacks, thus reducing injuries to both opponents during a territorial dispute, but they are also the primarily trait used by female frogs to select males. However, there is some recent evidence that visual signalling also can be important during social interactions in frogs. Here, for the first time, we describe the sophisticated visual behaviour of Hylodes meridionalis, a diurnal species that is endemic to the southern Atlantic Forest, where it inhabits fast streams. We submitted resident males to mirror self-image presentations to simulate the presence of an intruder male in their territories. Furthermore, we collected observations from close-range interactions between individuals of this very shy species. We observed seven types of visual displays: toe flagging (slow up-and-down movements of one or more toes), arm lifting (rapid up-and-down movements of one arm), leg lifting (rapid up-and-down movements of one leg), arm waving (lifting an arm and waving it in an arc), both legs kicking (rapidly stretching both hind limbs towards the back), foot flagging (slowly raising one hind limb in a semi-arch movement) and throat display (pulsation of one or both paired lateral vocal sacs without sound production). Only the kicking of both legs was displayed exclusively by females; toe flagging and foot flagging were displayed by males only during agonistic interactions. The frequency of visual displays (7 types, 117 events) was much greater than that of acoustic signals (3 types, 66 events). Our data demonstrate that the visual repertoire of the genus Hylodes is richer than previously noted and that visual display behaviour in anurans could be more common than previously believed. Therefore, this characterisation study aids our understanding of the function of the rich repertoire of visual displays in frog species and highlights that ethologists should be directing more of their attention towards this poorly explored anuran behaviour.

Postural cueing increases multifidus activation during stabilization exercise in participants with chronic and recurrent low back pain: An electromyographic study

Persons with low back pain (LBP) have demonstrated altered morphology and function of the deep multifidus (DM). This study examined the effects of postural cueing for increased lumbar lordosis on DM and longissimus thoracis (LT) activation during lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) performed by persons with LBP. Nine adults with a history of chronic or recurrent LBP were recruited. Fine-wire EMG data was collected while participants performed 10 LSE’s in neutral posture and with postural cueing. Percent maximum voluntary isometric contraction of L5 DM and T12 LT, and ratios of activation (DM/LT) were analyzed. There was a significant main effect for posture on DM activation (p < 0.001), indicating greater activation levels during exercises performed with postural cueing vs. neutral posture. LT activation did not increase significantly with postural cueing. Following a significant 1-way repeated measures ANOVA (p = 0.034) for the postural cueing condition, pairwise comparisons demonstrated significantly higher DM/LT activation ratios for prone leg lift, variable-angle Roman chair at 15°, bridging, and bilateral arm and leg lift. These results suggest postural cueing can be used across a range of LSE intensities to increase DM activation without a significant increase in LT activation in patients with chronic or recurrent LBP.

Evaluate the Medial Muscle Strength by Kick Training between the Standing and Sitting Postures

In order to ameliorate the anterior knee pain or peripheral pain around the tibia caused by patellar lateral subluxation, we evaluated the kick training effects of standing or sitting postures in strengthening the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) on the quadriceps femoris muscle. A total of 83 subjects (45 male; 38 female) in both sitting and standing positions performed 10° to 90° leg lift and kick training. Among the male group, the effect of the sitting posture was better than that of the standing posture, 74.31% of the former achieved the training goal. In the female group, the effect of a standing posture was better than that of a sitting posture, for which only 37.71% of the latter achieved the training purpose. However, a ratio of 84.34% in the female group showed that the strength of VMO on the quadriceps femoris muscle generated by leg kicking was greater than the strength generated by walking. While it was impossible to immediately achieve a greater effect of VMO on the quadriceps femoris muscle than vastus lateralis on the quadriceps femoris muscle, leg kicking did achieve the objective of enhancing the strength of VMO on the quadriceps femoris muscle.

Dynamic analysis on the functional relationship of pressure, displacement and angle for the top part of men's socks using FEM

The inward displacement perpendicular to the body surface produced by external pressure is an important index to evaluate the pressure comfort and optimal design of apparel products. In this paper, we studied on the functional relationship of pressure, displacement and angle when the body was in dynamic state after dressing. The dynamic pressure was divided into two parts: pressure with time (instantaneous, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 h) and pressure with movement (walking which described as upright position, leg lift 10°, leg lift 30° and foot backward off the ground). The displacement of each point on the lower leg cross section in four stages of walking process and six periods of time were simulated by ANSYS finite element software. After fitting, the functional curves between pressure/displacement ratio and the angle were obtained. By comparing, we found out that all the curves were presented nearly complete uniform curving form no matter what state of the human body was in. That is, when the human body was under clothing pressure, the corresponding displacement value on the body surface can be calculated on the premise of the known pressure value at any point of lower leg cross section during the wearing process by functional equation. All these solutions supplied a theoretical reference for optimal design of the top part of men’s socks.