Magnitude Of Ground Reaction Force Research Articles

The effect of foot setting on kinematic and kinetic skiing parameters during giant slalom: A single subject study on a Paralympic gold medalist sit skier

ObjectivesAim was to study the effect of monoski foot adjustment on kinematic and kinetic skiing parameters expressing sit skier’s technique. DesignIndependent variable was skier position with respect to bindings, acting on position of monoski foot sole clamp. Front (F), Mid (M) and Rear (R) settings changed with intervals of 20mm. Course time, skiing speed, Ground Reaction Forces (GRFs) magnitude and point of application and damper stroke were dependent variables. MethodA Paralympic monoski was equipped with a dynamometric binding plate measuring GRFs, roll and pitch moments. A Paralympic gold medalist (LW10-1) was involved. Skier trajectory and gates location were measured by a differential global navigation satellite system (GNSS) in steep and medium steep slope portions. The athlete performed two giant slalom runs for each foot setting the same day. ResultsGRFs, center of pressure (COP) and variations with foot settings were measured. Peaks values up to 3.36 times the total weight and damper speed of 675mm/s in compression were found. Fastest runs, highest peak loads and best subjective ratings were recorded with F setting. COP mean values were influenced by foot adjustments. GRFs in left turns were 54% larger than in the right turns with F setting on steep slope. ConclusionsThe monoski foot adjustment influenced kinematic and kinetic skiing, with F setting showing best results. A skier asymmetric behavior between right and left turning was discovered. Findings can support the design of monoskis for a wider dissemination of Paralympic alpine sit skiing.

Comparison of Foot Kinematics and Foot Plantar Area and Pressure Among Five Different Closed Kinematic Tasks.

Different closed kinematic tasks may present different magnitudes of knee abduction, foot pronation, and foot plantar pressure and area. Although there are plenty of studies comparing knee abduction between different tasks, the literature lacks information regarding differences in foot pronation and foot plantar pressure and area. We compared foot angular displacement in the frontal plane and foot plantar pressure and area among five closed kinematic tasks. Forefoot and rearfoot angular displacement and foot plantar pressure and area were collected in 30 participants while they performed the following tasks: stair descent, single-leg step down, single-leg squat, single-leg landing, and drop vertical jump. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to investigate differences between tasks with α = 0.05. Single-leg squat and stair descent had increased foot total plantar area compared with single-leg landing (P = .005 versus .027; effect size [ES] = 0.66), drop vertical jump (P = .001 versus P = .001; ES = 0.38), and single-leg step down (P = .01 versus P = .007; ES = 0.43). Single-leg landing and single-leg step down had greater foot total plantar area compared with drop vertical jump (P = .026 versus P = .014; ES = 0.54). There were differences also in rearfoot and midfoot plantar area and pressure and forefoot plantar pressure. Differences in foot-striking pattern, magnitude of ground reaction force, and task speed might explain these findings. Clinicians should consider these findings to improve decisions about tasks used during rehabilitation of patients with foot conditions.

Reaction Force Magnitude and Orientation During Supine Thoracic Spine Thrust Manipulation: An Exploratory Analysis and Reliability of Preload and Impulse Phase

ObjectiveThe main purpose of this study was to explore specific kinetic parameters during supine thoracic thrust manipulation and to analyze task reliability and differences between various practitioners MethodsKinetic parameters were assessed by examining ground reaction force magnitude and orientation (on the basis of the zenithal angle) using force platforms. The manipulative procedure (consisting of the application of 3 preloads followed by 1 single thrust adjustment) was performed by different practitioners at 3 sessions. Application of thrust was allowed for trained practitioners only. Preload force, peak force, and vector force orientation were compared between sessions and practitioners. ResultsReliability analysis showed that practitioners achieved similar preload and peak force independent of the session, with comparable force orientation data. Differences between practitioners were observed for preload and peak force but not regarding the zenithal angle during the thrust phase. ConclusionThis study is the first that explores kinetic parameters for supine thoracic thrust manipulation. Task repeatability was confirmed and several differences were observed between practitioners. Certainly, there is a need for further investigation examining both dynamic parameters (ie, velocity and accelerations) and the potential neurologic effect of such manipulative technique.

Directions of single-leg landing affect multi-segment foot kinematics and dynamic postural stability in male collegiate soccer athletes

BackgroundUnderstanding lower limb kinematics and postural control in different directions of single-leg landings is critical to evaluate postural control and prevent lower limb injuries. However, foot and ankle kinematics and postural control during single-leg landings in different directions are less known. Research questionDoes the difference in the direction of single-leg landing affect the foot kinematics on the frontal plane and dynamic postural stability? MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. Forty-nine male collegiate soccer players performed single-leg forward (FL), 45° lateral (LL), and medial (ML) direction landings. The lower limb, foot (rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot), and ankle kinematics during an impact phase were evaluated, and a curve analysis was performed using a statistical parametric mapping method to compare the three landings. The three landings were compared in terms of postural control parameters, including time to stabilization (TTS), peak of ground reaction forces (GRFs), root-mean-square of the mediolateral GRFs for 0–0.4 s (GRFML0.4), loading rate, and magnitude of horizontal GRFs from 0–0.4 s (HGRF-0.4), 0.4–2.4 s (HGRF-2.4), and 3.0–5.0 s. ResultsAnkle and rearfoot kinematics in LL exhibited smaller eversion and pronation positions than FL and ML (p < 0.01). The TTS-mediolateral (TTS-ML) was longer in the LL than in FL and ML (p < 0.001). The GRFML0.4, HGRF-0.4, and -2.4 in the LL and ML were greater than those in the FL (p < 0.001). SignificanceDirections of single-leg landing affect foot and ankle kinematics and postural stability. Specifically, the LL exhibits more inverted ankle and supinated rearfoot positions, and longer TTS-ML. Thus, the LL may induce stretching of the lateral ankle ligament. These findings can help understand foot kinematics and assess dynamic postural control.

Effects of Basketball Shoe Midsole Hardness on Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Perception during Drop Jumping from Different Heights

This study investigated how midsole hardness of basketball footwear affects lower extremity biomechanics and impacts perception in drop vertical jumps. Eighteen male basketball players performed drop vertical jumps from three heights (31 cm, 46 cm, 61 cm) in basketball shoes of different midsole hardness (50, 60 Asker C). Biomechanical variables of the lower extremity and subjective perception were measured. This study found a significant drop height effect on the lower extremity biomechanics (p &lt; 0.05), with greater ground reaction forces, joint kinetics, and prelanding muscle activation levels observed at higher drop heights. Basketball shoes with a softer midsole led to higher forefoot peak force (p = 0.028) amid lower rearfoot peak force (p = 0.046), lower peak flexion moments at the ankle (p = 0.024) and hip joints (p = 0.029), and greater prelanding muscle activation in the rectus femoris (p = 0.042) and tibialis anterior (p = 0.043). It is concluded that changing midsole hardness within a commercially relevant range triggered a different prelanding muscle activation strategy and hence altered the magnitudes of ground reaction forces and joint loadings during landing. Subjectively, participants perceived higher landing impacts with greater drop heights, though the strength of the associations were weak.

Low-Pass Filter Effects on Metrics of Countermovement Vertical Jump Performance.

Harry, JR, Blinch, J, Barker, LA, Krzyszkowski, J, and Chowning, L. Low-pass filter effects on metrics of countermovement vertical jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1459-1467, 2022-Countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) studies using ground reaction force (GRF) data analyze either unfiltered (i.e., raw) or filtered data while providing little-to-no justification for the selected filtering process. Inappropriate filter choices can lead to inaccurate study results and erroneous interpretations. We examined the effects of not filtering GRF data in comparison with filtering data with various objectively and subjectively selected cutoff frequencies. Twenty-one collegiate male basketball players completed 3 maximal-effort CMVJ trials while GRF data were obtained from 2 force platforms. Countermovement vertical jump performance, explosiveness, power output, and neuromuscular function variables were compared among the following methods using one-way repeated-measures analyses of variance (α = 0.05): no filtering (raw data), a standard 50-Hz cutoff (50 Hz), a visually determined cutoff frequency describing the frequency band containing the majority of the summed (visual inspection 1) or not-summed (visual inspection 2) GRF signal's frequency content, filtering the summed (99% signal power 1) or not-summed (99% signal power 2) GRF using a cutoff frequency retaining 99% of the signal power. The raw data method produced significantly shorter concentric phase times and significantly greater center of mass flight heights (∼3%), modified reactive strength indices (RSIMOD; ∼4%), power outputs (∼6%), and push-off distances (∼4%) than 99% signal power 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). Discrete GRF and phase-specific yank magnitudes were not different among methods (p ≥ 0.05). Importantly, no differences were detected between the raw data and 50 Hz methods for any variable (p > 0.05). Low-pass filtering is not necessary when analyzing GRF data from the CMVJ. However, a low-pass filter with a 50-Hz cutoff can remove noise without altering results when compared with raw data. Explicit methodological descriptions of filtering processes should always be provided to improve the integrity of future CMVJ analyses, comparisons among various studies' results, or both.

A neural network method to predict task- and step-specific ground reaction force magnitudes from trunk accelerations during running activities

Prediction of ground reaction force (GRF) magnitudes during running-based sports has several important applications, including optimal load prescription and injury prevention in athletes. Existing methods typically require information from multiple body-worn sensors, limiting their ecological validity, or aim to estimate discrete force parameters, limiting their ability to assess overall biomechanical load. This paper presents a neural network method to predict GRF time series from a single, commonly used, trunk-mounted accelerometer. The presented method uses a principal component analysis and multilayer perceptron (MLP) to obtain predictions. Time-series r2 coefficients with test data averaged around 0.9 for each impact, comparing favourably with alternative approaches which require additional sensors. For the impact peak, r2 was 0.74 across activities, comparing favourably with correlation analysis approaches. Several modifications, such as subject-specific training of the MLP, may help to improve results further, but the presented method can accurately predict GRF from trunk accelerometry data without requiring additional information. Results demonstrate the scope of machine learning to exploit common wearable technologies to estimate GRF in sport-specific environments.

Bilateral multidirectional jumps with reactive jump-landings achieve osteogenic thresholds with and without instruction in premenopausal women

BackgroundCurrently jump-landing ground reaction forces have only been quantified in the vertical direction as a stimulus for bone development. This study quantified the full-spectrum of jump-landing force magnitudes (body weight's) and rates of strain (body weights per second) of bilateral multidirectional jumps (star jump and stride jump) with reactive jump-landings (i.e. jumping immediately after initial jump-landing) among premenopausal women. It was also of interest to quantify the influence of instruction on the magnitude and rate of the jump-landing ground reaction forces. MethodsTwenty-one women [Mean (SD): 43.3(5.9)yr; 69.4(9.6)kg; 167(5.5)cm; 27.5(8.7)% body fat] performed a jump testing session ‘with instruction’ followed by a jump testing session performed one week later with ‘instruction withdrawn’. FindingsThe resultant magnitudes (3.90 to 5.38, body weights) and rates of strain (192 to 329, body weights per second) for the jump-landings, performed on a force plate, exceeded previously determined osteogenic thresholds (>3body weight's and >43body weights per second, respectively). An instruction effect was observed for resultant (↑8% and ↑12%; P ≤ .01) and vertical (↑8% and ↑7%; P ≤ .01) ground reaction force's (Newtons and body weight, respectively) indicating learning/practice effects for these exercises. A jump-landing effect was observed, with larger peak rates of strain (↑29%; P < .0001, body weight per second) and peak forces (↑12% to ↑48%; P ≤ .01, body weights) for the second jump-landing (post-reactive jump). InterpretationThese multidirectional bilateral jumps represent a unique training stimulus for premenopausal women and achieve osteogenic thresholds thought pre-requisite for bone growth and could be utilized in the development of osteogenic exercise programs.

Improving Mechanical Effectiveness During Sprint Acceleration: Practical Recommendations and Guidelines

ABSTRACT Sport scientists and strength and conditioning coaches are showing growing interest in the magnitude, orientation, and application of ground reaction force during acceleration actions in sport, as it can identify the key mechanical determinants of performance. Horizontal force-velocity profiling or sprint profiling helps practitioners understand the capacity of the mechanical force production during the acceleration phase of a sprint. This review examines the methods used in the field for determining horizontal force-velocity (sprint) profiles. It also includes recommendations for practical training methods to address individual force-velocity characteristics, mechanical effectiveness, thereby optimizing acceleration performance.

COMPARISON OF ANKLE JOINT LOAD IN DIFFERENT FOOT STRIKE STRATEGIES DURING STAIR ASCENT

The purpose of this study was to find a foot strike strategy that can reduce the ankle joint load during stair ascent by comparing the ankle joint load in two strategies of initial contact during stair ascent. Twenty young subjects performed ascending stairs with two strategies, i.e., rearfoot strike (RFS) and forefoot strike (FFS). Kinematic data was measured from 12 cameras and the ground reaction force was measured by a force plate inserted in the second step of four-step stairs. Stance phase was divided into three phase, i.e., weight acceptance, pull up, and forward continuance. Four ankle related kinetic variables were derived from the measured data, i.e., joint reaction force, moment, and the magnitude and moment arm of ground reaction force. Root-mean-square (RMS) was used as the representative value of the variables during each phase was compared between strategies. In the weight acceptance phase, FFS resulted in greater values of all four kinetic variables than RFS. For the pull-up and forward continuance phases, joint reaction force and ground reaction force were not different between strategies but joint moment and moment arm was greater for FFS than RFS. In weight acceptance phase, greater ground reaction forces and longer moment arm of FFS may have resulted from faster weight transfer to the ipsilateral foot and the more anterior location of center of pressure, respectively. Both have contributed greater joint moment of FFS. In pull-up and forward continuance phases, greater ankle moment of FFS was affected mainly by longer moment arms, which may reflect the persistent farther location of center of pressure from the ankle joint. The results suggest that RFS would be more advantageous than FFS in terms of ankle joint load.

Somatosensory Function Influences Aberrant Gait Biomechanics Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Osteoarthritis is common following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ALCR), and aberrant gait biomechanics are considered a primary contributor. Somatosensory dysfunction potentially alters gait biomechanics, but this association is unclear. Therefore, the purposes of this investigation were to compare somatosensory function between limbs and evaluate associations between somatosensory function and gait biomechanics linked to osteoarthritis development in individuals with ALCR. Seventy-three volunteers with ALCR participated. Gait biomechanics (peak vertical ground reaction force magnitude and loading rate, peak internal knee extension and valgus moments, peak knee flexion and varus angles, and quadriceps/hamstrings co-activation) were assessed as subjects walked at their preferred speed. The somatosensory function was assessed via joint position sense error (knee flexion) and vibratory perception threshold (femoral epicondyles, malleoli, and first metatarsal). Though somatosensory function did not differ between the ACLR and contralateral limbs, poorer joint position sense in the ACLR limb was associated with lower loading rates and internal knee extension moments, and greater co-activation. Poorer vibratory perception at the medial and lateral malleoli and first metatarsal head in the ACLR limb was associated with lower loading rates, greater internal knee valgus moments and varus angles, and greater co-activation. Poorer vibratory perception at the medial malleolus and first metatarsal head in the contralateral limb was associated with greater peak knee varus angles and internal knee valgus moments. These results suggest that future research evaluating rehabilitation approaches for improving somatosensory function is warranted as a potential approach for restoring normal gait biomechanics and reducing osteoarthritis risk. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:620-628, 2020.

Impaired H-Reflex Adaptations Following Slope Walking in Individuals With Post-stroke Hemiparesis.

Background and Purpose Short term adaptations in the Ia afferent-motoneuron pathway, as measured using the H-reflex, in response to altered ground reaction forces (GRFs) applied at the feet during slope walking have been observed in the non-impaired nervous system. The ability of the stroke-impaired nervous system to adapt to altered GRFs have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of altered propulsive and braking forces applied at the feet, which naturally occurs when walking on different slopes, on adaptations of the H-reflex pathway in individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis.MethodsTwelve individuals chronically post-stroke and 10 age-similar non-neurologically impaired controls walked on an instrumented treadmill for 20 min under level, upslope and downslope conditions. GRFs were measured during walking and soleus H-reflexes were recorded prior to and immediately after walking. A 3 (limbs: paretic, non-paretic, and non-impaired) × 3 (slope: level, upslope, downslope) mixed factorial ANOVA was conducted on the propulsive and braking forces. A 2 (limb: paretic and non-impaired) × 2 (time: pre and post) × 3 (slope: level, upslope, and downslope) mixed factorial ANOVA was conducted to assess the soleus H-reflex amplitudes.ResultsIn both post-stroke and non-impaired groups, during downslope walking, peak propulsive forces decreased, while peak braking forces increased. In contrast, during upslope walking, peak propulsive forces increased and peak braking forces decreased. We observed reduced soleus H-reflex amplitudes immediately following 20 min of level, downslope and upslope walking in non-impaired individuals but not in the paretic legs of individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis.Discussion and ConclusionSimilar pattern of change in peak propulsive and braking forces with respect to different slopes was observed in both individuals post-stroke and non-impaired individuals, but the magnitude of GRFs were smaller in individuals post-stroke due to the slower walking speed. Our results suggested that impaired modulation of the H-reflex pathway potentially underlies the lack of neuroadaptations in individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis.

The assessment of single-leg drop jump landing performance by means of ground reaction forces: A methodological study

BackgroundTime to stabilization (TTS) and dynamic postural stability index (DPSI) are outcome measures based on ground reaction force (GRF) that are often used to quantify dynamic postural stability performance following a drop jump landing. However, their interrelations, as well as the overlap with other dynamic measures and static single-leg postural sway, are unknown. Research questionWhat is the relation among TTS and DPSI, how are they related to impact forces and dynamic postural sway, and how are all these dynamic measures related to static postural sway? MethodsA sample of 190 elite soccer players performed four single-leg drop jump landings. TTS in three directions (vertical, anteroposterior, and mediolateral), and DPSI were intercorrelated (Pearson’s r), and related to impact forces and the magnitude of horizontal GRF (HGRF) from 0.4 to 2.4 s and 3.0–5.0 s following landing. All these measures were also correlated to HGRF in the static phase (i.e., 5.3–11.7 s). ResultsThe TTS measures were significantly interrelated (r = 0.28-0.53), but were not significantly correlated to DPSI. TTS was more strongly related to HGRF0.4–2.4 s (r = 0.54-0.75) than to HGRF3.0–5.0 s (r = 0.32-0.54) or impact forces (r=-0.28-0.36). Vertical TTS was not significantly related to impact forces. The DPSI was most strongly related to the vertical peak force (r = 0.85), and was not significantly related to HGRF of the dynamic periods. Furthermore, TTS and dynamic HGRF were significantly related to static HGRF (r = 0.34-0.80), while DPSI and impact forces were not. SignificanceTTS and DPSI do not represent similar aspects of single-leg jump landing performance. The ability to stabilize posture seems to be represented by TTS and dynamic postural sway, which partly overlaps with static postural sway. In contrast, DPSI and vertical peak force mainly reflect the kinetic energy absorption during impact. The findings can help to better understand the meaning of the outcome measures, and to translate results to rehabilitation or prevention programs.

The influence of increased passive stiffness of the trunk and hips on balance control during reactive stepping

BackgroundAge-related changes, which include increased trunk and hip stiffness, negatively influence postural balance. While previous studies suggest no net-effect of trunk and hip stiffness on initial trip-recovery responses, no study to date has examined potential effects during the dynamic restabilisation phase following foot contact. Research questionDoes increased trunk and hip stiffness, in isolation from other ageing effects, negatively influence balance during the restabilisation phase of reactive stepping. MethodsBalance perturbations were applied using a tether-release paradigm, which required participants to react with a single-forward step. Sixteen young adults completed two blocks of testing: a baseline and an increased stiffness (corset) condition. Whole-body kinematics were utilized to estimate spatial step parameters, center of mass (COM), COM incongruity (peak - final position) and time to restabilisation, in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions. ResultsIn the corset condition, peak COM displacement was increased in both directions (p < 0.024), which drove reductions in minimum margins of stability (p < 0.032) as step width and length were unchanged (p > 0.233). Increased passive stiffness also increased the magnitude and variability of peak shear ground reaction force, COM incongruity, and time to restabilisation in the ML (but not AP) direction (p < 0.027). SignificanceIn contrast to previous literature, increased stiffness resulted in greater peak COM displacement in both directions. Our results suggest increased trunk and hip stiffness have detrimental effects on dynamic stability following a reactive step, particularly in the ML direction. Observed increases in magnitude and variability of COM incongruity suggest the likelihood of a sufficiently large loss of ML stability - requiring additional steps - was increased by stiffening of the hips and trunk. The current findings suggest interventions aiming to mobilize the trunk and hips, in conjunction with strengthening, could improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.

Co-activation during gait following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BackgroundHeightened co-activation of the quadriceps and hamstrings has been reported following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during various tasks, and may contribute to post-traumatic osteoarthritis risk. However, it is unclear if this phenomenon occurs during walking or how co-activation influences gait biomechanics linked to changes in joint health. MethodsCo-activation and gait biomechanics were assessed in 50 individuals with ACLR and 25 healthy controls. Biomechanical outcomes included knee flexion displacement, peak vertical ground reaction force magnitude and rate, peak internal knee extension and valgus moments and rates, sagittal knee stiffness, and the heelstrike transient. Co-activation was calculated for the flexors and extensors collectively (i.e. composite), the medial musculature, and the lateral musculature. FindingsComposite co-activation was greater in the ACLR limb compared to the contralateral limb and the control cohort during the preparatory and heelstrike phases of gait, and co-activation of the medial musculature was greater in the ACLR limb compared to the control cohort during the heelstrike phase. Greater co-activation in multiple gait phases was associated with less knee flexion displacement (r = −0.293 to −0.377), smaller peak vertical ground reaction force magnitude (r = −0.291), smaller peak internal knee extension moment (r = −0.291 to −0.328), and greater peak internal knee valgus moment (r = 0.317). InterpretationIndividuals with ACLR displayed heightened co-activation during walking which was associated with biomechanical outcomes that have been linked to negative changes in joint health following ACLR. These data suggest that excessive co-activation may contribute to the mechanical pathogenesis of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02605876.

Effect of Shoe and Surface Stiffness on Lower Limb Tendon Strain in Jumping.

Tendinopathies are painful overuse injuries observed in athletes participating in jumping sports. These injuries are heavily dependent on the resulting strain from the applied mechanical load. Therefore, mechanisms to reduce tendon strain may represent a primary prevention strategy to reduce the incidence of tendinopathy. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of shoe and surface stiffness on Achilles and patellar tendon strains during jumping. We hypothesized that less stiff shoes and surfaces would reduce Achilles and patellar tendon strains during jumping. Thirty healthy male basketball players performed countermovement jumps in three shoes and on three surfaces with different stiffness properties while motion capture, force platform, and jump height data were collected. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to obtain participant-specific tendon morphology, and a combined dynamometry/ultrasound/electromyography session was used to obtain tendon material properties. Finally, a musculoskeletal model was used to estimate tendon strains in each surface and shoe combination. Achilles tendon strains during landing were reduced by 5.3% in the least stiff shoe compared with the stiffest shoe (P = 0.021) likely due to in bending stiffness altering the center of pressure location. Furthermore, Achilles tendon strains during landing were 5.7% and 8.1% lower on the stiffest surface compared with the least stiff and middle stiffness surfaces, respectively (P ≤ 0.047), because of changes in ground reaction force magnitude and center of pressure location. No effects of shoe stiffness or surface construction were observed for jump height (P > 0.243) or peak patellar tendon strains (P > 0.259). Changes to shoe stiffness and surface construction can alter Achilles tendon strains without affecting jump performance in athletes.

An Ankle-Foot Prosthesis Emulator Capable of Modulating Center of Pressure.

Several powered ankle-foot prostheses have demonstrated moderate reductions in energy expenditure by restoring pushoff work in late stance or by assisting with balance. However, it is possible that center of pressure trajectory modulation could provide even further improvements in user performance. Here, we describe the design of a prosthesis emulator with two torque-controlled forefoot digits and a torque-controlled heel digit. Independent actuation of these three digits can modulate the origin and magnitude of the total ground reaction force vector. The emulator was designed to be compact and lightweight while exceeding the range of motion and torque requirements of the biological ankle during walking. We ran a series of tests to determine torque-measurement accuracy, closed-loop torque control bandwidth, torque-tracking error, and center of pressure control accuracy. Each of the three digits demonstrated less than 2 Nm of RMS torque measurement error, a 90% rise time of 19 ms, and a bandwidth of 33 Hz. The untethered end-effector has a mass of 1.2 kg. During walking trials, the emulator demonstrated less than 2 Nm of RMS torque-tracking error and was able to maintain full digit ground contact for 56% of stance. In fixed, standing, and walking conditions, the emulator was able to control center of pressure along a prescribed pattern with RMS errors of about 10% the length of the pattern. The proposed emulator system meets all design criteria and can effectively modulate center of pressure and ground reaction force magnitude. This emulator system will enable rapid development of controllers designed to enhance user balance and reduce user energy expenditure. Experiments conducted using this emulator could identify beneficial control behaviors that can be implemented on autonomous devices, thus improving mobility and quality of life of individuals with amputation.

Differences and mechanisms underpinning a change in the knee flexion moment while running in stability and neutral footwear among young females

BackgroundHigher peak external knee flexion moments (KFM) during running has been observed in healthy people wearing athletic footwear compared to barefoot, which may increase risk of knee pathologies such as patellofemoral pain. Currently, no studies have examined whether stability and neutral style athletic shoes influence the peak KFM differently, or explored the underlying biomechanical mechanisms by which footwear alters peak KFM in young females.MethodsLower limb biomechanics of sixty girls aged between 10 and 25 years old were collected while running in footwear (both stability and neutral) and barefoot. The external peak KFM, sagittal plane kinematics, sagittal plane knee ground reaction force (GRF) lever arm and sagittal plane resultant GRF magnitude were analysed by repeated measures Analysis of Variance. Linear mixed models were fit to identify predictors of a change in peak KFM, and to determine if the effects of these predictors differed between footwear conditions.ResultsThe peak KFM was higher wearing both shoe styles compared to barefoot (p < 0.001), while no between-shoe differences were found (p > 0.05). Both shoes also increased kinematic variables at the hip, knee, and ankle (p < 0.05). When all these variables were entered into the mixed model, only a change in the knee-GRF lever arm was predictive of a change in peak KFM wearing shoes compared to barefoot (p < 0.001).ConclusionThese findings provide evidence that stability and neutral shoes increase peak KFM compared to barefoot, which is associated with a change in the knee-GRF lever arm rather than a change in lower limb kinematics. Future studies may consider manipulating footwear characteristics to reduce the knee-GRF lever arm in an effort to reduce peak KFM and the potential risk of patellofemoral pain.

Force measurements during running on different instrumented treadmills

One method to determine the forces produced during running is to conduct extensive kinematic and kinetic analysis. These analyses can be performed by having an individual perform repeated over-ground running trials or simply run continuously on an instrumented treadmill. The forces produced during over-ground running may not be the same as the forces during treadmill running and these differences could be attributed to a number of factors, including the design of the instrumented treadmill. The purpose of this paper was to determine whether there are differences in force measurements on different instrumented treadmill setups in comparison to over-ground running and to correct for any of these differences using a theoretical model. 11 participants ran on three different treadmills and performed over-ground running at 2.7, 3.6, and 4.5 m/s. Ground reaction forces were measured via force plates and an instrumented pressure insole. We found that the magnitude of the vertical ground reaction force differed between the three treadmills and over-ground running. The difference in ground reaction forces estimated by the pressure insole and the treadmill-force-plate system or instrumented treadmill can be explained by a three degree of freedom mechanical model of a person running on a treadmill and this model could potentially be used to correct for errors in force measurement from instrumented treadmills. The model included a force plate, a treadmill, and a wobbling mass with varying natural frequencies and damping characteristics, and constant masses. These findings provide researchers a method to correct forces from an instrumented treadmill set-up to determine a close approximation of the actual forces experienced by a participant during treadmill running.

Understanding the track and field sprint start through a functional analysis of the external force features which contribute to higher levels of block phase performance

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to identify the continuous ground reaction force (GRF) features which contribute to higher levels of block phase performance. Twenty-three sprint-trained athletes completed starts from their preferred settings during which GRFs were recorded separately under each block. Continuous features of the magnitude and direction of the resultant GRF signals which explained 90% of the variation between the sprinters were identified. Each sprinter’s coefficient score for these continuous features was then input to a linear regression model to predict block phase performance (normalised external power). Four significant (p < 0.05) predictor features associated with GRF magnitude were identified; there were none associated with GRF direction. A feature associated with greater rear block GRF magnitudes from the onset of the push was the most important predictor (β = 1.185), followed by greater front block GRF magnitudes for the final three-quarters of the push (β = 0.791). Features which included a later rear block exit (β = 0.254) and greater front leg GRF magnitudes during the mid-push phase (β = 0.224) were also significant predictors. Sprint practitioners are encouraged, where possible, to consider the continuous magnitude of the GRFs produced throughout the block phase in addition to selected discrete values.