Peak Joint Moments Research Articles

Letter to the editor regarding “Effect of low pass filtering on joint moments from inverse dynamics: implications for injury prevention”

Letter to the editor regarding “Effect of low pass filtering on joint moments from inverse dynamics: implications for injury prevention”

Strength and Aerobic Requirements During Stair Ambulation in Persons With Chronic Stroke and Healthy Adults

Novak AC, Brouwer B. Strength and aerobic requirements during stair ambulation in persons with chronic stroke and healthy adults. ObjectiveTo estimate the cost of stair ascent and descent in relation to a measured standard of strength and metabolic (aerobic) capacities in persons with chronic stroke compared with healthy adults. DesignDescriptive cross-sectional study. SettingMotion analysis laboratory. ParticipantsPersons with stroke (n=10) and sex- and age-matched older adults (n=10). InterventionNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresLower limb peak joint moments generated during stair walking, expressed as a percentage of the respective isokinetic peak torque, provided an estimate of the relative strength cost. The oxygen consumed during stair walking as a percentage of the maximum oxygen consumption estimated from a submaximal cycle ergometer test reflected the relative aerobic cost of stair ambulation. ResultsDuring ascent, plantarflexor strength cost was highest on the affected side (stroke) compared with the less affected side and control subjects. The costs associated with the knee extensors were highest in stroke (both sides) for both ascent and descent, and similarly the costs were highest for the less affected and affected plantarflexors during descent. No differences were detected between the affected and less affected sides. The oxygen consumed when ambulating 1 flight of stairs was comparable between groups, but the relative aerobic cost of stair ascent and descent was higher in stroke survivors because of their lower aerobic capacity. ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the relative costs of stair ambulation in people with stroke and healthy controls. The higher strength and aerobic costs associated with stair negotiation in stroke resulting primarily from reduced strength and aerobic capacities, respectively, may limit mobility.

Frontal joint dynamics when initiating stair ascent from a walk versus a stand

Ascending stairs is a challenging activity of daily living for many populations. Frontal plane joint dynamics are critical to understand the mechanisms involved in stair ascension as they contribute to both propulsion and medio-lateral stability. However, previous research is limited to understanding these dynamics while initiating stair ascent from a stand. We investigated if initiating stair ascent from a walk with a comfortable self-selected speed could affect the frontal plane lower-extremity joint moments and powers as compared to initiating stair ascent from a stand and if this difference would exist at consecutive ipsilateral steps on the stairs. Kinematics data using a 3-D motion capture system and kinetics data using two force platforms on the first and third stair treads were recorded simultaneously as ten healthy young adults ascended a custom-built staircase. Data were collected from two starting conditions of stair ascent, from a walk (speed: 1.42±0.21m/s) and from a stand. Results showed that subjects generated greater peak knee abductor moment and greater peak hip abductor moment when initiating stair ascent from a walk. Greater peak joint moments and powers at all joints were also seen while ascending the second ipsilateral step. Particularly, greater peak hip abductor moment was needed to avoid contact of the contralateral limb with the intermediate step by counteracting the pelvic drop on the contralateral side. This could be important for therapists using stair climbing as a testing/training tool to evaluate hip strength in individuals with documented frontal plane abnormalities (i.e. knee and hip osteoarthritis, ACL injury).

Heel height affects lower extremity frontal plane joint moments during walking

Wearing high heels alters walking kinematics and kinetics and can create potentially adverse effects on the body. Our purpose was to determine how heel height affects frontal plane joint moments at the hip, knee, and ankle, with a specific focus on the knee moment due to its importance in joint loading and knee osteoarthritis. 15 women completed overground walking using three different heel heights (1, 5, and 9cm) for fixed speed (1.3ms−1) and preferred speed conditions while kinematic and force platform data were collected concurrently. For both fixed and preferred speeds, peak internal knee abduction moment increased systematically as heel height increased (fixed: 0.46, 0.48, 0.55Nmkg−1; preferred: 0.47, 0.49, 0.53Nmkg−1). Heel height effects on net frontal plane moments of the hip and ankle were similar to those for the knee; peak joint moments increased as heel height increased. The higher peak internal knee abduction moment with increasing heel height suggests greater medial loading at the knee. Kinetic changes at the ankle with increasing heel height may also contribute to larger medial loads at the knee. Overall, wearing high heels, particularly those with higher heel heights, may put individuals at greater risk for joint degeneration and developing medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.

Methodological considerations of task and shoe wear on joint energetics during landing

To better understand methodological factors that alter landings strategies, we compared sagittal plane joint energetics during the initial landing phase of drop jumps (DJ) vs. drop landings (DL), and when shod vs. barefoot. Surface electromyography, kinematic and kinetic data were obtained on 10 males and 10 females during five consecutive drop landings and five consecutive drop jumps (0.45 m) when shod and when barefoot. Energy absorption was greater in the DJ vs. DL ( P = .002), due to increased energy absorption at the hip during the DJ. Joint stiffness/impedance was more affected by shoe condition, where overall stiffness/impedance was greater in shod compared to barefoot conditions ( P = .036). Further, hip impedance was greater in shod vs. barefoot for the DL only (via increased peak hip extensor moment in DL), while ankle stiffness was greater in the barefoot vs. shod condition for the DJ only (via decreased joint excursion and increased peak joint moment in DJ vs. DL) ( P = .011). DJ and DL place different neuromechanical demands upon the lower extremities, and shoe wear may alter impact forces that modulate stiffness/impedance strategies. The impact of these methodological differences should be considered when comparing landing biomechanics across studies.

The Influence Of Different Marker Sets On Lower Extremity Dynamics During Walking

PURPOSE: Two different marker cluster sets (heel plate, HP and dorsal plate, DP) have traditionally been used to track the foot during inverse dynamic calculations of the lower extremity, however, comparisons between these two methods have not been reported. This study examines the differences in sagittal and frontal plane lower extremity dynamics during the stance phase of gait when tracking the foot with HP and DP triads. METHODS: Eight subjects (5 males, 3 females) performed 3-5 trials of barefoot gait at their self-selected speed with DP and HP triads affixed to their dominant foot. The HP spanned the proximal, distal, and lateral calcaneus. The DP spanned the proximal and distal cuboid to the medial cuneiform. Mean peak joint angles and moments were compared using Paired-t tests. Coefficient of Multiple Correlation was used to analyze joint dynamics throughout the stance phase. RESULTS: Sagittal plane ankle kinematics (R=.846), as well as ankle (R=.868), knee (R=.811) and hip (R=.807) moments were strongly correlated between the two conditions throughout stance. There was a significant increase in peak plantar flexion (p<.01), knee flexion (p<.01) and hip flexion (p<.05) moments with the DP. Frontal plane ankle kinematics (R=.577), and ankle (R=.400), knee (R=.442) and hip (R=.582) moments were moderately correlated throughout stance. There was a significant increase in peak ankle eversion (p<.01), knee abduction (p<.01) and hip abduction (p <.01) moments with the DP. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a DP increases peak ankle plantar flexion and eversion angles, effectively altering kinetic calculations at the ankle, knee and hip in the sagittal and frontal planes. Caution should be taken when analyzing intra- and inter-study results that use different triad locations.

Can Therapeutic Taping Mimic a Lateral-wedge Foot Orthotic to Alter Gait Mechanics?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a large contributor to disability and has a significant economic impact as a result of treatment costs. Laterally-wedged foot orthotics have been suggested as a conservative treatment option that is successful in reducing the knee adduction moment which is associated with knee OA progression. Therapeutic taping of the foot may provide an alternative to foot orthotics by providing a cheaper and more readily available intervention. No evidence currently exists that demonstrates parallel effects between therapeutic taping and foot orthotics on the knee adduction moment. PURPOSE: To determine if therapeutic taping of the foot will reduce the peak knee adduction moments compared to a barefoot condition in asymptomatic men and women. METHODS: Twenty-five volunteers 18-30 years participated in the study. The subjects underwent gait analysis while walking at a self-selected speed in a barefoot and therapeutic tape condition. The taping condition involved use of Leukotape® in an attempt to shift the ankle into eversion, simulating the presence of a lateral-wedge orthotic. An average of five trials was obtained to analyze the peak joint angles and moments at the hip, knee, and ankle in the frontal and transverse planes. A dependent t-test was utilized to assess statistical differences between the conditions. RESULTS: The statistical analysis of the peak knee adduction moment between conditions revealed no differences between conditions. As expected, the taped condition produced differences at the ankle by increasing peak eversion and subsequently decreasing eversion excursion. Interestingly, the tape condition resulted in an increased amount of tibial internal rotation with a decreased tibial internal rotation moment. The only difference observed at the knee or hip was decreased knee adduction excursion in the taped condition. CONCLUSION: The reduction in mobility at the ankle from therapeutic taping did not translate to changes at the knee associated with lateral wedging in this sample of young subjects. Differences were observed in the amount of secondary plane motion at the ankle with the taping. Although no difference at the knee was observed in these subjects, further research in individuals with diagnosed knee OA is warranted, as knee OA alters joint mobility.

Biomechanical analysis of the different classifications of the Functional Movement Screen deep squat test

The purpose of this study is to examine the peak sagittal plane joint angles and joint moments of the lower extremity during the deep squat (DS) movement of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) to assess differences between the classifications (1,2,3). Twenty-eight participants volunteered for the study and were screened to assess their FMS score on the DS task. All participants underwent a quantitative movement analysis performing the FMS DS movement at a self-selected speed. The participants in Group 3 exhibited greater dorsiflexion excursion compared to those in Group 1. Participants in Group 3 had greater peak knee flexion and knee flexion excursion than those in Group 2 who exhibited more than the participants in Group 1. Group 3 also exhibited a greater peak knee extension moment compared to Group 1. At the hip, Groups 3 and 2 exhibited greater peak hip flexion, hip flexion excursion and peak hip extension moment compared to Group 1. Thus, it appears that individuals who score differently on the deep squat as determined by the FMS exhibit differences in mechanics that may be beneficial in assessing strategies for interventions. Future research should assess how fundamental changes in mobility and stability independently affect DS performance.

A Proximal Strengthening Program Improves Pain, Function, and Biomechanics in Women With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Background: It is hypothesized that patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) have hip and core muscle weakness leading to dynamic malalignment of the lower extremity. Thus, hip strengthening is a common PFPS treatment approach. Purpose: To determine changes in hip strength, core endurance, lower extremity biomechanics, and patient outcomes after proximally focused rehabilitation for PFPS patients. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Nineteen women (age, 22.68 ± 7.19 years; height, 1.64 ± 0.07 m; mass, 60.2 ± 7.35 kg) with PFPS participated in an 8-week program to strengthen the hip and core muscles and improve dynamic malalignment. Paired t tests were used to compare the dependent variables between prerehabilitation and postrehabilitation. The dependent variables were pain; functional ability; isometric hip abduction and external rotation strength; anterior, lateral, and posterior core endurance; joint range of motion (ROM; rearfoot eversion, knee abduction and internal rotation, and hip adduction and internal rotation); and peak internal joint moments (rearfoot inversion, knee abduction, and hip abduction and external rotation) during the stance phase of running. Results: Significant improvements in pain, functional ability, lateral core endurance, hip abduction, and hip external rotation strength were observed. There was also a significant reduction in the knee abduction moment during running, although there were no significant changes in joint ROM. Conclusion: An 8-week rehabilitation program focusing on strengthening and improving neuromuscular control of the hip and core musculature produces positive patient outcomes, improves hip and core muscle strength, and reduces the knee abduction moment, which is associated with developing PFPS.

Lower extremity joint loading during level walking with Masai barefoot technology shoes in overweight males

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Masai barefoot technology (MBT) shoes on lower extremity joint loading in overweight males during level walking. Therefore, lower extremity kinematics, kinetics, and muscle electromyographic signals of the vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) were recorded in 10 overweight males at a self-chosen walking speed with MBT shoes and conventional shoes. Selected peak joint moments, maximal joint force loading rates, mean muscle intensities, and co-activation indices of the VL/BF, as well as of the VL/GM were analyzed and compared for the two shoe conditions using paired Student's t-tests (α=0.05). Results showed that walking with MBT shoes reduced first peak knee adduction moments in overweight subjects. During midstance and terminal stance, increases in VL/GM co-activation, accompanied by increases in VL and GM (only terminal stance) intensities were found for the MBT situation. Kinetic variables analyzed to assess ankle and hip joint loading did not exhibit any statistical differences. These results suggest that using MBT shoes diminishes medial compartment loads at the knee without overloading hip or ankle joints in overweight males. However, the additional muscle loading should not be overlooked, and warrants further investigation.

Load-dependent movement regulation of lateral stretch shortening cycle jumps

The classical stretch shortening cycle (SSC) describes sagittal joint flexion-extensions in motions like running or hopping. However, lateral movements are integral components of team sports and are associated with frontal plane joint displacements. The purpose of this study is to identify neuromuscular and kinematical mechanisms determining motor control and performance of reactive laterally conducted SSCs. Lateral jumps were performed from four distances in order to investigate the influence of lateral stretch loads on the lower extremity. Electromyographic (EMG) data of nine lower extremity muscles were collected. Foot, ankle, knee, and hip kinematics were recorded by 3-D motion analysis. High stretch loads were characterized by a greater foot exorotation during the initial phase of contact. In the sagittal plane knee and hip joint, displacements increased, whereas in the frontal plane only the hip joint displacement was significantly raised. In particular, frontal peak joint moments increased with stretch load. Thigh muscles' mean pre-activity amplitude was enhanced. It was possible to detect stretch reflexes in the thigh muscles, whereas in particular the short-latency reflex (SLR) was stretch load-dependently modulated. The results of the present study suggest that the foot exorotation seems to play a decisive role in the movement control of lateral jumps. The association between exorotation and increased sagittal joint displacements may be seen as a compensation strategy to shift load from the frontal to the sagittal plane. Lateral load compensation seems to strongly depend on upper leg's kinematic and neuromuscular adjustments, rather than on the ankle joint complex.

Effects of Pediatric Obesity on Joint Kinematics and Kinetics During 2 Walking Cadences

Shultz SP, Sitler MR, Tierney RT, Hillstrom HJ, Song J. Effects of pediatric obesity on joint kinematics and kinetics during 2 walking cadences. Objective To determine whether differences existed in lower-extremity joint biomechanics during self-selected walking cadence (SW) and fast walking cadence (FW) in overweight- and normal-weight children. Design Survey. Setting Institutional gait study center. Participants Participants (N=20; mean age ± SD, 10.4±1.6y) from referred and volunteer samples were classified based on body mass index percentiles and stratified by age and sex. Exclusion criteria were a history of diabetes, neuromuscular disorder, or recent lower-extremity injury. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane angular displacements (degrees) and peak moments (newton meters) at the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Results The level of significance was set at P less than .008. Compared with normal-weight children, overweight children had greater absolute peak joint moments at the hip (flexor, extensor, abductor, external rotator), the knee (flexor, extensor, abductor, adductor, internal rotator), and the ankle (plantarflexor, inverter, external/internal rotators). After including body weight as a covariate, overweight children had greater peak ankle dorsiflexor moments than normal-weight children. No kinematic differences existed between groups. Greater peak hip extensor moments and less peak ankle inverter moments occurred during FW than SW. There was greater angular displacement during hip flexion as well as less angular displacement at the hip (extension, abduction), knee (flexion, extension), and ankle (plantarflexion, inversion) during FW than SW. Conclusions Overweight children experienced increased joint moments, which can have long-term orthopedic implications and suggest a need for more nonweight-bearing activities within exercise prescription. The percent of increase in joint moments from SW to FW was not different for overweight and normal-weight children. These findings can be used in developing an exercise prescription that must involve weight-bearing activity.

Age-related joint moment characteristics during normal gait and successful reactive-recovery from unexpected slip perturbations

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of aging on 3D lower extremity joint moments during successful reactive-recovery from unexpected slips. Unexpected slips were induced by having participants walk over a slippery floor surface. Successful reactive-recovery trials from nine young and nine elderly participants were identified and analyzed. Three-dimensional inverse dynamics were implemented to calculate reactive joint moments at the ankle, knee, and hip joints. Peak joint moment magnitude and the speed of peak joint moment generation were used to describe the balance recovery strategies from unexpected slips. Results indicated significantly higher peak joint moments in recovery than in normal walking for both the young and elderly. Meanwhile, during reactive-recovery, the elderly were found to utilize both frontal and sagittal joint moments while the younger adults relied primarily on sagittal joint moment. It was concluded that the ankle and knee joints were critical in controlling sagittal plane motion disturbance, while the hip joint was mainly responsible for stabilizing upper body balance in the frontal plane. This study confirmed age-related differences in joint moment generation during unexpected slips. Additionally, implementing 3D analysis is recommended in future slips and falls research.

Analysis of Musculoskeletal Loadings in Lower Limbs During Stilts Walking in Occupational Activity

Construction workers often use stilts to raise them to a higher level above ground to perform many tasks, such as taping and sanding on the ceiling or upper half of a wall. Some epidemiological studies indicated that the use of stilts may place workers at increased risk for knee injuries or may increase the likelihood of trips and falls. In the present study, we developed an inverse dynamic model of stilts walking to investigate the effects of this activity on the joint moments and musculoskeletal loadings in the lower limbs. The stilts-walk model was developed using the commercial musculoskeletal simulation software AnyBody (version 3.0, Anybody Technology, Aalborg, Denmark). Simulations were performed using data collected from tests of four subjects. All subjects walked without or with stilts through a 12-m straight path. The moments of the knee, hip, and ankle joints, as well as forces in major muscles or muscle groups in the lower limbs, for stilts walking were compared with those for normal walking. Our simulations showed that the use of stilts may potentially increase the peak joint moment in knee extension by approximately 20%; induce 15% reduction and slight reduction in the peak joint moments in ankle plantar flexion and hip extension, respectively. The model predictions on the muscle forces indicated that the use of stilts may potentially increase loadings in five of eight major muscle groups in the lower extremities. The most remarkable was the force in rectus femoris muscle, which was found to potentially increase by up to 1.79 times for the stilts walking compared to that for the normal walking. The proposed model would be useful for the engineers in their efforts to improve the stilts design to reduce musculoskeletal loadings and fall risk.

Resistance training is accompanied by increases in hip strength and changes in lower extremity biomechanics during running

Background Movement and muscle activity of the hip have been shown to affect movement of the lower extremity, and been related to injury. The purpose of this study was to determine if increased hip strength affects lower extremity mechanics during running. Methods Within subject, repeated measures design. Fifteen healthy women volunteered. Hip abduction and external rotation strength were measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Three-dimensional biomechanical data of the lower extremity were collected during running using a high-speed motion capture system. Measurements were made before, at the mid-point, and after a 6-week strengthening program using closed-chain hip rotation exercises. Joint range of motion (rearfoot eversion, knee abduction, hip adduction, and internal rotation), eversion velocity, eversion angle at heel strike, and peak joint moments (rearfoot inversion, knee abduction, hip abduction, and external rotation) were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance ( P ⩽ 0.05). The independent variable was time (pre-, week 3, and week 6). A separate analysis of variance was conducted with the dependent variables of peak hip abduction and external rotation strength. Findings Hip abduction ( P = 0.009) and external rotation strength ( P < 0.0005) increased by 13% and 23%, respectively. Eversion range of motion decreased ( P = 0.05), hip adduction range of motion increased ( P = 0.05), and a trend of decreased hip internal rotation range of motion ( P = 0.08) were found. Rearfoot inversion moment ( P = 0.02) and knee abduction moment ( P = 0.05) decreased by 57% and 10%, respectively. Interpretation The hip abductors and external rotators were strengthened, leading to an alteration of lower extremity joint loading which may reduce injury risk. These exercises could be used in the rehabilitation, or prevention, of lower extremity injuries.

보행 속도에 따른 하지 관절의 각도와 모멘트의 상관관계

본 연구의 목적은 보행 속도의 차이에 따른 최대 관절 모멘트와 최대 모멘트 발생 시점의 관절 각도 상관관계를 규명하는데 있다. 8명의 <TEX>$20{\sim}30$</TEX>대 남성을 대상으로 보행 속도의 3가지 단계(1.5m/s, 1.8m/s, 2.1m/s)를 나누어 속도에 따른 보행을 실시하여 얻어진 결론은 다음과 같다. 1. 보행 속도가 증가함에 따라 무릎 최대 신전 모멘트는 증가하였고, 굴곡, 외전 모멘트는 큰 영향을 받지 않았다. 2. 최대 신전 모멘트가 발생하는 시점의 무릎 관절 각도는 굴곡의 움직임이 커졌으나, 다른 무릎 관절 각도에는 변화가 없었다. 3. 힙 최대 신전, 굴곡, 외전 모멘트는 증가하였다. 4. 최대 굴곡과 신전 모멘트가 발생하는 시점의 힙 관절 각도의 신전과 굴곡의 증가 현상을 보였으나, 최대 외전 모멘트가 발생하는 시점의 무릎 관절 각도에는 변화가 없었다. 5. 무릎 최대 신전, 굴곡, 외전 모멘트와 무릎 관절 각도를 least square method를 이용하여 적합도 검사를 실시한 결과 R2값이 높게 나타나 상관관계의 설명력이 높았다. 이렇게 근사된 곡선의 근사식은 보행 속도에 따른 무릎 관절의 평가 자료로 이용될 것으로 기대된다. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between joint moment and joint position angle according to the different walking speeds. According to the different walking speeds(1.5m/s, 1.8m/s, 2.1m/s), experiments were terminated by 8 male subjects. In conclusion, 1. The peak extensor moment of knee joint increased by increasing walking speed, however, walking speed didn't have an effect on peak flexor and abductor moment of knee joint. 2. The position angle of knee joint increased movement of flexion, but other position angles of knee joint didn't have difference when the peak extensor moment generated. 3. The peak joint moment of hip significantly increased in extension, flexion and abduction by increased walking speed. 4. The hip position angle showed more flexible at the hip peak flexor/extensor moment generated. 5. The co-ordination pattern between peak knee joint moment and knee position angle were mathematically modeled by using a least square method. We could get the high level value of R2. We expect to apply this results for evaluating the physical faculty of knee joint.

Lower Extremity Joint Moments of Collegiate Soccer Players Differ between Genders during a Forward Jump

Lower extremity kinetics while performing a single-leg forward jump landing may help explain gender biased risk for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury. Gender comparison of lower extremity joint angles and moments. Static groups comparison. Motion analysis laboratory. 8 male and 8 female varsity, collegiate soccer athletes. 5 single-leg landings from a 100cm forward jump. Peak and initial contact external joint moments and joint angles of the ankle, knee, and hip. At initial heel contact, males exhibited a adduction moment whereas females exhibited a abduction moment at the hip. Females also had significantly less peak hip extension moment and significantly less peak hip internal rotation moment than males had. Females exhibited greater knee adduction and hip internal rotation angles than men did. When decelerating from a forward jump, gender differences exist in forces acting at the hip.

Effect of inaccuracies in anthropometric data and linked-segment inverse dynamic modeling on kinetics of gait in persons with partial foot amputation.

The accuracy of data derived from linked-segment models depends on how well the system has been represented. Previous investigations describing the gait of persons with partial foot amputation did not account for the unique anthropometry of the residuum or the inclusion of a prosthesis and footwear in the model and, as such, are likely to have underestimated the magnitude of the peak joint moments and powers. This investigation determined the effect of inaccuracies in the anthropometric input data on the kinetics of gait. Toward this end, a geometric model was developed and validated to estimate body segment parameters of various intact and partial feet. These data were then incorporated into customized linked-segment models, and the kinetic data were compared with that obtained from conventional models. Results indicate that accurate modeling increased the magnitude of the peak hip and knee joint moments and powers during terminal swing. Conventional inverse dynamic models are sufficiently accurate for research questions relating to stance phase. More accurate models that account for the anthropometry of the residuum, prosthesis, and footwear better reflect the work of the hip extensors and knee flexors to decelerate the limb during terminal swing phase.

Net joint kinetics in the limbs of pigs walking on concrete floor in dry and contaminated conditions1

In pigs (Sus scrofa), joint disorders are frequent leg problems, and inappropriate pigpen floors and slippery floor conditions may contribute to these problems. Therefore, this study first aimed to quantify the net joint kinetics (net joint moments and net joint reaction forces) in the forelimbs and hindlimbs of healthy pigs walking on solid concrete floors. Second, this study aimed to examine the effect of floor condition on the net joint kinetics. Kinematic (50-Hz video recordings) and kinetic (1-kHz force plate measurements) data were collected from 30 pigs and combined with body segment parameters from a cadaver study. Net joint kinetics was calculated by using a 2-dimensional inverse dynamic solution. Inverse dynamics have, to our knowledge, not been applied in pigs before. Dry, greasy, and wet floor conditions were tested with 10 pigs each. In the forelimbs, peak joint moment was less (P < 0.01) on greasy (0.184 +/- 0.012 Nm/kg, moment of force per kg of BW) than on dry (0.232 +/- 0.012 Nm/kg) or wet (0.230 +/- 0.012 Nm/kg) conditions. Additionally, the minimum forelimb joint moment was more negative (P < 0.05) on greasy (-0.119 +/- 0.009 Nm/kg) than on dry or wet (both -0.091 +/- 0.009 Nm/kg) conditions. The forelimb joint reaction forces and the hindlimb joint kinetics were unaffected by floor condition. The greatest (P < 0.001) joint moments occurred in the shoulder (-0.376 +/- 0.007 Nm/kg), elbow (0.345 +/- 0.009 Nm/kg), hip (0.252 +/- 0.009 Nm/kg), and tarsal (0.329 +/- 0.009 Nm/kg) joints, which may be related to the greater incidence of joint diseases in some of these joints. In conclusion, the forelimb joints of the pigs responded more markedly to floor condition than did their hindlimb joints, probably because the forelimbs carry more weight. In particular, between the dry and greasy floor conditions, the joint loading differed, most likely because the pigs adapted to a potentially slippery surface.

Concentric and eccentric shoulder rehabilitation biomechanics

The use of an impulse-momentum (IM) exercise technique was investigated for end-stage shoulder rehabilitation. The objectives of this study were to: (a) quantify the net shoulder joint forces and moments while using an IM system and (b) test the influence of gender and muscle loading type (concentric or eccentric) on kinetic and kinematic parameters. Fourteen healthy adults (eight males, six females) performed a repeated measures experiment on an instrumented device utilizing a cabled shuttle system. While maintaining 90 degrees of shoulder abduction and 90 degrees of elbow flexion, the subjects externally rotated their upper arm from 0 degrees to 90 degrees (concentric acceleration) and then internally rotated their upper arm back from 90 degrees to the 0 degrees position (eccentric deceleration). Shoulder joint forces and moments as well as rotational work and power were calculated using inverse dynamics (free-body forces and moments calculated at intersegmental joint centres). Overall concentric peak forces and moments were greater than eccentric peak forces and moments (P < 0.0001). Joint forces and moments reached a maximum during the initial phase of concentric loading (0 degrees to 45 degrees) compared with any other rotational position in the loading cycle (concentric 45 degrees to 90 degrees or eccentric 90 degrees to 0 degrees). The results also indicate that males experienced higher (P < 0.0001) average resultant peak joint forces (concentric 0 degrees to 45 degrees = 108.0 N and eccentric 90 degrees to 45 degrees = 87.2 N) than females (concentric 0 degrees to 45 degrees = 74.7 N and eccentric 45 degrees to 0 degrees = 56.0 N). In addition, males experienced higher (P < 0.0001) average resultant peak joint moments (concentric 0 degrees to 45 degrees = 30.4 N m and eccentric 45 degrees to 0 degrees = 21.0 N m) than females (concentric 0 degrees to 45 degrees = 19.7 N m and eccentric 45 degrees to 0 degrees = 12.8 N m).