Peak Joint Power Research Articles

Joint power, joint work and lower limb muscle activity for transitions between level walking and stair ambulation at three inclinations

To enhance human mobility, training interventions and assistive lower limb wearable robotic designs must draw insights from movement tasks from daily life. This study aimed to analyze joint peak power, limb and joint work, and muscle activity of the lower limb during a series of stair ambulation conditions. We recruited 12 subjects (25.4±4.5 yrs, 180.1±4.6 cm, 74.6±7.9 kg) and studied steady gait and gait transitions between level walking, stair ascent and stair descent for three staircase inclinations (low 19°, normal 30.4°, high 39.6°). Our analysis revealed that joint peak power, limb and joint work, and muscle activity increased significantly compared to level walking and with increasing stair inclination for most of the conditions analyzed. Transition strides had no increased requirements compared to the maxima found for steady level walking and steady stair ambulation. Stair ascent required increased lower limb joint positive peak power and work, while stair descent required increased lower limb joint negative peak power and work compared to level walking. The most challenging condition was high stair inclination, which required approximately thirteen times the total lower limb joint positive and negative net work during ascent and descent, respectively. These findings suggest that training interventions and lower limb wearable robotic designs must consider the major increases in lower limb joint and muscle effort during stair ambulation, with specific attention to the demands of ascent and descent, to effectively improve human mobility.

Relationship Between Quadriceps Strength and Knee Joint Power During Jumping After ACLR.

Knee joint power is significantly impaired during the propulsive phase of jumping after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); however, it is currently unknown how quadriceps strength influences knee joint power. To (1) evaluate the relationship between quadriceps strength, joint power, and the percentage contribution of the hip, knee, and ankle joints to total limb power during the propulsive phase of jumping and (2) establish a quadriceps strength cutoff value for maximizing the likelihood of having knee joint power characteristics similar to healthy participants. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 75 participants were included in this study-40 patients who underwent ACLR 6 months before (18 females; mean age, 19.3 ± 5.7 years) and 35 healthy controls (HC) (20 females; mean age, 21.5 ± 4.5 years). Participants performed a drop vertical jump and underwent isometric quadriceps strength testing. The peak joint power was calculated as the product of the internal joint moment and joint angular velocity. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to assess the relationship between quadriceps strength and knee joint power. Paired samples t tests were used to quantify differences between limbs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine a quadriceps strength cutoff. The involved limbs of the ACLR cohort (INV) had significantly lower peak knee joint power and percentage contribution from the knee joint during jumping compared with the uninvolved limbs (NON) and limbs of the controls (INV, 2.5 ± 1.2 W/kg; NON, 4.4 ± 1.5 W/kg; HC, 4.3 ± 1.7 W/kg [P < .0001]). Quadriceps strength was associated with knee joint power in involved limbs and limbs of controls (INV, r = 0.50; HC, r = 0.60). A quadriceps strength cutoff value of 2.07 N·m/kg had an area under the ROC curve of 0.842, indicating good predictive accuracy. Athletes at 6 months after ACLR demonstrated knee-avoidant jumping mechanics and had significant reductions in knee joint power on the involved limb. A quadriceps strength cutoff value of 2.07 N·m/kg can help predict which athletes will display knee joint power characteristics similar to those of healthy controls.

Fastball pitching performance only slightly decreases after mobility impediment of the pelvis and trunk-Do (catch-up) compensation strategies come into play?

Baseball pitching performance can be mechanically explained by the summation of speed principle and the principle of optimal coordination of partial momenta. Impeding optimal energy generation or transfer by or between the pelvis and trunk segments could provide valuable insight into possible compensation or catch-up mechanisms that may manifest themselves based on these principles. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of experimentally impeding the mobility of and between the pelvis and trunk segments (1) on ball speed and mechanical peak joint power, and (2) on mechanical peak load of the elbow and shoulder joints at maximal external rotation (MER) during fastball pitching. Eleven elite baseball pitchers (mean age 17.4, SD 2.2 years; mean pitching experience 8.9, SD 3.0 years) were instructed to throw at least 15 fastballs as fast and accurately as possible under two conditions. One condition involved impeding the mobility of the pelvis and trunk segments to hamper their ability to rotate independently, which consequently should affect the separation time, defined as the time interval between the pelvis and trunk peak angular velocities. In the other condition, pitchers threw unimpeded. Ball speed, mechanical peak joint power and peak net moment of the elbow and shoulder at MER were compared between conditions using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). In the impeded pitching condition, the mean difference of the separation time was 12.4 milliseconds [95% CI (4.0, 20.7)] and for ball speed 0.6 mph [95% CI (0.2, 0.9)] lower compared to the unimpeded condition. Only the peak pelvic angular velocity, in addition to the trunk, upper arm and forearm, was 45 deg/s [95% CI (24, 66)] higher impeded condition. The mean differences of the joint power and net moments at the shoulder and elbow did not reach statistical significance. In elite adolescent baseball, the observed pitching performance after experimentally impeding pelvic and trunk mobility undermines a potential distal catch-up strategy based on the summation of speed principle. The increased peak pelvic angular velocity may indicate a compensation strategy following the optimal coordination of partial momenta principle to practically maintain pitching performance.

Swing Phase Mechanics of Maximal Velocity Sprints-Does Isokinetic Lower-Limb Muscle Strength Matter?

Concentric hip and eccentric knee joint mechanics affect sprint performance. Although the biarticular hamstrings combine these capacities, empirical links between swing phase mechanics and corresponding isokinetic outcome parameters are deficient. This explorative study aimed (1)to explain the variance of sprint velocity, (2)to compare maximal sprints with isokinetic tests, (3)to associate swing phase mechanics with isokinetic parameters, and (4)to quantify the relation between knee and hip joint swing phase mechanics. A total of 22 sprinters (age = 22y, height = 1.81m, weight = 77kg) performed sprints and eccentric knee flexor and concentric knee extensor tests. All exercises were captured by 10 (sprints) and 4 (isokinetics) cameras. Lower-limb muscle balance was assessed by the dynamic control ratio at the equilibrium point. The sprint velocity (9.79 [0.49]m/s) was best predicted by the maximal knee extension velocity, hip mean power (both swing phase parameters), and isokinetic peak moment of concentric quadriceps exercise (R2 = 60%). The moment of the dynamic control ratio at the equilibrium point (R2 = 39%) was the isokinetic parameter with the highest predictive power itself. Knee and hip joint mechanics affected each other during sprinting. They were significantly associated with isokinetic parameters of eccentric hamstring tests, as well as moments and angles of the dynamic control ratio at the equilibrium point, but restrictedly with concentric quadriceps exercise. The maximal sprints imposed considerably higher loads than isokinetic tests (eg,13-fold eccentric knee joint peak power). Fast sprinters demonstrated distinctive knee and hip mechanics in the late swing phase, as well as strong eccentric hamstrings, with a clear association to the musculoarticular requirements of the swing phase in sprinting. The transferability of isokinetic knee strength data to sprinting is limited inter alia due to different hip joint configurations. However, isokinetic tests quantify specific sprint-related muscular prerequisites and constitute a useful diagnostic tool due to their predicting value to sprint performance.

Biomechanical maturation of foot joints in typically developing boys: Novel insight in mechanics and energetics from a cross-sectional study

BackgroundA growing body of quantitative evidence has been provided regarding age-related differences in plantar foot loading, multi-segment foot kinematics and muscle activity. Fundamental insight into the joint mechanics and energetics of the maturing foot has yet to be provided. Research question/HypothesisIt was hypothesized that so-called ‘biomechancial maturation’ joint kinetics would be observed in children underneath the age of eight and that older age-groups would not differ from each other in these parameters. MethodsFourty-three typically developing boys were recruited and allocated to three different age groups: 1) an early childhood group, 2) a middle childhood group, and 3) an early and late adolescence group. Multi-segment joint kinematics and kinetics of the Ankle-, Chopart-, Lisfranc- and Hallux joint were collected during barefoot walking. One-way Analysis of Covariance was conducted to examine differences among the outcome measures with group as a fixed factor and walking cadence as covariate. ResultsThe youngest group differed significantly from the other two age groups with respect to their ankle and chopart joint peak plantarflexion moment (p < 0.05). Ankle and chopart joint peak power generation as well as the lisfranc peak plantarflexion moment was found to be significantly lower in the youngest age group compared to the oldest group (p < 0.05). At the lisfranc joint, the youngest age group demonstrated a significantly higher peak plantarflexion velocity compared to the two older age groups (p < 0.05). SignificanceThis study provides novel insight into the biomechanical maturation of the developing foot which may guide clinical interventions in paediatric cohorts.

Vertical and Horizontal Hop Performance: Contributions of the Hip, Knee, and Ankle.

Single-leg vertical and horizontal hop tests are commonly used to assess performance of healthy athletes and as a measure of progress during rehabilitation from knee injury. It is unclear if they measure similar aspects of leg function, as the relative joint contributions of the hip, knee, and ankle joints during propulsion and landing are unknown. The proportion of work done by the hip, knee, and ankle will not be the same for these 2 jump types and will vary for propulsive and landing phases. Cross-sectional cohort study. Level 3. Twenty physically active participants completed instrumented single-leg hop analysis in both vertical and horizontal directions. Joint peak power, work generated or absorbed, and percentage contribution of each joint during propulsive and landing phases were compared between tasks using paired t tests. Vertical hop was performed with roughly similar contributions of the hip, knee, and ankle for both propulsion (31%, 34%, 35%, respectively) and landing (29%, 34%, 37%, respectively). Horizontal hop distance was mostly (87%) determined by the hip and ankle (44% and 43%), but landing was mostly (65%) performed by the knee with lesser contribution from the hip and ankle (24% and 11%). Propulsive phase showed a proximal-to-distal temporal sequence for both hop types, but landing was more complex. Performance during vertical and horizontal hops (jump height and jump distance, respectively) measures different aspects of hip, knee, and ankle function during the propulsive and landing phases. Assessment of knee joint function during rehabilitation should not be done using a horizontal hop. The knee contributes about a third to vertical hop height, but only about an eighth to horizontal hop distance. Practitioners carrying out performance testing using either vertical or horizontal hops should be mindful of the relative contributions for meaningful training inferences to be derived.

Loss of Mechanical Ankle Function Is Not Compensated by the Distal Foot Joints in Patients with Ankle Osteoarthritis.

Patients with isolated ankle osteoarthritis (OA) often demonstrate disturbed ankle biomechanics during walking. Clinicians often believe that this triggers the distal foot joints to compensate these altered ankle biomechanics and that these foot joints are consequently subjected to degenerative joint diseases due to overuse. Do patients with isolated ankle OA differ from those without ankle OA in terms of (1) ankle and foot joint kinematics and (2) ankle and foot joint kinetics as measured using three-dimensional (3-D) gait analysis? (3) Do these patients demonstrate compensatory strategies in their Chopart, Lisfranc, or first metatarsophalangeal joints in terms of increased joint kinematic and kinetic outputs? Between 2015 and 2018, we treated 110 patients with unilateral ankle OA, and invited all of them to participate in the gait analysis laboratory. Of those, 47% (52) of patients did so, and of these, 16 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study, which were (1) diagnosis of unilateral ankle OA; (2) absence of radiographical signs of OA in the contralateral foot or lower limbs; (3) ability to walk at least 100 m without rest; and (4) being older than 18 years of age. A control group (n = 25) was recruited through intranet advertisements at the University Hospitals of Leuven. Participants were included if their age matched the age-range of the patient group and if they had no history of OA in any of the lower limb joints. Patients were slightly older (55.9 ± 11.2 years), with a slightly higher BMI (28 ± 6 kg/m2) than the control group participants (47.2 ± 4.4 years; p = 0.01 and 25 ± 3 kg/m2; p = 0.05). All participants underwent a 3-D gait analysis, during which a multisegment foot model was used to quantify the kinematic parameters (joint angles and ROM) and the kinetic parameters (rotational forces or moments), as well as power generation and absorption in the ankle, Chopart, Lisfranc, and first metatarsophalangeal joints during the stance phase of walking. Peak values were the maximum and minimum values of waveforms and the latter were time-normalized to 100% of the stance phase. Regarding joint kinematics, patients demonstrated a sagittal plane ankle, Chopart, Lisfranc, and first metatarsophalangeal joint ROM of 11.4 ± 3.1°, 9.7 ± 2.7°, 8.6 ± 2.3° and 34.6 ± 8.1°, respectively, compared with 18.0 ± 2.7° (p < 0.001), 13.9 ± 3.2° (p < 0.001), 7.1 ± 2.0° (p = 0.046) and 38.1 ± 6.5° (p = 0.15), respectively, in the control group during the stance phase of walking. With regard to joint kinetics in the patient group, we found a mean decrease of 1.3 W/kg (95% CI confidence interval 1.0 to 1.6) (control group mean: 2.4 ± 0.4 W/kg, patient group mean: 1.1 ± 0.5 W/kg) and 0.8 W/kg (95% CI 0.4 to 1.0) (control group mean: 1.5 ± 0.3 W/kg, patient group mean: 0.7 ± 0.5 W/kg) of ankle (p < 0.001) and Chopart (p < 0.001) joint peak power generation. No changes in kinetic parameters (joint moment or power) were observed in any of the distal foot joints. The findings of this study showed a decrease in ankle kinematics and kinetics of patients with isolated ankle OA during walking, whereas no change in kinematic or kinetic functions were observed in the distal foot joints, demonstrating that these do not compensate for the mechanical dysfunction of the ankle. The current findings suggest that future experimental laboratory studies should look at whether tibiotalar joint fusion or total ankle replacement influence the biomechanical functioning of these distal joints.

Maximalist shoes do not alter performance or joint mechanical output during the countermovement jump

ABSTRACT This study examined potential differences between maximally cushioned (MAX) shoes and standard cushioned (STND) shoes during countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) performance. Twenty-one males (23[2] y; 86.5[15.4] kg; 179.8[6.3] cm) completed eight jumps each in MAX and STND shoes while three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected. Paired-samples t-tests (α = 0.05) and Cohen’s d effect sizes (ES) were used to compare the following variables: vertical jump displacement, jump time, hip, knee and ankle joint angles at the start of the countermovement, the end of the unloading phase, the end of the eccentric phase, and at takeoff, peak joint power, and the joint contributions to total lower extremity work during the eccentric and concentric phases. The ankle was more dorsiflexed at the end of the countermovement in the MAX shoe (p = 0.002; ES = 0.55) but greater plantarflexion occurred in the STND shoes at takeoff (p = 0.028; ES = 0.56). No other differences were observed. The result of this study suggests that unique ankle joint angular positioning may be employed when wearing MAX versus STND shoes. Since the unique ankle joint positioning did not alter jump performance, potential MAX footwear users might not need to consider the potential for altered CMVJ performance when determining whether to adopt MAX footwear.

Walking characteristics of runners with a transfemoral or knee-disarticulation prosthesis

BackgroundRunning with prostheses has become a common activity for amputees participating in sports and recreation. However, very few studies have characterized the kinematic and kinetic parameters of walking in individuals with amputation who are runners. Thus, this study attempts to elucidate the kinematics and kinetics of walking in runners with a unilateral transfemoral amputation or knee-disarticulation. MethodsThis study experimentally compares the prosthetic and intact limbs of runners with prostheses as well as compares the findings against the limbs of age-matched able-bodied individuals while walking. Fourteen runners with a unilateral transfemoral amputation or knee-disarticulation were recruited and 14 age-matched able-bodied individuals were prepared using gait database. Spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters of walking were analyzed using a 3-demensional motion capture system. ResultsThe results showed that the peak ankle positive power at pre-swing and peak hip positive power from loading response to mid stance in the intact limb were significantly larger than that in the prosthetic limb. Moreover, to compensate for missing anatomical functions on the prosthetic limb, it appeared that the intact limb of the runners generated larger peak joint power by producing more ankle plantarflexor and hip extensor moments while walking. InterpretationThis study demonstrated that the runners rely on their intact limb while walking. Training of hip extensor muscles of the intact limb may be beneficial for these individuals.

Clinical gait features are associated with MRI findings in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy.

Haemophilic ankle arthropathy due to repeated joint bleeds often leads to altered gait in adult patients with haemophilia. To investigate the association between clinical gait features and blood-induced ankle joint damage scored using MRI findings in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy. This observational study investigated 48 ankles of 24 patients with severe haemophilia (median age of 33years). Blood-induced ankle joint damage was scored by an experienced radiologist using the International Prophylaxis Study Group (IPSG-)MRI score which evaluates the presence or absence of effusion, synovial hypertrophy, haemosiderin, surface erosions, subchondral cysts and cartilage degeneration. Using 3D gait analysis, peak ankle joint power generation and absorption (W/kg) were measured for each ankle since these are surrogate measures for joint loading during walking. Associations between MRI findings and these two clinical gait features were calculated using Spearman's ρ correlation with an α-level correction (α=0.01) for multiple tests. We found large negative associations between ankle joint peak power generation and IPSG-MRI score (ρ=-0.631; P=<.001), IPSG-MRI osteochondral subscore (ρ=-0.701; P=<.001), severity of synovial hypertrophy (ρ=-0.507; P=<.001) and haemosiderin (ρ=-0.400; P=.005). Associations were also found for ankle joint peak power absorption and IPSG-MRI score (ρ=-0.425; P=.003) and IPSG-MRI osteochondral subscore (ρ=-0.556; P=<.001). Severe blood-induced ankle joint damage relates to a lowered tolerance towards ankle joint mechanical loading during walking in patients with haemophilia.

Squat Lifting Imposes Higher Peak Joint and Muscle Loading Compared to Stoop Lifting

(1) Background: Yearly, more than 40% of the European employees suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Still, ergonomic guidelines defining optimal lifting techniques to decrease work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) has not been unambiguously defined. Therefore, this study investigates if recommended squat lifting imposes lower musculoskeletal loading than stoop lifting while using a complex full body musculoskeletal OpenSim model. (2) Methods: Ten healthy participants lifted two different weights using both lifting techniques. 3D marker trajectories and ground reaction forces were used as input to calculate joint angles, moments and power using a full body musculoskeletal model with articulated lumbar spine. In addition, the muscle activity of nine different muscles was measured to investigate muscle effort when lifting. (3) Results: Peak moments and peak joint power in L5S1 were not different between the squat and the stoop, but higher peak moments and peak power in the hip, knee, elbow and shoulder were found during squat lifting. Moment impulses in L5S1 were higher during stoop lifting. This is reflected in higher peak electromyography (EMG) but lower muscle effort in prior described muscles during the squat. (4) Conclusions: Squat lifting imposes higher peak full body musculoskeletal loading but similar low back loading compared to stoop lifting, as reflected in peak moments, peak power, and peak EMG.

Biomechanical insights into the determinants of speed in the fencing lunge

For fencing, speed of the lunge is considered critical to success. The aim of this study is to investigate determinants of lunge speed based on biomechanics. Ground reaction force (GRF) and three-dimensional kinematic data were collected from 7 elite fencers and 12 intermediate-level fencers performing maximum-effort lunges. The results showed that elite fencers acquired a higher horizontal peak velocity of the centre of gravity (HPV) and concomitantly a higher horizontal peak GRF exerted by rear leg (PGRF) than intermediate-level fencers (P < .01). Studying the affecting factors, elite fencers obtained higher joint peak power, joint peak moment, and range of motion of rear knee than intermediate-level fencers (P < .05) during the lunge, and these parameters were significantly correlated with both HPV and PGRF (P < .05). Both elite and intermediate-level fencers had joint flexion before the extension in forward knee; however, the latter showed greater flexion, higher peak angular velocity and less time for extension compared to the former (P ≤ .05). Our findings suggest that training aimed at enhancing strength and power of rear knee extensors is important for fencers to improve speed of the lunge. Also, increasing the extension of rear knee during the lunge, at the same time decreasing the flexion of the forward knee before extension are positive for lunge performance.

Biomechanical Analysis of Injury Factor According to the Change of Direction After Single-leg Landing

Objective: The purpose of this study was to understand the injury mechanism and to provide quantitative data to use in prevention or posture correction training by conducting kinematic and kinetic analyses of risk factors of lower extremity joint injury depending on the change of direction at different angles after a landing motion. Method: This study included 11 men in their twenties (age: <TEX>$24.6{\pm}1.7years$</TEX>, height: <TEX>$176.6{\pm}4.4cm$</TEX>, weight: <TEX>$71.3{\pm}8.0kg$</TEX>) who were right-leg dominant. By using seven infrared cameras (Oqus 300, Qualisys, Sweden), one force platform (AMTI, USA), and an accelerometer (Noraxon, USA), single-leg drop landing was performed at a height of 30 cm. The joint range of motion (ROM) of the lower extremity, peak joint moment, peak joint power, peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF), and peak vertical acceleration were measured. For statistical analysis, one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted at a significance level of <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX> <.05. Results: Ankle and knee joint ROM in the sagittal plane significantly differed, respectively (F = 3.145, p = .024; F = 14.183, p = .000), depending on the change of direction. However, no significant differences were observed in the ROM of ankle and knee joint in the transverse plane. Significant differences in peak joint moment were also observed but no statistically significant differences were found in negative joint power between the conditions. Peak vertical GRF was high in landing (LAD) and after landing, left <TEX>$45^{\circ}$</TEX> cutting (LLC), with a significant difference (F = 9.363, p = .000). The peak vertical acceleration was relatively high in LAD and LLC compared with other conditions, but the difference was not significant. Conclusion: We conclude that moving in the left direction may expose athletes to greater injury risk in terms of joint kinetics than moving in the right direction. However, further investigation of joint injury mechanisms in sports would be required to confirm these findings.

The Effect of Shoe Outsole Containing Nanoclay Particles on Knee Joint Power during the Stance Phase of Running

The popularity of running and consequently of running injuries has increased tends to develop shoe sole constructions aiming at preventing different injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of shoe outsole containing nanoclay particles on knee joint power during stance phase of running. Fourteen healthy male shod runners run 3 times at 3.5 m.s-1 under three shoe conditions manufactured by polyurethane (PU), 1% Polyurethanes-clay nano-composites (NPU1) and 2% Polyurethanes-clay nano-composites (NPU2). The joint power (Pj) was calculated by multiplying the joint moment (Mj) and the joint angular velocity (ωj). Knee joint peak power in the three dimensional planes were compared between the shod conditions during the stance phase of running using repeated measurement ANOVA (P< 0.05). The results showed that the negative peak of knee joint power in sagittal plane was significantly different between the PU and NPU2 conditions. No significant differences were noted in other positive and negative peaks. It is concluded that using Polyurethanesclay nano-composites can change shock absorbing ability of knee joint.

Intensity rankings of plyometric exercises using joint power absorption

BackgroundAthletic trainers and physical therapists often progress patients through rehabilitation by selecting plyometric exercises of increasing intensity in preparation for return to sport. The purpose of this study was to quantify the intensity of seven plyometric movements commonly used in lower-extremity rehabilitation by joint-specific peak power absorption and the sum of the peak power. MethodsTen collegiate athletes performed submaximal plyometric exercises in a single test session: vertical jump, forward jump, backward jump, box drop, box jump up, tuck jump, and depth jump. Three-dimensional kinematics and force platform data were collected to generate joint kinetics. Peak power absorption normalized to body mass was calculated at the ankle, knee, and hip, and averaged across repetitions. Joint peak power data were pooled across athletes and summed to obtain the sum of peak power. Movements were ranked from 1 (low) to 7 (high) based on the sum of peak power and joint peak power (ankle, knee, hip). FindingsThe sum of peak power did not correspond with standard low, medium, and high subjective intensity ratings or joint peak power in all joints. Mixed model analyses revealed significant variance between the sum of peak power and joint peak power ranks in the forward jump, backward jump, box drop, and depth jump (P<0.05), but not in the vertical jump, box jump up, and tuck jump. InterpretationResults provide intensity rankings that can be used directly by athletic trainers and physical therapists in developing protocols for rehabilitation specific to the injured joint.

Neuromuscular adaptations to 4 weeks of intensive drop jump training in well-trained athletes

This study examined the effects of 4 weeks of intensive drop jump training in well-trained athletes on jumping performance and underlying changes in biomechanics and neuromuscular adaptations. Nine well-trained athletes at high national competition level within sprinting and jumping disciplines participated in the study. The training was supervised and augmented feedback on performance was used to ensure maximal training intensity. The drop jumps were performed with minimal contact time and maximal jumping height. Assessment of performance during training showed effects of motor learning. Before and after the training intervention maximal isometric muscle strength, the biomechanics, muscle activity pattern of the lower extremities and the soleus H-reflex and V-wave during drop jumping were measured. Maximal jump height and performance index (PI) defined as jumping height divided by contact time improved significantly by 11.9% (P = 0.024) and 16.2% (P = 0.009), respectively. Combined ankle and knee joint peak power was significantly increased by 7% after training (P = 0.047). The preactivity in the soleus muscle decreased 16% (P = 0.015). The soleus H-reflex was unchanged after training, while the soleus V-wave increased significantly at 45 msec after touchdown. This may indicate an increased drive to the α-motor neuron pool following training. Muscle strength parameters were unaffected by the training. The results demonstrate that 4 weeks of intensive drop jump training can improve jumping performance also in well-trained athletes without concomitant changes in muscle strength. It is suggested that the behavioral improvement is primarily due to neural factors regulating the activation pattern controlling the drop jump movement.

Lower limb muscle moments and power during recovery from forward loss of balance in male and female single and multiple steppers

BackgroundStudying recovery responses to loss of balance may help to explain why older adults are susceptible to falls. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether male and female older adults, that use a single or multiple step recovery strategy, differ in the proportion of lower limb strength used and power produced during the stepping phase of balance recovery. MethodsEighty-four community-dwelling older adults (47 men, 37 women) participated in the study. Isometric strength of the ankle, knee and hip joint flexors and extensors was assessed using a dynamometer. Loss of balance was induced by releasing participants from a static forward lean (4 trials at each of 3 forward lean angles). Participants were instructed to recover with a single step and were subsequently classified as using a single or multiple step recovery strategy for each trial. Findings(1) Females were weaker than males and the proportion of females that were able to recover with a single step were lower than for males at each lean magnitude. (2) Multiple compared to single steppers used a significantly higher proportion of their hip extension strength and produced less knee and ankle joint peak power during stepping, at the intermediate lean angle. InterpretationStrength deficits in female compared to male participants may explain why a lower proportion of female participants were able to recover with a single step. The inability to generate sufficient power in the stepping limb appears to be a limiting factor in single step recovery from forward loss of balance.

Increased power generation in impaired lower extremities correlated with changes in walking speeds in sub-acute stroke patients

BackgroundEstablishing changes in net joint power in the lower extremity of patients during recovery of walking might direct gait training in early stroke rehabilitation. It is hypothesized that (1) net joint power in the lower extremity joints would increase in sub-acute stroke patients following gait rehabilitation, and (2) the improvements in net joint power would be significantly correlated with changes in walking speed. MethodsThirteen sub-acute patients (<3months from stroke onset) participated in the study. All patients completed 6weeks of gait training (3weeks of robotic gait training and 3weeks of physiotherapy). The gait patterns were analyzed using 3D motion analysis before and after training. The assessed variables were; gait speed and the net peak joint power of the ankle plantar flexors, hip extensors, hip flexors, hip abductors, and knee extensors. FindingsAnkle plantar flexor power in the impaired limb and hip extensor power in the unimpaired limb increased significantly following training (133% and 77%, respectively; P<0.002). Improvements (from 20% to 133%) in net joint power of the ankle plantar flexors, hip extensors, hip flexors, and hip abductors of the impaired limb and ankle plantar flexors and hip abductors of the unimpaired limb significantly correlated with the recovery of walking speed following training (0.24m/s to 0.51m/s) (r=0.71–0.86). InterpretationThe findings suggested investigations for strengthening the plantar flexors, hip flexors, hip extensors, and hip abductors concentrically, and knee extensors eccentrically in the impaired limb to determine the effectiveness in improving gait performance.

Symbol Insertion: A Low-Complexity Joint Peak Power Reduction and Forward Error Correction for Single-Carrier Systems

In this paper, we present a new modulation code, named symbol insertion (SI), that simultaneously achieves both peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction and forward error correction for pulse-shaped single-carrier systems in a low-complexity manner. Based on the fact that PAPR highly depends on the successive phase patterns of discrete complex symbols, the proposed code controls phase shifts by inserting a redundant symbol between consecutive information-bearing symbols. At the receiver, by viewing the inserted symbols as parities, we exploit them for error correction. We show that, when the SI is used as an inner code of serially concatenated codes, its error rate performance is close to those of conventional capacity-approaching codes. The proposed system thus becomes favorable if the amount of PAPR reduction is taken into account. Furthermore, the SI with a rotationally invariant insertion scheme can accommodate itself to noncoherent detection.

Lower Extremity Power Generation and Absorption during the Single- Leg Hop Test

0716 The single-leg hop (SLH) for distance is a commonly used clinical test for patients with knee pathology (e.g. ACL injury). Typically, only the distance hopped is compared between injured and uninjured limbs. However, there is little information in the literature regarding the takeoff and landing biomechanics of this test; most published research focuses on the biomechanics of drop-landings. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare energy generation and absorption strategies in the lower extremity during the SLH test. METHODS: We recorded kinetic and kinematic data from five subjects as they performed the SLH test for distance. Motion data were collected at 60 Hz using six infrared cameras (Qtrac, Qualysis). Reflective markers were placed on bony landmarks according to a modified Helen Hayes configuration. Ground reaction forces were recorded at 1000 Hz with a force plate (Kistler). Using an inverse dynamic model, we calculated sagittal plane joint power at the ankle, knee and hip for each takeoff and landing. All joint powers were normalized to body mass. Paired t-tests were used to compare peak joint power during takeoff and landing at the ankle, knee and hip. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: For all joints, powers were positive during takeoffs, indicating energy generation and negative during landings, indicating energy absorption. Peak power at the ankle was significantly greater during takeoff than during landing (p = 0.002). At the knee, peak power was significantly greater during landing (p = 0.005). No significant difference in peak power was observed at the hip (p = 0.832). Additionally, peak power absorbed at the knee during landing was greater than that at the ankle (p < 0.001) and at the hip (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: This study showed that greater demand is placed on the knee in landing compared to takeoff during the SLH. Also, the knee serves as the primary shock absorber of the lower extremity during landing. Consequently, analysis of the landing phase of the SLH should provide more information about knee performance than distance hopped.Table 1: Comparison of Joint Powers (W/kg) between Takeoff and Landing (SD)