Stride Distance Research Articles

Characterizing ambulatory function in children with PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder

BackgroundIndividuals with PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder have an atypical gait pattern characterized by ataxia and incoordination. Structured, quantitative assessments are needed to further understand the impact of these impairments on function. Research questionHow do gait parameters and ambulatory function of individuals with PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder compare to age and sex matched healthy norms? MethodsTwenty-six individuals with PPP2R5D pathogenic genetic variants participated in this observational, single visit study. Participants completed at least one of the following gait assessments: quantitative gait analysis at three different speeds (preferred pace walking (PPW), fast paced walking (FPW) and running, six-minute walk test (6MWT), 10-meter walk run (10MWR), and timed up and go (TUG). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize gait variables. Percent of predicted values were calculated using published norms. Paired t-tests and regression analyses were used to compare gait variables. ResultsThe median age of the participants was 8 years (range 4–27) and eighteen (69.2 %) were female. Individuals with PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder walked slower and with a wider base of support than predicted for their age and sex. Stride velocity ranged from 48.9 % to 70.1 % and stride distance from 58.5 % to 81.9 % of predicted during PPW. Percent of predicted distance walked on the 6MWT ranged from 30.6 % to 71.1 % representing varied walking impairment. Increases in stride distance, not cadence, were associated with changes in stride velocity in FPW (R2 = 0.675, p =< 0.001) and running conditions (R2 = 0.918, p =< 0.001). SignificanceWe quantitatively assessed the abnormal gait in individuals with PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder. These impairments may affect ability to adapt to environmental changes and participation in daily life.Rehabilitative interventions targeting gait speed and balance may improve function and safety for individuals with PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder.

A Data Analytics Approach to Assess the Functional and Physical Performance of Female Soccer Players: A Cohort Design.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to observe the individual results of fitness status [countermovement jump (CMJ)], hop test, linear sprinting time, stride frequency, stride distance, force–power–velocity, peak power maximal and maximal speed, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) and functional performance (overhead squat, single-leg squat test, dumbbell hip-hinge, Thomas test, hip extension, and internal and external hip rotators) and (ii) to analyze the relationship between anthropometrical measures and values of fitness status with % of difference in the Thomas test, hip extension, and internal and external hip rotators. Materials and Methods: The study followed a cohort design. Sixteen female soccer players competing in the second division of the Spanish league were monitored during the first days of the pre-season. These players were evaluated three times during the preseason of the cohort period. The dataset showed a negative moderate correlation between time and percentage of difference in hip angle and another positive moderate correlation between maximal sprint and percentage of difference in hip angle (r = −0.54, p = 0.02 and r = 0.53, p = 0.04), respectively. The correlations of stride time and distance with hip extension are interesting, as professional soccer players should have higher levels of hip flexor flexibility during the stride phase, recoil of the instep kick action.

A novel 6 DOFs generalized parallel manipulator design and analysis based on humanoid leg

In this paper, a 6 degrees of freedom (DOFs) generalized parallel manipulator is presented which can be used as a humanoid leg. Based on the Number Synthesis and Graph Synthesis method, all the possible contracted graphs of the 6-DOFs leg are provided. Then, a novel method named as Node Response Method (NRM) is presented to identify the isomorphism of contracted graphs. In order to obtain the optimal manipulator, the Lie group is used to analyze all limbs. Furthermore, a terrain adaptive index named as Global Maximum Stride Distance Ratio (GMSDR) is established, which is used to assess the performance of a biped robot in different terrains. The DOF of proposed manipulator is verified by translating into a two-layer and two-loop (TL-TL) topological structure. Afterwards, the kinematics and the Jacobian matrix of the manipulator are calculated. Moreover, the performance indexes of the manipulator are analyzed. In order to obtain an optimal kinematics performance, the structural parameters are optimized using genetic algorithm. Finally, two basic gaits are proposed for a biped robot which consists of two manipulators and a simulation is carried out.

Differences in Physical Characteristics of the Lower Extremity and Running Biomechanics Between Different Age Groups.

(1) Background: The objective of this study was to determine physical and biomechanical changes in age groups upon running. (2) Method: 75 male adults (20–80s) participated in the study. Bone mineral density and lower extremity joint strength were measured according to age-increase targeting. Based on age, correlations among running characteristics, impulse, impact force, maximum vertical ground reaction force, loading rate, lower extremity joint 3D range of motion, joint moment, and power upon running motion were calculated. (3) Result: Older runners tended to show lower bone mineral density, extremity maximum strength, stride time, and stride distance, with smaller RoM and joint power of ankle and knee joints in the sagittal plane, compared with younger subjects. However, there were no significant correlations between age and impact variables (i.e., impulse, impact force, peak GRF, and loading rate) during running. (4) Conclusion: Older runners tend to show weaker physical strength characteristics, such as bone mineral density and muscle strength and lower joint functionality of ankle and knee joints during running, compared with younger runners. Therefore, strengthening the lower extremity muscle and improving dynamic joint function, especially for ankle joints, can be helpful for injury prevention during running.

Locomotion behavior of dairy cows on traditional summer mountain farms in comparison with modern cubiclehousing without access to pasture.

Pasture based systems enable cattle to express their natural behavior and are thus expected to provide better welfare than the majority of confinement systems. The aim of this study was to objectively measure locomotion activity of healthy dairy cattle kept on mountain pastures (n = 44) compared with cows kept in cubicle housing systems (n = 38). Selected cows were equipped with a validated 3D-accelerometer on one hind limb, and locomotion behavior was recorded for 48 hours. The 1-hour summaries of the variables lying time, walking time, standing bouts, walking bouts and number of strides were summed up to 24-hour summaries, and the means of the stride distance and stride duration were weighted by the variable number of strides. Mountain pasture cows had higher locomotor activity levels in comparison to cubicle cows. Mountain pasture cows spent less time lying down (528.1±109.5 min/day vs. 693.3±73.8 min/day; P<0.0001) and more time walking (75.6±25.9 min/day vs. 38.8±15.8 min/day; P <0.0001) than cubicle cows. Lying bout duration was longer in cubicle than in mountain pasture cows (90.9± 15.2 min/bout vs. 74.2 ± 21.1 min/bout; P = 0.0001), whilst the number of walking bouts was higher in mountain pasture cows than cubicle cows (199.1 ± 49.1 vs. 123.8 ± 43.8 bouts per day; P < 0.001). Likewise, the number of strides was higher in mountain pasture cows than cubicle cows (2040.5 ± 825.3 vs. 916.7 ± 408.6; P < 0.001). Mountain pasture cows had shorter stride duration (P < 0.0001) and shorter strides (P = 0.0002) than cubicle cows (1.8 ± 0.1 s/stride vs 2 ± 0.2 s/stride and 126.3 ± 18.1 vs 142.1 ± 17.8 m/stride, respectively). In summary, cows kept on mountain pasture were more active and spent longer than 12 hours / day standing. Lying markedly less than 12 hours per day seems to represent the normal behavior of pastured cows searching for fresh grass. This does not cause any obvious damage to the locomotor system as claws of cattle are well adapted to long periods of movement on mountain pastures.

A single foot-mounted pedestrian navigation algorithm based on the maximum gait displacement constraint in three-dimensional space

Inertial navigation technology composed of inertial sensors is widely used in foot-mounted pedestrian positioning. However, inertial sensors are susceptible to noise, which affects the performance of the system. Zero-velocity update (ZUPT) is a traditional method utilized to suppress the cumulative error. Unfortunately, the walking distance calculated by a Kalman filter still has positional error. To improve the positional accuracy, in this work we propose a nonlinear Kalman filter with a spatial distance inequality constraint for a single foot. Since the stride distance between adjacent stance phases has an upper bound in plane and height, an inertial navigation system established by one inertial measurement unit is adopted to constrain the stride process. Eventually, the performance of the proposed method is verified by experiments. Compared with the single foot-mounted ZUPT method, the proposed method suppresses the plane error and the height error by 46.04% and 65.48%, respectively. For the dual-foot constraint method, the proposed constraint method can reduce the number of sensors while ensuring positioning accuracy. Moreover, the height error is reduced by 59.98% on average by optimizing the constraint algorithm. The experimental results show that the trajectory estimated by the proposed method is closer to the actual path.

Between-week reliability of motion tracking screening: A preliminary study with youth male football players

We investigated the reliability of fundamental movements in thirteen youth football players (mean age = 16.8 ± 0.6 y). Following a habituation warm-up, players performed three trials of stride-for-distance and bodyweight squats between two weeks. A motion tracking device was used to measure stride distance and squat depth. The weekly mean changes in mean and maximum performance were moderate for the stride (2.8%; 90% confidence interval: 1.1 to 4.5 and 3.6%; 2.1 to 5.2, respectively) and small for the squat (-2.7%; -12.3 to 7.9 and 3.3%; -5.2 to 12.6). ICCs for stride mean and maximum performance were moderate (0.74; 0.43 to 0.90) and high (0.76; 0.46 to 0.90), respectively, and low for the squat (0.22; -0.27 to 0.61 and 0.42; -0.04 to 0.74, respectively). Typical errors for mean and maximum performance were moderate for the stride (2.4%; 1.8 to 3.6 and 2.1%; 1.6 to 3.3, respectively) and large for the squat (15.9%; 11.8 to 25.1 and 13.1%; 9.7 to 20.5, respectively). The motion tracking reliability was encouraging in the stride. This finding warrants further investigation and consideration of the stride test for use in applied practice with a group of youth footballers.

An Evaluation of the Performance through the Comparison of Kinematic Variables for the Official Records in World Women’s Triple Jumper

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the difference and consistency of kinematic variables for each athlete by selecting the official records of the world's elite female triple jumpers to evaluate the performance level. Methods Three athletes who won the prizes at the World Championships Daegu 2011 Women's Triple Jump were selected as the study subjects, and only the successful trials were used for analysis. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted with the kinematic variables in the hop, step, and jump phase, respectively. Also, kinematic variables with statistically significant correlations between braking time and pushing time and related variables were described separately. The duty factor and support factor for the hop, step, and jump of support phases were calculated. Results The successful trials rate were 66.7% for Olha, 50% for Olga, and 83.3% for Caterine. In the last three stride distances of the approach run, Olha and Caterine had a “medium-long-short” pattern and Olga had a “long-short-medium” pattern. There was no difference in the duty factor value between hop and jump phases in the ‘hop-dominate’ technique type, but there was a difference in the jump phase in the ‘balance’ technique type, and the duty factor value in the step of both technique types was greater than that of hop and jump phases. As for the percentage of the support factor, Olha and Caterine had a characteristic that the percentage of braking time in step and jump phases was opposite. On the other hand, Olga had the same percentage for the hop and step phase, and a smaller percentage for the jump phase. Conclusion To increase the accuracy of the board touch-down, maintain a certain last stride(1SL) depending on the technique type. This consistency of the approach run increases reduces distance loss on the take-off board and increases the successful rate of each trial. The duty factor can judge both the performance level and the technique type of triple jump, and the support factor is a variable that can classify the technique types of hop, step, and jump phases. If both the relative time required for the triple jump and the variability of the support time(braking and pushing) for each phase are constant, the difference in records by trial will be small.

FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF GAIT WITH INSOLE USE IN DIABETIC FEMALE RATS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACT Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is characterized by causing damage to the peripheral nervous system, generating sensory and motor changes. Objective: This study aims at analyzing the impact of the use of different orthotic insoles on the gait of diabetic female rats. Methods: Twenty-six female Wistar rats were randomly divided into the Control and Diabetic groups. The mechanical sensitivity test was performed manually on the surface of the animals' hind paws using the von Frey test. The functional evaluation was carried out on an adapted platform where the animals were stimulated to walk in order to capture images of the ventral region for measurements of the right and left hind paws. After the images were collected they were processed using Kinovea software version 0.8.27 to assess: stride distance, time, speed and acceleration. Results: There was a reduction in the weight of the animals in the Diabetic Group (p = 0.0018), associated with hyperglycemia (p = &lt;0.0001), and a decrease in mechanical sensitivity as compared to the Control Group (p = 0.0372). Gait analysis showed a reduction in stride speed (p = 0.0482) and acceleration (p = 0.0149), with the silicone orthosis in the Diabetic Group. Conclusions: The silicone orthosis demonstrated a reduction in stride speed and acceleration, without compromising the other variables in the diabetic rats. The other insoles showed no functional difference between groups. Even though the animals showed a change in sensitivity at the end of 28 days of DM induction, this time does not appear to have been able to develop extensive changes in the rats' gait function. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Effect of walking speed during gait in water of healthy elderly

BackgroundWalking in water (WW) is frequently used as an aquatic exercise in rehabilitation programs for the elderly. Understanding gait characteristics of WW is of primary importance to effectively design specific water-based rehabilitation programs. Moreover, as walking speed in water is reduced with a possible effect on gait parameters, the age- and environment-related changes during WW have to be investigated considering the effects of instantaneous walking speed. Research question: how do gait kinematic characteristics differ in healthy elderly between WW and on land walking condition (LW)? Do elderly show different walking patterns compared to young adults? Can these kinematic changes be accounted only by the different environment/age or are they also related to walking speed? MethodsNine healthy elderly participants (73.5 ± 5.8 years) were acquired during walking in WW and LW at two different speeds. Kinematic parameters were assessed with waterproofed inertial magnetic sensors using a validated protocol. The influence of environment, age and walking speed on gait parameters was investigated with linear mixed models. ResultsShorter stride distances and longer stride durations were observed in WW compared to LW. In the sagittal plane, hip and knee joint showed larger flexion in WW (>10deg over the whole stride and ∼28deg at foot strike, respectively). Furthermore, lower walking speeds and stride distances were observed in elderly compared to young adults. In the sagittal plane, a slightly more flexed hip joint and a less plantarflexed ankle joint (∼9 deg) were observed in the elderly. Significance: The results showed the importance of assessing the walking speed during WW, as gait parameters can vary not only for the effect environment but also due to different walking speeds.

OBJECTIVE GAIT ANALYSIS IN HUMBOLDT PENGUINS (SPHENISCUS HUMBOLDTI) USING A PRESSURE-SENSITIVE WALKWAY.

Assessment of pododermatitis, osteoarthritis, and other causes of lameness in penguins can be challenging. Subjective gait analysis using visual observation and response to analgesic therapy can be affected by observer variation and caregiver placebo bias. A pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW), however, allows for objective gait analysis and assessment of analgesic therapeutic response. In this study, a 3-m-long PSW was used to analyze gait in 21 adult Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). Medical record reviews and comprehensive examinations were performed on all penguins; five penguins were considered abnormal, with either right-sided (n = 3) or bilateral historical lameness-causing disease (n = 2) and were analyzed separately from the normal data set. All penguins walked across the PSW four times and gait parameters (step and stride distances and velocities, maximum force, impulse, and peak pressure) were calculated for each foot in each penguin. Statistical comparisons were made between right and left feet, sexes, and normal and abnormal penguins for each gait parameter. Among normal penguins, there were no significant differences between feet or sex. Left step width was shorter in abnormal penguins than that of normal penguins. Study results established baseline values for Humboldt penguins. This will allow objective monitoring of progression and response to therapy in penguin lameness cases, both current and future. The data also provide a foundation to compare gait parameters with other penguin populations and species.

Application of endoscopic selective posterior rhizotomy in the treatment of limb spasticity following brain injury

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic selective posterior/dorsal rhizotomy (SPR) in the treatment of limb spasticity following brain injury in adults. Methods A total of 88 patients with limb spasticity following brain injury treated with SPR from January 2015 to August 2016 at Department of Neurosurgery, Xinxiang Central Hospital were retrospectively enrolled into this study. Russman-Gage standard and Ashworth standard were used to evaluate the degree of limb spasticity and muscle tension after operation. Surface electromyography (SMG) and evoked potential (EP) were used to measure the sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities of affected limbs 3 weeks after operation. Lower extremity motor function was assessed with the Fugl-Meyer scale in lower extremity (FMA-L) at 3 and 8 weeks after operation. Walking ability was assessed with the Functional ambulation category (FAC) scale, and parameters of patients' stride, stride distance, stride speed and toe deflection angle distance were measured. All patients were followed up clinically after operation. The follow-up included observing the remission of limb spasticity and reviewing the lumbar spine radiographs. Results The spasticity of extremities was alleviated in 88 patients after operation. Three weeks after operation, the integrated electromyogram (iEMG) of tibialis anterior muscle in 88 patients was higher than that before operation (1.5±0.2 mV vs. 0.5±0.2 mV, P<0.001), while the gastrocnemius muscle was lower than that before operation (0.7±0.3 mV vs. 1.2±0.2 mV, P<0.001). After detection, latency of cortical somatosensory evoked potential (SEEP) in the dorsomedian part of the head(39.7±3.1 ms) and L2 (18.5±3.5 ms) was longer than that before operation (34.9 ±3.5 ms, 13.3 ±2.3 ms, both P<0.001). The sensory nerve conduction velocities in head (4.9±1.1 cm/ms) and popliteal region to L2(4.8±1.3 cm/ms) region were lower than those before operation (6.6±1.4 cm/ms, 6.3±1.5 cm/ms, both P<0.001). At 3-8 weeks post operation, the scores of FMA-L and FAC scales, stride length, stride distance and stride speed of 88 patients were higher than those before operation (all P<0.05), while the deflection angle of toes was lower (P<0.01). The rising trend time of 88 patients ranged from 6.2 to 26.6 months, with an average of 12.2±6.4 months. There were 83 (83/88, 94.3%) patients who had relief of spasticity in lower limbs and 74 (74/79, 93.7%) whose Achilles tendon reflex disappeared. No spinal deformity was found in the reexamination. Conclusion The neuroendoscopic SPR treatment for limb spasticity after brain injury could effectively relieve the symptoms of limb spasticity and promote the recovery of motor function. It seems safe and worthy of clinical application and promotion. Key words: Natural orifice endoscopic surgery; Craniocerebral trauma; Muscle spasticity; Extremities; selective posterior/dorsal rhizotomy

Peak Patellofemoral and ACL/PCL Forces While Performing the Forward Lunge Exercise With Varying Techniques

PURPOSE: To compare peak patellofemoral and ACL/PCL forces among varying lunging techniques involving lunging with a long and short stride both on flat ground and up to a 4 inch platform. METHODS: Sixteen male and female subjects (mean bodyweight 678N, 69.1 kg mass; 175.9 cm height; 28.9 years old) using bodyweight only performed a forward lunge with a long stride (shank vertical at bottom position) and a short stride (1/2 the long stride distance) on flat ground and up to a 4 inch platform. Force platform and video data were collected and input into a biomechanical model, and peak patellofemoral and ACL/PCL were calculated as a function of knee angle. A One-Way Repeated measures ANOVA assessed significant differences among lunging techniques (p<0.05). RESULTS: Peak patellofemoral force occurred between 79°-96° knee angles and was significantly greater (p<0.001) with a short stride lunge on flat ground (1668±479N) and up to a 4 inch platform (1553±580N) compared to lunging with a long stride lunge on flat ground (1193±512N) and up to a 4 inch platform (1061±523N), but no significant differences in peak patellofemoral force were found between the two short stride lunges (p=0.99) and between the two long stride lunges (p=0.99). Peak ACL force occurred between 7°-12° knee angles and was not significantly different (p=0.70) among any of the lunging techniques. Peak PCL force occurred between 62°-83° knee angles and was significantly greater (p<0.001) with a long stride lunge on flat ground (554±220N) and up to a 4 inch platform (609±265N) compared to lunging with a long stride lunge on flat ground (402±114N) and up to a 4 inch platform (458±145N), but no significant differences in peak PCL force were found between the two short stride lunges (p=0.99) and between the two long stride lunges (p=.99). CONCLUSIONS: Lunge technique variations did affect peak patellofemoral and cruciate ligament forces. Compared to a long stride lunge, lunging with a short stride, which caused the knees to translate forward approximately 8 cm beyond the knees at bottom lunge position, resulted in greater peak patellofemoral force but less PCL force. Lunging technique variations did not affect peak ACL force. There were no patellofemoral or PCL differences in peak force between the two long stride lunges or between the two short stride lunges.

An automated system for quantitative analysis of Drosophila larval locomotion.

BackgroundDrosophila larvae have been used as a model to study to genetic and cellular circuitries modulating behaviors. One of the challenges in behavioral study is the quantification of complex phenotypes such as locomotive behaviors. Experimental capability can be greatly enhanced by an automatic single-animal tracker that records an animal at a high resolution for an extended period, and analyzes multiple behavioral parameters.ResultsHere we present MaggotTracker, a single-animal tracking system for Drosophila larval locomotion analysis. This system controls the motorized microscope stage while taking a video, so that the animal remains in the viewing center. It then reduces the animal to 13 evenly distributed points along the midline, and computes over 20 parameters evaluating the shape, peristalsis movement, stamina, and track of the animal.To demonstrate its utility, we applied MaggotTracker to analyze both wild-type and mutant animals to identify factors affecting locomotive behaviors. Each animal was tracked for four minutes. Our analysis on Canton-S third-instar larvae revealed that the distance an animal travelled was correlated to its striding speed rather than the percentage of time the animal spent striding, and that the striding speed was correlated to both the distance and the duration of one stride. Sexual dimorphism was observed in body length but not in locomotive parameters such as speed. Locomotive parameters were affected by animal developmental stage and the crawling surface. No significant changes in movement speed were detected in mutants of circadian genes such as period (per), timeout, and timeless (tim). The MaggotTracker analysis showed that ether a go-go (eag), Shaker (Sh), slowpoke (slo), and dunce (dnc) mutant larvae had severe phenotypes in multiple locomotive parameters such as stride distance and speed, consistent with their function in neuromuscular junctions. Further, the phenotypic patterns of the K+ channel genes eag, Sh and slo are highly similar.ConclusionsThese results showed that MaggotTracker is an efficient tool for automatic phenotyping. The MaggotTracker software as well as the data presented here can be downloaded from our open-access site www.WormLoco.org/Mag.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12861-015-0062-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Is There a General Motor Program for Right Versus Left Hand Throwing in Children?

The purpose of this study was to determine if a general motor program controlled some or all aspects of overhand throwing. Using a 12 camera Vicon motion analysis system to record data from body markers, a group of 30 Australian Aboriginal children 6-10 years of age threw with maximal effort into a large target area. Data were reduced and analyzed for numerous variables and correlations were calculated between dominant and non-dominant side variables that were deemed reliable. Results indicated that five variables showed significant dominant to non-dominant correlations. However, only two of the five were entered into both multiple regressions to predict horizontal ball velocity for the dominant vs. non-dominant sides. The variables entered suggested that more gross aspects of the movement (stride distance and pelvis flexion) were both correlated from dominant to non-dominant sides and predicted horizontal ball velocity. Thus, the general motor program does not appear to control the more complex and coordinated parts of the throwing motion.

족관절의 근전도를 이용한 보행운동의 실험적 연구

This paper experimentally deals with the relationship between the ankle electromyogram(EMG) and walking motion in order to activate the ankle joint of a walking-assistance robot for rehabilitation. Based on the anatomical structure and motion pattern of an ankle joint, major muscles were selected for EMG measurements. Surface EMG signals were monitored for several human bodies at various stride distances and stride frequencies. Root-mean-squared magnitude of EMG signals were related with the walking conditions. It appeared that the magnitude of the ankle EMG signal was linearly proportional to the stride distance and stride frequency, and thus to the walking speed.

Can aerobic treadmill training reduce the effort of walking and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

Impaired mobility in multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with high-energy costs and effort when walking, gait abnormalities, poor endurance and fatigue. This repeated measures trial with blinded assessments investigated the effect of treadmill walking at an aerobic training intensity in 16 adults with MS. The intervention consisted of 12 sessions of up to 30 minutes treadmill training (TT), at 55–85% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. The primary outcome measure was walking effort, measured by oxygen consumption (mL/kg per metre), during treadmill walking at comfortable walking speed (CWS). Associated changes in gait parameters using the ‘Gait-Rite’ mat, 10-m time and 2-minute distance, and Fatigue Severity Scale were examined. Following training, oxygen consumption decreased at rest (P = 0.008), CWS increased (P = 0.002), and 10-m times (P = 0.032) and walking endurance (P = 0.020) increased. At increased CWS, oxygen consumption decreased (P = 0.020), with a decreased time spent in stance in the weaker leg (P = 0.034), and a greater stride distance with the stronger leg (P = 0.044). Reported fatigue levels remained the same. Aerobic TT presents the opportunity to alter a motor skill and reduce the effort of walking, whilst addressing cardiovascular de-conditioning, thereby, potentially reducing effort and fatigue for some people with MS.

EFFECTS OF SPEED AND INCLINE ON LOWER EXTREMITY KINEMATICS DURING TREADMILL JOGGING IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS

Recently, there are more people jogging with a treadmill at the gym or the home setting. The main available selected modes for treadmill jogging are speed and slope of incline. Increased speeds and incline slopes will not only increase the cardiopulmonary loading but may also alter the lower extremity (LE) movement patterns. There are few systematic investigations of the effect of the speed and incline on LE kinematics. Most studies have used 2D methods which focused on movements in sagittal plane only and this has limitations in the acquired data since lower extremity movements also include frontal and transverse planes. The current study aimed to investigate LE movement during jogging at different speeds and incline slopes using a high speed three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system.Eighteen young healthy males were recruited. The video-based motion capture system with six CCD cameras, HIRES Expert Vision System (Motion Analysis Corporation, CA, USA), was used to collect kinematic data at a sampling frequency of 120Hz. Nineteen passive reflective markers were attached to bilateral lower extremities of the subject. The joint angle is calculated by Euler angle using the rotation sequence: 2-1-3 (y-x′-z″). Four speeds were selected: 2 m/s, 2.5 m/s, 3 m/s, 3.5 m/s with the slope at 0, and four slopes were selected: 0%, 5%,10%,15% at a speed of 3 m/s. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to test hypotheses regarding changes in jogging condition on LE kinematic variables. The significance level was set at 0.05.As the jogging slope increased, the hip, knee and ankle demonstrated a significantly greater maximum flexion in swing phase (p&lt;0.001), but the maximum extension angles in stance phase were relatively unchanged. Increased LE flexion during swing phase is important to ensure foot clearance with increased slope. For increased speed, the hip and ankle joints had significantly greater maximum joint extension angles during stance phase and the hip and knee joint had significantly larger maximum flexion angles in swing phase (p&lt;0.001). Increased motion during swing phase account for a larger step length and increased motion during stance phase may facilitate the generation of power during forward propulsion as the jogging speed increased. As the slope and speed increased, LE movement patterns were changed in the transverse plane: the significantly increased (p&lt;0.01) internal hip rotation at terminal stance, the increased toe-in of foot (p&lt;0.001) during terminal stance phase and decreased (p&lt;0.05) toe-out during swing phase. Increased hip motion in transverse plane could lengthen the stride distance and increase foot toe-in for providing a stable lever for push off to increase propulsion force as speed or slope is increased. By way of systematic 3D kinematic investigation of the LE in jogging, the results further elucidate the effect of changing speed and incline on LE joints movements. This information could provide guidelines for rehabilitation clinicians or coaches to select an appropriate training mode for jogging.

Morphometric relationships of take‐off speed in anuran amphibians

Locomotory speed correlates with muscle mass (determining force and stride rate), limb length (stride rate and distance), and laterally compressed body trunk (force and stride distance). To delineate generalization of the locomotory-morphometric relationships specifically in anuran amphibians, we investigated take-off speed and the three morphological variables from seven species, Rana nigromaculata, R. rugosa, and Bombina orientalis, Eleuthrodectilus fitzingeri, E. diastema, Bufo typhonius, Colostethus flotator and Physalaemus pustulosus. The fastest jumper E. fitzingeri (3.41 m s(-1)) showed 2.49-fold greater speed than the slowest B. typhonius. Take-off speed correlated well with both thigh muscle mass relative to body mass and hindlimb length relative to snout-vent length (HL/SVL), but poorly correlated with the inter-ilial width relative to SVL. The best morphological predictor was HL/SVL (speed=-3.28+3.916 HL/SVL, r=0.968, P<0.0001), suggesting that anuran take-off speed is portrayed well with high gear and acceleration distance characterized by hindlimbs.

高齢者における転倒セルフエフィカシー尺度の開発 : 信頼性および妥当性の検討

This paper outlines the development of the falling self-efficacy (FSE) scale for elderly people. From interviews with 24 elderly people who lived in a home for the aged, 27 items were selected as indicators of fall events or fall-related situations during daily life activities in Study 1. These items were applied to 151 elderly people who lived in a community area and nursing homes to develop the scale in Study 2. Finally, the 15-item FSE scale was developed after checking the distribution for each item. The scale showed high reliability in terms of internal consistency (a=.96) and the test-retest procedure (r=.74) in Study 3. In Study 4, the validity was examined by finding the relationships between the FSE score and some movement variables for 10-m walking and stepping-over a 30-cm obstacle. The FSE score was significantly correlated with stride length and velocity during walking, as well as stride distance and velocity during stepping-over. Fallers during the last year also had a significantly smaller FSE score than non-fallers. In addition, persons who had a high fear of falling showed a significantly smaller FSE score. For future research, this scale should be used to screen elderly persons who have a marked fear of falling leading to restriction of their physical activity and to clarify the effects of a fall prevention program. Finally, it is considered that a cognitive-behavioral approach plays an important role in effective fall-prevention programs for elderly people.