Study Of Human Locomotion Research Articles

Lower-limb dominance does not explain subject-specific foot kinematic asymmetries observed during walking and running

Studies of human locomotion have observed asymmetries in lower-limb kinematics, especially at the more distal joints. However, it is unclear whether these asymmetries are related to functional differences between the dominant and non-dominant limb. This study aimed to determine the effect of lower-limb dominance on foot kinematics during human locomotion. Range of motion for the metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) and medial longitudinal arch (MLA), as well as time duration of windlass mechanism engagement, were recorded from healthy young adults (N = 12) across a range of treadmill walking and running speeds. On the group level, there were no differences in MPJ or MLA range of motion, or windlass engagement timing, between the dominant and non-dominant limb (p > 0.05). While not explained by limb dominance, between-limb differences in MPJ and MLA ranges of motion were observed for individual participants on the order of ∼2–6°, which could be clinically relevant or impact interpretation of research data.

Evaluation of a Gait Assessment Module Using 3D Motion Capture Technology.

Gait analysis is the study of human locomotion. In massage therapy, this observation is part of an assessment process that informs treatment planning. Massage therapy students must apply the theory of gait assessment to simulated patients. At Humber College, the gait assessment module traditionally consists of a textbook reading and a three-hour, in-class session in which students perform gait assessment on each other. In 2015, Humber College acquired a three-dimensional motion capture system. The purpose was to evaluate the use of 3D motion capture in a gait assessment module compared to the traditional gait assessment module. Semester 2 massage therapy students who were enrolled in Massage Theory 2 (n = 38). Quasi-experimental, wait-list comparison study. The intervention group participated in an in-class session with a Qualisys motion capture system. The outcomes included knowledge and application of gait assessment theory as measured by quizzes, and students' satisfaction as measured through a questionnaire. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline and post-module knowledge between both groups (pre-module: p = .46; post-module: p = .63). There was also no difference between groups on the final application question (p = .13). The intervention group enjoyed the in-class session because they could visualize the content, whereas the comparison group enjoyed the interactivity of the session. The intervention group recommended adding the assessment of gait on their classmates to their experience. Both groups noted more time was needed for the gait assessment module. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that the gait assessment module combine both the traditional in-class session and the 3D motion capture system.

Treadmill versus overground and barefoot versus shod comparisons of triceps surae fascicle behaviour in human walking and running

Studies of human locomotion are commonly performed on a treadmill or overground, as well as with or without footwear. These testing modalities have been suggested to influence kinematics, kinetics and/or spatio-temporal variables differently. However, it is unclear whether they influence contractile behaviour at the level of the muscle fascicles. This has major relevance because results from studies performed with different combinations of the testing modalities are often compared. The present study used ultrasound to examine fascicle behaviour of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus muscles of ten young, healthy males during walking and running on a treadmill and overground, as well as barefoot and shod. Barefoot conditions resulted in modestly shorter step durations than corresponding shod conditions, whereas no consistent temporal differences were observed between overground and treadmill locomotion. For both comparisons, no differences were observed in soleus or MG fascicle behaviour between corresponding conditions in walking or running, although soleus consistently exhibited smaller, lower velocity length changes than MG. It is concluded that the examined testing modalities are equally valid for studying muscle fascicle behaviour during locomotion. This conclusion is supported by a comparison of our data to the results of 16 previous studies that used various combinations of testing modalities; muscle fascicle behaviour is qualitatively similar between studies for a given muscle and gait.

Pediatric gait and motion analysis: Current limitations and emerging opportunities for quantitative assessment

Studies of human locomotion have historically paralleled developments in photographic technology. Early works of the late 19th century by Muybridge and Marey employed sequential photography. Later works by Braun and Fischer introduced illuminated tubes on limb segments, and multiple cameras. With these early contributions began the maturation of gait a nalysis from a research-based activity to a more clinically relevant assessment tool. Significant clinical advances began in th e 1960's and have continued to the current time. Recognized clinical contributors include David Sutherland, Jacqueline Perry, Sheldon Simon, Freeman Miller, and James Gage. Today, the majority of pediatric clinical applications focus on the lower extremities ( LE) with segmental motions distal to the ankle seldom considered. Methods for expanding current LE analysis methods are presented. These include functional means of assessing hip joint center location and refinement of a biomechanical foot model to inc lude segmental (heel, forefoot, hallux) motion. Emerging opportunities for clinically relevant pediatric assessment, pr e-treatment decision making, and post-treatment rehabilitative follow-up are included.

Walking the walk

Central pattern generators provide the basic stepping pattern in walking, but cannot adjust for the environment. A new study of human locomotion shows a pattern of changes in independent neural controllers for left and right legs.

A study of human locomotion for the design of rehabilitation systems based on fuzzy logic

A study of human locomotion for the design of rehabilitation systems based on fuzzy logic

THREE ADDITIONS TO PASSIVE DYNAMIC WALKING: ACTUATION, AN UPPER BODY, AND 3D STABILITY

One of the main challenges in the design of human-like walking robots (useful for service or entertainment applications as well as the study of human locomotion) is to obtain dynamic locomotion, as opposed to the static form of locomotion demonstrated by most of the current prototypes. A promising concept is the idea of passive dynamic walking; even completely unactuated and uncontrolled mechanisms can perform a stable gait when walking down a shallow slope. This concept enables the construction of dynamically walking prototypes that are simpler yet more natural in their motions than the static bipeds. This paper presents three additions to the concept of passive dynamic walking. First, hip actuation is added to increase the fore-aft stability and to provide power to the system, removing the need for a downhill floor. Second, a bisecting hip mechanism is introduced to allow the addition of a passive upper body without compromising the simplicity, efficiency and naturalness of the concept of passive dynamic walking. Third, skateboard-like ankle joints are implemented to provide 3D stability. These ankles couple the unstable sideways lean motion to yaw (steering), a kinematic coupling which provides sideways stability when walking with sufficient forward velocity. The three additions are investigated both with elementary simulation models and with prototype experiments. All three prototypes demonstrate an uncannily natural and stable gait while requiring only two foot switches and three on/off actuators.

Human motion analysis for biomechanics and biomedicine

The study of human locomotion can be described as the interdiscipline that describes, analyzes, and assesses human movement. This endeavor represents an important branch of bioscience that requires a multidisciplinary effort and has immense potential to aid mankind. The applications of human motion analysis are limitless. Researchers in the fields of biomechanics, medicine, sports, and rehabilitation study human locomotion for evaluating joint forces andmoments that control motion and posture [7,18,25]. Such studies are fundamental to understanding the mechanics of normal and pathological movement [11,29], and for the diagnosis and treatment of patients withmotor deficiencies [28]. Synthetic humans may be used to test strategies to optimize various sport movements or to animate enhanced visualization of the human form to aid in clinical analysis [4,10]. Simulation allows a physician to observe which muscles are being activated during certainmovements in order to design correctional devices that can ease joint loads caused by injury. Others in the field of biomedicine use human models for the development of functional electrical stimulation (FES) protocols to restore mobility to paralyzed individuals [3,8,9,32]. In animation and computer graphics, humanmotion analysis is important to animators who wish to generate physicallybased animations of synthetic humanoids [2,23,24], allowing the physical effects of movement to be automatically generated as a byproduct of the simulation [6,15,19,30]. In the manufacturing industry, digital humans are being used as virtual operators acting within simulated environments, manufacturing automotive components, assembling aircrafts, and maintaining next-generation power plants and nuclear submarines [21]. Humanoid robots and human exoskeletons can benefit from studies of human motion. Understanding human motion has been instrumental in developing tools for simulation and control of biped robots [1,12– 14,16,17,24,26]. In computer vision, human motion analysis has emerged as an important area of research, motivated by the desire for improved man–machine interfaces. In particular, the ability to recognize human activity by visual information processing is instrumental to making a machine interact purposefully and effortlessly within a human-inhabited environment [22,31]. Other areas that have recently received considerable attention due to security concerns include surveillance. Clearly, human motion analysis and synthesis has widespread applications spanning many disciplines. The important research questions require a unified, multidisciplinary solution that utilize theories developed in human motor control, robotics,musclemechanics, computer graphics, and computer vision.

Studies of human locomotion: past, present and future

The study of human locomotion and its applications are examined from a historical viewpoint. Several critical steps in the advancement of the discipline are considered in the context of addressing a particular need to answer fundamental questions regarding the process of human locomotion. In addition, changes in the methods of observation are discussed in terms of the advancement of the field. As an example, the application of a newly developed point cluster technique to reduce the artifact due to skin movement is described. The method was applied to a study of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees. The results demonstrate that patients with ACL-deficient knees have significantly greater than normal anterior–posterior displacement of the femur relative to the tibia during walking. Many of the advancements in the tools for observation and interpretation have been driven by new demands on our fundamental knowledge. Future advancements in the study of human locomotion will likely be motivated by new treatment modalities that require an in depth understanding of the subtle complexities of human locomotion. Future directions are discussed in the context of new methods for reducing errors associated with skin movement combined with information obtained from other imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging.

Citius, altius, longius (faster, higher, longer): The biomechanics of jumping for distance

The purpose of this paper is to review current knowledge concerning the long and triple jumps. Much has been learned over the past two decades about techniques in the long jump. Many myths have been dispelled and many training practices have been altered as a result. In all of this, the techniques employed during the takeoff have received little attention. It is in this area that the most important developments are likely to take place in the next decade. In contrast with the long jump, satisfactory answers have yet to be obtained to even the most fundamental of questions about techniques in the triple jump. The triple jump is an experimental task with potential for use in studies of human locomotion, of visual perception and control, of the strength of biological materials and of the mechanisms of soft tissue injury.

The application of the integrated kinematic segment to the study of human locomotion, II — Joint dynamics

s 655 THE APPLICATION OF THE INTEGRATED KINEMATIC SEGMENT TO THE STUDY OF HUMAN LOCOMOTION, II JOINT DYNAMICS Zvi Ladin and Ge Wu 13iomediral Il:ngincering Department and NeuroMuscular Research Center Boston University, Boston, MA 02215 The calculation of human joint loading is usually based on the non-invasive measurements of the kinematics of a given body segment, and the solution of the ‘inverse dynamics problem’. The kinematics is obtained either by direct position or acceleration measurements. A new approach, called the Integrated Kinematic Segment (IKS) app roach is applied to the study of the three dimensional kinetics of human lower limb during normal walking and running. The IKS is composed of an array of markers for the position and orientation measurement, and a triaxial linear accelerometer and angular rate sensor. Only the knee joint forces and moments are presented in this paper. The results suggest that the use of the IKS is able to increase stibstantially the frequency range in the human joint load estimates, especially at, transients occurring during fast activities. In addition, it is able to provide high quality complete estimates of joint forces and moments at any time or location during locomotion. THE EVALUATION OF COUPLED DYNAMICS IN OBSERVED LOCOMOTION Dwight Me&n, Necip Berme, and Sheldon R. Simon Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Orthopaedic Surgery The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA A method was developed to coupled dynamics) between observe a uantitatively evaluate the interrelationships (also c-&d induced accelerations or body segment kinematic trajectories and the interscgmental resultant joint moments URL.) as well as coriolis, gravitational, and ground reaction loads (GRL) which generate these motions. A numerically based technique derived from the Newton-Euler multibody dynamic simulation method was used to compute the governin connected by sphen .J. . dynamic equations of tlu full human body. The body was modeled by 13 segments JOlntS having a total of 34 degrees of freedom @OF) with 28 DOF which sustain controlled JRL’s from muscles, joint contact, and ca spatial segment kinematic trajectories an 8 suleliigaments. A motion measurement system was used to obtain rhe collect GRL data. This information combined with anthropometric infbrmattlon was used to compute the full set of joint accelerations resulting from all the sources in the model for each time frame in the measured data. An algorithmic techni components calculated in a time frame to determine the sign1 ‘x ue was used to scan the large number of acceleration applymg the method to a normal subject’s gait, man cant contributors to a joint’s kinematic behavior. In wefe an order of magnitude larger than the sum of the individual components of the induced accelerations tot Y. humanr . , I.e. observed, joint accelerations. This showed that normal observe it is a finely balanced activity resulting from the interplay of a number of fanors and chat the same motion can result from multiple combinations of these factors. A COMPARISON BETWEEN KINEMATIC AND IUNETlC METHODS OF SEGMENTAL POWER CALCULATlON IN NORMAL WALKING Andrew W. Smith School of Physical and Health Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1Al The purpose of the study was to quantify differences in segmental power calculations using (a) direct measurement based on kinetic data and (b) differentiation of segmental energy values. In theory, the two methods should yield the same results. In practice, however, differences do mur. Four subjects each made one visit to the laboratory and had four trials of data recorded from both sides of the body. Analysis included calculating segmental energy components along with joint and muscle powers for each segment. The four trials from each subject were ensemble averaged to obtain intra-subject (ITS) mean and standard deviation curves. Inter-subject (IRS) mean and standard deviation time-histories were calculated by ensemble averaging the ITS mean values. The IRS mean values for each of the two methods were compared using a Pearson product moment correlation (r). The r values were calculated on data from the entire stride (O-100%), and stance (O-60%) and swing (60-100%) phases respectively. The two methods of segmental power calculation yielded similar values, especially during swing phase where 93.1-99.8% of the variance of one method is explained by the other across the three segments. The data for the entire stride, however, contain more unexplained variance, due to differences between methods during the stance phase. This is particularly noticeable for the foot segment. The results of the present study reinforce the strong phasic relationship between kinematic and kinetic methods of segmental power calculation. Caution is advised, however, in interpreting segmental power data based solely on kinematic inputs.

The application of the integrated kinematic segment to the study of human locomotion, I — Kinematics

The application of the integrated kinematic segment to the study of human locomotion, I — Kinematics

Adaptability in frequency and amplitude of leg movements during human locomotion at different speeds.

In this study of human locomotion we investigate to what extent the normal frequency and amplitude of leg movements can be modified voluntarily at different constant velocities, and how these modifications are accomplished in terms of changes in duration and length of the support and swing phases of the stride cycle. Eight healthy male subjects performed walking and running on a motor-driven treadmill at speeds ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 m s-1 (walking) and 1.5 to 8.0 m s-1 (running), respectively. At each speed the subjects walked and ran with: normal stride frequency; the highest possible stride frequency, and the lowest possible stride frequency. Time for foot contact was measured with a special pressure transducer system under the sole of each shoe. At all speeds of walking and running it was possible to either increase or decrease the frequency of leg movements; that is, to decrease or increase stride cycle duration. The range of variation decreased with increasing speed. The mean overall stride frequency range was 0.41 (low frequency walk 1.0 m s-1)-3.57 Hz (high-frequency run 1.5 m s-1). Stride length ranged 0.40 (high frequency walk 1.0 m s-1)-5.00 m (low frequency run 6.0 m s-1). At normal frequency the overall ranges of stride frequency and length were 0.83-1.95 Hz and 1.16-4.10 m, respectively. The stride frequency increased with speed in low frequency walking and running (as in normal frequency) and decreased in high frequency, despite the effort to maintain extreme frequencies. Only in high frequency walking could the stride frequency be kept approximately constant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

幼児歩行の力学的解析

The studies of human locomotion have been well documented and analyzed by many investigators. However, most of them deal with the normal and pathological gaits of the adult and there has been very little literature pertaining comprehensive analysis of infant locomotion from a biomechanical aspect. This report concerns with the level walking of the infant of 3 and 4 years of age as compared with that of the juvenile and the adult. The experimental method for simultaneous recording of the kinematic and dynamic data consisted of cinematography and force platform having a three-dimensional force-transducer. Using the data obtained from these methods, the simulation was carried out by a two-dimensional mathematical model. Thus joint moments, joint reactions, muscular forces, transmitted forces at joints and generated power were estimated. It was clarified that while some variables were identical to adult values, the propulsive mechanism as well as the angle, moment and transmitted force at the knee joint and the generated power in the infant was different from those of the adult. The comparison with non-human primate bipedal walking indicates that the locomotion of the infant may be placed between the human type and the non-human primate type, although it is much nearer to the human type.

A simple, inexpensive 8-channel multiplexer for electromyography in human locomotion.

Multichannel electromyographic studies of human locomotion can be greatly facilitated by the use of a multiplexer-demultiplexer system as described in this note. The system has 8-channel capability, each channel having a bandwidth from d.c. to 1800 Hz, and channel separation is at least 30 dB.

Studies of human locomotion via optimal programming

Research to date toward an understanding of human biped locomotion has been primarily experimental in nature, largely due to the complexity of the process. In view of the new, exciting possibilities of programmed electrostimulation of paralyzed extremities to restore locomotion, a critical study at the theoretical level is greatly warranted. Optimal programming and modern control theory offer a new approach to the study. First, it is proposed that normal walking obeys a certain “principle of optimality.” Next, at the dynamic level, modern control theory is used to derive the optimal moment profiles that actuate the locomotor elements to synthesize the observed patterns of the normal gait. Development of the problem structure relies closely on the functional characteristic of the biped gait, particularly the ideas of distinct phasic activities and the associated temporal patterns of a walking cycle. The result is a multiarc programming problem with three stages. Each stage involves dynamic constraints that reflect the particular nature of the phasic activity. Activity in the stance phase is described by equality constraints on the “states,” whereas the swing phase is characterized by inequality state constraints. A novelty of the approach is that the theory could be used to study walking behavior under different environmental conditions, such as walking upstairs or over a hole. Joining of the arcs is arranged in such a way as to maintain continuity of certain trajectories as well as repeatability of motion. A distinct feature of the present approach that differs from other studies is the presence of a minimizing performance criterion. Based on external characteristics of muscles and certain assumptions regarding normal locomotion, a simple quadratic type of performance index is proposed. This performance criterion is meaningful in that it is shown to be proportional to the mechanical work done during normal walking. Invoking the necessary conditions of optimal control theory, a multipoint boundary value problem is obtained. A penalty function technique is then employed for iterative numerical solution on a digital computer. Using the parameters available in the literature, simulation results are obtained that agree well with the experimental studies performed by Eberhart and his associates. Furthermore, certain refined features are obtained that are not available in previous studies. Success in applying optimal programming techniques to human locomotion could yield better design procedures for prostheses and could allow eventual realization of the dream of programmed stimulation of many paralyzed persons.