Swing Time Research Articles

Validity of artificial intelligence-based markerless motion capture system for clinical gait analysis: Spatiotemporal results in healthy adults and adults with Parkinson’s disease

Markerless motion capture methods are continuously in development to target limitations encountered in marker-, sensor-, or depth-based systems. Previous evaluation of the KinaTrax markerless system was limited by differences in model definitions, gait event methods, and a homogenous subject sample. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the accuracy of spatiotemporal parameters in the markerless system with an updated markerless model, coordinate- and velocity-based gait events, and subjects representing young adult, older adult, and Parkinson’s disease groups. Fifty-seven subjects and 216 trials were included in this analysis. Interclass correlation coefficients showed excellent agreement between the markerless system and a marker-based reference system for all spatial parameters. Temporal variables were similar, except swing time which showed good agreement. Concordance correlation coefficients were similar with all but swing time showing moderate to almost perfect concordance. Bland-Altman bias and limits of agreement (LOA) were small and improved from previous evaluations. Parameters showed similar agreement across coordinate- and velocity-based gait methods with the latter showing generally smaller LOAs. Improvements in spatiotemporal parameters in the present evaluation was due to inclusion of keypoints at the calcanei in the markerless model. Consistency in the calcanei keypoints relative to heel marker placements may improve results further. Similar to previous work, LOAs are within boundaries to detect differences in clinical groups. Results support the use of the markerless system for estimation of spatiotemporal parameters across age and clinical groups, but caution should be taken when generalizing findings due to remaining error in kinematic gait event methods.

NERYO-CHAGI KINEMATIC CHARACTERISTICS EVALUATION IN IMPACT SINGLE COMBATS BY EXAMPLE OF WTF TAEKWONDO VIA FEEDBACK TECHNOLOGIES

This article is dedicated to topical issues related to feedback information technologies. As of now, there is not enough research on the topic of studying the kinematic characteristics of athletes in full-contact martial arts using tracking feedback systems. Research methodology: To test the hypothesis concerning the practicability of modern information technologies application, there was held an experiment with WTF taekwondo martial arts athletes. The researchers examined 4 athletes: 2 highly qualified athletes (elite) and 2 sub-elite athletes. The GPS/LPS RealTrack System by Wimu Pro Spain, was chosen to record the motion parameters. Neryo-Chagi was randomly chosen to assess the kinematic characteristics (exploratory study). Neryo-Chagi was considered as an integral motor action, which consists of two types of movement: 1) swing and 2) shock movement (strike). Research results: At the moment of Neryo-Chagi strike, there is a linear increase in the angular velocity (degrees/sec) from low to maximum. When performing a swing and a shock movement (strike), the angular velocity (deg / s) is different. The maximum angular speed during the swing is observed when strikes the way they are in a fight are compared to the maximum, medium and slow intensity. Swing time (s) with elite athletes is higher compared to sub-elite ones, while the time to perform a strike movement does not differ. Elite athletes have higher maximum angular velocity during the swing and strike movement. Evaluation of the main motor actions of athletes, classified by kinematic characteristics, allows a new assessment of their effectiveness.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0009/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Pain severity, distribution, and duration are associated with spatiotemporal gait performance in community-dwelling older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain

BackgroundOur current understanding of the impact of chronic pain on spatiotemporal gait performance has mainly been achieved through comparison studies between individuals with and without chronic pain. Further investigation into the relationship between specific outcome measures of chronic pain and gait may improve our understanding of the impact of pain on gait and may benefit future interventions that aim to improve mobility in this population. Research questionWhich pain outcome measures are associated with spatiotemporal gait performance in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain? MethodsThis study was secondary analysis of older adult participants enrolled in the Neuromodulatory Examination of Pain and Mobility Across the Lifespan (NEPAL) study (n = 43). Pain outcome measures were obtained using self-reported questionnaires, and spatiotemporal gait analysis was conducted using an instrumented gait mat. Separate multiple linear regressions were run to determine which pain outcome measurements were associated with gait performance. ResultsHigher pain severities were associated with shorter stride lengths (β = −0.336, p = 0.041), shorter swing times (β = −0.345, p = 0.037), and longer double support times (β = 0.342, p = 0.034). A greater number of pain sites was associated with a wider step width (β = 0.391, p = 0.024). Longer pain durations were associated with shorter double support times (β = −0.373, p = 0.022). SignificanceThe results of our study illustrate that specific pain outcomes measures are associated with specific gait impairments in community-dwelling older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. As such, pain severity, number of pain sites, and pain duration should be considered when developing mobility interventions in this population to reduce disability.

Ground reaction forces, temporospatial parameters, range of motion, and limb characteristics were analyzed for small and medium size sound dogs with the use of pressure sensitive walkway.

To study ground reaction forces (GRF) and temporospatial parameters for small and medium size dogs using a pressure sensitive walkway (PSW). We hypothesized that, at a given speed, small dogs would have shorter stance time than medium dogs and that dog height (DH) would influence GRF. 30 healthy, sound dogs were divided into 2 groups, small < 15 kg and medium dog group weighing 15 to 25 kg. GRFs were measured for both groups at walk and trot using PSW. Muscle mass and joint angles were measured. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Two groups were compared using 2-sample t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Fisher exact test. GRFs were successfully measured in both dog groups for walk and trot. Medium dogs had larger limb girth, more peak pressure, max force, increased stance, swing time, and larger stride length compared with small dogs. Stance time increased as DH increased at walk and trot (r = 0.854, P < .001; r = 0.876, P < .001). Stance time increased as BW (body weight) increased at walk and trot (r = 0.887, P < .001; r = 0.858 P < .001). Inconclusive data was obtained for stride acceleration and velocity. The handler side did not influence results (P > .05). Range of motion (ROM) did not differ among groups. Results suggested that PSW is a reliable device for small and medium dogs. At walk and at a trot, GRF are smaller in small dogs compared with medium dogs, suggesting that normal reference data for PSW need to take BW and DH into account.

Impact of White Matter Hyperintensity and Age on Gait Parameters in Patients With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of white matter hyperintensity (WMH), a common cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) imaging marker, and age on gait parameters in middle-aged and geriatric populations. Cross-sectional study. A total of 1076 participants (62.9% female; age 61.0 ± 9.3years), who visited the neurology clinic or obtained a physical check-up from the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. In total, 883 patients with WMH and 193 healthy controls were included in this study. The Fazekas scores of patients with CSVD were used to assess the burden of WMH. Based on the Fazekas scores, all participants were divided into 4 groups: 553 patients with Fazekas I, 257 patients with Fazekas II, 73 patients with Fazekas III, and 193 controls. Gait parameters, including step speed, frequency, length, width, stance time, and swing time, were quantitatively assessed using a vision-based artificial intelligence gait analyzer (SAIL system). The relationships among the Fazekas scores, age, and gait parameters were analyzed. Step speed, step length, step width, stance time, and swing time were significantly different among the 4 groups. Furthermore, Fazekas scores and age were both associated with gait parameters, including step speed, step length, stance time, and swing time. The Fazekas scores were associated with step width, whereas age was not. Age was associated with step frequency, whereas Fazekas scores werenot. Fazekas score and age are useful for evaluating gait parameters in patients with CSVD. Emerging WMH (such as Fazekas Ⅰ) could be a clinical warning sign of gait disturbance in a geriatric population.

Autonomous Control of Music to Retrain Walking After Stroke

Background Post-stroke care guidelines highlight continued rehabilitation as essential; however, many stroke survivors cannot participate in outpatient rehabilitation. Technological advances in wearable sensing, treatment algorithms, and care delivery interfaces have created new opportunities for high-efficacy rehabilitation interventions to be delivered autonomously in any setting (ie, clinic, community, or home). Methods We developed an autonomous rehabilitation system that combines the closed-loop control of music with real-time gait analysis to fully automate patient-tailored walking rehabilitation. Specifically, the mechanism-of-action of auditory-motor entrainment is applied to induce targeted changes in the post-stroke gait pattern by way of targeted changes in music. Using speed-controlled biomechanical and physiological assessments, we evaluate in 10 individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis the effects of a fully-automated gait training session on gait asymmetry and the energetic cost of walking. Results Post-treatment reductions in step time (Δ: −12 ± 26%, P = .027), stance time (Δ: −22 ± 10%, P = .004), and swing time (Δ: −15 ± 10%, P = .006) asymmetries were observed together with a 9 ± 5% reduction (P = .027) in the energetic cost of walking. Changes in the energetic cost of walking were highly dependent on the degree of baseline energetic impairment (r =− .90, P < .001). Among the 7 individuals with a baseline energetic cost of walking larger than the normative value of healthy older adults, a 13 ± 4% reduction was observed after training. Conclusions The closed-loop control of music can fully automate walking rehabilitation that markedly improves walking after stroke. Autonomous rehabilitation delivery systems that can safely provide high-efficacy rehabilitation in any setting have the potential to alleviate access-related care gaps and improve long-term outcomes after stroke.

Effect of slope change on kinematics of amateur golfers' full swing.

Golf courses are designed with uneven terrain. These factors are especially important when facing (slope), players need to straighten the posture of each part of the body in order to complete the swing on an inclined surface such as flat ground. Amateur players may be more likely to change the movement patterns of their shots due to uneven terrain. Therefore, it may be necessary to clarify the shot characteristics of amateur players and provide reference materials for technical improvement. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of slope on amateur golfers' swing kinematics by analyzing the variation of time variables, body center of gravity (COG), and shot parameters of amateur golfers' swing at different ground slopes. Six male amateur golfers participated in the experiment. The 7-iron was used for 5 swings each at three slopes: flat ground (FG, 0∘), ball below foot (BBF, +10∘), and foot below ball (FBB, -10∘). The OptiTrack-Motion capture system was used to collect kinematic data, and the three-dimensional motion data will be transmitted to Visual3D software for subsequent data analysis such as golf swing division and body COG changes. Shot parameters (carry, swing speed, ball speed, and smash factor) were recorded for each swing using the Caddie SC300 radar monitoring device. The results showed that there was no difference in the overall swing time and the time required for each interval at different slopes (p> 0.05) there is no significant difference in the change of the COG of the body in the forward and backward directions (p> 0.05). The three slopes of swing speed, ball speed, carry and smash factor were not significantly different (p> 0.05). The rhythm of the amateur golfer's swing was not affected by the slope, but the slope restricts the movement of the body's COG, which may affect the weight movement, and ultimately cause the performance parameters to not reach the level of the FG.

Isolating the speed factor is crucial in gait analysis for Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by an alteration of the walking gait, frequently including a slower self-selected walking speed (SSWS). Although the reduction of walking speed is inherent to people with PD, such speed reduction also represents a potential confounding factor that might partly explain the observed gait differences between PD and control participants. In this study, each participant walked along a 25 m level corridor during which vertical ground reaction force signals were recorded using shoes equipped with eight pressure sensors. Vertical ground reaction force signals (using statistical parametric mapping) and temporal and kinetic variables as well as their related variability and asymmetry (using Student's t-test) were compared between PD (n = 54) and walking-speed-matched control subjects (n = 39). Statistical parametric mapping did not yield significant differences between PD and control groups for the vertical ground reaction force signal along the walking stance phase. Stride time and single support time (equivalent to swing time) were shorter and peak vertical ground reaction force was larger in PD patients compared to controls (p ≤ 0.05). However, the single support time was no longer different between people with PD and healthy subjects when expressed relatively to stride time (p = 0.07). While single support, double support, and stance times were significantly more variable and asymmetric for PD than for the control group (p ≤ 0.05), stride time was similar (p ≥ 0.07). These results indicate that at matched SSWS, PD patients adopt a higher cadence than control participants. Moreover, the temporal subdivision of the walking gait of people with PD is similar to healthy individuals but the coordination during the double support phase is different. Hence, this study indicates that isolating the speed factor is crucial in gait analysis for PD.

Validity of an inertial sensor-based system for the assessment of spatio-temporal parameters in people with multiple sclerosis.

Gait variability in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) reflects disease progression or may be used to evaluate treatment response. To date, marker-based camera systems are considered as gold standard to analyze gait impairment in PwMS. These systems might provide reliable data but are limited to a restricted laboratory setting and require knowledge, time, and cost to correctly interpret gait parameters. Inertial mobile sensors might be a user-friendly, environment- and examiner-independent alternative. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of an inertial sensor-based gait analysis system in PwMS compared to a marker-based camera system. A sample N = 39 PwMS and N = 19 healthy participants were requested to repeatedly walk a defined distance at three different self-selected walking speeds (normal, fast, slow). To measure spatio-temporal gait parameters (i.e., walking speed, stride time, stride length, the duration of the stance and swing phase as well as max toe clearance), an inertial sensor system as well as a marker-based camera system were used simultaneously. All gait parameters highly correlated between both systems (r > 0.84) with low errors. No bias was detected for stride time. Stance time was marginally overestimated (bias = -0.02 ± 0.03 s) and gait speed (bias = 0.03 ± 0.05 m/s), swing time (bias = 0.02 ± 0.02 s), stride length (0.04 ± 0.06 m), and max toe clearance (bias = 1.88 ± 2.35 cm) were slightly underestimated by the inertial sensors. The inertial sensor-based system captured appropriately all examined gait parameters in comparison to a gold standard marker-based camera system. Stride time presented an excellent agreement. Furthermore, stride length and velocity presented also low errors. Whereas for stance and swing time, marginally worse results were observed.

A Psychological Study of Social Identity in Zadie Smith’s Swing Time

The search for identity is the central theme to numerous literary works, often following the protagonist or another protagonist. This research analyzes the protagonist's growth throughout Swing Time by Zadie Smith, which, like the majority of published psychological works, is motivated by a search for the individual's "authentic self." It's only appropriate that the protagonist of this author's fifth novel, is experiencing adolescence. The British author, Zadie Smith, uses her highly regarded novel Swing Time to probe questions of black people's racial identity and their connections to people of other races. This study also investigates the challenges faced by people of color in the entertainment industry, among critics, and in the pursuit of social and economic mobility. A strong sense of community is difficult for immigrant groups to establish. The difficulties that immigrant communities in contemporary Britain face in assimilating to mainstream culture are depicted in nuanced detail in Zadie Smith's Swing Time. The researcher concludes that the narrator's influence from family and her own lack of personal understanding explain her inability to adopt a tolerant and reasonable attitude when confronted with a multicultural society. Smith, who is a diasporic person, uses the protagonist's search for identity to highlight the importance of having a global perspective.

Review: Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J. Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm, by Dan Charnas

Book Review| March 01 2023 Review: Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J. Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm, by Dan Charnas Dan Charnas. Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J. Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2022. 458 pages. Kellie Hay Kellie Hay Oakland University Kellie Hay is a professor of cultural studies. She examines the ways in which under-resourced communities use cultural forms such as music, dance, and poetry to forge social change. She is particularly interested in the role that affect and aesthetics play in shaping community hip hop. She published Women Rapping Revolution: Hip Hop and Community Building in Detroit (UC Press) with Rebekah Farrugia. She has also published in the Music and Politics, Popular Music and Society, Popular Music Studies, and the Journal of American Culture. Email: hay@oakland.edu Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Email: hay@oakland.edu Journal of Popular Music Studies (2023) 35 (1): 136–138. https://doi.org/10.1525/jpms.2023.35.1.136 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Kellie Hay; Review: Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J. Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm, by Dan Charnas. Journal of Popular Music Studies 1 March 2023; 35 (1): 136–138. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/jpms.2023.35.1.136 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentJournal of Popular Music Studies Search Dan Charnas has written other important, evocative books about the business of music industries. However, Dilla Time is his magnum opus. Documenting Detroit hip-hop producer James Dewitt Yancy’s (aka Jay Dee and J. Dilla) story, Charnas creates a cyclone of corporal relational tension that is indelibly linked to Dilla’s formation of sonic deconstruction, time feel, and sound sequencing. As whimsical with prose as an emcee is with bars, Charnas wields words in ways that transform readers into visual imagineers. Reading Dilla Time is like watching a documentary in a planetarium-sized space and being late for unexpected sounding beats. The book is organized into 16 chapters that thematize Dilla’s tumultuous musical life. Charnas assigns chapter names, such as “Wrong,” “Straight Time”/“Swing Time,” “Machine Time,” “Sample time,” “Dilla Time,” “Pay Jay,” “Partners,” and “Fragments.” The biographical side of Charnas' prose reads like a page-turning novel, while his richly historicized and highly technical... You do not currently have access to this content.

Effects of prolonged brisk walking induced lower limb muscle fatigue on the changes of gait parameters in older adults

BackgroundLower extremity muscle fatigue affects gait stability and increases the probability of injuries in the elderly. Research questionHow does prolonged walking-induced fatigue affect lower limb muscle activity, plantar pressure distribution, and tripping risk? MethodsEighteen elderly adults walked fast on a treadmill for 60 minutes at a fixed speed. The plantar pressure was measured with an in-shoe monitoring system, eight lower limb muscles were monitored using surface electromyography, and foot movements were tracked by a motion capture analysis system. The above data and participants’ subjective fatigue level feedback were collected every 5 minutes. Statistical analysis used the Friedman one-way repeated measures analysis of variance by ranks test followed by Wilcoxon signed-ranks test with Benjamini-Hochberg stepwise correction. ResultsThe subjective reported fatigue on the Borg scale increased gradually from 1 to 6 (p = 0.001) during the 60 minutes, while the EMG amplitude of vastus medialis significant decreased (p = 0.013). The results of plantar pressure demonstrated that the distribution of load and impulse shifted medially in both the heel and arch regions while shifted laterally in both the toes and metatarsal regions. The significantly increased contact area supports this shift at the medial arch (p = 0.036, increased by 6.94%, the 60th minute vs. the baseline). The symmetry of medial-lateral plantar force increased at the toes, metatarsal, and arch regions. The significantly increased parameters also include the swing time and contact time. The minimum foot clearance was reduced, increasing tripping probability, not significantly, though. SignificanceThis study facilitates a better understanding of changes in lower limb muscle activity and gait parameters during prolonged fast walking. Besides, this study has good guiding significance for developing smart devices based on plantar force, inertial measurement units, and EMG sensors to monitor changes in muscle activation in real-time and prevent tripping.

Sex Differences in Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters of Transtibial Amputees.

Research addressing lower limb amputee gait and prosthetic design often focuses on men, despite female lower limb amputees having different risk factors and lower success with their prosthetics overall. It is widely agreed that sex differences exist in able-bodied gait, but research analyzing sex differences in amputee gait is rare. This study compared male and female transtibial amputee gait to ascertain potential sex differences. Forty-five transtibial amputees were asked to walk at their self-selected speed, and spatiotemporal gait data were obtained. Both the mean and variability metric of parameters were analyzed for 10 male and 10 female participants. For all participants, amputated limbs had a shorter stance time, longer swing time, and larger step length. Females had a 10% shorter stance time and 26% larger normalized step and stride length than males. Female participants also walked over 20% faster than male participants. Finally, significant interactions were found in the mean and variability metric of stride velocity, indicating greater variability in women. These findings suggest that sex differences exist in transtibial amputee gait, offering possible explanations for the different comorbidities experienced by female lower limb amputees. These results have major implications for female amputees and for sex-specific research, rehabilitation, and prosthetic design.

Biomechanical response of the above-ground organs in tomato seedling at different age levels under wind-flow disturbance

The wind-flow disturbance is a potential green biophysical method for preventing tomato seedlings from overgrowth in plant factories. Firstly, the biomechanical properties of the leaf, stem, and lateral branch in the tomato seedling at five age levels were determined by uniaxial tension tests. After which, five fluid-solid coupled finite element (FE) models were developed, each with a wind field and one of the five ages of seedling model formed by a stem and several lateral branches and leaves. The FE model with average tissue biomechanical data was capable of reproducing the experimental swing angle vs. time curve. Three multiple linear regression analysis models revealed that the strong seedling index was the most significant factor affecting the maximum stress in the tomato seedling, followed by the wind velocity and seedling age. When the strong seedling index, wind velocity and seedling age were 0.02, 2 m/s, and 25 days, the maximum Von Mises stress in the leaf and the lateral branch exceeded their failure stress, indicating that the inhibition of overgrowth seedling under wind-flow disturbance can be attributed to the tomato seedling's micro-mechanical damage caused by wind and result in further physiological response. This study provides an effective method for objectively investigating the biomechanical response of the internal tissues in tomato seedling subjected to wind-flow disturbance (stimulation), which cannot be achieved through actual experiment observation.

Internet-of-Things-Enabled Markerless Running Gait Assessment from a Single Smartphone Camera.

Running gait assessment is essential for the development of technical optimization strategies as well as to inform injury prevention and rehabilitation. Currently, running gait assessment relies on (i) visual assessment, exhibiting subjectivity and limited reliability, or (ii) use of instrumented approaches, which often carry high costs and can be intrusive due to the attachment of equipment to the body. Here, the use of an IoT-enabled markerless computer vision smartphone application based upon Google’s pose estimation model BlazePose was evaluated for running gait assessment for use in low-resource settings. That human pose estimation architecture was used to extract contact time, swing time, step time, knee flexion angle, and foot strike location from a large cohort of runners. The gold-standard Vicon 3D motion capture system was used as a reference. The proposed approach performs robustly, demonstrating good (ICC(2,1) > 0.75) to excellent (ICC(2,1) > 0.90) agreement in all running gait outcomes. Additionally, temporal outcomes exhibit low mean error (0.01−0.014 s) in left foot outcomes. However, there are some discrepancies in right foot outcomes, due to occlusion. This study demonstrates that the proposed low-cost and markerless system provides accurate running gait assessment outcomes. The approach may help routine running gait assessment in low-resource environments.

Comparison of cortical versus cancellous bone fixation in tendon-to-bone healing with a rat trans-calcaneal suture model for Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion

BackgroundTrans-calcaneal suture technique is an economical and effective method for repairing Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion. Whether cancellous bone fixation upon this technique could accelerate tendon-to-bone healing is unknown. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of cortical versus cancellous bone fixation on tendon–bone healing with a novel rat trans-calcaneal suture model.MethodsTrans-calcaneal suture treatment was carried out on the right hindlimb in male Sprague–Dawley rats (N = 80). They were randomly divided into the cortical group (Achilles fixed to the calcaneal cortical bone, n = 40) and the cancellous group (Achilles fixed to the calcaneal cancellous bone, n = 40). Gait analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed 1, 4, 7, and 14 days after the operation. Gross observation, biomechanical analysis, micro-CT, and histological analysis were performed 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. Independent-samples t tests were used for comparison between groups.ResultsAt 1, 4, and 7 days, the swing time of the affected limb in the cancellous group decreased, while the duty cycle, the maximum contact area, the print area, and the mean intensity increased significantly. The cross-sectional area of the tendon–bone junction in the cancellous group was smaller, and the failure load and stiffness were higher 4 weeks after the operation. The cancellous group showed more proportion of new bone and a relatively well-organized and dense connective tissue interface with better fibrocartilage-like tissue at 4 weeks after the operation. The ratio of ED2 + macrophages in the cancellous group was significantly higher than in the cortical group on 1, 4, 7, and 14 days. There were no significant differences in gait at 2 weeks, in appearance, biomechanics, new bone formation, and histology at 8 weeks after surgery between the two groups.ConclusionIn the new rat trans-calcaneal suture model, cancellous fixation can accelerate tendon-to-bone healing in the early stage, which perhaps is related to the abundant bone marrow tissue in the cancellous bone that modulates the inflammatory processes.

Instrumented insoles for assessment of gait in patients with vestibular schwannoma.

Imbalance and gait disturbances are common in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) and can result in significant morbidity. Current methods for quantitative gait analysis are cumbersome and difficult to implement. Here, we use custom-engineered instrumented insoles to evaluate the gait of patients diagnosed with VS. Twenty patients with VS were recruited from otology, neurosurgery, and radiation oncology clinics at a tertiary referral center. Functional gait assessment (FGA), 2-minute walk test (2MWT), and uneven surface walk test (USWT) were performed. Custom-engineered instrumented insoles, equipped with an 8-cell force sensitive resistor (FSR) and a 9-degree-of-freedom inertial measurement unit (IMU), were used to collect stride-by-stride spatiotemporal gait parameters, from which mean values and coefficients of variation (CV) were determined for each patient. FGA scores were significantly correlated with gait metrics obtained from the 2MWT and USWT, including stride length, stride velocity, normalized stride length, normalized stride velocity, stride length CV, and stride velocity CV. Tumor diameter was negatively associated with stride time and swing time on the 2MWT; no such association existed between tumor diameter and FGA or DHI. Instrumented insoles may unveil associations between VS tumor size and gait dysfunction that cannot be captured by standardized clinical assessments and self-reported questionnaires.

Modulation of Arm Swing Frequency and Gait Using Rhythmic Tactile Feedback.

Due to the neural coupling between upper and lower limbs and the importance of interlimb coordination in human gait, focusing on appropriate arm swing should be a part of gait rehabilitation in individuals with walking impairments. Despite its vital importance, there is a lack of effective methods to exploit the potential of arm swing inclusion for gait rehabilitation. In this work, we present a lightweight and wireless haptic feedback system that provides highly synchronized vibrotactile cues to the arms to manipulate arm swing and investigate the effects of this manipulation on the subjects' gait in a study with 12 participants (20-44 years). We found the developed system effectively adjusted the subjects' arm swing and stride cycle times by significantly reducing and increasing those parameters by up to 20% and 35%, respectively, compared to their baseline values during normal walking with no feedback. Particularly, the reduction of arms' and legs' cycle times translated into a substantial increase of up to 19.3% (on average) in walking speed. The response of the subjects to the feedback was also quantified in both transient and steady-state walking. The analysis of settling times from the transient responses revealed a fast and similar adaptation of both arms' and legs' movements to the feedback for reducing cycle time (i.e., increasing speed). Conversely, larger settling times and the time differences between arms' and legs' responses were observed due to feedback for increasing cycle times (i.e., reducing speed). The results clearly demonstrate the potential of the developed system to induce different arm-swing patterns as well as the ability of the proposed method to modulate key gait parameters through leveraging the interlimb neural coupling, with implications for gait training.

Accuracy of the fully integrated Insole3's estimates of spatiotemporal parameters during walking.

This study investigated the accuracy of the Insole3 wireless shoe device in estimating several clinically useful spatiotemporal parameters (STPs). Eleven subjects walked at slow (0.8-1.0m/s) and moderate-paced (1.2-1.4m/s) speeds. Data were simultaneously recorded using the Insole3 and an industry-standard, three-dimensional motion capture (MOCAP) system. An error analysis compared the resulting STP data from the two systems. The mean bias error (MBE) was generally lower for temporal variables, and somewhat higher, but acceptable, for spatial variables. The MBE for temporally-related cadence and cycle time were the lowest (less than ±0.45%), with 100% (110/110) of slow-paced walking trial values and 99.1% (109/110) of moderate-paced walking trial values within 5% of the MOCAP estimates. The MBE was highest for speed (3.23-4.91%) and stride length (3.68-4.63%), with between 52.7 and 69.1% of trial values falling within the 5% error range. Stance time and swing time ranged between -0.98 and 4.38% error for both walking conditions. The results of this study suggest that the Insole3 is a potential alternative to MOCAP for estimating several STPs, namely cadence, stance time, and cycle time, particularly for use outside of the laboratory setting.

A QE Study on Golf Putting

PURPOSE The quiet eye (QE) is defined as the final fixation time that is a specific target prior to initiating movement. This study aimed to identify the cause of QE in golf putting and to present an efficient practice method for improving putting skills. METHODS Thirty participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Each group practiced golf putting in different ways for two days. RESULTS The QE group showed a significant difference in putting scores, which was higher than that of the control group. The visual-occlusion group showed no difference compared to the other groups in terms of putting scores. The QE group showed a significant difference in terms of QE in the retention and competition tests compared to the pretest. The control group tended to have a slightly longer QE in competition tests compared to the pretest. The visualocclusion group showed no statistically significant difference in QE based on the period. All three groups had significantly longer swing times over the selected period. There was no significant difference in terms of the alpha power of the occipital lobe based on group and period. CONCLUSIONS The position of the visual-occlusion group became stable. However, the QE did not lengthen. The QE group had a longer QE. Furthermore, the control group that practiced with their eyes open tended to have longer QE. Therefore, QE may be related to visual-based cognitive processing rather than posturalkinematics. Finally, this study proved that QE practice is a more efficient method for novices in golf putting.