Tibial Acceleration Research Articles

Methods for Evaluating Tibial Accelerations and Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters during Unsupervised Outdoor Movement.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a method of measuring spatiotemporal gait patterns, tibial accelerations, and heart rate that are matched with high resolution geographical terrain features using publicly available data. These methods were demonstrated using data from 218 Marines, who completed loaded outdoor ruck hikes between 5-20 km over varying terrain. Each participant was instrumented with two inertial measurement units (IMUs) and a GPS watch. Custom code synchronized accelerometer and positional data without a priori sensor synchronization, calibrated orientation of the IMUs in the tibial reference frame, detected and separated only periods of walking or running, and computed acceleration and spatiotemporal outcomes. GPS positional data were georeferenced with geographic information system (GIS) maps to extract terrain features such as slope, altitude, and surface conditions. This paper reveals the ease at which similar data can be gathered among relatively large groups of people with minimal setup and automated data processing. The methods described here can be adapted to other populations and similar ground-based activities such as skiing or trail running.

Peak tibial accelerations in different foot strike patterns during level running: an independent investigation in different cohorts.

Peak tibial accelerations are used to monitor impact severity during distance running and as input for bio-feedback. Here, peak tibial accelerations were compared between rearfoot and forefoot strikes. Two different studies were undertaken by independent research centres. Tibial acceleration and optical motion capture were collected in 14 rearfoot strikers who changed to a forefoot strike in the first centre. In the second centre, tibial acceleration of 14 other rearfoot strikers and nine forefoot strikers were collected and processed. In over-ground level running at a submaximal speed, the resultant peak tibial acceleration was greater in the instructed forefoot strike condition (Δ = 7.6 ± 1.3 g, mean ± standard error difference) and in the habitual forefoot strikers (Δ = 3.7 ± 1.1 g) than in the rearfoot strikers. The shank kinematics revealed a greater decrease in antero-posterior velocity following touchdown in the forefoot strike condition. The forefoot strikes experienced greater posterior tibial acceleration, which resulted in an increased resultant peak tibial acceleration that also occurred earlier than in the rearfoot strikes. No significant difference in axial peak tibial acceleration was found between these foot strike patterns. In conclusion, the foot strike pattern differently affects peak tibial accelerations in level running, which can have implications for monitoring and biofeedback applications.

Tibial acceleration alone is not a valid surrogate measure of tibial load in response to stride length manipulation

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the relationship between peak tibial acceleration and peak ankle joint contact forces in response to stride length manipulation during level-ground running. MethodsTwenty-seven physically active participants ran 10 trials at preferred speed in each of 5 stride length conditions: preferred, ±5 %, and ±10 % of preferred stride length. Motion capture, force platform, and tibial acceleration data were directly measured, and ankle joint contact forces were estimated using an inverse-dynamics-based static optimization routine. ResultsIn general, peak axial tibial accelerations (p < 0.001) as well as axial (p < 0.001) and resultant (p < 0.001) ankle joint contact forces increased with stride length. When averaged within the 10 strides of each stride condition, moderate positive correlations were observed between peak axial acceleration and joint contact force (r = 0.49) as well as peak resultant acceleration and joint contact force (r = 0.51). However, 37% of participants illustrated either no relationship or negative correlations. Only weak correlations across participants existed between peak axial acceleration and joint contact force (r = 0.12) as well as peak resultant acceleration and ankle joint contact force (r = 0.18) when examined on a step-by-step basis. ConclusionThese results suggest that tibial acceleration should not be used as a surrogate for ankle joint contact force on a step-by-step basis in response to stride length manipulations during level-ground running. A 10-step averaged tibial acceleration metric may be useful for some runners, but an initial laboratory assessment would be required to identify these individuals.

Learning effects in over-ground running gait retraining: A six-month follow-up of a quasi-randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT This study evaluated learning and recall effects following a feedback-based retraining program. A 6-month follow-up of a quasi-randomized controlled trial was performed with and without recall. Twenty runners were assigned to experimental or control groups and completed a 3-week running program. A body-worn system collected axial tibial acceleration and provided real-time feedback on peak tibial acceleration for six running sessions in an athletic training facility. The experimental group received music-based biofeedback in a faded feedback scheme. The controls received tempo-synchronized music as a placebo for blinding purposes. The peak tibial acceleration and vertical loading rate of the ground reaction force were determined in a lab at baseline and six months following the intervention to assess retention and recall. The impacts of the experimental group substantially decreased at follow-up following a simple verbal recall (i.e., run as at the end of the program): peak tibial acceleration:-32%, p = 0.018; vertical loading rate:-34%, p = 0.006. No statistically significant changes were found regarding the retention of the impact variables. The impact magnitudes did not change over time in the control group. The biofeedback-based intervention did not induce clear learning at follow-up, however, a substantial impact reduction was recallable through simple cueing in the absence of biofeedback.

An Investigation of Running Kinematics with Recovered Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on a Treadmill and In-Field Using Inertial Measurement Units: A Preliminary Study.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may affect movement even years after surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine possible interlimb asymmetries due to ACLR when running on a treadmill and in field conditions, with the aim of contributing to the establishment of objective movement assessment in real-world settings; moreover, we aimed to gain knowledge on recovered ACLR as a biomechanical risk factor. Eight subjects with a history of unilateral ACLR 5.4 ± 2.8 years after surgery and eight healthy subjects ran 1 km on a treadmill and 1 km on a concrete track. The ground contact time and triaxial peak tibial accelerations were recorded using inertial measurement units. Interlimb differences within subjects were tested and compared between conditions. There were no significant differences between limbs in the ACLR subjects or in healthy runners for any of the chosen parameters on both running surfaces. However, peak tibial accelerations were higher during field running (p-values < 0.01; Cohen's d effect sizes > 0.8), independent of health status. To minimize limb loading due to higher impacts during field running, this should be considered when choosing a running surface, especially in rehabilitation or when running with a minor injury or health issues.

Rethinking running biomechanics: a critical review of ground reaction forces, tibial bone loading, and the role of wearable sensors.

This study presents a comprehensive review of the correlation between tibial acceleration (TA), ground reaction forces (GRF), and tibial bone loading, emphasizing the critical role of wearable sensor technology in accurately measuring these biomechanical forces in the context of running. This systematic review and meta-analysis searched various electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect) to identify relevant studies. It critically evaluates existing research on GRF and tibial acceleration (TA) as indicators of running-related injuries, revealing mixed findings. Intriguingly, recent empirical data indicate only a marginal link between GRF, TA, and tibial bone stress, thus challenging the conventional understanding in this field. The study also highlights the limitations of current biomechanical models and methodologies, proposing a paradigm shift towards more holistic and integrated approaches. The study underscores wearable sensors' potential, enhanced by machine learning, in transforming the monitoring, prevention, and rehabilitation of running-related injuries.

Injuries to both anterolateral ligament and Kaplan fiber of the iliotibial band do not increase preoperative pivot-shift phenomenon in ACL injury

BackgroundTo assess the incidence of anterolateral ligament (ALL) and Kaplan fiber of the iliotibial band (KF) injuries in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to investigate the association between these injuries and the magnitude of preoperative pivot-shift test. MethodOne-hundred and five patients with primary ACL injury were retrospectively reviewed. ALL injury and KF injury were assessed by preoperative MRI, and subjects were allocated into four groups: Group A, neither injury; Group B, only ALL injury; Group C, only KF injury; Group D, simultaneous ALL and KF injuries. Before ACL reconstruction, tibial acceleration during the pivot-shift test was measured by an electromagnetic measurement system, and manual grading was recorded according to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) guideline. ResultsIn MRI, the ALL was identified in 104 patients (99.1%) and KF in 99 patients (94.3%). ALL and KF injuries were observed in 43 patients (43.9%) and 23 patients (23.5%), respectively. Patient distribution to each group was as follows; Group A: 43 patients (43.9%), Group B: 32 patients (32.7%), Group C: 12 patients (12.2%), Group D: 11 patients (11.2%). No significant differences were observed in tibial acceleration, and manual grading among the four groups. ConclusionSimultaneous injury to both ALL and KF was uncommon, and preoperative pivot-shift phenomenon did not increase even in those patients. The finding suggests that the role of ALL and KF in controlling anterolateral rotatory knee laxity may be less evident in the clinical setting compared to a biomechanical test setting.

Sex- and age-related differences in kinetics and tibial accelerations during military-relevant movement tasks inU.S. Army trainees.

Lower extremity injuries are prevalent in military trainees, especially in female and older trainees. Modifiable factors that lead to higher injury risk in these subgroups are not clear. The purpose of this study was to identify whether external loading variables during military-relevant tasks differ by age and sex in U.S. Army trainees. Data was collected on 915 trainees in the first week of Basic Combat Training. Participants performed running and ruck marching (walking with 18.1kg pack) on a treadmill, as well as double-/single-leg drop landings. Variables included: vertical force loading rates, vertical stiffness, first peak vertical forces, peak vertical and resultant tibial accelerations. Comparisons were made between sexes and age groups (young, ≤19years; middle, 20-24years; older, ≥25years). Significant main effects of sex were found, with females showing higher vertical loading rates during ruck marching, and peak tibial accelerations during running and ruck marching (p≤0.03). Males showed higher vertical stiffness during running and peak vertical tibial accelerations during drop landings (p<0.01). A main effect of age was found for vertical loading rates during running (p=0.03), however no significant pairwise differences were found between age groups. These findings suggest that higher external loading may contribute to higher overall injury rates in female trainees. Further, higher stiffness during running may contribute to specific injuries, such as Achilles Tendinopathy, that are more prevalent in males. The lack of differences between age groups suggests that other factors contribute more to higher injury rates in older trainees.

Role of Tibial Acceleration Time in Predicting Limb Salvage in Critical Limb Ischemia

Introduction: The role of acceleration time in predicting limb salvage in critical limb ischemia is recently well described in the literature. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is the traditional test for the diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) and assessment of its severity while Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is used to localize the vascular lesion. ABI has a limited role in diabetic patients because of wall calcification, so it gives inaccurate readings. The place of DUS with waveforms (DWs) analysis to estimate distal perfusion remains poorly known even if many consider it a helpful tool to evaluate PAD severity through distal perfusion. Aim: To assess the role of Tibial Arteries Acceleration Time (TAT) measurement in the assessment of distal perfusion and in predicting healing in patients undergoing revascularization of the foot in critical limb ischemia. Methods: Duplex ultrasound was done for 40 consecutive adult patients with critical limb ischemia. All patients underwent a Doppler study with ultrasound. The study includes a color Doppler map and pulse wave Doppler for all lengths of the lower limbs concentrated on CFA, SFA, POPA, ATA, and PTA, the following measurement are recorded included PSV, EDV, and AT for the distal parts of PTA and ATA. The patients were categorized into different groups according to AT; class I AT = 40-120 ms, class II AT= 121- 180 ms, class III AT = 181 – 225, and class 1V AT more than 226 ms. Catheterization was done for those patients. After angioplasty, a second session of Doppler study of the affected limb was done, recording distal arterial PSV, EDV, and AT. Results: In this study, we found a significant correlation between Acceleration Time improvement and the clinical healing of patients. Limb salvage as complete improvement was achieved in 19 of 40 (47.5%), partial improvement was achieved in 8 of 40 (20%), and no improvement was seen in 13 of 40 (32.5%). Complete and partial improvement was seen in class I AT and class II AT and no improvement in class III AT and IV AT. Conclusions: Tibial Acceleration Time demonstrates a high correlation with clinical improvement in patients with critical limb ischemia and can be used as a prognostic predictor for limb salvage after revascularization.

Cues to land softly and quietly result in acute reductions in ground reaction force loading rates in runners

BackgroundA common gait retraining goal for runners is reducing vertical ground reaction force (GRF) loading rates (LRs), which have been associated with injury. Many gait retraining programs prioritize an internal focus of attention, despite evidence supporting an external focus of attention when a specific outcome is desired (e.g., LR reduction). Research QuestionDoes an external focus of attention (using cues for quiet, soft landings) result in comparable reductions in LRs to those achieved using a common internal focus (forefoot striking while barefoot)? MethodsThis observational study included 37 injured runners (18 male; mean age 36 (14) years) at the OMITTED Running Center. Runners wore inertial measurement units over the distal-medial tibia while running on an instrumented treadmill at a self-selected speed. Data were collected for three conditions: 1) Shod-Control (wearing shoes, without cues); 2) Shod-Quiet (wearing shoes, cues for quiet, soft landings); and 3) Barefoot-FFS (barefoot, cues for forefoot strike (FFS)). Within-subject variables were compared across conditions: vertical instantaneous loading rate (LR, primary outcome); vertical stiffness during initial loading; peak vertical GRF; peak vertical tibial acceleration (TA); and cadence. ResultsVertical LR, stiffness, and TA were lower in the Shod-Quiet compared to Shod-Control p < 0.001). Peak vertical GRF and cadence were not different between Shod-Quiet and Shod-Control. Reductions in stiffness and LR were similar between Shod-Quiet and Barefoot-FFS, and GRF in Barefoot-FFS remained similar to both shod conditions. However, runners demonstrated additional reductions in TA and increased cadence when transitioning from Shod-Quiet to the Barefoot-FFS condition (p < 0.05). SignificanceThese results suggests that a focus on quiet, soft landings may be an effective gait retraining method for future research.

Factors Associated With Residual Pivot Shift After ACL Reconstruction: A Quantitative Evaluation of the Pivot-Shift Test Preoperatively and at Minimum 12-Month Follow-up.

Postoperative residual rotatory laxity remains despite improvement in surgical techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). To evaluate factors associated with residual pivot shift after ACLR by quantitative measurement of the pivot shift before and after surgery. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 97 patients who underwent primary double-bundle ACLR between June 2016 and March 2021 and underwent surgery to remove staples, with at least 12 months of follow-up evaluation, were enrolled. Quantitative measurements were performed under general anesthesia immediately before ACLR (preoperatively), after temporary fixation of the ACL graft (intraoperatively), and immediately before staple removal (postoperatively). The laxity of pivot shift was assessed using inertial sensors to measure acceleration and external rotational angular velocity (ERAV). Descriptive data were assessed for associations with postoperative acceleration and ERAV in a univariate analysis. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with postoperative acceleration and ERAV. Anterior tibial translation, acceleration, and ERAV increased from intra- to postoperatively (P < .05). Factors significantly associated with postoperative acceleration were age (β = -0.238; P = .021), lateral posterior tibial slope (PTS) (β = 0.194; P = .048), and preoperative acceleration (β = 0.261; P = .008). Factors significantly affecting postoperative ERAV were age (β = -0.222; P = .029), ramp lesions (β = 0.212; P = .027), and preoperative ERAV (β = 0.323; P = .001). Greater preoperative laxity in the pivot shift was the factor having the most significant association with residual pivot shift after ACLR using quantitative measurements under general anesthesia. Younger age, higher lateral PTS, and concomitant ramp lesions were significant predictors of residual pivot shift. These findings can help pre- and intraoperative decision-making regarding whether an anterolateral structure augmentation should be added.

Medial meniscal lesions increase antero-posterior laxity in knees with anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of concomitant meniscal lesions on knee laxity using a triaxial accelerometer in a large population of patients affected by anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. A total of 326 consecutive patients (261 men and 65 women, mean age 31.3 ± 11.3) undergoing primary ACL reconstruction, were preoperatively evaluated through Lachman and pivot shift tests using a triaxial accelerometer to quantify knee laxity. An analysis based on the presence of meniscal tears assessed during surgery was performed to evaluate the impact of meniscal lesions on knee laxity. The anterior tibial translation (Lachman test) presented significantly higher values in patients with medial meniscal lesions (7.3 ± 1.7 mm, p = 0.049) and both medial and lateral meniscal lesions (7.7 ± 1.6 mm, p = 0.001) compared to patients without concomitant meniscal lesions (6.7 ± 1.3 mm). Moreover, patients with both medial and lateral meniscal lesions presented significantly higher values of anterior tibial translation compared to patients with lateral meniscal lesions (p = 0.049). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of tibial acceleration (pivot shift test). This study demonstrated that the contribution of concomitant meniscal lesions to knee laxity can be objectively quantified using a triaxial accelerometer in ACL-injured knees. In particular, medial meniscus lesions, alone or in association with lateral meniscus lesions, determine a significant increase of the anterior tibial translation compared to knees without meniscus tears. Level IV.

The effects of non-Newtonian fluid material midsole footwear on tibial shock acceleration and attenuation.

Introduction: Given the possibility of higher ground temperatures in the future, the pursuit of a cushioning material that can effectively reduce sports injuries during exercise, particularly one that retains its properties at elevated temperatures, has emerged as a serious concern. Methods: A total of 18 man recreational runners were recruited from Ningbo University and local clubs for participation in this study. Frequency analysis was employed to investigate whether there is a distinction between non-Newtonian (NN) shoes and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) shoes. Results: The outcomes indicated that the utilization of NN shoes furnished participants with superior cushioning when engaging in a 90° cutting maneuver subsequent to an outdoor exercise, as opposed to the EVA material. Specifically, participants wearing NN shoes exhibited significantly lower peak resultant acceleration (p = 0.022) and power spectral density (p = 0.010) values at the distal tibia compared to those wearing EVA shoes. Moreover, shock attenuation was significantly greater in subjects wearing NN shoes (p = 0.023) in comparison to EVA shoes. Performing 90° cutting maneuver in NN shoes resulted in significantly lower peak ground reaction force (p = 0.010), vertical average loading rate (p < 0.010), and vertical instantaneous loading rate (p = 0.030) values compared to performing the same maneuvers in EVA shoes. Conclusion: The study found that the PRA and PSD of the distal tibia in NN footwear were significantly lower compared to EVA footwear. Additionally, participants exhibited more positive SA while using NN footwear compared to EVA. Furthermore, during the 90° CM, participants wearing NN shoes showed lower PGRF, VAIL, and VILR compared to those in EVA shoes. All these promising results support the capability of NN footwear to offer additional reductions in potential injury risk to runners, especially in high-temperature conditions.

Effect of three different running gait cues on vertical tibial acceleration

BackgroundRepetitive impacts during running are associated with some running injuries. Tibial acceleration is a proxy for tibial loading, and interventions that can decrease it are likely to be of interest to the running community. Research questionWhat effect do running gait cues have on peak vertical tibial acceleration at a comfortable and moderate running pace, and how will these cues be executed? MethodsTwenty-seven participants ran on a treadmill according to the following cues in random order: run softly and lightly, run with shorter steps, and increase preferred step rate by 7.5 %. Participants maintained each condition for one minute before returning to their ‘preferred’ running pattern for two minutes. Two tibia-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors were used to collect tibial acceleration data at a ‘comfortable’ and ‘moderate’ run pace. A repeated measures analysis of variance test was used to compare the means between running conditions. ResultsCompared to preferred running, the decrease step length (−8 %, p = 0.002, Cohen’s d=0.33) and run softly and lightly (−9 %, p = 0.040, Cohen’s d=0.38) cues provided a significant reduction in peak vertical tibial acceleration during a comfortable run pace. No significant difference was observed with an increase in step rate. Compared to preferred running, there was no significant difference in peak vertical tibial acceleration with any of the running gait cues during a moderate run pace. SignificanceInstructing runners to decrease step length or run softly and lightly can result in small reductions in peak vertical tibial acceleration during a comfortable run pace, but running gait cues during a moderate run pace provide no effects. Differences in the execution of each cue are likely to influence overall tibial loading throughout the stride cycle. These findings provide novel biomechanical evidence for the potential effects of running retraining strategies for reducing tibial accelerations at different running paces.

Influence of force reduction within-field variability on peak tibial accelerations using wearable inertial measurement units

Influence of force reduction within-field variability on peak tibial accelerations using wearable inertial measurement units

Association of tibial acceleration during walking to pain and impact loading in adults with knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundHigher impact loading during walking is implicated in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis. Accelerometry enables the measurement of peak tibial acceleration outside the laboratory. We characterized the relations of peak tibial acceleration to knee pain and impact loading during walking in adults with knee osteoarthritis. MethodsAdults with knee osteoarthritis reported knee pain then walked at a self-selected speed on an instrumented treadmill for 3 min with an ankle-worn inertial measurement unit. Ground reaction forces and tibial acceleration data were sampled for 1 min. Vertical impact peaks, and average and peak instantaneous load rates were determined and averaged across 10 steps. Peak tibial acceleration was extracted for all steps and averaged. Pearson's correlations and multiple linear regression analyses assessed the relation of peak tibial acceleration to pain and impact loading metrics, independently and after controlling for gait speed and pain. FindingsHigher peak tibial acceleration was associated with worse knee pain (r = 0.39; p = 0.01), and higher vertical average (r = 0.40; p = 0.01) and instantaneous (r = 0.46; p = 0.004) load rates. After adjusting for gait speed and pain, peak tibial acceleration was a significant predictor of vertical average (R2 = 0.33; p = 0.003) and instantaneous (R2 = 0.28; p = 0.02) load rates, but not strongly associated with vertical impact peak. InterpretationsPeak tibial acceleration during walking is associated with knee pain and vertical load rates in those with knee osteoarthritis. Clinicians can easily access measures of peak tibial acceleration with wearable sensors equipped with accelerometers. Future work should determine the feasibility of improving patient outcomes by using peak tibial acceleration to inform clinical management.

Relationships Between Tibial Accelerations And Ground Reaction Forces During Loaded Walking

Relationships Between Tibial Accelerations And Ground Reaction Forces During Loaded Walking

Associations Between Physical Activity And Drop-landing Tibial Accelerations In U.S. Army Trainees

Associations Between Physical Activity And Drop-landing Tibial Accelerations In U.S. Army Trainees

The Effects Of Age On Drop Landing Tibial Accelerations In U.S. Army Trainees

The Effects Of Age On Drop Landing Tibial Accelerations In U.S. Army Trainees

3D Tibial Acceleration and Consideration of 3D Angular Motion Using IMUs on Peak Tibial Acceleration and Impulse in Running.

Peak tibial acceleration (PTA) is defined as the peak acceleration occurring shortly after initial contact, often used as an indirect measure of tibial load. As the tibia is a rotating segment around the ankle, angular velocity and angular acceleration should be included in PTA. This study aimed to quantify three-dimensional tibial acceleration components over two different sensor locations and three running speeds, to get a better understanding of the influence of centripetal and tangential accelerations on PTA typically measured in running. Furthermore, it explores tibial impulse as an alternative surrogate measure for tibial load. Fifteen participants ran 90 s on a treadmill at 2.8, 3.3, and 3.9 m·s -1 , with inertial measurement units (IMUs) located distally and proximally on the tibia. Without the inclusion of rotational accelerations and gravity, no significant difference was found between axial PTA between both IMU locations, whereas in the tangential sagittal plane axis, there was a significant difference. Inclusion of rotational accelerations and gravity resulted in similar PTA estimates at the ankle for both IMU locations and caused a significant difference between PTA based on the distal IMU and PTA at the ankle. The impulse showed more consistent results between the proximal and distal IMU locations compared with axial PTA. Rotational acceleration of the tibia during stance differently impacted PTA measured proximally and distally at the tibia, indicating that rotational acceleration and gravity should be included in PTA estimates. Furthermore, peak acceleration values (such as PTA) are not always reliable when using IMUs because of inconsistent PTA proximally compared with distally on an individual level. Instead, impulse seems to be a more consistent surrogate measure for the tibial load.