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Muñoz-Cofré R, del Sol M, Lizana PA, Gómez-Bruton A, Fuentes Andaur MJ, Fierro ES, Gonzalez GO, Medina-González P, Valenzuela-Aedo F, Escobar-Cabello M. Comparison of distance covered, physiological cost, and perceived exertion in four six-minute walk test protocols. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1395855. [PMID: 38872832 PMCID: PMC11169617 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1395855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: There is evidence that indicates that the Walked Distance (WD) in the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) would be sensitive to the type of track and encouragement. The aim of study was compared the impact of track type and verbal encouragement provided in the 6MWT on WD, physiological cost, perceived exertion, and gait efficiency in healthy young adults unfamiliar with the test. Method: WD, heart rate, subjective sensation of dyspnea (SSD), and fatigue (SSF) were measured in four 6MWT protocols: i) 30 m linear track and protocolized encouragement (LT + PE), ii) 30 m linear track and constant encouragement (LT + CE), iii) 81 m elliptical track and protocolized encouragement (ET + PE), and iv) 81 m elliptical track and constant encouragement (ET + CE). In addition, the Gait Efficiency Index (GIE) associated with physiological cost, dyspnea and fatigue was calculated and compared between the different protocols. Results: The WD was significantly higher in the ET + CE protocol. The percentage of the heart rate reserve used (%HRRu) at minute 6 was higher in the ET + CE protocol. The SSD and SSD had difference in startup time between the protocols. The GEI was higher in %HRRu, SSD, and SSF for the ET + CE protocol. Conclusion: The ET + CE protocol showed a significant increase in WD during the 6MWT in healthy young adults. Although it obtained the highest physiological cost, it did not present perceptual differences when entering cardiopulmonary assessment windows relevant to a more efficient test for the participant. It is advisable to discuss, based on the findings, the fundamental objective of the 6MWT and national and international recommendations to achieve a result as close as possible to the real maximal effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Muñoz-Cofré
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Morfologicas, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Mariano del Sol
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Morfologicas, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Pablo A. Lizana
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Morphological Sciences, Instituto de Biologia, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Bienestar (C3B), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Alejandro Gómez-Bruton
- Exer-GENUD (EXERCISE-Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development Research Group), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Department of Physiatry and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Erika Soto Fierro
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | | | - Paul Medina-González
- Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | | | - Máximo Escobar-Cabello
- Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
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Nardon M, Ferri U, Caffi G, Bartesaghi M, Perin C, Zaza A, Alessandro C. Kinematics but not kinetics alterations to single-leg drop jump movements following a subject-tailored fatiguing protocol suggest an increased risk of ACL injury. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1418598. [PMID: 38832309 PMCID: PMC11144872 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1418598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neuromuscular fatigue causes a transient reduction of muscle force, and alters the mechanisms of motor control. Whether these alterations increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is still debated. Here we compare the biomechanics of single-leg drop jumps before and after the execution of a fatiguing exercise, evaluating whether this exercise causes biomechanical alterations typically associated with an increased risk of ACL lesion. The intensity of the fatiguing protocol was tailored to the aerobic capacity of each participant, minimizing potential differential effects due to inter-individual variability in fitness. Methods Twenty-four healthy male volunteers performed single leg drop jumps, before and after a single-set fatiguing session on a cycle ergometer until exhaustion (cadence: 65-70 revolutions per minute). For each participant, the intensity of the fatiguing exercise was set to 110% of the power achieved at their anaerobic threshold, previously identified by means of a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Joint angles and moments, as well as ground reaction forces (GRF) before and after the fatiguing exercise were compared for both the dominant and the non-dominant leg. Results Following the fatiguing exercise, the hip joint was more extended (landing: Δ=-2.17°, p = 0.005; propulsion: Δ=-1.83°, p = 0.032) and more abducted (landing: Δ=-0.72°, p = 0.01; propulsion: Δ=-1.12°, p = 0.009). Similarly, the knee joint was more extended at landing (non-dominant leg: Δ=-2.67°, p < 0.001; dominant: Δ=-1.4°, p = 0.023), and more abducted at propulsion (both legs: Δ=-0.99°, p < 0.001) and stabilization (both legs: Δ=-1.71°, p < 0.001) hence increasing knee valgus. Fatigue also caused a significant reduction of vertical GRF upon landing (Δ=-0.21 N/kg, p = 0.003), but not during propulsion. Fatigue did not affect joint moments significantly. Conclusion The increased hip and knee extension, as well as the increased knee abduction we observed after the execution of the fatiguing exercise have been previously identified as risk factors for ACL injury. These results therefore suggest an increased risk of ACL injury after the execution of the participant-tailored fatiguing protocol proposed here. However, the reduced vertical GRF upon landing and the preservation of joint moments are intriguing, as they may suggest the adoption of protective strategies in the fatigued condition to be evaluated in future studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Nardon
- School of Medicine and Surgery/Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Ferri
- School of Medicine and Surgery/Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Caffi
- School of Medicine and Surgery/Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartesaghi
- School of Medicine and Surgery/Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Perin
- School of Medicine and Surgery/Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Zucchi - GDS, Carate Brianza, Monza e Brianza, Italy
| | - Antonio Zaza
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences/Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiano Alessandro
- School of Medicine and Surgery/Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Swinnen W, Lievens E, Hoogkamer W, De Groote F, Derave W, Vanwanseele B. Muscle fibre typology affects whole-body metabolic rate during isolated muscle contractions and human locomotion. J Physiol 2024; 602:1297-1311. [PMID: 38493355 DOI: 10.1113/jp285846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The wide variation in muscle fibre type distribution across individuals, along with the very different energy consumption rates in slow versus fast muscle fibres, suggests that muscle fibre typology contributes to inter-individual differences in metabolic rate during exercise. However, this has been hard to demonstrate due to the gap between a single muscle fibre and full-body exercises. We investigated the isolated effect of triceps surae muscle contraction velocity on whole-body metabolic rate during cyclic contractions in individuals a priori selected for their predominantly slow (n = 11) or fast (n = 10) muscle fibre typology by means of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Subsequently, we examined their whole-body metabolic rate during walking and running at 2 m/s, exercises with comparable metabolic rates but distinct triceps surae muscle force and velocity demands (walking: low force, high velocity; running: high force, low velocity). Increasing triceps surae contraction velocity during cyclic contractions elevated net whole-body metabolic rate for both typology groups. However, the slow group consumed substantially less net metabolic energy at the slowest contraction velocity, but the metabolic difference between groups diminished at faster velocities. Consistent with the more economic force production during slow contractions, the slow group exhibited lower metabolic rates than the fast group while running, whereas metabolic rates were similar during walking. These findings provide important insights into the influence of muscle fibre typology on whole-body metabolic rate and emphasize the importance of considering muscle mechanical demands to understand muscle fibre typology related differences in whole-body metabolic rates. KEY POINTS: Muscle fibre typology is often suggested to affect whole-body metabolic rate, yet convincing in vivo evidence is lacking. Using isolated plantar flexor muscle contractions in individuals a priori selected for their predominantly slow or fast muscle fibre typology, we demonstrated that having predominantly slow muscle fibres provides a metabolic advantage during slow muscle contractions, but this benefit disappeared at faster contractions. We extended these results to full-body exercises, where we demonstrated that higher proportions of slow fibres associated with better economy during running but not when walking. These findings provide important insights into the influence of muscle fibre typology on whole-body metabolic rate and emphasize the importance of considering muscle mechanical demands to understand muscle fibre typology related differences in whole-body metabolic rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannes Swinnen
- Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eline Lievens
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wouter Hoogkamer
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | - Wim Derave
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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McDonald KA, Cusumano JP, Hieronymi A, Rubenson J. Humans trade off whole-body energy cost to avoid overburdening muscles while walking. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221189. [PMID: 36285498 PMCID: PMC9597406 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic cost minimization is thought to underscore the neural control of locomotion. Yet, avoiding high muscle activation, a cause of fatigue, often outperforms energy minimization in computational predictions of human gait. Discerning the relative importance of these criteria in human walking has proved elusive, in part, because they have not been empirically decoupled. Here, we explicitly decouple whole-body metabolic cost and 'fatigue-like' muscle activation costs (estimated from electromyography) by pitting them against one another using two distinct gait tasks. When experiencing these competing costs, participants (n = 10) chose the task that avoided overburdening muscles (fatigue avoidance) at the expense of higher metabolic power (p < 0.05). Muscle volume-normalized activation more closely models energy use and was also minimized by the participants' decision (p < 0.05), demonstrating that muscle activation was, at best, an inaccurate signal for metabolic energy. Energy minimization was only observed when there was no adverse effect on muscle activation costs. By decoupling whole-body metabolic and muscle activation costs, we provide among the first empirical evidence of humans embracing non-energetic optimality in favour of a clearly defined neuromuscular objective. This finding indicates that local muscle fatigue and effort may well be key factors dictating human walking behaviour and its evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A. McDonald
- School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Joseph P. Cusumano
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Andrew Hieronymi
- School of Visual Arts, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jonas Rubenson
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Integrative and Biomedical Physiology, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Abstract
When animals walk overground, mechanical stimuli activate various receptors located in muscles, joints, and skin. Afferents from these mechanoreceptors project to neuronal networks controlling locomotion in the spinal cord and brain. The dynamic interactions between the control systems at different levels of the neuraxis ensure that locomotion adjusts to its environment and meets task demands. In this article, we describe and discuss the essential contribution of somatosensory feedback to locomotion. We start with a discussion of how biomechanical properties of the body affect somatosensory feedback. We follow with the different types of mechanoreceptors and somatosensory afferents and their activity during locomotion. We then describe central projections to locomotor networks and the modulation of somatosensory feedback during locomotion and its mechanisms. We then discuss experimental approaches and animal models used to investigate the control of locomotion by somatosensory feedback before providing an overview of the different functional roles of somatosensory feedback for locomotion. Lastly, we briefly describe the role of somatosensory feedback in the recovery of locomotion after neurological injury. We highlight the fact that somatosensory feedback is an essential component of a highly integrated system for locomotor control. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-71, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Frigon
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Turgay Akay
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Center, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Boris I Prilutsky
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Taira C, Kawada M, Kiyama R, Forner-Cordero A. Lower leg muscle force prediction in gait transition. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:4867-4870. [PMID: 34892299 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9629636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Walking and running, the two most basic and functional gait modes, have been often addressed through EMG, kinematics and biomechanical modelling, however, there is no consensus in the literature on which factors trigger the transition from walking to running. Ankle plantarflexors and dorsiflexor were found to play an important role in gait transition due to higher muscular activation to propel the body forward to run. We tested these muscles activation during walking and running at the same speeds, through a musculoskeletal model derived from subjects' kinematic and kinetic data. Compared to EMG data frequently reported in the literature, the results yielded similar activation patterns for all muscles analyzed. Besides, across speeds, dorsiflexor activation kept increasing in walking, especially after PTS (preferred transition speed), which may indicate its contribution to gait transition, as an effort to bring the foot forward to keep up with the unnatural condition of walking at high speeds.
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The puzzle of the walk-to-run transition in humans. Gait Posture 2021; 86:319-326. [PMID: 33839426 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The walk-to-run transition, which occurs during gradually increasing locomotion speed, has been addressed in research at least eight decades back. RESEARCH QUESTION Why does the walk-to-run transition occur? In the present review, we focus on the reason for the transition, more than on the consequences of it. The latter has historically constituted a primary focus. METHODS In the present review, we scrutinize related literature. RESULTS We present a unifying conceptual framework of the dynamics of human locomotion. The framework unifies observations of the human walk-to-run transition for providing a common understanding. Further, the framework includes a schematic representation of the dynamic interaction between entities of subsystems of the human body during locomotion and the physical environment. We propose that the moving human body can behave as a dynamic non-linear complex system, which basically functions in a self-organized fashion during locomotion. Further, that the stride rate plays a particular key role for the transition. Finally, we propose that the coincidence between attractor stability and minimum energy turnover during locomotion is a consequence of the evolution of the phenotype of the adult human body and the dynamics of the acute process of self-organization during locomotion. SIGNIFICANCE The novel insight from the present work contributes to the academic understanding of human locomotion, including in particular the central behavioural phenomenon of walk-to-run transition. Furthermore, the understanding is relevant for the ongoing work within for example locomotion rehabilitation and development of assistive devices. Regarding the latter, examples could be devices within neurorobotics and exoskeletons where the basic understanding of human locomotion increases the possibility of a successful combination of human and technology.
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Roscoe D, Roberts AJ, Hulse D, Shaheen A, Hughes MP, Bennett A. Barefoot plantar pressure measurement in Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome. Gait Posture 2018; 63:10-16. [PMID: 29702369 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS) have exercise-limiting pain that subsides at rest. Diagnosis is confirmed by intramuscular compartment pressure (IMCP) measurement. Accompanying CECS, subjective changes to gait (foot slap) are frequently reported by patients. This has not previously been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in barefoot plantar pressure (BFPP) between CECS cases and asymptomatic controls prior to the onset of painful symptoms. METHODS 40 male military volunteers, 20 with symptoms of CECS and 20 asymptomatic controls were studied. Alternative diagnoses were excluded with rigorous inclusion criteria, magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic IMCP measurement. BFPP was measured during walking and marching. Data were analysed for: Stance Time (ST); foot progression angle (FPA); centre of force; plantarflexion rate after heel strike (IFFC-time); the distribution of pressure under the heel; and, the ratio between inner and outer metatarsal loading. Correlation coefficients of each variable with speed and leg length were calculated followed by ANCOVA or t-test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for IFFC-time. RESULTS Caseshad shorter ST and IFFC-times than controls. FPA was inversely related to walking speed (WS) in controls only. The area under the ROC curve for IFFC-time ranged from 0.746 (95%CI: 0.636-0.87) to 0.773 (95%CI: 0.671-0.875) representing 'fair predictive validity'. CONCLUSION Patients with CECS have an increased speed of ankle plantarflexion after heel strike that precedes the onset of painful symptoms likely resulting from a mechanical disadvantage of Tibialis Anterior. These findings provide further insight into the pathophysiology of CECS and support further investigation of this non-invasive diagnostic. The predictive value of IFFC-time in the diagnosis of CECS is comparable to post-exercise IMCP but falls short of dynamic IMCP measured during painful symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Roscoe
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 6JW, United Kingdom; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Surrey Postgraduate Medical School, Duke of Kent Building, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7TE, United Kingdom.
| | - A J Roberts
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 6JW, United Kingdom; Department of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, St. Luke's Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU, United Kingdom
| | - D Hulse
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 6JW, United Kingdom
| | - A Shaheen
- Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - M P Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Surrey Postgraduate Medical School, Duke of Kent Building, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - A Bennett
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 6JW, United Kingdom; Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
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Song S, Geyer H. Predictive neuromechanical simulations indicate why walking performance declines with ageing. J Physiol 2018; 596:1199-1210. [PMID: 29344967 DOI: 10.1113/jp275166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Although the natural decline in walking performance with ageing affects the quality of life of a growing elderly population, its physiological origins remain unknown. By using predictive neuromechanical simulations of human walking with age-related neuro-musculo-skeletal changes, we find evidence that the loss of muscle strength and muscle contraction speed dominantly contribute to the reduced walking economy and speed. The findings imply that focusing on recovering these muscular changes may be the only effective way to improve performance in elderly walking. More generally, the work is of interest for investigating the physiological causes of altered gait due to age, injury and disorders. ABSTRACT Healthy elderly people walk slower and energetically less efficiently than young adults. This decline in walking performance lowers the quality of life for a growing ageing population, and understanding its physiological origin is critical for devising interventions that can delay or revert it. However, the origin of the decline in walking performance remains unknown, as ageing produces a range of physiological changes whose individual effects on gait are difficult to separate in experiments with human subjects. Here we use a predictive neuromechanical model to separately address the effects of common age-related changes to the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. We find in computer simulations of this model that the combined changes produce gait consistent with elderly walking and that mainly the loss of muscle strength and mass reduces energy efficiency. In addition, we find that the slower preferred walking speed of elderly people emerges in the simulations when adapting to muscle fatigue, again mainly caused by muscle-related changes. The results suggest that a focus on recovering these muscular changes may be the only effective way to improve performance in elderly walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungmoon Song
- The Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Hartmut Geyer
- The Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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Vicinanza D, Newell KM, Irwin G, Smith L, Williams GK. Limit cycle dynamics of the gymnastics longswing. Hum Mov Sci 2018; 57:217-226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Daley MA, Channon AJ, Nolan GS, Hall J. Preferred gait and walk-run transition speeds in ostriches measured using GPS-IMU sensors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 219:3301-3308. [PMID: 27802152 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.142588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is widely appreciated as a fast and agile bipedal athlete, and is a useful comparative bipedal model for human locomotion. Here, we used GPS-IMU sensors to measure naturally selected gait dynamics of ostriches roaming freely over a wide range of speeds in an open field and developed a quantitative method for distinguishing walking and running using accelerometry. We compared freely selected gait-speed distributions with previous laboratory measures of gait dynamics and energetics. We also measured the walk-run and run-walk transition speeds and compared them with those reported for humans. We found that ostriches prefer to walk remarkably slowly, with a narrow walking speed distribution consistent with minimizing cost of transport (CoT) according to a rigid-legged walking model. The dimensionless speeds of the walk-run and run-walk transitions are slower than those observed in humans. Unlike humans, ostriches transition to a run well below the mechanical limit necessitating an aerial phase, as predicted by a compass-gait walking model. When running, ostriches use a broad speed distribution, consistent with previous observations that ostriches are relatively economical runners and have a flat curve for CoT against speed. In contrast, horses exhibit U-shaped curves for CoT against speed, with a narrow speed range within each gait for minimizing CoT. Overall, the gait dynamics of ostriches moving freely over natural terrain are consistent with previous lab-based measures of locomotion. Nonetheless, ostriches, like humans, exhibit a gait-transition hysteresis that is not explained by steady-state locomotor dynamics and energetics. Further study is required to understand the dynamics of gait transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica A Daley
- Structure and Motion Lab, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL97TA, UK
| | - Anthony J Channon
- Structure and Motion Lab, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL97TA, UK
| | - Grant S Nolan
- Structure and Motion Lab, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL97TA, UK
| | - Jade Hall
- Structure and Motion Lab, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL97TA, UK
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Hansen EA, Kristensen LAR, Nielsen AM, Voigt M, Madeleine P. The role of stride frequency for walk-to-run transition in humans. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2010. [PMID: 28515449 PMCID: PMC5435734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01972-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains unclear why humans spontaneously shift from walking to running at a certain point during locomotion at gradually increasing velocity. We show that a calculated walk-to-run transition stride frequency (70.6 ± 3.2 strides min−1) agrees with a transition stride frequency (70.8 ± 3.1 strides min−1) predicted from the two stride frequencies applied during treadmill walking and running at freely chosen velocities and freely chosen stride frequencies. The agreement is based on Bland and Altman’s statistics. We found no essential mean relative difference between the two transition frequencies, i.e. −0.5% ± 4.2%, as well as limits of agreement of −8.7% and 7.7%. The particular two freely chosen stride frequencies used for prediction are considered behavioural attractors. Gait is predicted to be shifted from walking to running when the stride frequency starts getting closer to the running attractor than to the walking attractor. In particular, previous research has focussed on transition velocity and optimisation theories based on minimisation of, e.g., energy turnover or biomechanical loadings of the legs. Conversely, our data support that the central phenomenon of walk-to-run transition during human locomotion could be influenced by behavioural attractors in the form of stride frequencies spontaneously occurring during behaviourally unrestricted gait conditions of walking and running.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Albin Hansen
- Research Interest Group of Physical Activity and Human Performance, SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7D, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Lasse Andreas Risgaard Kristensen
- Research Interest Group of Physical Activity and Human Performance, SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7D, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Andreas Møller Nielsen
- Research Interest Group of Physical Activity and Human Performance, SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7D, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Michael Voigt
- Research Interest Group of Physical Activity and Human Performance, SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7D, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Pascal Madeleine
- Research Interest Group of Physical Activity and Human Performance, SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7D, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
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Abe D, Fukuoka Y, Horiuchi M. Muscle activities during walking and running at energetically optimal transition speed under normobaric hypoxia on gradient slopes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173816. [PMID: 28301525 PMCID: PMC5354415 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Energy cost of transport per unit distance (CoT; J·kg-1·km-1) displays a U-shaped fashion in walking and a linear fashion in running as a function of gait speed (v; km·h-1). There exists an intersection between U-shaped and linear CoT-v relationships, being termed energetically optimal transition speed (EOTS; km·h-1). Combined effects of gradient and moderate normobaric hypoxia (15.0% O2) were investigated when walking and running at the EOTS in fifteen young males. The CoT values were determined at eight walking speeds (2.4–7.3 km·h-1) and four running speeds (7.3–9.4 km·h-1) on level and gradient slopes (±5%) at normoxia and hypoxia. Since an alteration of tibialis anterior (TA) activity has been known as a trigger for gait transition, electromyogram was recorded from TA and its antagonists (gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL)) for about 30 steps during walking and running corresponding to the individual EOTS in each experimental condition. Mean power frequency (MPF; Hz) of each muscle was quantified to evaluate alterations of muscle fiber recruitment pattern. The EOTS was not significantly different between normoxia and hypoxia on any slopes (ranging from 7.412 to 7.679 km·h-1 at normoxia and 7.516 to 7.678 km·h-1 at hypoxia) due to upward shifts (enhanced metabolic rate) of both U-shaped and linear CoT-v relationships at hypoxia. GM, but not GL, activated more when switching from walking to running on level and gentle downhill slopes. Significant decreases in the muscular activity and/or MPF were observed only in the TA when switching the gait pattern. Taken together, the EOTS was not slowed by moderate hypoxia in the population of this study. Muscular activities of lower leg extremities and those muscle fiber recruitment patterns are dependent on the gradient when walking and running at the EOTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daijiro Abe
- Center for Health and Sports Science, Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yoshiyuki Fukuoka
- Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
| | - Masahiro Horiuchi
- Division of Human Environmental Science, Mt. Fuji Research Institute, Fujiyoshida, Japan
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Stenum J, Choi JT. Neuromuscular effort predicts walk-run transition speed in normal and adapted human gaits. J Exp Biol 2016; 219:2809-2813. [PMID: 27401760 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.140723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Often, humans and other animals move in a manner that minimizes energy costs. It is more economical to walk at slow speeds, and to run at fast speeds. Here, we asked whether humans select a gait that minimizes neuromuscular effort under novel and unfamiliar conditions, by imposing interlimb asymmetry during split-belt treadmill locomotion. The walk-run transition speed changed markedly across different gait conditions: forward, backward, hybrid (one leg forward, one leg backward) and forward with speed differences (one leg faster than the other). Most importantly, we showed that the human walk-run transition speed across conditions was predicted by changes in neuromuscular effort (i.e. summed leg muscle activations). Our results for forward gait and forward gait with speed differences suggest that human locomotor patterns are optimized under both familiar and novel gait conditions by minimizing the motor command for leg muscle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Stenum
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Julia T Choi
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Giest TN, Chang YH. Biomechanics of the human walk-to-run gait transition in persons with unilateral transtibial amputation. J Biomech 2016; 49:1757-1764. [PMID: 27087677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Propulsive force production (indicative of intrinsic force-length-velocity characteristics of the plantar flexor muscles) has been shown to be a major determinant of the human walk-to-run transition. The purpose of this work was to determine the gait transition speed of persons with unilateral transtibial amputation donning a passive-elastic prosthesis and assess whether a mechanical limit of their intact side plantar flexor muscles is a major determinant of their walk-to-run transition. We determined each individual׳s gait transition speed (GTS) via an incremental protocol and assessed kinetics and kinematics during walking at speeds 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 120%, and 130% of that gait transition speed (100%:GTS). Unilateral transtibial amputees transitioned between gaits at significantly slower absolute speeds than matched able-bodied controls (1.73±0.13 and 2.09±0.05m/s respectively, p<0.01). Peak anterior-posterior propulsive force increased with speed in controls until 100% of the preferred gait transition speed and decreased at greater speeds. A significant decrease in anterior-posterior propulsive force production was found at 120%GTS (110%: 0.27±0.04>120%: 0.23±0.05BW, p<0.05). In contrast, amputee subjects' intact side generated significantly higher peak anterior-posterior propulsive forces while walking at speeds above their preferred gait transition speed (100%: 0.28±0.04<110%: 0.30±0.04BW, p<0.05). Changes in propulsive force production were found to be a function of changes in absolute speed, rather than relative to the walk-to-run transition speed. Therefore, the walk-to-run transition in unilateral transtibial amputees is not likely dictated by propulsive force production or the force-length-velocity characteristics of the intact side plantar flexor muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy N Giest
- School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Young-Hui Chang
- School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Abe D, Fukuoka Y, Horiuchi M. Economical Speed and Energetically Optimal Transition Speed Evaluated by Gross and Net Oxygen Cost of Transport at Different Gradients. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138154. [PMID: 26383249 PMCID: PMC4575035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxygen cost of transport per unit distance (CoT; mL·kg-1·km-1) shows a U-shaped curve as a function of walking speed (v), which includes a particular walking speed minimizing the CoT, so called economical speed (ES). The CoT-v relationship in running is approximately linear. These distinctive walking and running CoT-v relationships give an intersection between U-shaped and linear CoT relationships, termed the energetically optimal transition speed (EOTS). This study investigated the effects of subtracting the standing oxygen cost for calculating the CoT and its relevant effects on the ES and EOTS at the level and gradient slopes (±5%) in eleven male trained athletes. The percent effects of subtracting the standing oxygen cost (4.8 ± 0.4 mL·kg-1·min-1) on the CoT were significantly greater as the walking speed was slower, but it was not significant at faster running speeds over 9.4 km·h-1. The percent effect was significantly dependent on the gradient (downhill > level > uphill, P < 0.001). The net ES (level 4.09 ± 0.31, uphill 4.22 ± 0.37, and downhill 4.16 ± 0.44 km·h-1) was approximately 20% slower than the gross ES (level 5.15 ± 0.18, uphill 5.27 ± 0.20, and downhill 5.37 ± 0.22 km·h-1, P < 0.001). Both net and gross ES were not significantly dependent on the gradient. In contrast, the gross EOTS was slower than the net EOTS at the level (7.49 ± 0.32 vs. 7.63 ± 0.36 km·h-1, P = 0.003) and downhill gradients (7.78 ± 0.33 vs. 8.01 ± 0.41 km·h-1, P < 0.001), but not at the uphill gradient (7.55 ± 0.37 vs. 7.63 ± 0.51 km·h-1, P = 0.080). Note that those percent differences were less than 2.9%. Given these results, a subtraction of the standing oxygen cost should be carefully considered depending on the purpose of each study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daijiro Abe
- Center for Health and Sports Science, Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yoshiyuki Fukuoka
- Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
| | - Masahiro Horiuchi
- Division of Human Environmental Science, Mt. Fuji Research Institute, Fujiyoshida, Japan
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Ranisavljev I, Ilic V, Markovic S, Soldatovic I, Stefanovic D, Jaric S. The relationship between hip, knee and ankle muscle mechanical characteristics and gait transition speed. Hum Mov Sci 2014; 38:47-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Bessot N, Lericollais R, Gauthier A, Sesboüé B, Bulla J, Moussay S. Diurnal variation in gait characteristics and transition speed. Chronobiol Int 2014; 32:136-42. [DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2014.959128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Pires NJ, Lay BS, Rubenson J. Joint-level mechanics of the walk-to-run transition in humans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 217:3519-27. [PMID: 25104752 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.107599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Two commonly proposed mechanical explanations for the walk-to-run transition (WRT) include the prevention of muscular over-exertion (effort) and the minimization of peak musculoskeletal loads and thus injury risk. The purpose of this study was to address these hypotheses at a joint level by analysing the effect of speed on discrete lower-limb joint kinetic parameters in humans across a wide range of walking and running speeds including walking above and running below the WRT speed. Joint work, peak instantaneous joint power, and peak joint moments in the sagittal and frontal plane of the ankle, knee and hip from eight participants were collected for 10 walking speeds (30-120% of their WRT) and 10 running speeds (80-170% of their WRT) on a force plate instrumented treadmill. Of the parameters analysed, three satisfied our statistical criteria of the 'effort-load' hypothesis of the WRT. Mechanical parameters that provide an acute signal (peak moment and peak power) were more strongly associated with the gait transition than parameters that reflect the mechanical function across a portion of the stride. We found that both the ankle (peak instantaneous joint power during swing) and hip mechanics (peak instantaneous joint power and peak joint moments in stance) can influence the transition from walking to running in human locomotion and may represent a cascade of mechanical events beginning at the ankle and leading to an unfavourable compensation at the hip. Both the ankle and hip mechanisms may contribute to gait transition by lowering the muscular effort of running compared with walking at the WRT speed. Although few of the examined joint variables satisfied our hypothesis of the WRT, most showed a general marked increase when switching from walking to running across all speeds where both walking and running are possible, highlighting the fundamental differences in the mechanics of walking and running. While not eliciting the WRT per se, these variables may initiate the transition between stable walking and running patterns. Those variables that were invariant of gait were predominantly found in the swing phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville J Pires
- School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Brendan S Lay
- School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jonas Rubenson
- School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Ranisavljev I, Ilic V, Soldatovic I, Stefanovic D. The relationship between allometry and preferred transition speed in human locomotion. Hum Mov Sci 2014; 34:196-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate whether adding mass to subjects’ feet affects the preferred transition speed (PTS), and to ascertain whether selected swing phase variables (maximum ankle dorsiflexion angular velocity, angular acceleration, joint moment, and joint power) are determinants of the PTS, based upon four previously established criteria. After the PTS of 24 healthy active male subjects was found, using an incremental protocol in loaded (2 kg mass added to each shoe) and unloaded (shoes only) conditions, subjects walked at three speeds (60%, 80%, and 100% of PTS) and ran at one speed (100% of PTS) on a motor-driven treadmill while relevant data were collected. The PTS of the unloaded condition (2.03 ± 0.12 m/s) was significantly greater (P< .05) than the PTS of the loaded condition (1.94 ± 0.13 m/s). Within both load conditions, all dependent variables increased significantly with walking speed, decreased significantly when gait changed to a run, and were assumed to provide the necessary input to signal a gait transition, fulfilling the requirements of the first three criteria, but only ankle angular velocity reached a critical level before the transition, satisfying all four criteria to be considered a determinant of the PTS.
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Pellegrini B, Zoppirolli C, Bortolan L, Holmberg HC, Zamparo P, Schena F. Biomechanical and energetic determinants of technique selection in classical cross-country skiing. Hum Mov Sci 2013; 32:1415-29. [PMID: 24071549 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Classical cross-country skiing can be performed using three main techniques: diagonal stride (DS), double poling (DP), and double poling with kick (DK). Similar to other forms of human and animal gait, it is currently unclear whether technique selection occurs to minimize metabolic cost or to keep some mechanical factors below a given threshold. The aim of this study was to find the determinants of technique selection. Ten male athletes roller skied on a treadmill at different slopes (from 0° to 7° at 10km/h) and speeds (from 6 to 18km/h at 2°). The technique preferred by skiers was gathered for every proposed condition. Biomechanical parameters and metabolic cost were then measured for each condition and technique. Skiers preferred DP for skiing on the flat and they transitioned to DK and then to DS with increasing slope steepness, when increasing speed all skiers preferred DP. Data suggested that selections mainly occur to remain below a threshold of poling force. Second, critically low values of leg thrust time may limit the use of leg-based techniques at high speeds. A small role has been identified for the metabolic cost of locomotion, which determined the selection of DP for flat skiing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Pellegrini
- CeRiSM, Center of Research in Mountain Sport and Health, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy; Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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Šentija D, Rakovac M, Babić V. Anthropometric characteristics and gait transition speed in human locomotion. Hum Mov Sci 2012; 31:672-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Revised: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Shin SH, Park CG. Adaptive step length estimation algorithm using optimal parameters and movement status awareness. Med Eng Phys 2011; 33:1064-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2011.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Effects of unilateral pedunculopontine stimulation on electromyographic activation patterns during gait in individual patients with Parkinson’s disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2011; 118:1477-86. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-011-0705-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Levodopa effect on electromyographic activation patterns of tibialis anterior muscle during walking in Parkinson's disease. Gait Posture 2011; 33:436-41. [PMID: 21256751 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2010.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Revised: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) show, in the "off medication" state, a reduced activation of tibialis anterior (TA) in the late swing-early stance phase of the gait cycle. In PD patients the pathophysiological picture may cause differences among the stride cycles. Our aims were to evaluate how frequently TA activity is reduced in the late swing-early stance phase and if there is a relationship between the TA pattern and the clinical picture. Thirty PD patients were studied 2 h after Levodopa administration ("on-med") and 12 h after Levodopa wash-out ("off-med"). They were evaluated by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS III) and surface electromyography of TA and gastrocnemius medialis (GM). The root mean square (RMS) of the TA activity in late swing-early stance phase (RMS-A) was normalized as a percent of the RMS of the TA activity in late stance-early swing (RMS-B). RMS-A was reduced in 30% of patients in the "off-med" condition. Within these patients, the percentage of stride cycles with reduced RMS-A, ranged between 28% and 83%. After Levodopa intake, no stride cycle showed reduced RMS-A. Patients with reduced RMS-A had a lower UPDRS III total score in the "on-med" rather than in the "off-med" condition (p=0.02). Our data confirm and extend previous observations indicating that, in "off-med" the function of TA is impaired in those patients clinically more responsive to Levodopa. TA activation is reduced in a relatively high percent of gait cycles in the "off-med" state. Since the variability of TA activation disappears after Levodopa administration, this phenomenon could be the expression of an abnormal dopaminergic drive.
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Monteiro WD, Farinatti PTV, de Oliveira CG, Araújo CGS. Variability of cardio-respiratory, electromyographic, and perceived exertion responses at the walk-run transition in a sample of young men controlled for anthropometric and fitness characteristics. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010; 111:1017-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-010-1720-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Tsatalas T, Giakas G, Spyropoulos G, Paschalis V, Nikolaidis MG, Tsaopoulos DE, Theodorou AA, Jamurtas AZ, Koutedakis Y. The effects of muscle damage on walking biomechanics are speed-dependent. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010; 110:977-88. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-010-1589-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Farinatti PTV, Monteiro WD. Walk-run transition in young and older adults: with special reference to the cardio-respiratory responses. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010; 109:379-88. [PMID: 20127355 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-010-1366-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardio-respiratory responses of young and older subjects performing walking and running protocols at the walk-run transition speed (WRT) were compared. A total of 26 volunteers assigned to younger (YG, 24 +/- 3 years) and older (OG, 64 +/- 6 years) groups underwent a protocol to determine the WRT used in 6-min walking and running protocols. Oxygen uptake (VO(2)), ventilation (V (E)), expired carbon dioxide (VCO(2)), heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed. Oxygen pulse (O(2) pulse) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were calculated. The WRT was not different between groups (OG: 6.84 +/- 0.69 km h(-1) vs. YG: 7.04 +/- 0.77 km h(-1), P = 0.62). No between-group differences were found within a given gait pattern for VO(2) (P = 0.061) and VCO(2) (P = 0.076). However, VO(2) (P = 0.0022) and VCO(2) (P = 0.0041) increased in OG when running, remaining stable in YG (VO(2): P = 0.622; VCO(2): P = 0.412). The VE was higher in OG compared to YG in walking (P = 0.030) and running (P = 0.004) protocols. No age-related (P = 0.180) or locomotion (P = 0.407) effects were found for RER. The HR increased in OG and between-group difference was detected while running (P = 0.003). No within- (P = 0.447) or between-group (P = 0.851) difference was found for O(2) pulse. The net VO(2) increased from walking to running in OG (P < 0.0001) but not in YG (P = 0.53), while RPE was lower in YG (P = 0.041) but stable in OG (P = 0.654). In conclusion, the WRT speed was similar across the age groups. However, the VO(2) and VCO(2) increase from walking to running was larger for OG than YG. The HR, VE and RPE were also higher when running in OG compared to YG. Therefore, the locomotion strategy had different impacts on the metabolic demand of older and younger subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- P T V Farinatti
- Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion (LABSAU), Physical Education and Sports Institute, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, Maracanã-RJ, Brazil.
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Effects of pediatric obesity on joint kinematics and kinetics during 2 walking cadences. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2010; 90:2146-54. [PMID: 19969183 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2009.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2009] [Revised: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Shultz SP, Sitler MR, Tierney RT, Hillstrom HJ, Song J. Effects of pediatric obesity on joint kinematics and kinetics during 2 walking cadences. OBJECTIVE To determine whether differences existed in lower-extremity joint biomechanics during self-selected walking cadence (SW) and fast walking cadence (FW) in overweight- and normal-weight children. DESIGN Survey. SETTING Institutional gait study center. PARTICIPANTS Participants (N=20; mean age +/- SD, 10.4+/-1.6y) from referred and volunteer samples were classified based on body mass index percentiles and stratified by age and sex. Exclusion criteria were a history of diabetes, neuromuscular disorder, or recent lower-extremity injury. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane angular displacements (degrees) and peak moments (newton meters) at the hip, knee, and ankle joints. RESULTS The level of significance was set at P less than .008. Compared with normal-weight children, overweight children had greater absolute peak joint moments at the hip (flexor, extensor, abductor, external rotator), the knee (flexor, extensor, abductor, adductor, internal rotator), and the ankle (plantarflexor, inverter, external/internal rotators). After including body weight as a covariate, overweight children had greater peak ankle dorsiflexor moments than normal-weight children. No kinematic differences existed between groups. Greater peak hip extensor moments and less peak ankle inverter moments occurred during FW than SW. There was greater angular displacement during hip flexion as well as less angular displacement at the hip (extension, abduction), knee (flexion, extension), and ankle (plantarflexion, inversion) during FW than SW. CONCLUSIONS Overweight children experienced increased joint moments, which can have long-term orthopedic implications and suggest a need for more nonweight-bearing activities within exercise prescription. The percent of increase in joint moments from SW to FW was not different for overweight and normal-weight children. These findings can be used in developing an exercise prescription that must involve weight-bearing activity.
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Experimental study on the role of the ankle push off in the walk-to-run transition by means of a powered ankle-foot-exoskeleton. Gait Posture 2009; 30:322-7. [PMID: 19576776 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2008] [Revised: 05/19/2009] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to analyse the role of the plantarflexor muscles in the walk-to-run transition (WRT) by means of a powered ankle-foot-exoskeleton. 11 female subjects performed several WRT's on an accelerating treadmill while their plantarflexors were assisted or resisted during push off. The WRT speed was lower in the resist condition than in the control condition which reinforces hypotheses from previous simulations, descriptive and experimental studies. There was no increase in WRT speed in the assist condition which is in contrast to another study where the plantarflexor push off was assisted indirectly by a horizontal traction at waist level. The lack of effect from the assist condition in the present study is possibly due to the narrowly focused nature of the experimental manipulation.
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Influence of shock waves and muscle activity at initial contact on walk-run transition evaluated by two models. J Appl Biomech 2009; 25:175-83. [PMID: 19483262 DOI: 10.1123/jab.25.2.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The walk-run transition (WRT) is a well-described phenomenon without any known cause; however, mechanical variables related to human gait have been associated with the WRT. This study tested the hypothesis that shock waves in the tibia and 3rd lumbar vertebra in addition to activity of tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis, and erector spinae muscles could be responsible for the WRT. Thirty subjects walked and ran on a treadmill at 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, and 120% of preferred transition speed. Shock waves were measured with skin-mounted accelerometers and muscle activity by surface electromyography. The influence on the WRT was analyzed with two models. The shock waves and muscle activity tended to a significant increase (p < .05) for both walking and running with increased speed. The only factor that appeared to be involved in the WRT mechanism was the activity of the tibialis anterior; however, this was only confirmed by one of the two models. The use of different models to analyze the same data for the WRT triggers may give different results; thus, a standard model is required to investigate the influence of given factors on biological phenomena.
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De Smet K, Segers V, Lenoir M, De Clercq D. Spatiotemporal characteristics of spontaneous overground walk-to-run transition. Gait Posture 2009; 29:54-8. [PMID: 18760925 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2008.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2007] [Revised: 05/16/2008] [Accepted: 06/15/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine spontaneous overground walk-to-run transitions (WRT). For the first time, subjects' WRT was examined during an overground protocol that allowed them to accelerate freely. The overground speed profile prior to reaching the WRT was analysed together with the spatiotemporal characteristics of the actual transition. Nine women (height: 166.4+/-3.5 cm) performed five spontaneous WRT. Speed, step frequency (SF) and step length (SL) of the accelerating walking steps and the transition step were determined. By means of fourth degree polynomials, subjects' spatiotemporal profiles prior to reaching WRT were determined. A step length index (SLI) was used to calculate the contribution of SF and SL to the increase in walking speed. Subjects took on average 5.9+/-0.9 walking steps prior to reaching transition. When speeding up towards the transition to running, subjects chose to accelerate predominantly in the first half of the walking acceleration period, followed by smaller speed increments in the second half. The SLI values indicated that subjects tended to increase walking speed by increasing SL, more than SF, except during the first 20% of the acceleration period. WRT-speed was 2.664+/-0.230 m s(-1), which was higher than in former treadmill studies using a constant acceleration protocol (+/-2.1 m s(-1)). Subjects made a speed jump of 0.417 m s(-1) from the last walking step to the WRT-step. We can conclude that further transition studies studying the interaction between the acceleration and gait transition behaviour are necessary in order to complete the understanding of the transition phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- K De Smet
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Malcolm P, Segers V, Van Caekenberghe I, De Clercq D. Experimental study of the influence of the m. tibialis anterior on the walk-to-run transition by means of a powered ankle-foot exoskeleton. Gait Posture 2009; 29:6-10. [PMID: 18620862 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2008.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 05/16/2008] [Accepted: 05/19/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the tibialis anterior (TA) in the walk-to-run transition (WRT) by means of an experimental manipulation that allows increasing or decreasing muscular effort of the TA around heel contact. Eight subjects performed five WRTs on an accelerating treadmill wearing a powered ankle-foot exoskeleton. There was a trend towards a lower WRT-speed in the condition in which the TA was resisted (2.06+/-0.09 m s(-1)) than in the control condition (2.10+/-0.10 m s(-1)). This finding could not be extrapolated in the opposite direction, as there was no significant difference between the assist and control condition. The TA activation burst around heel contact showed a pattern that led to the hypothesis that the TA activation reaches a critical level at the fourth last heel contact before the WRT which triggers the WRT. The fact that the results comply with previous transition studies emphasises the role of the TA as a determinant of the WRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Malcolm
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Optical modulation of locomotion and energy expenditure at preferred transition speed. Exp Brain Res 2008; 189:393-402. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-008-1435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2008] [Accepted: 05/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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The Relationship between Joint Kinetic Factors and the Walk–Run Gait Transition Speed during Human Locomotion. J Appl Biomech 2008; 24:149-57. [DOI: 10.1123/jab.24.2.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The primary purpose of this project was to examine whether lower extremity joint kinetic factors are related to the walk–run gait transition during human locomotion. Following determination of the preferred transition speed (PTS), each of the 16 subjects walked down a 25-m runway, and over a floor-mounted force platform at five speeds (70, 80, 90, 100, and 110% of the PTS), and ran over the force platform at three speeds (80, 100, and 120% of the PTS) while being videotaped (240 Hz) from the right sagittal plane. Two-dimensional kinematic data were synchronized with ground reaction force data (960 Hz). After smoothing, ankle and knee joint moments and powers were calculated using standard inverse dynamics calculations. The maximum dorsiflexor moment was the only variable tested that increased as walking speed increased and then decreased when gait changed to a run at the PTS, meeting the criteria set to indicate that this variable influences the walk–run gait transition during human locomotion. This supports previous research suggesting that an important factor in changing gaits at the PTS is the prevention of undue stress in the dorsiflexor muscles.
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