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Zukowski LA, Fino PC, Levin I, Hsieh KL, Lockhart SN, Miller ME, Laurienti PJ, Kritchevsky SB, Hugenschmidt CE. Age and beta amyloid deposition impact gait speed, stride length, and gait smoothness while transitioning from an even to an uneven walking surface in older adults. Hum Mov Sci 2024; 93:103175. [PMID: 38198920 PMCID: PMC11195422 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2023.103175] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Capturing a measure of movement quality during a complex walking task may indicate the earliest signs of detrimental changes to the brain due to beta amyloid (Aβ) deposition and be a potential differentiator of older adults at elevated and low risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to determine: 1) age-related differences in gait speed, stride length, and gait smoothness while transitioning from an even to an uneven walking surface, by comparing young adults (YA) and older adults (OA), and 2) if gait speed, stride length, and gait smoothness in OA while transitioning from an even to an uneven walking surface is influenced by the amount of Aβ deposition present in an OA's brain. METHODS Participants included 56 OA (>70 years of age) and 29 YA (25-35 years of age). In OA, Aβ deposition in the brain was quantified by PET imaging. All participants completed a series of cognitive assessments, a functional mobility assessment, and self-report questionnaires. Then participants performed two sets of walking trials on a custom-built walkway containing a mixture of even and uneven surface sections, including three trials with a grass uneven surface and three trials with a rocks uneven surface. Gait data were recorded using a wireless inertial measurement unit system. Stride length, gait speed, and gait smoothness (i.e., log dimensionless lumbar jerk) in the anteroposterior (AP), mediolateral (ML), and vertical (VT) directions were calculated for each stride. Outcomes were retained for five stride locations immediately surrounding the surface transition. RESULTS OA exhibited slower gait (Grass: p < 0.001; Rocks: p = 0.006), shorter strides (Grass: p < 0.001; Rocks: p = 0.008), and smoother gait (Grass AP: p < 0.001; Rocks AP: p = 0.002; Rocks ML: p = 0.02) than YA, but they also exhibited greater reductions in gait speed and stride length than YA while transitioning to the uneven grass and rocks surfaces. Within the OA group, those with greater Aβ deposition exhibited decreases in smoothness with age (Grass AP: p = 0.02; Rocks AP: p = 0.03; Grass ML: p = 0.04; Rocks ML: p = 0.03), while those with lower Aβ deposition exhibited increasing smoothness with age (Grass AP: p = 0.01; Rocks AP: p = 0.02; Grass ML: p = 0.08; Rocks ML: p = 0.07). Better functional mobility was associated with less smooth gait (Grass ML: p = 0.02; Rocks ML: p = 0.05) and with less variable gait smoothness (Grass and Rocks AP: both p = 0.04) in the OA group. CONCLUSION These results suggest that, relative to YA, OA may be adopting more cautious, compensatory gait strategies to maintain smoothness when approaching surface transitions. However, OA with greater Aβ deposition may have limited ability to adopt compensatory gait strategies to increase the smoothness of their walking as they get older because of neuropathological changes altering the sensory integration process and causing worse dynamic balance (i.e., jerkier gait). Functional mobility, in addition to age and Aβ deposition, may be an important factor of whether or not an OA chooses to employ compensatory strategies to prioritize smoothness while walking and what type of compensatory strategy an OA chooses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Zukowski
- Department of Physical Therapy, High Point University, High Point, NC, United States of America.
| | - Peter C Fino
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Ilana Levin
- Department of Physical Therapy, High Point University, High Point, NC, United States of America
| | - Katherine L Hsieh
- Department of Physical Therapy, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Samuel N Lockhart
- Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Michael E Miller
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Paul J Laurienti
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Stephen B Kritchevsky
- Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Christina E Hugenschmidt
- Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Mishra RK, Hamad A, Ibrahim R, Mathew M, Talal T, Al-Ali F, Park C, Davuluri V, Fernando ME, Najafi B. Objective assessment of mobility among adults with diabetes and end-stage renal disease using walking aid: A cross-sectional cohort study. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2023; 107:106014. [PMID: 37290375 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.106014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This cross-sectional study aimed to compare physical activity levels, plantar sensation, and fear of falling between individuals with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis, with or without walking aids. METHODS Sixty-four participants were recruited, with 37 not using walking aids (age = 65.8 ± 0.7 years, 46% female) and 27 using walking aids (age = 69.2 ± 1.2 years, 63% female). Physical activity was measured using validated pendant sensors over two consecutive days. Concern for falling and plantar numbness were assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and vibration perception threshold test, respectively. FINDINGS Participants using walking aids exhibited a greater fear of falling (84% vs. 38%, p < 0.01) and fewer walking bouts (p < 0.01, d = 0.67) and stand-to-walk transitions (p < 0.01, d = 0.72) compared to those not using walking aids. The number of walking bouts was negatively correlated with concern for falling scores (ρ = -0.35, p = 0.034) and vibration perception threshold (R = -0.411, p = 0.012) among individuals not using walking aids. However, these correlations were not significant among those using the walking aid. There was no significant group difference in active behavior (walking + standing %) and sedentary behavior (sitting + lying %). INTERPRETATION Those undergoing hemodialysis often lead sedentary lives, with mobility affected by fear of falling and plantar numbness. Using walking aids can help, but it doesn't guarantee more walking. A combined psychosocial and physical therapy approach is key for managing fall concerns and improving mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Kinker Mishra
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abdullah Hamad
- Department of Nephrology, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rania Ibrahim
- Department of Nephrology, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mincy Mathew
- Department of Nephrology, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Talal Talal
- Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic, Hamad Medical Co, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fadwa Al-Ali
- Department of Nephrology, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Catherine Park
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vyshnavi Davuluri
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Malindu E Fernando
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Ulcer and wound Healing consortium, Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Zhou H, Park C, Shahbazi M, York MK, Kunik ME, Naik AD, Najafi B. Digital Biomarkers of Cognitive Frailty: The Value of Detailed Gait Assessment Beyond Gait Speed. Gerontology 2022; 68:224-233. [PMID: 33971647 PMCID: PMC8578566 DOI: 10.1159/000515939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive frailty (CF), defined as the simultaneous presence of cognitive impairment and physical frailty, is a clinical symptom in early-stage dementia with promise in assessing the risk of dementia. The purpose of this study was to use wearables to determine the most sensitive digital gait biomarkers to identify CF. METHODS Of 121 older adults (age = 78.9 ± 8.2 years, body mass index = 26.6 ± 5.5 kg/m2) who were evaluated with a comprehensive neurological exam and the Fried frailty criteria, 41 participants (34%) were identified with CF and 80 participants (66%) were identified without CF. Gait performance of participants was assessed under single task (walking without cognitive distraction) and dual task (walking while counting backward from a random number) using a validated wearable platform. Participants walked at habitual speed over a distance of 10 m. A validated algorithm was used to determine steady-state walking. Gait parameters of interest include steady-state gait speed, stride length, gait cycle time, double support, and gait unsteadiness. In addition, speed and stride length were normalized by height. RESULTS Our results suggest that compared to the group without CF, the CF group had deteriorated gait performances in both single-task and dual-task walking (Cohen's effect size d = 0.42-0.97, p < 0.050). The largest effect size was observed in normalized dual-task gait speed (d = 0.97, p < 0.001). The use of dual-task gait speed improved the area under the curve (AUC) to distinguish CF cases to 0.76 from 0.73 observed for the single-task gait speed. Adding both single-task and dual-task gait speeds did not noticeably change AUC. However, when additional gait parameters such as gait unsteadiness, stride length, and double support were included in the model, AUC was improved to 0.87. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that gait performances measured by wearable sensors are potential digital biomarkers of CF among older adults. Dual-task gait and other detailed gait metrics provide value for identifying CF above gait speed alone. Future studies need to examine the potential benefits of gait performances for early diagnosis of CF and/or tracking its severity over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhou
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA,BioSensics LLC, Newton, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Park
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohammad Shahbazi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michele K. York
- Neurology and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark E. Kunik
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA,Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA,VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, USA,Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aanand D. Naik
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA,VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, USA,Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA,Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Evaluation of Physical Interaction during Walker-Assisted Gait with the AGoRA Walker: Strategies Based on Virtual Mechanical Stiffness. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21093242. [PMID: 34067133 PMCID: PMC8125083 DOI: 10.3390/s21093242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Smart walkers are commonly used as potential gait assistance devices, to provide physical and cognitive assistance within rehabilitation and clinical scenarios. To understand such rehabilitation processes, several biomechanical studies have been conducted to assess human gait with passive and active walkers. Several sessions were conducted with 11 healthy volunteers to assess three interaction strategies based on passive, low and high mechanical stiffness values on the AGoRA Smart Walker. The trials were carried out in a motion analysis laboratory. Kinematic data were also collected from the smart walker sensory interface. The interaction force between users and the device was recorded. The force required under passive and low stiffness modes was 56.66% and 67.48% smaller than the high stiffness mode, respectively. An increase of 17.03% for the hip range of motion, as well as the highest trunk’s inclination, were obtained under the resistive mode, suggesting a compensating motion to exert a higher impulse force on the device. Kinematic and physical interaction data suggested that the high stiffness mode significantly affected the users’ gait pattern. Results suggested that users compensated their kinematics, tilting their trunk and lower limbs to exert higher impulse forces on the device.
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Mishra RK, Park C, Zhou H, Najafi B, Thrasher TA. Evaluation of Motor and Cognitive Performance in People with Parkinson's Disease Using Instrumented Trail-Making Test. Gerontology 2021; 68:234-240. [PMID: 33940574 DOI: 10.1159/000515940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parkinson's disease (PD) progressively impairs motor and cognitive performance. The current tools to detect decline in motor and cognitive functioning are often impractical for busy clinics and home settings. To address the gap, we designed an instrumented trail-making task (iTMT) based on a wearable sensor (worn on the shin) with interactive game-based software installed on a tablet. The iTMT test includes reaching to 5 indexed circles, a combination of numbers (1-3) and letters (A&B) randomly positioned inside target circles, in a sequential order, which virtually appears on a screen kept in front of the participants, by rotating one's ankle joint while standing and holding a chair for safety. By measuring time to complete iTMT task (iTMT time), iTMT enables quantifying cognitive-motor performance. PURPOSE This study's objective is to examine the feasibility of iTMT to detect early cognitive-motor decline in PDs. METHOD Three groups of volunteers, including 14 cognitively normal (CN) older adults, 14 PDs, and 11 mild cognitive impaireds (MCI), were recruited. Participants completed MoCA, 20 m walking test, and 3 trials of iTMT. RESULTS All participants enabled to complete iTMT with <3 min, indicating high feasibility. The average iTMT time for CN-Older, PD, and MCI participants were 20.9 ± 0.9 s, 32.3 ± 2.4 s, and 40.9 ± 4.5 s, respectively. After adjusting for age and education level, pairwise comparison suggested large effect sizes for iTMT between CN-older versus PD (Cohen's d = 1.7, p = 0.024) and CN-older versus MCI (d = 1.57, p < 0.01). Significant correlations were observed when comparing iTMT time with the gait speed (r = -0.4, p = 0.011) and MoCA score (r = -0.56, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility and early results supporting the potential application of iTMT to determine cognitive-motor and distinguishing individuals with MCI and PD from CN-older adults. Future studies are warranted to test the ability of iTMT to track its subtle changes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Kinker Mishra
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA, .,Department of Health and Human Performance, Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA,
| | - Catherine Park
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - He Zhou
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - T Adam Thrasher
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Johnston W, Judice PB, Molina García P, Mühlen JM, Lykke Skovgaard E, Stang J, Schumann M, Cheng S, Bloch W, Brønd JC, Ekelund U, Grøntved A, Caulfield B, Ortega FB, Sardinha LB. Recommendations for determining the validity of consumer wearable and smartphone step count: expert statement and checklist of the INTERLIVE network. Br J Sports Med 2020; 55:780-793. [PMID: 33361276 PMCID: PMC8273687 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Consumer wearable and smartphone devices provide an accessible means to objectively measure physical activity (PA) through step counts. With the increasing proliferation of this technology, consumers, practitioners and researchers are interested in leveraging these devices as a means to track and facilitate PA behavioural change. However, while the acceptance of these devices is increasing, the validity of many consumer devices have not been rigorously and transparently evaluated. The Towards Intelligent Health and Well-Being Network of Physical Activity Assessment (INTERLIVE) is a joint European initiative of six universities and one industrial partner. The consortium was founded in 2019 and strives to develop best-practice recommendations for evaluating the validity of consumer wearables and smartphones. This expert statement presents a best-practice consumer wearable and smartphone step counter validation protocol. A two-step process was used to aggregate data and form a scientific foundation for the development of an optimal and feasible validation protocol: (1) a systematic literature review and (2) additional searches of the wider literature pertaining to factors that may introduce bias during the validation of these devices. The systematic literature review process identified 2897 potential articles, with 85 articles deemed eligible for the final dataset. From the synthesised data, we identified a set of six key domains to be considered during design and reporting of validation studies: target population, criterion measure, index measure, validation conditions, data processing and statistical analysis. Based on these six domains, a set of key variables of interest were identified and a 'basic' and 'advanced' multistage protocol for the validation of consumer wearable and smartphone step counters was developed. The INTERLIVE consortium recommends that the proposed protocol is used when considering the validation of any consumer wearable or smartphone step counter. Checklists have been provided to guide validation protocol development and reporting. The network also provide guidance for future research activities, highlighting the imminent need for the development of feasible alternative 'gold-standard' criterion measures for free-living validation. Adherence to these validation and reporting standards will help ensure methodological and reporting consistency, facilitating comparison between consumer devices. Ultimately, this will ensure that as these devices are integrated into standard medical care, consumers, practitioners, industry and researchers can use this technology safely and to its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Johnston
- Insight Centre for Data Analytics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pedro B Judice
- Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física e Exercício e Saúde, CIDEFES, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal.,Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz-Quebrada, Portugal
| | - Pablo Molina García
- PROFITH (PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity) Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jan M Mühlen
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Esben Lykke Skovgaard
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Research Unit for Exercise Epidemiology, Centre of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Julie Stang
- Department of Sport Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Moritz Schumann
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany.,Exercise Translational Medicine Centre, the Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, and Exercise, Health and Technology Centre, Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shulin Cheng
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany.,Exercise Translational Medicine Centre, the Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, and Exercise, Health and Technology Centre, Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Christian Brønd
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Research Unit for Exercise Epidemiology, Centre of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Ulf Ekelund
- Department of Sport Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders Grøntved
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Research Unit for Exercise Epidemiology, Centre of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Brian Caulfield
- Insight Centre for Data Analytics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Francisco B Ortega
- PROFITH (PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity) Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Luis B Sardinha
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz-Quebrada, Portugal
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Esfandiari E, Sanjari MA, Jamshidi AA, Kamyab M, Yazdi HR. Gait initiation and lateral wedge insole for individuals with early knee osteoarthritis. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2020; 80:105163. [PMID: 33010701 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.105163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with knee osteoarthritis are at higher risk of postural deficits and locomotor adaptations which could be manifested in transient tasks like gait initiation. To better understand the effect of early knee osteoarthritis on gait initiation, we measured the gait initiation in two groups of early knee osteoarthritis and healthy age-matched controls and assessed the effect of lateral wedge insole in knee osteoarthritis group. METHODS Twenty-one individuals with early knee osteoarthritis, mean (SD) age = 53.1 (7.4, years), and 19 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic healthy individuals, mean (SD) age = 47.5 (11.2, years), participated. Centre of pressure trajectories were used to quantify the two phases of gait initiation in barefoot condition: anticipatory postural adjustment, and locomotor phase. The immediate and four-week effect of lateral wedge insole and shod condition were also compared for individuals in knee osteoarthritis group. FINDINGS Longer duration of anticipatory postural adjustment phase (P = 0.046), locomotor phase (P = 0.049), and total duration of gait initiation (P = 0.035) with lower length and velocity of the center of pressure trajectories in anticipatory postural adjustment phase (P = 0.002, and 0.008, respectively) were observed in knee osteoarthritis group compared to controls. Lateral wedge insole could increase the length and velocity of the centre of pressure in locomotor phase compared to barefoot condition (P = 0.001, and 0.002, respectively). INTERPRETATION Our study outlined that people with early knee osteoarthritis adopt different gait initiation strategies mainly in postural preparation phase. The potential effect of lateral wedge insole was shown with better performance of the locomotor phase. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER IRCT2016060628310N1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Esfandiari
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sanjari
- Department of Basic Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Ashraf Jamshidi
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Kamyab
- Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Yazdi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ishii Y, Kai Y, Morita T, Aikawa H, Nakamura R. Initiation gait variability is higher in the morning in elderly inpatients. Phys Ther Res 2020; 23:160-165. [PMID: 33489654 DOI: 10.1298/ptr.e10019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although elderly inpatients are known to experience decreased physical activity in the morning, falls occur frequently during this time. Gait variability is an evaluation of gait instability and a risk factor for falls. Gait initiation requires complex processes, and it is important to evaluate gait variability not only during steady-state gait but also during gait initiation. However, the effect of the diurnal pattern on variability in gait characteristics is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the diurnal pattern on initiation and steady-state gait variability in elderly inpatients. METHOD Thirty-seven elderly inpatients (28 women; mean age, 79.7 ± 9.5 years) who could walk without support were sampled in this study. The quantitative measure of gait variability was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV) based on four consecutive stride durations determined using triaxial accelerometers. Gait characteristics were evaluated during initiation and steady-state gait and defined as initiation CV and steady-state CV, respectively. This measurement was performed at two time points, morning and daytime. RESULTS There was no significant difference between initiation and steady-state gait characteristics in the daytime condition. However, in the morning condition, the initiation CV was higher than the steady-state CV. Furthermore, the initiation CV was higher in the morning than during daytime (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our study revealed that the variability of initiation gait is higher in the morning. It may be important to assess the risk of falls, including initiation gait, in the morning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Ishii
- Department of Rehabilitation, Medical Technology, Shimura Hospital.,Health Sciences Major, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | | | - Takashi Morita
- Department of Rehabilitation, Medical Technology, Shimura Hospital
| | - Hisayoshi Aikawa
- Department of Rehabilitation, Medical Technology, Shimura Hospital
| | - Ryoichi Nakamura
- Department of Rehabilitation, Medical Technology, Shimura Hospital
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Thomas NDA, Gardiner JD, Crompton RH, Lawson R. Physical and perceptual measures of walking surface complexity strongly predict gait and gaze behaviour. Hum Mov Sci 2020; 71:102615. [PMID: 32452433 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2020.102615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Walking surfaces vary in complexity and are known to affect stability and fall risk whilst walking. However, existing studies define surfaces through descriptions only. OBJECTIVE This study used a multimethod approach to measure surface complexity in order to try to characterise surfaces with respect to locomotor stability. METHODS We assessed how physical measurements of walking surface complexity compared to participant's perceptual ratings of the effect of complexity on stability. Physical measurements included local slope measures from the surfaces themselves and shape complexity measured using generated surface models. Perceptual measurements assessed participants' perceived stability and surface roughness using Likert scales. We then determined whether these measurements were indicative of changes to stability as assessed by behavioural changes including eye angle, head pitch angle, muscle coactivation, walking speed and walking smoothness. RESULTS Physical and perceptual measures were highly correlated, with more complex surfaces being perceived as more challenging to stability. Furthermore, complex surfaces, as defined from both these measurements, were associated with lowered head pitch, increased muscle coactivation and reduced walking smoothness. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings show that walking surfaces defined as complex, based on physical measurements, are perceived as more challenging to our stability. Furthermore, certain behavioural measures relate better to these perceptual and physical measures than others. Crucially, for the first time this study defined walking surfaces objectively rather than just based on subjective descriptions. This approach could enable future researchers to compare results across walking surface studies. Moreover, perceptual measurements, which can be collected easily and efficiently, could be used as a proxy for estimating behavioural responses to different surfaces. This could be particularly valuable when determining risk of instability when walking for individuals with compromised stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D A Thomas
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZA, United Kingdom; Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom.
| | - James D Gardiner
- Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - Robin H Crompton
- Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Lawson
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZA, United Kingdom
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Hajizadeh M, Desmyttere G, Carmona JP, Bleau J, Begon M. Can foot orthoses impose different gait features based on geometrical design in healthy subjects? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Foot (Edinb) 2020; 42:101646. [PMID: 32045719 DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Foot orthoses (FOs) are popular treatment to alleviate several abnormalities of lower extremity. FO designs might alter lower extremity biomechanics differently, but the association is not yet known. This review aimed to evaluate how different FO designs, namely FO with medial posting, lateral posting, arch support, or arch & heel support, change lower limb kinematics and kinetics during walking. LITERATURE SURVEY Electronic database search were conducted from inception to March 2019, and 25 papers passed the inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers checked the quality using a modified Downs and Black checklist (73.7±5.5%) and a biomechanical quality checklist (71.4±17.1%). Effect sizes for differences between with- and without- FO walking were calculated, and meta-analysis was performed whenever at least two studies reported the same variable. RESULTS Medial posting reduced peak ankle eversion moment. Lateral posting brought about higher peak ankle dorsiflexion and peak ankle eversion for kinematics, as well as higher peak ankle abduction moment, lower peak knee adduction moment, and higher peak mediolateral ground reaction force (GRF) for kinetics. FOs with either arch support or arch & heel support tended to decrease vertical ground reaction force, but it was not significant. CONCLUSION The findings of this review reveal that medial or lateral posting work efficiently to change foot and knee kinematics and kinetics. However, the impact force is just slightly decreased by arch-supported and heel supported FOs. Due to the small number of available studies, and heterogeneity in meta-analysis findings, further research with more standardized biomechanical approach are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hajizadeh
- Laboratoire de Simulation et Modélisation du Mouvement, Institut Génie Biomédical, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Campus Laval, 1700 rue Jacques Tétreault, Laval, QC H7N 0B6, Canada.
| | - Gauthier Desmyttere
- Laboratoire de Simulation et Modélisation du Mouvement, Département de Kinésiologie, Université de Montréal, Campus Laval, 1700 rue Jacques Tétreault, Laval, QC H7N 0B6, Canada
| | | | - Jacinte Bleau
- Laboratoire Orthopédique Médicus, 5135 10(e) avenue, Montréal, QC H1Y 2G5, Canada
| | - Mickael Begon
- Laboratoire de Simulation et Modélisation du Mouvement, Institut Génie Biomédical, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Campus Laval, 1700 rue Jacques Tétreault, Laval, QC H7N 0B6, Canada; Laboratoire de Simulation et Modélisation du Mouvement, Département de Kinésiologie, Université de Montréal, Campus Laval, 1700 rue Jacques Tétreault, Laval, QC H7N 0B6, Canada
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11
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Kang GE, Zhou H, Varghese V, Najafi B. Characteristics of the gait initiation phase in older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy compared to control older adults. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2020; 72:155-160. [PMID: 31887482 PMCID: PMC7089822 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gait is deteriorated in older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy; however, too little is known about the gait initiation phase. We aimed to determine if gait initiation variables are more sensitive in identifying the extent to which diabetic peripheral neuropathy impacts gait. METHODS We examined steps, distance, speed and dynamic balance in the gait initiation phase using a validated algorithm based on wearable sensors in 38 older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and 33 non-diabetic, non-neurologic, non-orthopedic control older adults (≥65 years) under single-task and dual-task gait conditions. FINDINGS During the single-task gait condition, the largest differences between the two groups were found in gait initiation steps and dynamic balance (66.7% more steps and 57.2% poorer balance for the diabetic group; effect size = 1.08 and 1.11, respectively; all p < 0.05), while gait speed had a medium effect (10.9% slower for the diabetic group; effect size = 0.54; p < 0.05). Although gait deteriorated for both groups during the dual-task gait condition compared to the single-task gait condition, effect sizes of the between-group differences remained similar. The differences in gait initiation steps and dynamic balance between the two groups were independent of gait speed. INTERPRETATION Gait initiation steps and dynamic balance may be more sensitive than gait speed for detecting gait deterioration due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Given the association between gait initiation and risk for fall, our findings suggest that gait initiation variables may be important outcomes for clinical management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gu Eon Kang
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - He Zhou
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Varsha Varghese
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.
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12
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Zahiri M, Chen KM, Zhou H, Nguyen H, Workeneh BT, Yellapragada SV, Sada YH, Schwenk M, Najafi B. Using wearables to screen motor performance deterioration because of cancer and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in adults - Toward an early diagnosis of CIPN. J Geriatr Oncol 2019; 10:960-967. [PMID: 30665876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An essential component for optimizing quality of life in adults with cancer is determining the degree to which therapy may negatively impact motor-performance, so that patients can maintain their quality of life and independence. This study examined whether instrumented gait and balance could determine the magnitude of deterioration in motor-performance from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). METHODS We recruited 84 adults with cancer (age = 71.1 ± 9.7 years old, BMI = 26.8 ± 6.2 kg/m2, gender = 56%female) and 57 age-matched non-cancer patients (age = 69.5 ± 9.8 years old, BMI = 27.1 ± 6.0 kg/m2, gender = 79%female). Based on clinical screening, the group with cancer was classified into two groups: participants with CIPN (CIPN+) and without CIPN (CIPN-). Gait and balance were quantified using validated wearables. The Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT) test was used to stratify the CIPN+ group into mild (Mild-CIPN) and severe (Severe-CIPN) subgroups. RESULTS All gait and balance parameters were deteriorated in the group with cancer compared to non-cancer group with the largest effects observed for stride-time (11%, Cohen's effect size d = 1.00, p < 0.001) and eyes-closed ankle sway (94%, d = 0.49, p = 0.001). The same trend was observed when the Severe-CIPN subgroup was compared to the Mild-CIPN. VPT correlates significantly with motor deterioration, with the largest correlation found in stride-time (Rho = 0.37, p = 0.007). Severe-CIPN subjects were significantly older and overall had more deterioration in the majority of motor-performance parameters after adjusting for age (p < 0.050). CONCLUSION These results confirmed the negative impact of CIPN on motor-performance with the largest effects on ankle stability and stride-time. VPT is a predictor of motor deterioration and may be used to determine the severity of CIPN symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Zahiri
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin M Chen
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - He Zhou
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Biruh T Workeneh
- Department of Nephrology, Division of Internal Medicine, MD Anderson, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarvari V Yellapragada
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yvonne H Sada
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Schwenk
- Network Aging Research (NAR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Sports and Sports Sciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Zhou H, Al-Ali F, Rahemi H, Kulkarni N, Hamad A, Ibrahim R, Talal TK, Najafi B. Hemodialysis Impact on Motor Function beyond Aging and Diabetes-Objectively Assessing Gait and Balance by Wearable Technology. SENSORS 2018; 18:s18113939. [PMID: 30441843 PMCID: PMC6263479 DOI: 10.3390/s18113939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Motor functions are deteriorated by aging. Some conditions may magnify this deterioration. This study examined whether hemodialysis (HD) process would negatively impact gait and balance beyond diabetes condition among mid-age adults (48–64 years) and older adults (65+ years). One hundred and ninety-six subjects (age = 66.2 ± 9.1 years, body-mass-index = 30.1 ± 6.4 kg/m2, female = 56%) in 5 groups were recruited: mid-age adults with diabetes undergoing HD (Mid-age HD+, n = 38) and without HD (Mid-age HD−, n = 40); older adults with diabetes undergoing HD (Older HD+, n = 36) and without HD (Older HD−, n = 37); and non-diabetic older adults (Older DM−, n = 45). Gait parameters (stride velocity, stride length, gait cycle time, and double support) and balance parameters (ankle, hip, and center of mass sways) were quantified using validated wearable platforms. Groups with diabetes had overall poorer gait and balance compared to the non-diabetic group (p < 0.050). Among people with diabetes, HD+ had significantly worsened gait and balance when comparing to HD− (Cohen’s effect size d = 0.63–2.32, p < 0.050). Between-group difference was more pronounced among older adults with the largest effect size observed for stride length (d = 2.32, p < 0.001). Results suggested that deterioration in normalized gait speed among HD+ was negatively correlated with age (r = −0.404, p < 0.001), while this correlation was diminished among HD−. Interestingly, results also suggested that poor gait among Older HD− is related to poor ankle stability, while no correlation was observed between poor ankle stability and poor gait among Older HD+. Using objective assessments, results confirmed that the presence of diabetes can deteriorate gait and balance, and this deterioration can be magnified by HD process. Among HD− people with diabetes, poor ankle stability described poor gait. However, among people with diabetes undergoing HD, age was a dominate factor describing poor gait irrespective of static balance. Results also suggested feasibility of using wearable platforms to quantify motor performance during routine dialysis clinic visit. These objective assessments may assist in identifying early deterioration in motor function, which in turn may promote timely intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhou
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Fadwa Al-Ali
- Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Center, Department of Nephrology, Hamad General Hospital, PO Box 3050 Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hadi Rahemi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Nishat Kulkarni
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Abdullah Hamad
- Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Center, Department of Nephrology, Hamad General Hospital, PO Box 3050 Doha, Qatar.
| | - Rania Ibrahim
- Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Center, Department of Nephrology, Hamad General Hospital, PO Box 3050 Doha, Qatar.
| | - Talal K Talal
- Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic, Hamad Medical Co, PO Box 3050 Doha, Qatar.
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Northeast L, Gautrey CN, Bottoms L, Hughes G, Mitchell ACS, Greenhalgh A. Full gait cycle analysis of lower limb and trunk kinematics and muscle activations during walking in participants with and without ankle instability. Gait Posture 2018; 64:114-118. [PMID: 29902713 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic ankle instability (CAI) has previously been linked to altered lower limb kinematics and muscle activation characteristics during walking, though little research has been performed analysing the full time-series across the stance and swing phases of gait. RESEARCH QUESTION The aim of this study was to compare trunk and lower limb kinematics and muscle activity between those with chronic ankle instability and healthy controls. METHODS Kinematics and muscle activity were measured in 18 (14 males, 4 females) healthy controls (age 22.4 ± 3.6 years, height 177.8 ± 7.6 cm, mass 70.4 ± 11.9 kg, UK shoe size 8.4 ± 1.6), and 18 (13 males, 5 females) participants with chronic ankle instability (age 22.0 ± 2.7 years, height 176.8 ± 7.9 cm, mass 74.1 ± 9.6 kg, UK shoe size 8.1 ± 1.9) during barefoot walking trials, using a combined Helen Hayes and Oxford foot model. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was recorded for the tibialis anterior and gluteus medius. Full curve statistical parametric mapping was performed using independent and paired-samples T-tests. RESULTS No significant differences were observed in kinematic or sEMG variables between or within groups for the duration of the swing phase of gait. A significantly increased forefoot-tibia inversion was seen in the CAI affected limb when compared to the CAI unaffected limb at 4-16% stance (p = 0.039). No other significant differences were observed. SIGNIFICANCE There appears to be no differences in muscle activation and movement between CAI and healthy control groups. However, participants with CAI exhibited increased inversion patterns during the stance phase of gait in their affected limb compared to their unaffected limb. This may predispose those with CAI to episodes of giving way and further ankle sprains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey Northeast
- University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, United Kingdom.
| | - Charlotte N Gautrey
- University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay Bottoms
- University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, United Kingdom
| | - Gerwyn Hughes
- University of San Francisco, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA, 94117, United States
| | - Andrew C S Mitchell
- University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 9EA, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Greenhalgh
- University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, United Kingdom
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Anand M, Seipel J, Rietdyk S. A modelling approach to the dynamics of gait initiation. J R Soc Interface 2017; 14:rsif.2017.0043. [PMID: 28275124 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gait initiation is an integral and complex part of human locomotion. In this paper, we present a novel compliant-leg model-based approach to understanding the key phases of initiation, the nature of the effective forces involved in initiation, and the importance of the anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs). The results demonstrate that in the presence of APAs, we observe a change in the characteristic of forcing required for initiation, and the energetic cost of gait initiation is also reduced by approximately 58%. APAs also result in biologically relevant leg landing angles and trajectories of motion. Furthermore, we find that a sublinear functional relationship with the velocity error from steady state predicts the required force, consistent with an open loop control law basis for gait initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Anand
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette IN, USA
| | - Justin Seipel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette IN, USA
| | - Shirley Rietdyk
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, 800 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette IN, USA
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16
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Gait stability, variability and complexity on inclined surfaces. J Biomech 2017; 54:73-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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17
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Elboim-Gabyzon M, Rotchild S. Spatial and temporal gait characteristics of elderly individuals during backward and forward walking with shoes and barefoot. Gait Posture 2017; 52:363-366. [PMID: 28049108 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Backward walking (BW) is an inherent component of mobility and function in daily activities, particularly indoors, when it is more likely that a person is barefoot. No studies to date have compared the spatio-temporal characteristics of BW with and without shoes in elderly individuals. This study compared spatio-temporal measures of BW and forward walking (FW) among elderly individuals while barefoot or wearing shoes. Forty-seven elderly individuals (13 men and 34 women, 76.7±7.7years of age) were evaluated. Participants were requested to walk at a comfortable, self-selected pace across the GAITRite® walkway for three trials under each of four conditions: walking forward (FW) and BW wearing their own comfortable low-heeled walking shoes and FW and BW walking without shoes. Gait speed, stride length and cadence were significantly reduced in BW versus FW, with an increase in double limb support (DLS), both with and without shoes. Barefoot BW resulted in significantly increased gait speed and cadence, and decreased DLS compared to BW with shoes. BW stride length was not affected by footwear. While barefoot FW was also associated with a significant increase in cadence and decrease in DLS time compared to walking with shoes, it decreased stride length and had no detrimental effect on gait speed. Assessment of the spatio-temporal parameters of walking barefoot and with shoes during FW and BW can contribute to our understanding of the ability of elderly individuals to adapt to changing walking conditions, and should be included in the assessment of functional mobility of elderly individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Elboim-Gabyzon
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Shira Rotchild
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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Toosizadeh N, Stocker H, Thiede R, Mohler J, Mills JL, Najafi B. Alterations in gait parameters with peripheral artery disease: The importance of pre-frailty as a confounding variable. Vasc Med 2016; 21:520-527. [PMID: 27634957 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x16660626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although poor walking is the most common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), reported results are inconsistent when comparing gait parameters between PAD patients and healthy controls. This inconsistency may be due to frailty, which is highly prevalent among PAD patients. To address this hypothesis, 41 participants, 17 PAD (74±8 years) and 24 aged-matched controls (76±7 years), were recruited. Gait was objectively assessed using validated wearable sensors. Analysis of covariate (ANCOVA) tests were used to compare gait parameters between PAD and non-PAD groups, considering age, gender, and body mass index as covariates, while stratified based on frailty status. According to the Fried frailty index, 47% of PAD and 50% of control participants were non-frail and the rest were classified as pre-frail. Within non-frail participants, gait speed, body sway during walking, stride length, gait cycle time, double-support, knee range of motion, speed variability, mid-swing speed, and gait initiation were significantly different between PAD and control groups (effect size d = 0.75±0.43). In the pre-frail group, however, most of the gait differences were diminished except for gait initiation and gait variability. Results suggest that gait initiation is the most sensitive parameter for detecting gait impairment in PAD participants when compared to controls, regardless of frailty status (d = 1.30-1.41; p<0.050). The observed interaction effect between frailty and PAD on gait parameters confirms the importance of assessing functionality in addition to age to provide more consistency in detecting motor performance impairments due to PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Toosizadeh
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Arizona Center on Aging, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Hannah Stocker
- Arizona Center on Aging, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rebecca Thiede
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jane Mohler
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Arizona Center on Aging, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joseph L Mills
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA .,Arizona Center on Aging, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Michael E DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Halstead J, Keenan AM, Chapman GJ, Redmond AC. The feasibility of a modified shoe for multi-segment foot motion analysis: a preliminary study. J Foot Ankle Res 2016; 9:7. [PMID: 26913080 PMCID: PMC4765151 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-016-0138-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The majority of multi-segment kinematic foot studies have been limited to barefoot conditions, because shod conditions have the potential for confounding surface-mounted markers. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a shoe modified with a webbed upper can accommodate multi-segment foot marker sets without compromising kinematic measurements under barefoot and shod conditions. Methods Thirty participants (15 controls and 15 participants with midfoot pain) underwent gait analysis in two conditions; barefoot and wearing a shoe (shod) in a random order. The shod condition employed a modified shoe (rubber plimsoll) with a webbed upper, allowing skin mounted reflective markers to be visualised through slits in the webbed material. Three dimensional foot kinematics were captured using the Oxford multi-segment foot model whilst participants walked at a self-selected speed. Results The foot pain group showed greater hindfoot eversion and less hindfoot dorsiflexion than controls in the barefoot condition and these differences were maintained when measured in the shod condition. Differences between the foot pain and control participants were also observed for walking speed in the barefoot and in the shod conditions. No significant differences between foot pain and control groups were demonstrated at the forefoot in either condition. Conclusions Subtle differences between pain and control groups, which were found during barefoot walking are retained when wearing the modified shoe. The novel properties of the modified shoe offers a potential solution for the use of passive infrared based motion analysis for shod applications, for instance to investigate the kinematic effect of foot orthoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Halstead
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, 2nd Floor, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS7 4SA UK
| | - A M Keenan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, 2nd Floor, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS7 4SA UK ; NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK ; Arthritis Research UK Experimental Arthritis Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - G J Chapman
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, 2nd Floor, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS7 4SA UK ; NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK ; Arthritis Research UK Experimental Arthritis Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - A C Redmond
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, 2nd Floor, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS7 4SA UK ; NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK ; Arthritis Research UK Experimental Arthritis Centre, Leeds, UK ; Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sports, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, Nottingham, UK ; Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sports, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, Oxford, UK ; Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sports, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, Loughborough, UK ; Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sports, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, Leeds, UK
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Vieira MF, Sacco IDCN, Nora FGDSA, Rosenbaum D, Lobo da Costa PH. Footwear and Foam Surface Alter Gait Initiation of Typical Subjects. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135821. [PMID: 26270323 PMCID: PMC4536224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gait initiation is the task commonly used to investigate the anticipatory postural adjustments necessary to begin a new gait cycle from the standing position. In this study, we analyzed whether and how foot-floor interface characteristics influence the gait initiation process. For this purpose, 25 undergraduate students were evaluated while performing a gait initiation task in three experimental conditions: barefoot on a hard surface (barefoot condition), barefoot on a soft surface (foam condition), and shod on a hard surface (shod condition). Two force plates were used to acquire ground reaction forces and moments for each foot separately. A statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis was performed in COP time series. We compared the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) resultant center of pressure (COP) paths and average velocities, the force peaks under the right and left foot, and the COP integral x force impulse for three different phases: the anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) phase (Phase 1), the swing-foot unloading phase (Phase 2), and the support-foot unloading phase (Phase 3). In Phase 1, significantly smaller ML COP paths and velocities were found for the shod condition compared to the barefoot and foam conditions. Significantly smaller ML COP paths were also found in Phase 2 for the shod condition compared to the barefoot and foam conditions. In Phase 3, increased AP COP velocities were found for the shod condition compared to the barefoot and foam conditions. SPM analysis revealed significant differences for vector COP time series in the shod condition compared to the barefoot and foam conditions. The foam condition limited the impulse-generating capacity of COP shift and produced smaller ML force peaks, resulting in limitations to body-weight transfer from the swing to the support foot. The results suggest that footwear and a soft surface affect COP and impose certain features of gait initiation, especially in the ML direction of Phase 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Fraga Vieira
- Bioengineering and Biomechanics Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Isabel de Camargo Neves Sacco
- Physical Therapy, Speech, and Occupational Therapy Department, School of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Dieter Rosenbaum
- Institute for Experimental Musculoskeletal Medicine, Movement Analysis Lab, University Hospital, Münster, Germany
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Wrobel JS, Fleischer AE, Crews RT, Jarrett B, Najafi B. A randomized controlled trial of custom foot orthoses for the treatment of plantar heel pain. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2015; 105:281-94. [PMID: 25941995 DOI: 10.7547/13-122.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 10% of people will experience heel pain. The purpose of this prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was to compare custom foot orthoses (CFO), prefabricated foot orthoses (PFO), and sham insole treatment for plantar fasciitis. METHODS Seventy-seven patients with plantar fasciitis for less than 1 year were included. Outcome measures included first step and end of day pain, Revised Foot Function Index short form (FFI-R), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), activity monitoring, balance, and gait analysis. RESULTS The CFO group had significantly improved total FFI-R scores (77.4 versus 57.2; P = .03) without group differences for FFI-R pain, SF-36, and morning or evening pain. The PFO and CFO groups reported significantly lower morning and evening pain. For activity, the CFO group demonstrated significantly longer episodes of walking over the sham (P = .019) and PFO (P = .03) groups, with a 125% increase for CFOs, 22% PFOs, and 0.2% sham. Postural transition duration (P = .02) and balance (P = .05) improved for the CFO group. There were no gait differences. The CFO group reported significantly less stretching and ice use at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS The CFO group demonstrated 5.6-fold greater improvements in spontaneous physical activity versus the PFO and sham groups. All three groups improved in morning pain after treatment that included standardized athletic shoes, stretching, and ice. The CFO changes may have been moderated by decreased stretching and ice use after 3 months. These findings suggest that more objective measures, such as spontaneous physical activity improvement, may be more sensitive and specific for detecting improved weightbearing function than traditional clinical outcome measures, such as pain and disease-specific quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S. Wrobel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Adam E. Fleischer
- Weil Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Institute, Chicago, IL
- Center for Lower Extremity Research, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
| | - Ryan T. Crews
- Center for Lower Extremity Research, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
| | - Beth Jarrett
- Department of Podiatric Surgery and Applied Biomechanics, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Department of Surgery, Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance, Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona Center on Aging, Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance, University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
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Najafi B, Lee-Eng J, Wrobel JS, Goebel R. Estimation of Center of Mass Trajectory using Wearable Sensors during Golf Swing. J Sports Sci Med 2015; 14:354-363. [PMID: 25983585 PMCID: PMC4424465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study suggests a wearable sensor technology to estimate center of mass (CoM) trajectory during a golf swing. Groups of 3, 4, and 18 participants were recruited, respectively, for the purpose of three validation studies. Study 1 examined the accuracy of the system to estimate a 3D body segment angle compared to a camera-based motion analyzer (Vicon®). Study 2 assessed the accuracy of three simplified CoM trajectory models. Finally, Study 3 assessed the accuracy of the proposed CoM model during multiple golf swings. A relatively high agreement was observed between wearable sensors and the reference (Vicon®) for angle measurement (r > 0.99, random error <1.2° (1.5%) for anterior-posterior; <0.9° (2%) for medial-lateral; and <3.6° (2.5%) for internal-external direction). The two-link model yielded a better agreement with the reference system compared to one-link model (r > 0.93 v. r = 0.52, respectively). On the same note, the proposed two-link model estimated CoM trajectory during golf swing with relatively good accuracy (r > 0.9, A-P random error <1cm (7.7%) and <2cm (10.4%) for M-L). The proposed system appears to accurately quantify the kinematics of CoM trajectory as a surrogate of dynamic postural control during an athlete's movement and its portability, makes it feasible to fit the competitive environment without restricting surface type. Key pointsThis study demonstrates that wearable technology based on inertial sensors are accurate to estimate center of mass trajectory in complex athletic task (e.g., golf swing)This study suggests that two-link model of human body provides optimum tradeoff between accuracy and minimum number of sensor module for estimation of center of mass trajectory in particular during fast movements.Wearable technologies based on inertial sensors are viable option for assessing dynamic postural control in complex task outside of gait laboratory and constraints of cameras, surface, and base of support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine , Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Jacqueline Lee-Eng
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine , Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - James S Wrobel
- Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes Division, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ruben Goebel
- Sport Science Program, Qatar University , Doha, Qatar
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An immediate effect of custom-made ankle foot orthoses on postural stability in older adults. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2014; 29:1081-8. [PMID: 25467809 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foot and ankle problems are highly prevalent fall risks in the elderly. Ankle foot orthoses designed to stabilize the foot and ankles have been studied within specific patient groups, but their efficacy with a less restrictive elderly population is unknown. This study investigated if custom-made ankle foot orthoses improve postural stability in older adults. METHODS Thirty ambulatory older adults averaged 73 (standard deviation=6.5) years completed Romberg's balance (eyes-open/eyes-closed), functional reach, and Timed Up and Go tests while wearing validated kinematic sensors. Each test was completed in standardized shoes with and without bilateral orthoses. Additionally, barefoot trials were conducted for the Romberg's and functional reach tests. FINDINGS Compared to the barefoot and 'shoes alone' conditions, the orthoses reduced center of mass sway on average by 49.0% (P=0.087) and 40.7% (P=0.005) during eyes-open balance trials. The reduction was amplified during the eyes-closed trials with average reductions of 65.9% (P=0.000) and 47.8% (P=0.004), compared to barefoot and 'shoes alone' conditions. The orthoses did not limit functional reach distance nor timed-up and go completion times. However, the medial-lateral postural coordination while reaching was improved significantly with orthoses compared to barefoot (14.3%; P=0.030) and 'shoes alone' (13.5%; P=0.039) conditions. INTERPRETATION Ankle foot orthoses reduced postural sway and improved lower extremity coordination in the elderly participants without limiting their ability to perform a standard activity of daily living. Additional studies are required to determine if these benefits are retained and subsequently translate into fewer falls.
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Aboutorabi A, Saeedi H, Kamali M, Farahmand B, Eshraghi A, Dolagh RS. Immediate effect of orthopedic shoe and functional foot orthosis on center of pressure displacement and gait parameters in juvenile flexible flat foot. Prosthet Orthot Int 2014; 38:218-23. [PMID: 23986466 DOI: 10.1177/0309364613496111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flat foot in children is a common deformity in which the medial longitudinal arch is reduced or eliminated. OBJECTIVES The objective of this article was to compare flat foot and healthy children on the displacement of the center of pressure and walking parameters in children with two common orthoses (functional foot orthosis and medical shoe). STUDY DESIGN Comparative study. METHODS This study included 30 children with flat foot and 20 healthy children as a control group. The step length and width, walking velocity, symmetry, and center of pressure (CoP) displacements were recorded and compared for three conditions: functional foot orthosis and regular shoe, a medical shoe and barefoot. RESULTS The results from the CoP displacements showed that the regular shoe with functional foot orthosis caused a significant decrease in the level of displacement of the CoP in flat foot children. The findings indicated a significant improvement in symmetry of steps and walking speed with the functional foot orthosis in comparison to the medical shoe in flat foot children. CONCLUSION The CoP displacement was decreased and the percentage of gait symmetry and walking speed were increased by the use of regular shoes with a functional foot orthosis in comparison to the medical shoes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE An orthopaedic shoe can be expensive, and in particular heavy with most children reluctant to wear it. This study focussed on the CoP displacement and selected gait parameters with an orthopaedic shoe and functional foot orthosis, and showed that a combined prescription of a functional foot orthosis and with regular shoes may be a useful alternative for children with moderate flat foot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Aboutorabi
- Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Saeedi
- Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kamali
- Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behshid Farahmand
- Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Eshraghi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Roghaye S Dolagh
- Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Cau N, Cimolin V, Galli M, Precilios H, Tacchini E, Santovito C, Capodaglio P. Center of pressure displacements during gait initiation in individuals with obesity. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2014; 11:82. [PMID: 24885764 PMCID: PMC4026057 DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-11-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obesity is known to affect balance and gait pattern increasing the risk of fall and injury as compared to the lean population. Such risk is particularly high during postural transitions. Gait initiation (GI) is a transient procedure between static upright posture and steady-state locomotion, which includes anticipatory antero-posterior and lateral movements. GI requires propulsion and balance control. The aim of this study was to characterise quantitatively the strategy of obese subjects during GI using parameters obtained by the Center of Pressure (CoP) track. Methods 20 obese individuals and 15 age-matched healthy subjects were tested using a force platform during the initiation trials. CoP plots were divided in different phases, which identified the anticipatory postural adjustments (APA1, APA2) and a movement phase (LOC). Duration, length and velocity of the CoP trace in these phases were calculated and compared. Results and discussion The results show that the main characteristic of GI in obese participants is represented by a higher excursion in medio-lateral direction. This condition lead to longer APA length and duration, which are statistical significant during APA2 when compared to control subjects. We also found longer duration of APA1 and LOC phases. In terms of velocity, most of the phases were characterised by a reduced CoP velocity in antero-posterior direction and faster movement in medio-lateral direction as compared to the control group. Conclusions Our findings provide novel evidence in GI in obese subjects that may serve for developing exercise programs aimed at specifically improving balance in both the antero-posterior and lateral directions. Such programs together with weight management may be beneficial for improving stability during postural transitions and reducing risk of fall in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronica Cimolin
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, p,za Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Najafi B, Wrobel JS, Burns J. Mechanism of orthotic therapy for the painful cavus foot deformity. J Foot Ankle Res 2014; 7:2. [PMID: 24450305 PMCID: PMC3924916 DOI: 10.1186/1757-1146-7-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People who have extremely high arched feet or pes cavus often suffer from substantial foot pain. Custom-made foot orthoses (CFO) have been shown to be an effective treatment option, but their specificity is unclear. It is generally thought that one of the primary functions of CFO is redistributing abnormal plantar pressures. This study sought to identify variables associated with pain relief after CFO intervention. Methods Plantar pressure data from a randomized controlled trial of 154 participants with painful pes cavus were retrospectively re-analyzed at baseline and three month post CFO intervention. The participants were randomized to a treatment group given CFO or a control group given sham orthoses. Results No relationship between change in pressure magnitude and change in symptoms was found in either group. However, redistribution of plantar pressure, measured with the Dynamic Plantar Loading Index, had a significant effect on pain relief (p = 0.001). Our final model predicted 73% of the variance in pain relief from CFO and consisted of initial pain level, BMI, foot alignment, and changes in both Dynamic Plantar Loading Index and pressure–time integral. Conclusion Our data suggest that a primary function of effective orthotic therapy with CFO is redistribution of abnormal plantar pressures. Results of this study add to the growing body of literature providing mechanistic support for CFO providing pain relief in painful foot conditions. The proposed model may assist in better designing and assessing orthotic therapy for pain relief in patients suffering painful cavus foot deformity. Trial registration Randomized controlled trial: ISRCTN84913516
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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27
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Najafi B, Khan T, Fleischer A, Wrobel J. The impact of footwear and walking distance on gait stability in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2014; 103:165-73. [PMID: 23697719 DOI: 10.7547/1030165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explored gait differences in patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and aged-matched controls over short and long walking distances. The potential benefit of footwear for improving gait in patients with DPN was also explored. METHODS Twelve patients with DPN and eight controls walked at their habitual speed over short (7 m) and long (20 m) distances under two conditions: barefoot and regular shoes. A validated system of body-worn sensors was used to extract spatiotemporal gait parameters. Neuropathy severity was quantified using vibratory perception threshold measured at the great toe. RESULTS Gait deterioration in the DPN group was observed during all of the walking trials. However, the difference between patients with DPN and participants in the control group achieved statistical significance only during long walking distance trials. Shod and barefoot double support times were longer in the DPN group during long walking distances (>20%, P = .03). Gait unsteadiness, defined as coefficient of variation of gait velocity, was also significantly higher in the DPN group when barefoot walking over long distances (83%, P = .008). Furthermore, there was a high correlation between neuropathy severity and gait unsteadiness best demonstrated during the barefoot walking/long walking distance condition (r = 0.77, P < .001). The addition of footwear improved gait steadiness in the DPN group by 46% (P = .02). All differences were independent of age, sex, and body mass index (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that gait alteration in patients with DPN is most pronounced while walking barefoot over longer distances and that footwear may improve gait steadiness in patients with DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Najafi
- Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance, Interdisciplinary Consortium for Advanced Motion Performance, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
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Grewal GS, Bharara M, Menzies R, Talal TK, Armstrong D, Najafi B. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and gait: does footwear modify this association? J Diabetes Sci Technol 2013; 7:1138-46. [PMID: 24124939 PMCID: PMC3876356 DOI: 10.1177/193229681300700506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gait-related fall risk is the leading cause of mortality among patients with diabetes, especially those older than 65 years. Deterioration in balance and loss of protective sensation in lower extremities contribute significantly to fall risk in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This study aimed to explore the impact of neuropathy and foot ulcer on gait. METHODS We recruited 39 participants (age, 56.9 ± 8.2 years; body mass index, 29.6.3 ± 4.7 kg/m2), including 15 DPN patients without foot ulcers, 16 DPN patients with foot ulcers, and 8 healthy aged-matched controls. Patients with active foot ulcers wore an offloading device during gait examination, including removable cast walker. RESULTS Results suggest that neuropathy alters gait mainly by increasing gait initiation, gait variability (coefficient of variation of gait velocity), and double support (DS) time, while reducing knee range of motion and center of mass sway (p < .05). Interestingly, the presence of foot ulcer does not impact gait velocity (p > .1) but enhances some of the gait parameters such as gait variability and DS time. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that neuropathy deteriorates gait, but the presence of foot ulcers does not alter gait parameters further than neuropathy. In addition, patients with foot ulcers demonstrated a better gait compared with DPN patients without ulcers. We speculate that offloading footwear may be enhancing the somatosensory feedback from sensate skin, thereby positively affecting gait parameters. A study with a larger sample is required to explore the effect of prescribed footwear in the DPN population in order to validate the findings of this research study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurtej S. Grewal
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP)/Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Manish Bharara
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP)/Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Robert Menzies
- Wound and Diabetic Foot Center, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Co., Doha, Qatar
| | - Talal K. Talal
- Wound and Diabetic Foot Center, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Co., Doha, Qatar
| | - David Armstrong
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP)/Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP)/Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
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Baisch R, Grewal G, Wu S, Jarrett B, Humble N, Najafi B. Objective assessment of custom-made orthoses benefit in improving balance among figure ice-skaters. FOOTWEAR SCIENCE 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/19424280.2013.799598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Wentink EC, Beijen SI, Hermens HJ, Rietman JS, Veltink PH. Intention detection of gait initiation using EMG and kinematic data. Gait Posture 2013; 37:223-8. [PMID: 22917647 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Gait initiation in transfemoral amputees (TFA) is different from non-amputees. This is mainly caused by the lack of stability and push-off from the prosthetic leg. Adding control and artificial push-off to the prosthesis may therefore be beneficial to TFA. In this study the feasibility of real-time intention detection of gait initiation was determined by mimicking the TFA situation in non-amputees. EMG and inertial sensor data was measured in 10 non-amputees. Only data available in TFA was used to determine if gait initiation can be predicted in time to control a transfemoral prosthesis to generate push-off and stability. Toe-off and heel-strike of the leading limb are important parameters to be detected, to control a prosthesis and to time push-off. The results show that toe-off and heel-strike of the leading limb can be detected using EMG and kinematic data in non-amputees 130-260 ms in advance. This leaves enough time to control a prosthesis. Based on these results we hypothesize that similar results can be found in TFA, allowing for adequate control of a prosthesis during gait initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C Wentink
- MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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Sadra S, Fleischer A, Klein E, Grewal GS, Knight J, Weil LS, Weil L, Najafi B. Hallux valgus surgery may produce early improvements in balance control: results of a cross-sectional pilot study. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2013; 103:489-97. [PMID: 24297985 PMCID: PMC4815263 DOI: 10.7547/1030489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hallux valgus (HV) is associated with poorer performance during gait and balance tasks and is an independent risk factor for falls in older adults. We sought to assess whether corrective HV surgery improves gait and balance. METHODS Using a cross-sectional study design, gait and static balance data were obtained from 40 adults: 19 patients with HV only (preoperative group), 10 patients who recently underwent successful HV surgery (postoperative group), and 11 control participants. Assessments were made in the clinic using body-worn sensors. RESULTS Patients in the preoperative group generally demonstrated poorer static balance control compared with the other two groups. Despite similar age and body mass index, postoperative patients exhibited 29% and 63% less center of mass sway than preoperative patients during double-and single-support balance assessments, respectively (analysis of variance P =.17 and P =.14, respectively [both eyes open condition]). Overall, gait performance was similar among the groups, except for speed during gait initiation, where lower speeds were encountered in the postoperative group compared with the preoperative group (Scheffe P = .049). CONCLUSIONS This study provides supportive evidence regarding the benefits of corrective lower-extremity surgery on certain aspects of balance control. Patients seem to demonstrate early improvements in static balance after corrective HV surgery, whereas gait improvements may require a longer recovery time. Further research using a longitudinal study design and a larger sample size capable of assessing the long-term effects of HV surgical correction on balance and gait is probably warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Sadra
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
| | - Adam Fleischer
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL.,Weil Foot and Ankle Institute, Des Plaines, IL
| | - Erin Klein
- Weil Foot and Ankle Institute, Des Plaines, IL
| | - Gurtej S. Grewal
- Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), Department of Surgery and Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance, Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
| | | | | | - Lowell Weil
- Weil Foot and Ankle Institute, Des Plaines, IL
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), Department of Surgery and Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance, Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
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Kelly C, Fleischer A, Yalla S, Grewal GS, Albright R, Berns D, Crews R, Najafi B. Fear of falling is prevalent in older adults with diabetes mellitus but is unrelated to level of neuropathy. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2013; 103:480-8. [PMID: 24297984 PMCID: PMC4732269 DOI: 10.7547/1030480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) demonstrate gait alterations compared with their nonneuropathic counterparts, which may place them at increased risk for falling. However, it is uncertain whether patients with DPN also have a greater fear of falling. METHODS A voluntary group of older adults with diabetes was asked to complete a validated fear of falling questionnaire (Falls Efficacy Scale International [FES-I]) and instructed to walk 20 m in their habitual shoes at their habitual speed. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait (eg, stride velocity and gait speed variability) were collected using a validated body-worn sensor technology. Balance during walking was also assessed using sacral motion in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions. The level of DPN was quantified using vibration perception threshold from the great toe. RESULTS Thirty-four diabetic patients (mean ± SD: age, 67.6 ± 9.2 years; body mass index, 30.9 ± 5.7; hemoglobin A1c, 7.9% ± 2.3%) with varying levels of neuropathy (mean ± SD vibration perception threshold, 34.6 ± 22.9 V) were recruited. Most participants (28 of 34, 82%) demonstrated moderate to high concern about falling based on their FES-I score. Age (r = 0.6), hemoglobin A1c level (r = 0.39), number of steps required to reach steady-state walking (ie, gait initiation) (r = 0.4), and duration of double support (r = 0.44) were each positively correlated with neuropathy severity (P < .05). Participants with a greater fear of falling also walked with slower stride velocities and shorter stride lengths (r = -0.3 for both, P < .05). However, no correlation was observed between level of DPN and the participant's actual concern about falling. CONCLUSIONS Fear of falling is prevalent in older adults with diabetes mellitus but is unrelated to level of neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Kelly
- Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Adam Fleischer
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
| | - Sai Yalla
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
| | - Gurtej S. Grewal
- Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance, Department of Surgery and Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance, Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
| | - Rachel Albright
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
| | - Dana Berns
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
| | - Ryan Crews
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance, Department of Surgery and Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance, Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
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Wrobel JS, Marclay S, Najafi B. Golfing skill level postural control differences: a brief report. J Sports Sci Med 2012; 11:452-458. [PMID: 24149353 PMCID: PMC3737932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Golfers have better balance than their age-matched counterparts; however, it is uncertain if this persists during the swing as a function of skill level. The purpose of the study was to investigate dynamic postural control (center of mass (COM) motion) measured during different phases of the swing in golfers of varying proficiency. Eighteen healthy golfers were grouped by handicap: novice (no handicap, n = 7), intermediate (handicap 15-19, n = 7), and advanced (handicap 9-14, n = 4). Indoor testing was performed hitting 3 tee shots using a common driver. A five-camera (60 Hz) motion analysis system (9 markers) was used to extract kinematics data. There were no significant group differences in gender, age, or BMI. Advanced players had lower COM displacement with respect to address at the time of maximum arm speed (p = 0. 001) compared to intermediate (57%, p = 0.014) and novice (73%, p = 0.023). These changes persisted after COM distance and time normalization. Advanced golfers had improved COM linearity during the downswing (p < 0.001) compared to intermediate (30%, p = 0.029) and novice (51%, p < 0.001). Advanced players had decreased COM displacement at the time of maximum arm speed and a more linear COM path during the early downswing. Further study should focus on these changes during ball launch conditions. Key pointsStudies suggest that static and dynamic balance is important in golf. However, none have investigated dynamic postural control during the golf swing in golfers of varying proficiency.Our findings suggest advanced players demonstrated improved postural control at the point of maximum arm speed when compared to less skilled players. Furthermore, center of mass acceleration in advanced players is closer to impact than less-skilled players.We observed an increased center of mass linearity of trajectory during the early downswing for advanced players over novice players. We theorized this strategy may help advanced golfers to improve the economy of COM motion during golf swing and improve the performance of the shot.
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Impact of strut height on offloading capacity of removable cast walkers. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2012; 27:725-30. [PMID: 22465241 PMCID: PMC3572545 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing weight-bearing stress to diabetic foot ulcers is critical to healing and commonly called offloading. Removable cast walkers are frequently used for offloading; however, patient compliance is often poor. Walkers commonly extend to the knee. Patients complain about walkers' weight and diminished balance with their use. This study compared the offloading capacity of walkers that varied by height. Heights included: knee, ankle, and shoe levels. To ensure a fair comparison the outsole and insole were standardized across the devices. METHODS Eleven diabetic subjects with moderate to high risk of ulceration were recruited. Subjects completed four 20 m walking trials. Subjects performed one trial with each walker and one trial with an athletic shoe. Primary outcomes focused on plantar loading and were measured by pressure insoles. Secondary outcomes were associated with gait kinematics as collected by body worn sensors. FINDINGS Significant differences were found for the peak pressure and pressure time integrals of the different footwear. All walkers performed better than the athletic shoe. The ankle and knee-high devices performed best. Center of mass rotation data showed a trend of the ankle walker yielding a smaller range of motion (18% medial/lateral and 22% anterior/posterior) than the knee level. INTERPRETATION The ankle-high walker was able to provide similar offloading capacities as the knee-high walker. The diminished weight, along with potentially improved stability, may result in improved compliance with ankle-high walkers. A study comparing the use of the two devices for treating ulcers is now suggested.
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Najafi B, Bharara M, Talal TK, Armstrong DG. Advances in balance assessment and balance training for diabetes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.2217/dmt.12.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Grewal G, Sayeed R, Yeschek S, Menzies RA, Talal TK, Lavery LA, Armstrong DG, Najafi B. Virtualizing the assessment: a novel pragmatic paradigm to evaluate lower extremity joint perception in diabetes. Gerontology 2012; 58:463-71. [PMID: 22572476 DOI: 10.1159/000338095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of falls and fall-related injuries. People with diabetes often develop peripheral neuropathy (DPN) as well as nerve damage throughout the body. In particular, reduced lower extremity proprioception due to DPN may cause a misjudgment of foot position and thus increase the risk of fall. OBJECTIVE An innovative virtual obstacle-crossing paradigm using wearable sensors was developed in an attempt to assess lower extremity position perception damage due to DPN. METHODS 67 participants (age 55.4 ± 8.9, BMI 28.1 ± 5.8) including diabetics with and without DPN as well as aged-matched healthy controls were recruited. Severity of neuropathy was quantified using a vibratory perception threshold (VPT) test. The ability of perception of lower extremity was quantified by measuring obstacle-crossing success rate (OCSR), toe-obstacle clearance (TOC), and reaction time (T(R)) while crossing a series of virtual obstacles with heights at 10% and 20% of the subject's leg length. RESULTS No significant difference was found between groups for age and BMI. The data revealed that DPN subjects had a significantly lower OCSR compared to diabetics with no neuropathy and controls at an obstacle size of 10% of leg length (p < 0.05). DPN subjects also demonstrated longer T(R) compared to other groups and for both obstacle sizes. In addition, TOC was reduced in neuropathy groups. Interestingly, a significant correlation between T(R) and VPT (r = 0.5, p < 10(-3)) was observed indicating a delay in reaction with increasing neuropathy severity. The delay becomes more pronounced by increasing the size of the obstacle. Using a regression model suggests that the change in T(R) between obstacle sizes of 10% and 20% of leg length is the most sensitive predictor for neuropathy severity with an odds ratio of 2.70 (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate proof of a concept of virtual-reality application as a promising method for objective assessment of neuropathy severity, however a further study is warranted to establish a stronger relationship between the measured parameters and neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurtej Grewal
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research, Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
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Najafi B, Barnica E, Wrobel JS, Burns J. Dynamic plantar loading index: understanding the benefit of custom foot orthoses for painful pes cavus. J Biomech 2012; 45:1705-11. [PMID: 22516856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new method showing how custom foot orthoses (CFO) improve dynamics of plantar loading. The method is based on the probability distribution of peak pressure time series and is quantified using the Regression Factor (RF). RF is a least square regression slope between the experimentally observed plantar pressure magnitude probability distribution and a modeled Gaussian shape. Plantar pressure data from a randomized controlled trial of 154 participants with painful Pes Cavus were retrospectively re-analyzed. The participants were randomized to an active treatment group given CFO or a control group given sham orthoses. The location of 2(nd) Peak pressure as a percentage of stance time (P(Loc2)) and its magnitude (P(M2)) was also calculated. In addition, plantar pressure data were collected on 23 healthy volunteers with normal foot alignment and no foot pain. Results demonstrated Pes Cavus had a significantly lower RF than healthy participants (0.30 v. 0.51; p<10(-7)). P(M2) was reduced in both active and control groups. However, RF and the P(Loc2) were only changed in the active group (p<0.005) without any significant change in the control group (p>0.5). This study suggests that painful Pes Cavus alters the shape of probability distribution of plantar loading during walking and CFO are an effective therapeutic solution that can significantly improve it. Further use of the RF index and 2(nd) peak pressure location as an outcome measure for treatment of foot and ankle deformities is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Najafi
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research (CLEAR) at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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Najafi B, Khan T, Wrobel J. Laboratory in a box: wearable sensors and its advantages for gait analysis. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2011; 2011:6507-10. [PMID: 22255829 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2011.6091605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Until recently, many gait studies explored potential gait alteration due to various disorders in the gait lab and using camera based systems and force platforms. However, these strategies may not replicate normal outdoor walking. Using this equipment, it is more difficult to measure the variability of walking which is important for maintaining balance and responding to different walking challenges. Additionally, subjects may mask their problem or exaggerate it when they are walking in a short walking distance offered by laboratory based-technology. This study overviews some of the key advantages of wearable technology compared to laboratory-based instrument. Additionally, it explored gait patterns over ample distance of walking compared to walking distance restricted to a gait laboratory environment. Walking patterns of ten healthy young subjects were examined using a wearable sensor technology in a random order over a distance of 7 m, 14 m, and 20 m. Results suggest that participants walk significantly faster by increasing walking distance on average by 15% and 3% when walking distance was increased respectively from 7 m to 14 and from 14 m to 20 m (p<0.05). Interestingly despite a high test-retest reliability for averaged gait parameters (ICC>0.89), the test-retest reliability for gait variability was only acceptable during 20 m walking distance (ICC<0.3 for 7 m and 14 m v. ICC=0.65 for 20 m). Taken together, our findings indicate that for valid and reliable assessment of gait parameters, gait should be performed over ample walking distances. Body worn sensor technology facilitates assessing gait outside of a gait laboratory, over ample walking distance, different footwear condition, different walking surface, and in environment where mimics better true environment where the subject is active in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Najafi
- Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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