Three-dimensional analysis of foot motion after uphill walking with mobilization with movement using tape applied to the talocrural joint in women with limited ankle dorsiflexion

An Ankle Joint Flexion and Extension Movement-Monitoring Device Based on Pressure Sensors

Ankle joint flexion and extension movements play an important role in the rehabilitation training of patients who have been injured or bedridden for a long time before and after surgery. Accurately guiding patients to perform ankle flexion and extension movements can significantly reduce deep vein thromboembolism. Currently, most ankle rehabilitation devices focus on assisting patients with ankle flexion and extension movements, and there is a lack of devices for effectively monitoring these movements. In this study, we designed an ankle joint flexion and extension movement-monitoring device based on a pressure sensor. It was composed of an STM32 microcontroller, a pressure sensor, an HX711A/D conversion chip, and an ESP8266 WiFi communication module. The value of the force and the effective number of ankle joint flexion and extension movements were obtained. An experimental device was designed to verify the accuracy of the system. The maximum average error was 0.068 N; the maximum average relative error was 1.7%; the maximum mean-squared error was 0.00464 N. The results indicated that the monitoring device had a high accuracy and could effectively monitor the force of ankle flexion and extension movements, ultimately ensuring that the patient could effectively monitor and grasp the active ankle pump movement.

The time-course effects of talus taping on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion

Background/Aims

Talus taping may be an effective physiotherapeutic treatment for equinus (passive dorsiflexion range of motion <10°). However, the time-course effects of this intervention are unknown. The aims of this study were to identify the effect that the application of talus tape for 48 hours during normal functional activities has on dorsiflexion range of motion, and to determine whether any changes in dorsiflexion range of motion persisted until 5 days after removal (study day 7).

Methods

A total of 16 healthy participants (mean age 28.3 ± 8 years) were recruited. Participants' were randomly assigned to control and intervention conditions. Baseline measures of dorsiflexion range of motion were taken in both ankles using the weight-bearing lunge test. The intervention ankle had talus tape applied, which remained in place for 48 hours during normal functional activities. To determine the time-course effects, dorsiflexion range of motion was reassessed in the control and intervention ankles immediately following removal of the tape (at 48 hours) and again 5 days later, on day 7.

Findings

Dorsiflexion range of motion in the taped intervention ankle increased significantly between the baseline and 48-hour measures. However, when reassessed at day 7, participants' dorsiflexion range of motion had returned to baseline levels. There were no significant differences in the control ankle across all three measures.

Conclusions

Applying talus tape for 48 hours during normal functional activities results in immediate but not long-lasting changes in dorsiflexion range of motion.

The effects of a posterior superior iliac spine support device on upper trunk acceleration during gait in individuals with flat lumbar back posture

BACKGROUND

The orientation of the pelvis is of particular importance to the sagittal curve of the spine and has geometric relationships with the top of the spine and lumbar lordosis. Changes in spinal shape or disruptions of sagittal balance in the spine, such as a flattened lumbar spine, have significant negative effects.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the posterior superior iliac spine support device (PSD) on upper trunk acceleration during gait in individuals with flat lumbar back posture.

METHODS

In total, 10 young male subjects with reduced lumbar lordosis (global lumbar lordosis angle (T10-S2): <-20∘) were recruited for this study. Participants walked 7 m with and without wearing a PSD at a self-selected speed while fitted with an accelerometer attached over the T7 spinous process.

RESULTS

The normalized AP acceleration of T7 with PSD (40.57 ± 11.22%) was significantly higher than those without PSD (37.10 ± 10.46%, p= 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that wearing the PSD immediately improved pelvic physiological movement during walking in individuals with lumbar flat back posture. Our findings may help healthcare professionals manage flat back posture in asymptomatic younger individuals.