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Winner TS, Rosenberg MC, Jain K, Kesar TM, Ting LH, Berman GJ. Discovering individual-specific gait signatures from data-driven models of neuromechanical dynamics. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011556. [PMID: 37889927 PMCID: PMC10610102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Locomotion results from the interactions of highly nonlinear neural and biomechanical dynamics. Accordingly, understanding gait dynamics across behavioral conditions and individuals based on detailed modeling of the underlying neuromechanical system has proven difficult. Here, we develop a data-driven and generative modeling approach that recapitulates the dynamical features of gait behaviors to enable more holistic and interpretable characterizations and comparisons of gait dynamics. Specifically, gait dynamics of multiple individuals are predicted by a dynamical model that defines a common, low-dimensional, latent space to compare group and individual differences. We find that highly individualized dynamics-i.e., gait signatures-for healthy older adults and stroke survivors during treadmill walking are conserved across gait speed. Gait signatures further reveal individual differences in gait dynamics, even in individuals with similar functional deficits. Moreover, components of gait signatures can be biomechanically interpreted and manipulated to reveal their relationships to observed spatiotemporal joint coordination patterns. Lastly, the gait dynamics model can predict the time evolution of joint coordination based on an initial static posture. Our gait signatures framework thus provides a generalizable, holistic method for characterizing and predicting cyclic, dynamical motor behavior that may generalize across species, pathologies, and gait perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taniel S. Winner
- W.H. Coulter Dept. Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michael C. Rosenberg
- W.H. Coulter Dept. Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kanishk Jain
- Department of Physics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Trisha M. Kesar
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lena H. Ting
- W.H. Coulter Dept. Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gordon J. Berman
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Alsaafin N, Saad N, Mohammad Zadeh SA, Hegazy FA. Effect of Different Foot Orthosis Inverted Angles on Walking Kinematics in Females with Flexible Flatfeet. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:2613-2623. [PMID: 37693854 PMCID: PMC10492546 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s420003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the inverted technique was shown to be more effective compared to other orthotic designs for the treatment of flatfeet, the biomechanical mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of the inverted angle orthoses is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of different inverted angles of foot orthoses on walking kinematics in females with flexible flatfeet. Methods Thirty-one female adults with flexible flatfeet aged 18-35 years old participated in this study. Kinematic data of the hip, knee, and ankle were collected via BTS motion-capture system during walking under three test conditions in random order: with shoes only; with 15° inverted orthoses; and with 25° inverted orthoses. Results Compared to the shoes only condition, both the 15° and 25° inverted orthotic conditions significantly decreased the maximum ankle plantarflexion angle during loading response, maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle during mid-stance, maximum ankle external rotation angle, and maximum ankle internal rotation angle. The maximum ankle plantarflexion angle at toe-off showed a significant decrease with the 25° inverted angle orthosis compared to both the 15° inverted angle and shoes only conditions. No significant differences were found in the knee kinematic variables, maximum hip extension angle, and maximum hip adduction angle between test conditions. Conclusion Using inverted orthoses at 15° and 25° inverted angles resulted in significant changes in ankle joint kinematics during walking in female adults with flexible flatfeet. A 25° inverted angle orthosis significantly decreased ankle plantarflexion during push-off, potentially impacting gait mechanics. This suggests that a smaller inverted angle may be more effective for managing flexible flatfeet in female adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Alsaafin
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Saad
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shima A Mohammad Zadeh
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatma A Hegazy
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Cho DJ, Ahn SY, Bok SK. Effect of Foot Orthoses in Children With Symptomatic Flexible Flatfoot Based on Ultrasonography of the Ankle Invertor and Evertor Muscles. Ann Rehabil Med 2022; 45:459-470. [PMID: 35000371 PMCID: PMC8743848 DOI: 10.5535/arm.21137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) ratio of the ankle invertors and evertors following rigid foot orthosis (RFO) application in children with symptomatic flexible flatfoot and to determine the correlation between the degree of change in CSA ratio and pain-severity after RFO application. Methods We included 24 children with symptomatic flexible flatfoot without comorbidities and measured the CSAs of tibialis anterior (TA), tibialis posterior (TP), and peroneus longus (PL) using ultrasonography, resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP) angle, calcaneal pitch (CP), Meary’s angle, talonavicular coverage angle, and talocalcaneal angle using radiography, and foot function index (FFI) at baseline and 12 months after RFO application. We analyzed 48 data by measuring both feet of 24 children. The CSA ratios, the ratio of CSA of each muscle to the sum of CSA of TA, TP, and PL, were also compared. Correlations between the degree of change in FFI, each muscle’s CSA ratio, RCSP angle, and radiographic measurements were investigated. Results Following RFO application, significant increase in the PL ratio and CP and significant decrease in the RCSP angle, FFI total, pain, and disability scores were observed. The degree of change in the total score, pain, and disability score of FFI were significantly correlated with the degree of change in the PL ratio and RCSP angle. Conclusion RFOs applied to children with symptomatic flexible flatfoot might reduce the compensatory activities of the ankle invertors, thereby increasing the PL ratio, and pain decreases as the PL ratio increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Joon Cho
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - So Young Ahn
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Soo-Kyung Bok
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
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Shin JH. Biomechanical Evidence From Ultrasonography Supports Rigid Foot Orthoses in Children With Flatfoot. Ann Rehabil Med 2021; 45:411-412. [PMID: 35000365 PMCID: PMC8743849 DOI: 10.5535/arm.21189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joon-Ho Shin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
Background Flatfoot is characterised by the falling of the medial longitudinal arch, eversion of the hindfoot and abduction of the loaded forefoot. Furthermore, flatfoot leads to a variety of musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower extremity, such as knee or hip pain. The standard conservative treatment for flatfoot deformity is exercise therapy or treatment with foot orthoses. Foot orthoses are prescribed for various foot complaints. However, the evidence for the provision of foot orthoses is inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the evidence of foot orthoses for adults with flatfoot. Methods A computerized search was conducted in August 2021, using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Pedro, Cochrane Library, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Intervention studies of any design investigating the effects of foot orthoses were included, apart from case studies. Two independent reviewers assessed all search results to identify eligible studies and to assess their methodological quality. Results A total of 110 studies were identified through the database search. 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These studies investigated prefabricated and custom-made foot orthoses, evaluating stance and plantar pressure during gait. The sample sizes of the identified studies ranged from 8 to 80. In most of the studies, the methodological quality was low and a lack of information was frequently detected. Conclusion There is a lack of evidence on the effect of foot orthoses for flatfoot in adults. This review illustrates the importance of conducting randomized controlled trials and the comprehensive development of guidelines for the prescription of foot orthoses. Given the weak evidence available, the common prescription of foot orthoses is somewhat surprising. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13047-021-00499-z.
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Comparison of the immediate effects of prefabricated soft medical insoles and custom-molded rigid medical insoles on plantar pressure distribution in athletes with flexible flatfoot: a prospective study. CURRENT ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1097/bco.0000000000001053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Mo Y, Qaiser Z, Ou H, Johnson S. A Reconfigurable and Adjustable Compliance System for the Measurement of Interface Orthotic Properties. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2021; 29:1886-1894. [PMID: 34478374 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2021.3109977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Custom foot orthoses (CFOs) have shown treatment effectiveness by providing improved pressure/load redistribution, skeletal support and comfort level. However, the current design methodologies of CFOs have some problems: (1) the plantar surface is captured without considering the soft tissue impedance, (2) the stiffness of the CFOs is limited to rigid, semi-rigid and soft, which ignores the potential effect of local variation of stiffness on the interface pressure/load distribution and subjective evaluations, and (3) the lack of a human-in-the-loop may lead to multiple design-to-deliver iterations. A new prescription methodology of CFOs is required to satisfy the pressure/load distribution, improve comfort level and decrease iterations. METHOD A measurement system which provides INterface with Tunable Ergonomic properties using a Reconfigurable Framework with Adjustable Compliant Elements (INTERFACE system) is developed to implement the Rapid Evaluate and Adjust Device (READ) methodology. The geometry and stiffness of the Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA) support provided by the INTERFACE system can be adjusted via linear actuators and tunable stiffness mechanisms, based on objective interface pressure/load distribution and subjective feedback evaluations. Validation tests were conducted on 13 subjects to measure the plantar pressure/load distribution and record the subjective feedback in different combinations of geometry and stiffness. RESULTS The interface pressure/load distribution and subjective feedback of the support level indicate the efficacy of the adjustable geometry and stiffness. As the stiffness and geometrical height increased, the plantar loadings increased in the MLA region and decreased in the rear foot. Geometrical fitting can be achieved with the reconfigurable MLA support. The integration of locally adjustable stiffness makes it possible to fine tune the plantar pressure/load and provides the subjects with options of orthotic stiffness. CONCLUSION The proposed INTERFACE system can be applied to conduct the measurement of the desired orthotic properties which satisfy the interface pressure/load requirement and the subject's comfort.
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Kermen E, Mohammadi H. Mechanics of foot orthotics: material properties. J Med Eng Technol 2021; 45:627-641. [PMID: 34287095 DOI: 10.1080/03091902.2021.1940332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Orthotics have been utilised by clinicians for many years to treat foot-related abnormalities. With advancements in material sciences, the footwear industry started utilising synthetic materials which have better and suitable properties. Clinicians, who prescribe foot insoles, need to have an extensive understanding of the properties and characteristics of insole materials, to make informed decisions to meet the patients' needs. This thesis showcases utilised techniques and systems to evaluate orthosis properties as well as current criteria to date. Researchers have utilised a variety of testing techniques to examine properties of insole materials including; bench testing, simulated in-shoe conditions, in-shoe testing, and finite element analysis. Even though, there is a great understanding of material properties with endless diverse composition and thicknesses of each material makes clinical recommendations on the choice of material an impossible task. As the footwear orthosis industry shifts the focus from material to design, some researchers explore various anisotropic materials to create a homogeneous insole that can support as well as relieve pressure on patient's feet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Kermen
- The Heart Valve Performance Laboratory, School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Hadi Mohammadi
- The Heart Valve Performance Laboratory, School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
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[Etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostics and conservative treatment of adult flatfoot]. DER ORTHOPADE 2020; 49:942-953. [PMID: 33034668 DOI: 10.1007/s00132-020-03995-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On average, one in six adults is affected by an acquired flatfoot. This foot deformity is characterized by its progression of stages and in 10% of cases causes complaints that require treatment. Untreated, the loss of walking ability may result in the final stage. Correct staging is crucial to being able to offer a specific course of therapy including a wide spectrum of conservative and operative treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved from a selective search in PubMed and Medline and on the authors' clinical experience. DIAGNOSTICS The loss of function of static (spring ligament complex) and dynamic (tibialis posterior tendon) stabilizers causes the characteristic deformity with loss of the medial arch, hind foot valgus and forefoot abduction. In the late stage, severe secondary osteoarthritis in upper and lower ankle joints occurs and impedes walking ability. The essential physical examination is supplemented by weight-bearing dorsoplantar and lateral radiographs, which provide further information about axial malalignment (Meary's angle, Kite's angle). The long axis hind foot view allows analysis of the hindfoot valgus. MRI provides further information about the integrity of the tibialis posterior tendon, spring ligament complex and cartilage damage. THERAPY The therapy aims to reduce pain, regain function and avoid development of secondary osteoarthritis and degenerative tendon disorders. Progress of the deformity should be stopped. Therefore, the main aspects of the deformity-loss of medial arch, hindfoot valgus and forefoot abduction should be addressed and corrected. In the acute phase, tendovaginitis of the tibialis posterior tendon can be treated sufficiently by anti-inflammatory measures, relieving mechanical loads on the tendon and muscle and physiotherapy.
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