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Núñez-Trull A, Álvarez-Medina J, Jaén-Carrillo D, Rubio-Peirotén A, Abat F, Roche-Seruendo LE, Gómez-Trullén EM. Does Lower-Limb Tendon Structure Influence Walking Gait? Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3142. [PMID: 38132032 PMCID: PMC10742778 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243142] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the exploration of human gait, key focal points include the examination of functional rockers and the influential role of tendon behavior in the intricate stretch-shortening cycle. To date, the possible relationship between these two fundamental factors in the analysis of human gait has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between the morphology of the patellar and Achilles tendons and plantar fascia with respect to the duration of the rockers. METHODS Thirty-nine healthy men (age: 28.42 ± 6.97 years; height: 173 ± 7.17 cm; weight: 67.75 ± 9.43 kg) were included. Data of the rockers were recorded using a baropodometric platform while participants walked over a 10 m walkway at a comfortable velocity. Before the trials, the thickness and cross-sectional area were recorded for the patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia using ultrasound examination. The relationship between the morphology of the soft tissue and the duration of the rockers was determined using a pairwise mean comparison (t-test). RESULTS A significant difference was found for rocker 1 duration, where a longer duration was found in the group of subjects with thicker patellar tendons. Regarding the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, no significant differences were observed in terms of tendon morphology. However, subjects with thicker Achilles tendons showed a longer duration of rocker 1. CONCLUSIONS The findings underscore a compelling association, revealing that an increased thickness of the patellar tendon significantly contributes to the extension of rocker 1 duration during walking in healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Núñez-Trull
- Departamento de Fisiatría y Enfermería, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.N.-T.); (J.Á.-M.)
| | - Javier Álvarez-Medina
- Departamento de Fisiatría y Enfermería, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.N.-T.); (J.Á.-M.)
| | - Diego Jaén-Carrillo
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Alberto Rubio-Peirotén
- Universidad San Jorge, Campus Universitario, Autov A23 km 299, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Ferrán Abat
- Grup de Recerca GRACIS (GRC 01604), Sports Orthopaedic Department, ReSport Clinic, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Escola Superior de Ciències de la Salut TecnoCampus, 08002 Mataró, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Luis E. Roche-Seruendo
- Universidad San Jorge, Campus Universitario, Autov A23 km 299, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Eva M. Gómez-Trullén
- iHealthy, Research Group, Departamento de Fisiatría y Enfermería, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
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Li X, Lu Z, Cen X, Zhou Y, Xuan R, Sun D, Gu Y. Effect of pregnancy on female gait characteristics: a pilot study based on portable gait analyzer and induced acceleration analysis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1034132. [PMID: 37260595 PMCID: PMC10227621 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1034132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The changes in physical shape and center of mass during pregnancy may increase the risk of falls. However, there were few studies on the effects of maternal muscles on gait characteristics and no studies have attempted to investigate changes in induced acceleration during pregnancy. Further research in this area may help to reveal the causes of gait changes in women during pregnancy and provide ideas for the design of footwear and clothing for pregnant women. The purpose of this study is to compare gait characteristics and induced accelerations between non-pregnant and pregnant women using OpenSim musculoskeletal modeling techniques, and to analyze their impact on pregnancy gait. Methods: Forty healthy participants participated in this study, including 20 healthy non-pregnant and 20 pregnant women (32.25 ± 5.36 weeks). The portable gait analyzer was used to collect participants' conventional gait parameters. The adjusted OpenSim personalized musculoskeletal model analyzed the participants' kinematics, kinetics, and induced acceleration. Independent sample T-test and one-dimensional parameter statistical mapping analysis were used to compare the differences in gait characteristics between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Results: Compared to the control group, pregnancy had a 0.34 m reduction in mean walking speed (p < 0.01), a decrease in mean stride length of 0.19 m (p < 0.01), a decrease in mean stride frequency of 19.06 step/min (p < 0.01), a decrease in mean thigh acceleration of 0.14 m/s2 (p < 0.01), a decrease in mean swing work of 0.23 g (p < 0.01), and a decrease in mean leg falling strength of 0.84 g (p < 0.01). Induced acceleration analysis showed that pregnancy muscle-induced acceleration decreased in late pregnancy (p < 0.01), and the contribution of the gastrocnemius muscle to the hip and joint increased (p < 0.01). Discussion: Compared with non-pregnant women, the gait characteristics, movement amplitude, and joint moment of pregnant women changed significantly. This study observed for the first time that the pregnant women relied more on gluteus than quadriceps to extend their knee joints during walking compared with the control group. This change may be due to an adaptive change in body shape and mass during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhenghui Lu
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xuanzhen Cen
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Yizheng Zhou
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Rongrong Xuan
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yaodong Gu
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Research Academy of Medicine Combining Sports, Ningbo No 2 Hospital, Ningbo, China
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Linjuan W, Yan W, Yinghu P, Qitao T, Yaodong G, Li L, Ming Z. Review of biomechanical deviations among nonpregnant, pregnant, and postpartum cohorts. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2023.100226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
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Núñez-Trull A, Alvarez-Medina J, Jaén-Carrillo D, Roche-Seruendo LE, Gómez-Trullén E. Absolute agreement and consistency of the OptoGait system and Freemed platform for measuring walking gait. Med Eng Phys 2022; 110:103912. [PMID: 36564137 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2022.103912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The gait cycle can be divided into four functional rocker units. Although the widespread use of the OptoGait (OG) system and the Freemed (FM) platform, their accuracy has not been tested. An observational study was completed with eighteen healthy volunteers to determine the accuracy of OG and FM for overground walking gait analysis. The pairwise comparison between data obtained from OG, FM and high-speed video analysis revealed significant differences for most of the measurements (p < 0.05). ICCs revealed an excellent absolute agreement between measurements (ICCs > 0.94) for all measures for OG systems compared to video-analysis. When considering FM vs. video-analysis, ICCs showed good absolute agreement for rocker 1 (ICC = 0.86) and 3 (ICC = 0.82), excellent for rocker 2 (ICC = 0.93) and poor (ICC < 0.5) for rocker 4. Bland-Altman plots (95% limits of agreement) revealed heteroscedasticity of error for OG in all variables for foot rockers (r2 > 0.1) while no heteroscedasticity of error was found when using FM (r2 < 0.1). This study indicates that the OG system and the FM platform can provide consistent foot rockers values when walking at a constant velocity. The differences between the systems assessed and their agreement and consistency values advise against their interchangeable use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Diego Jaén-Carrillo
- Campus Universitario, Universidad San Jorge, Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | | | - Eva Gómez-Trullén
- Departamento de Fisiatría y Enfermería, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Romero-Gallardo L, Roldan Reoyo O, Castro-Piñero J, May LE, Ocón-Hernández O, Mottola MF, Aparicio VA, Soriano-Maldonado A. Assessment of physical fitness during pregnancy: validity and reliability of fitness tests, and relationship with maternal and neonatal health - a systematic review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2022; 8:e001318. [PMID: 36172399 PMCID: PMC9511659 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To systematically review studies evaluating one or more components of physical fitness (PF) in pregnant women, to answer two research questions: (1) What tests have been employed to assess PF in pregnant women? and (2) What is the validity and reliability of these tests and their relationship with maternal and neonatal health? Design A systematic review. Data sources PubMed and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria Original English or Spanish full-text articles in a group of healthy pregnant women which at least one component of PF was assessed (field based or laboratory tests). Results A total of 149 articles containing a sum of 191 fitness tests were included. Among the 191 fitness tests, 99 (ie, 52%) assessed cardiorespiratory fitness through 75 different protocols, 28 (15%) assessed muscular fitness through 16 different protocols, 14 (7%) assessed flexibility through 13 different protocols, 45 (24%) assessed balance through 40 different protocols, 2 assessed speed with the same protocol and 3 were multidimensional tests using one protocol. A total of 19 articles with 23 tests (13%) assessed either validity (n=4), reliability (n=6) or the relationship of PF with maternal and neonatal health (n=16). Conclusion Physical fitness has been assessed through a wide variety of protocols, mostly lacking validity and reliability data, and no consensus exists on the most suitable fitness tests to be performed during pregnancy. PROSPERO registration number CRD42018117554.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Romero-Gallardo
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Sport and Health University Research Centre, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Olga Roldan Reoyo
- Applied Sports Technology Exercise and Medicine Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.,Sport Science Department, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Jose Castro-Piñero
- GALENO Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidad de Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain.,The Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, España
| | - Linda E May
- Kinesiology, East Carolina University College of Health and Human Performance, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Olga Ocón-Hernández
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, 'San Cecilio' University Hospital, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,The Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada.ibs, Granada, Spain
| | - Michelle F Mottola
- R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation- Exercise and Pregnancy Lab, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Virginia A Aparicio
- Sport and Health University Research Centre, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology and Biomedical Research Centre, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Alberto Soriano-Maldonado
- Department of Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.,SPORT Research Group (CTS-1024), CERNEP Research Center, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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Wang Y, Kang X, Jiao J, Zhou J, Chow BC, Baker JS, Zhao L, Liu S. Exercise Prescription Improve the Rehabilitation of a Child With Viral Encephalitis Sequelae: A Case Report. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:828014. [PMID: 35712631 PMCID: PMC9194085 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.828014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study conducted a personalized exercise prescription intervention on a child with viral encephalitis sequelae (VES). The purpose was to observe the rehabilitation process from the aspects of brain activation, and the curative effects on balance function and gait. A further aim was to explore the possible nerve biomechanical mechanisms between the extent of brain activation and the improvement in balance function and gait. A 12-week exercise prescription was used as the treatment method, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), balance function test system, plantar pressure distribution system, and 3D gait system were used to assess the effects of the rehabilitation process pre and post the intervention. Following the exercise prescription intervention: (1) fNIRS showed that brain activation in the S1-D1, S1-D2, S1-D3, S2-D1, S3-D2, S3-D3, S4-D3, S5-D5, S5-D6, S5-D7, S7-D6, S7-D7, S8-D7, and S8-D8 increased significantly (P < 0.05). (2) The balance test showed that the area of motion ellipse and movement length of the child with eyes open decreased significantly and area of motion ellipse, back and forth swing, left and right swing and movement length of the child with eyes closed all decreased significantly (P < 0.05). (3) The static plantar pressure distribution demonstrated that the pressure center of the left and right foot decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from 5.3° dislocation in a straight line in the sagittal plane to 1°; an increment of the pressure loading was found on the forefoot of both feet compared with what was recorded in the pre-test. (4) The testing results of the 3D gait system showed that she had a shortened time of unilateral support phase and prolonged swing phase on the affected leg (P < 0.05), compared to that of the non-affected leg. Furthermore, the dual support phase had also been prolonged (P < 0.05). Conclusion: 12 weeks' individualized exercise training can enhance the activation in the motor areas and improve balance function and gait in a child with VES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Kang
- Department of Child Rehabilitation, Sichuan Bayi Rehabilitation Center (Sichuan Province Rehabilitation Hospital), Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Jiao
- Dr. Stephen Hui Research Centre for Physical Recreation and Wellness, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jihe Zhou
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Child Rehabilitation, Sichuan Bayi Rehabilitation Center (Sichuan Province Rehabilitation Hospital), Chengdu, China
| | - Bik-Chu Chow
- Dr. Stephen Hui Research Centre for Physical Recreation and Wellness, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Faculty of Table Tennis, Badminton and Tennis, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- Faculty of Table Tennis, Badminton and Tennis, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
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Influence of pregnancy related anthropometric changes on plantar pressure distribution during gait—A follow-up study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264939. [PMID: 35275934 PMCID: PMC8916641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As foot constitutes the base of support for the whole body, the pregnancy-related anthropometric changes can result in adaptive plantar pressure alterations. The present study aimed to investigate how pregnancy affects foot loading pattern in gait, and if it is related to body adjustments to growing foetus that occur in the course of pregnancy. Methods A prospective longitudinal study included 30 women. Three experimental sessions in accordance with the same procedure were carried out in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy. First, the anthropometric measures of the body mass and waist circumference were taken. Then walking trials at a self-selected speed along a ~6-m walkway were registered with the FreeMED force platform (Sensor Medica, Italy). Vertical foot pressure was recorded by the force plate located in the middle of the walkway. Findings The correlation of individual foot loading parameters across different trimesters was relatively high. Nevertheless, our results revealed a longitudinal foot arch flattening with the strongest effect in late pregnancy (P = 0.01). The anthropometric characteristics also influenced the foot loading pattern depending on the phase of pregnancy. In particular, arch flattening correlated with the body mass in all trimesters (r≥0.44, P≤0.006) while the medial-lateral loading index correlated only in the first (r = 0.45, P = 0.005) and second (r = 0.36, P = 0.03) trimesters. Waist circumference changes significantly influenced dynamic arch flattening but only in the late pregnancy (r≥0.46, P≤0.004). In the third trimester, a small though significant increase in the right foot angle was observed (P = 0.01). Interpretation The findings provided the characteristics of the relative foot areas loading throughout pregnancy. Growing abdominal size increases the risk of medial arch flattening, which can result in less stable gait. The observed increase in foot angle in late pregnancy may constitute a strategy to enhance gait stability.
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Kjeldsen LL, Blankholm AD, Jurik AG, Salvig JD, Maimburg RD. Pelvic capacity in pregnant women, identified using magnetic resonance imaging. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2021; 100:1454-1462. [PMID: 33991336 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal pelvic capacity plays a major role during childbirth because the passage of the fetus through the bony birth canal enables vaginal birth. Maternal birthing position may influence pelvic capacity because upright positions optimize capacity, possibly due to free movement of the pelvic joints. Herein, pelvic capacity was assessed by comparing changes in pelvic dimensions across pregnancy and in three birthing positions. MATERIAL AND METHODS This diagnostic imaging study of 50 pregnant women was conducted at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Pelvic measurements were obtained with 1.5 T magnetic resonance pelvimetry during gestational weeks 20 and 32, in three birthing positions: kneeling squat, semi-lithotomy and supine. Pelvic capacity was compared between gestational weeks and positions. RESULTS In all three positions there is an overall increase in pelvic capacity from gestational week 20-32 at both the pelvic inlet and outlet. Comparing pelvic capacity at gestational week 32 between the semi-lithotomy and supine positions revealed that the pelvic inlet was larger in the supine position, whereas the mean pelvic outlet was 0.2 cm (p < 0.001) larger in the semi-lithotomy position. Likewise, the pelvic inlet was larger in the supine than in the kneeling squat position. Shifting from supine to kneeling squat position increased the midplane and pelvic outlet dimensions by up to 1 cm (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The finding herein of an increased pelvic capacity as the pregnancy progresses is novel. Further, the results indicate that the supine position is optimal for increasing pelvic inlet size, whereas the semi-lithotomy and kneeling squat positions are optimal for increasing mid- and outlet-pelvic capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise L Kjeldsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Midwifery, University College of Northern Denmark, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Anne Grethe Jurik
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Radiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jannie D Salvig
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rikke D Maimburg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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