Walking balance on a treadmill changes during pregnancy

Publication date: Available online 28 August 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Daniel Flores, Christopher P. Connolly, Nigel Campbell, Robert D. Catena

Abstract

Background

Altered standing balance during pregnancy has been previously reported. To date, body center of mass (bCOM) motion has not been used to track balance changes in this population. We recently compared three methods to determine the torso center of mass (tCOM) location (via force plate acquired center of pressure calculation, using Pavol surface anthropometry measurements, and a combination of the two) to use in calculating the bCOM during pregnancy.

Research question

This current research explored two questions: (1) does walking balance change during pregnancy, and (2) do the methods for identifying tCOM location affect the resulting balance measures?

Methods

Fifteen pregnant women were recruited to perform 60-second trial of treadmill walking at 4-week intervals from 12 weeks gestation until delivery. Walking balance was measured as bCOM motion within the base of support. Gestation time and anthropometric model (force plate, Pavol, and combination) were repeated-measures independent variables in a general linear mixed model analysis.

Results

There was a significant decrease in walking balance during pregnancy. As gestation progressed, we observed non-linear changes in the bCOM motion within the base of support over time, with some changes starting early in pregnancy and others not starting until late 2^nd trimester. The anthropometric model used to locate the bCOM significantly influences balance measures. The results of this study indicate that the force plate method is more appropriate for locating the tCOM in the anterior and lateral directions.

Significance

The results of this study will inform clinicians and patients about the gestational stage-associated changes in balance during pregnancy that increase the risk of falling and injury. Researchers should also carefully consider the method for locating the bCOM.

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Effects of kinesiotaping and athletic taping on ankle kinematics during walking in individuals with chronic ankle instability: A pilot study

Publication date: Available online 28 August 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Sheng-Che Yen, Eric Folmar, Katherine Ann Friend, Ying-Chih Wang, Kevin K. Chui

Abstract

Background

Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) tend to walk with an overly inverted foot, which increases the risk of ankle sprains during stance phase. Clinicians could perform ankle taping using kinesiotape (KT) or athletic tape (AT) to address this issue. Because KT is elastic while AT is not, the techniques and underlying mechanisms for applying these tapes are different, which may lead to different outcomes.

Research Question

To compare the effects of KT and AT interventions on foot motion in the frontal plane and tibial motion in the transverse plane during stance phase of walking.

Methods

Twenty subjects with CAI were assigned to either KT or AT group, and walked on a treadmill in no tape and taped conditions. Their foot and tibial motions were captured by 3D motion analysis system. The main component of KT application was two pieces of tape applied from the medial aspect of the hindfoot to the lateral to generate a pulling tension towards eversion. AT was applied to the ankle using the closed basket weave approach. AT was not stretchable and not able to generate the same pulling tension as KT.

Results

KT increased foot eversion during early stance, but showed no effect during late stance. AT increased tibial internal rotation during late stance, but showed no effect during early stance.

Significance

Compared to AT, KT better provides a flexible pulling force that facilitates foot eversion during early stance, while not restricting normal inversion in late stance during walking. KT may be a useful clinical tool in correcting aberrant motion while not limiting natural movement in sports.

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Posture of the foot: Don’t keep it out of sight, out of mind in knee osteoarthritis

Publication date: Available online 28 August 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Zainb Al-Bayati, Ilke Coskun Benlidayi, Neslihan Gokcen

ABSTRACT

Background

There are many contributors of knee osteoarthritis including the postural abnormalities of the adjacent joints. The relationship between foot posture and the clinical-radiological parameters of knee osteoarthritis is poorly understood.

Research question

Is foot posture related to the clinical and radiological parameters in patients with knee osteoarthritis?

Methods

Patients diagnosed with primary clinical and radiographic medial tibiofemoral knee osteoarthritis were included in the study. Anteroposterior knee radiographs were staged by using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system. Computer-based measurements of the medial joint space width (mJSW), condylar angle, anatomical axis angle, tibial plateau angle and condylar plateau angle were performed on digital anteroposterior knee radiographs. The Western Ontario and Mc Master University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire was used to assess pain and the functional status of the patients. Foot posture was assessed by the Foot Posture Index (FPI) system and feet were categorized into three (pronated, neutral and supinated).

Results

The study included 150 patients (150 knees and feet at one side) with a mean age of 61.2 ± 10.1 years. In terms of foot posture groups; percentages for supination, neutral and pronation were 22.66%, 68.66% and 8.66%, respectively. In the group with supinated FPI; WOMAC total score, pain and function subscale scores were higher (p < 0.001), mJSW was narrowed (p = 0.038) and the condylar plateau angle was increased (p = 0.009). In the FPI pronation group; anatomic axis angle values were found to change in the varus direction (p = 0.012).

Significance

The potential postural dysfunction of the foot should be taken into consideration during the assessment and/or management of a patient with knee osteoarthritis.

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How do children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy manage walking on inclines?

Publication date: Available online 28 August 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Miray-Su Yilmaz Topcuoglu, Britta K. Krautwurst, Matthias Klotz, Thomas Dreher, Sebastian I. Wolf

Abstract

Background

Walking on inclined surfaces is an everyday task, which challenges stability and propulsion even in healthy adults. Children with cerebral palsy adapt similarly to inclines as healthy children. However, how stability and propulsion in these subjects are influenced by different inclines remained unaddressed as of yet.

Research question

Aim was to examine the feeling of safety, stability and propulsion in children with cerebral palsy on inclines to gain insight into the challenges they might face in these conditions.

Methods

Eighteen children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy with gross motor function classification scale-level I and II and nineteen healthy children underwent instrumented 3D gait analysis on level ground and on 5° and 10° slopes. A mixed linear model was used to draw between and within group comparisons.

Results

Reduced lateral trunk sway, a relative lengthening of the lower limb at initial contact and a controlled walking speed were employed during downhill gait compared to level walking. Patients showed an increased ROM of trunk (3-4°) and pelvis (2°) and decreased sagittal knee ROM (13°) compared to the typical developed children. During uphill gait, an insufficient increase of push-off power at the ankle (0.48 W/kg) was noted, which appeared to lead to particularly shorter strides (about 0.1 m) in patients compared to healthy children (1.32 W/kg). The sagittal ROM of trunk (3-4°) and pelvis (2-3°) are increased compared to typical developed children.

Significance

Depending on inclination angle, children with cerebral palsy manage to in a controlled manner. The steeper the incline, the more the gait appeared to be affected: Decreased feeling of safety, increased need for stabilising mechanisms for downhill gait and less sufficient uphill propulsion were seen. Helping these patients to attain better control during downhill gait and strengthening uphill gait mechanisms may support their participation in everyday life.

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Walking balance on a treadmill changes during pregnancy

Publication date: Available online 28 August 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Daniel Flores, Christopher P. Connolly, Nigel Campbell, Robert D. Catena

Abstract

Background

Altered standing balance during pregnancy has been previously reported. To date, body center of mass (bCOM) motion has not been used to track balance changes in this population. We recently compared three methods to determine the torso center of mass (tCOM) location (via force plate acquired center of pressure calculation, using Pavol surface anthropometry measurements, and a combination of the two) to use in calculating the bCOM during pregnancy.

Research question

This current research explored two questions: (1) does walking balance change during pregnancy, and (2) do the methods for identifying tCOM location affect the resulting balance measures?

Methods

Fifteen pregnant women were recruited to perform 60-second trial of treadmill walking at 4-week intervals from 12 weeks gestation until delivery. Walking balance was measured as bCOM motion within the base of support. Gestation time and anthropometric model (force plate, Pavol, and combination) were repeated-measures independent variables in a general linear mixed model analysis.

Results

There was a significant decrease in walking balance during pregnancy. As gestation progressed, we observed non-linear changes in the bCOM motion within the base of support over time, with some changes starting early in pregnancy and others not starting until late 2^nd trimester. The anthropometric model used to locate the bCOM significantly influences balance measures. The results of this study indicate that the force plate method is more appropriate for locating the tCOM in the anterior and lateral directions.

Significance

The results of this study will inform clinicians and patients about the gestational stage-associated changes in balance during pregnancy that increase the risk of falling and injury. Researchers should also carefully consider the method for locating the bCOM.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2ohxmx0
via IFTTT

Effects of kinesiotaping and athletic taping on ankle kinematics during walking in individuals with chronic ankle instability: A pilot study

Publication date: Available online 28 August 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Sheng-Che Yen, Eric Folmar, Katherine Ann Friend, Ying-Chih Wang, Kevin K. Chui

Abstract

Background

Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) tend to walk with an overly inverted foot, which increases the risk of ankle sprains during stance phase. Clinicians could perform ankle taping using kinesiotape (KT) or athletic tape (AT) to address this issue. Because KT is elastic while AT is not, the techniques and underlying mechanisms for applying these tapes are different, which may lead to different outcomes.

Research Question

To compare the effects of KT and AT interventions on foot motion in the frontal plane and tibial motion in the transverse plane during stance phase of walking.

Methods

Twenty subjects with CAI were assigned to either KT or AT group, and walked on a treadmill in no tape and taped conditions. Their foot and tibial motions were captured by 3D motion analysis system. The main component of KT application was two pieces of tape applied from the medial aspect of the hindfoot to the lateral to generate a pulling tension towards eversion. AT was applied to the ankle using the closed basket weave approach. AT was not stretchable and not able to generate the same pulling tension as KT.

Results

KT increased foot eversion during early stance, but showed no effect during late stance. AT increased tibial internal rotation during late stance, but showed no effect during early stance.

Significance

Compared to AT, KT better provides a flexible pulling force that facilitates foot eversion during early stance, while not restricting normal inversion in late stance during walking. KT may be a useful clinical tool in correcting aberrant motion while not limiting natural movement in sports.

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via IFTTT

Posture of the foot: Don’t keep it out of sight, out of mind in knee osteoarthritis

Publication date: Available online 28 August 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Zainb Al-Bayati, Ilke Coskun Benlidayi, Neslihan Gokcen

ABSTRACT

Background

There are many contributors of knee osteoarthritis including the postural abnormalities of the adjacent joints. The relationship between foot posture and the clinical-radiological parameters of knee osteoarthritis is poorly understood.

Research question

Is foot posture related to the clinical and radiological parameters in patients with knee osteoarthritis?

Methods

Patients diagnosed with primary clinical and radiographic medial tibiofemoral knee osteoarthritis were included in the study. Anteroposterior knee radiographs were staged by using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system. Computer-based measurements of the medial joint space width (mJSW), condylar angle, anatomical axis angle, tibial plateau angle and condylar plateau angle were performed on digital anteroposterior knee radiographs. The Western Ontario and Mc Master University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire was used to assess pain and the functional status of the patients. Foot posture was assessed by the Foot Posture Index (FPI) system and feet were categorized into three (pronated, neutral and supinated).

Results

The study included 150 patients (150 knees and feet at one side) with a mean age of 61.2 ± 10.1 years. In terms of foot posture groups; percentages for supination, neutral and pronation were 22.66%, 68.66% and 8.66%, respectively. In the group with supinated FPI; WOMAC total score, pain and function subscale scores were higher (p < 0.001), mJSW was narrowed (p = 0.038) and the condylar plateau angle was increased (p = 0.009). In the FPI pronation group; anatomic axis angle values were found to change in the varus direction (p = 0.012).

Significance

The potential postural dysfunction of the foot should be taken into consideration during the assessment and/or management of a patient with knee osteoarthritis.

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How do children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy manage walking on inclines?

Publication date: Available online 28 August 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Miray-Su Yilmaz Topcuoglu, Britta K. Krautwurst, Matthias Klotz, Thomas Dreher, Sebastian I. Wolf

Abstract

Background

Walking on inclined surfaces is an everyday task, which challenges stability and propulsion even in healthy adults. Children with cerebral palsy adapt similarly to inclines as healthy children. However, how stability and propulsion in these subjects are influenced by different inclines remained unaddressed as of yet.

Research question

Aim was to examine the feeling of safety, stability and propulsion in children with cerebral palsy on inclines to gain insight into the challenges they might face in these conditions.

Methods

Eighteen children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy with gross motor function classification scale-level I and II and nineteen healthy children underwent instrumented 3D gait analysis on level ground and on 5° and 10° slopes. A mixed linear model was used to draw between and within group comparisons.

Results

Reduced lateral trunk sway, a relative lengthening of the lower limb at initial contact and a controlled walking speed were employed during downhill gait compared to level walking. Patients showed an increased ROM of trunk (3-4°) and pelvis (2°) and decreased sagittal knee ROM (13°) compared to the typical developed children. During uphill gait, an insufficient increase of push-off power at the ankle (0.48 W/kg) was noted, which appeared to lead to particularly shorter strides (about 0.1 m) in patients compared to healthy children (1.32 W/kg). The sagittal ROM of trunk (3-4°) and pelvis (2-3°) are increased compared to typical developed children.

Significance

Depending on inclination angle, children with cerebral palsy manage to in a controlled manner. The steeper the incline, the more the gait appeared to be affected: Decreased feeling of safety, increased need for stabilising mechanisms for downhill gait and less sufficient uphill propulsion were seen. Helping these patients to attain better control during downhill gait and strengthening uphill gait mechanisms may support their participation in everyday life.

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via IFTTT