A quantitative description of self-selected walking in adults with Achondroplasia using the gait profile score

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): D.T. Sims, G.L. Onambélé-Pearson, A. Burden, C. Payton, C.I. Morse

Abstract

Background

Achondroplasia is characterised by a shorter appendicular limb-to-torso ratio, compared to age matched individuals of average stature (controls). Previous work shows gait kinematics of individuals with Achondroplasia differing to controls, but no global quantification of gait has been made in adults with Achondroplasia.

Aim

The aim of this study was to quantify gait differences between a group of adult males with Achondroplasia and controls during self-selected walking (SSW) using the Gait Profile Score (GPS).

Design

Whole body motion analysis of 10 adults with Achondroplasia (22 ± 3 yrs) who had not undergone leg lengthening and 17 adult controls (22 ± 2 yrs) was undertaken using a 14 camera VICON system (100 Hz). For each group, fifteen root mean squared Gait Variable Scores (GVS, units °) were computed from lower limb kinematic data and then summed to calculate GPS (°).

Results

The group with Achondroplasia had higher GVSs than controls in 10 of the 15 measures (P < 0.05) with the largest differences found in ankle plantar/dorsiflexion (P < 0.001), knee flexion/extension (P < 0.001), and hip internal/external rotation (P < 0.001). The GPS value of the group with Achondroplasia was 64% higher than controls (11.4° (2.0) v 4.1° (1.8), P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Gait is quantitatively different in adults with Achondroplasia compared to controls. The differences in GPS between groups are due to differences in joint kinematics, which are possibly manifested by maintaining toe-clearance during swing. Gait models derived from the anatomy of individuals with Achondroplasia may improve these data.

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Modulation of the Hoffmann reflex in soleus and medial gastrocnemius during stair ascent and descent in young and older adults

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Johanna Johannsson, Jacques Duchateau, Stéphane Baudry

Abstract

Background

The Hoffmann (H) reflex can provide relevant information on spinal control of leg muscles during locomotor tasks in young and older adults.

Research question

Is the H reflex in the leg muscles differently modulated during stair gait in young and older adults?

Method

The H reflex in soleus (SOL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) (normalized to the maximal M-wave amplitude obtained during upright standing; M_max) was recorded in 19 young and 18 older adults during upright standing, and stair ascent and descent of a 3-step staircase.

Results

H-reflex amplitude during upright standing was greater in young than older adults for SOL (48% vs. 26% M_max; p = 0.001) and MG (23% vs. 14% M_max; p = 0.02). When data were averaged across groups during stair ascent, H-reflex amplitude in SOL increased from 15% M_max at the beginning of the stance phase to 29% M_max at mid-stance, then decreased to be 4% M_max in the swing phase. During stair descent, H-reflex amplitude was maximal (20% M_max) at the beginning of the stance phase, decreased to 5% M_max at the end of stance, and increased to 11% M_max in the swing phase. Similar adjustments were observed for the H reflex in MG for both ascent and descent. H-reflex modulation during gait cycle (relative to upright standing) is less pronounced in older adults (p < 0.05). However, no difference was observed between subgroups of young and older adults matched for H-reflex amplitude in upright standing. In both groups, H-reflex modulation was not associated with changes in background electromyographic activity.

Significance

This study indicates that the H reflex is modulated within the stair gait cycle during ascent and descent. Although its magnitude was slightly reduced, the overall modulation of the H reflex is not affected in healthy older adults.

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Lower limb amputee gait characteristics on a specifically designed test ramp: Preliminary results of a biomechanical comparison of two prosthetic foot concepts

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Thomas Schmalz, Dipl.-Ing FH) Bjoern Altenburg, Michael Ernst, Malte Bellmann, Dieter Rosenbaum

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A quantitative description of self-selected walking in adults with Achondroplasia using the gait profile score

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): D.T. Sims, G.L. Onambélé-Pearson, A. Burden, C. Payton, C.I. Morse

Abstract

Background

Achondroplasia is characterised by a shorter appendicular limb-to-torso ratio, compared to age matched individuals of average stature (controls). Previous work shows gait kinematics of individuals with Achondroplasia differing to controls, but no global quantification of gait has been made in adults with Achondroplasia.

Aim

The aim of this study was to quantify gait differences between a group of adult males with Achondroplasia and controls during self-selected walking (SSW) using the Gait Profile Score (GPS).

Design

Whole body motion analysis of 10 adults with Achondroplasia (22 ± 3 yrs) who had not undergone leg lengthening and 17 adult controls (22 ± 2 yrs) was undertaken using a 14 camera VICON system (100 Hz). For each group, fifteen root mean squared Gait Variable Scores (GVS, units °) were computed from lower limb kinematic data and then summed to calculate GPS (°).

Results

The group with Achondroplasia had higher GVSs than controls in 10 of the 15 measures (P < 0.05) with the largest differences found in ankle plantar/dorsiflexion (P < 0.001), knee flexion/extension (P < 0.001), and hip internal/external rotation (P < 0.001). The GPS value of the group with Achondroplasia was 64% higher than controls (11.4° (2.0) v 4.1° (1.8), P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Gait is quantitatively different in adults with Achondroplasia compared to controls. The differences in GPS between groups are due to differences in joint kinematics, which are possibly manifested by maintaining toe-clearance during swing. Gait models derived from the anatomy of individuals with Achondroplasia may improve these data.

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

Modulation of the Hoffmann reflex in soleus and medial gastrocnemius during stair ascent and descent in young and older adults

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Johanna Johannsson, Jacques Duchateau, Stéphane Baudry

Abstract

Background

The Hoffmann (H) reflex can provide relevant information on spinal control of leg muscles during locomotor tasks in young and older adults.

Research question

Is the H reflex in the leg muscles differently modulated during stair gait in young and older adults?

Method

The H reflex in soleus (SOL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) (normalized to the maximal M-wave amplitude obtained during upright standing; M_max) was recorded in 19 young and 18 older adults during upright standing, and stair ascent and descent of a 3-step staircase.

Results

H-reflex amplitude during upright standing was greater in young than older adults for SOL (48% vs. 26% M_max; p = 0.001) and MG (23% vs. 14% M_max; p = 0.02). When data were averaged across groups during stair ascent, H-reflex amplitude in SOL increased from 15% M_max at the beginning of the stance phase to 29% M_max at mid-stance, then decreased to be 4% M_max in the swing phase. During stair descent, H-reflex amplitude was maximal (20% M_max) at the beginning of the stance phase, decreased to 5% M_max at the end of stance, and increased to 11% M_max in the swing phase. Similar adjustments were observed for the H reflex in MG for both ascent and descent. H-reflex modulation during gait cycle (relative to upright standing) is less pronounced in older adults (p < 0.05). However, no difference was observed between subgroups of young and older adults matched for H-reflex amplitude in upright standing. In both groups, H-reflex modulation was not associated with changes in background electromyographic activity.

Significance

This study indicates that the H reflex is modulated within the stair gait cycle during ascent and descent. Although its magnitude was slightly reduced, the overall modulation of the H reflex is not affected in healthy older adults.

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via IFTTT

Lower limb amputee gait characteristics on a specifically designed test ramp: Preliminary results of a biomechanical comparison of two prosthetic foot concepts

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Thomas Schmalz, Dipl.-Ing FH) Bjoern Altenburg, Michael Ernst, Malte Bellmann, Dieter Rosenbaum

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