This article introduces a comprehensive experimental methodology on two of the latest technologies available to measure the lower limb biomechanics of individuals.
A subscription to JoVE is required to view this content. Sign in or start your free trial.
Method Article
Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis of Healthy Participants
In This Article
Summary
Abstract
Biomechanical analysis techniques are useful in the study of human movement. The aim of this study was to introduce a technique for the lower limb biomechanical assessment in healthy participants using commercially available systems. Separate protocols were introduced for the gait analysis and muscle strength testing systems. To ensure maximum accuracy for gait assessment, attention should be given to the marker placements and self-paced treadmill acclimatization time. Similarly, participant positioning, a practice trial, and verbal encouragement are three critical stages in muscle strength testing. The current evidence suggests that the methodology outlined in this article may be effective for the assessment of lower limb biomechanics.
Introduction
The discipline of biomechanics primarily involves the study of stress, strain, loads and motion of biological systems - solid and fluid alike. It also involves the modelling of mechanical effects on the structure, size, shape and movement of the body1. For many years, developments in this field have improved our understanding of normal and pathologic gait, mechanics of neuromuscular control, and mechanics of growth and form2.
The main objective of this article is to present a comprehensive methodology on two of the latest technologies available to measure lower limb biomechanics of individuals....
Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Protocol
The method reported was followed in a study that received ethical approval from the Bournemouth University Research Ethics Committee (Reference 15005).
1. Participants
- Recruit healthy adults (aged from 23 to 63 years, mean ± S.D.; 42.0 ± 13.4, body mass 70.4 ± 15.3 kg, height 175.5 ± 9.8 cm; 15 males, 15 females) to participate in the study. Thirty participants were recruited for this study.
- Ensure that there is no self-reported history of dizziness, balance problems or walking difficulties in the participants.
- Ensure that participants did not suffer from any known neuromuscular injury or ....
Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Results
The mean and standard deviation of the spatial-temporal, kinematics, and kinetic gait parameters are given in Table 2. MVIC data for all 30 participants are summarized in Table 3. A typical set of data for the left and right side of one participant showing graphical representation of gait parameters is provided in Figure 4 and Figure 5, respectively.
Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Discussion
The contribution of this study is to accurately and comprehensively describe within one protocol the techniques for combined gait analysis and muscle strength testing that have not previously been described together.
In order to achieve accurate results for gait analysis, there are two areas that require maximum attention: 1) marker placements and 2) acclimatization time. The accuracy of the measured data is heavily dependent on the accuracy of the model used. The other key factors that affect.......
Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Disclosures
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Dr. Johnathan Williams for his advice on MATLAB data processing.
....Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Materials
| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 701 Small lever | Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment Company (BTE) | Not Available - Online link provided in description | The unique attachment designed for the Primus RS to measure Knee Extension/Flexion - https://store.btetech.com/collections/primus/products/701-small-lever |
| D-Flow Software - Vresion 3.26 | Motekforce Link | Not Available - Online link provided in description | Software used to control GRAIL system - https://summitmedsci.co.uk/products/motek-dflow-hbm-software/ |
| Gait Offline Analysis (GOAT) - Version 2.3 | Motekforce Link | Not Available - Online link provided in description | Software used for the analysis of the gait parameters - https://www.motekmedical.com/product/grail/ |
| Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) | Motekforce Link | Not Available - Online link provided in description | GRAIL system measures and quantifies gait biomechanics by using a virtual reality based self-paced (SP) treadmill - https://www.motekmedical.com/product/grail/ |
| Leg Pad for 701 | Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment Company (BTE) | Not Available - Online link provided in description | The unique attachment designed for the Primus RS to measure Knee Extension/Flexion - https://store.btetech.com/collections/primus/products/701-802-leg-pad |
| Positioning Chair | Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment Company (BTE) | Not Available - Online link provided in description | Participant Positioning Chair is designed for assessment and treatment of the lower exteremeties. The chair is designed for multiple positions. https://www.btetech.com/product/primus/ |
| Primus RS | Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment Company (BTE) | Not Available - Online link provided in description | Primus RS equipment captures and reports real time objective data in Isotonic, Isometric, and Isokinetic resistance modes - https://www.btetech.com/wp-content/uploads/BTE-Rehabilitation-Equipment-PrimusRS-Brochure-1.pdf |
References
- Lu, T. W., Chang, C. F. Biomechanics of human movement and its clinical applications. The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences. 28 (2 Suppl), S13-S25 (2012).
- Kaufman, K., An, K., et al. Kelley and Firestein's Textbook of Rheumatology (Tenth Edition)
Access restricted. Please log in or start a trial to view this content.
Reprints and Permissions
