• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.165-176
• /
• 2011

The femoral nerve innervates the quadriceps muscles and its dermatome supplies anteromedial thigh and medial foot. Paralysis of the quadriceps muscles due to the injury of the femoral nerve results in disability of the knee joint extension and loss of sensory of the thigh. A child could walk independently even though he had injured his femoral nerve severely due to the penetrating wound in the medial thigh. We measured and analyzed his gait performance in order to find the mechanisms that enabled him to walk independently. The child was eleven-year-old boy and he could not extend his knee voluntarily at all during a month after the injury. His gait analysis was performed five times (GA1~GA5) for sixteen months. His temporal-spatial parameters were not significantly different after the GA2 or GA3 test, and significant asymmetry was not observed except the single support time in GA1 results. The Lower limb joint angles in affected side had large differences in GA1 compared with the normal normative patterns. There were little knee joint flexion and extension motion during the stance phase in GA1 The maximum ankle plantar/dorsi flexion angles and the maximum knee extension angles were different from the normal values in the sound side. Asymmetries of the joint angles were analyzed by using the peak values. Significant asymmetries were found in GA1with seven parameters (ankle: peak planter flexion angle in stance phase, range of motion; ROM, knee: peak flexion angles during both stance and swing phase, ROM, hip: peak extension angle, ROM) while only two parameters (maximum hip extension angle and ROM of hip joint) had significant differences in GA5. The mid-stance valleys were not observed in both right and left sides of vertical ground reaction force (GRF) in the GA1, GA2. The loading response peak was far larger than the terminal stance peak of vertical ground reaction curve in the affected side of the GA3, GA4, GA5. The measured joint moment curves of the GA1, GA2, GA3 had large deviations and all of kinetic results had differences with the normal patterns. EMG signals described an absence of the rectus femoris muscle activity in the GA1 and GA2 (affected side). The EMG signals were detected in the GA3 and GA4 but their patterns were not normal yet, then their normal patterns were detected in the GA5. Through these following gait analysis of a child who had selective injuries on the knee extensor muscles, we could verify the actual functions of the knee extensor muscles during gait, and we also could observe his recovery and asymmetry with quantitative data during his rehabilitation.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.241-248
• /
• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in muscle strength, kinematics, and kinetics between injured and non-injured sides of the leg after Achilles Tendon Rupture surgery during walking and running. Method: The subjects (n=11; age = 30.63 ± 5.69 yrs; height = 172.00 ± 4.47 cm; mass = 77.00 ± 11.34 kg; time lapse from surgery = 29.81 ± 10.27 months) who experienced Achilles Tendon Rupture (ATR) surgery participated in this study. The walking and running trials were collected using infrared cameras (Oqus 300, Qualisys, Sweden, 100 Hz) on instrumented treadmill (Bertec, U.S.A., 1,000 Hz) and analyzed by using QTM (Qualisys Track Manager Ver. 2.15; Qualisys, U.S.A). The measured data were processed using Visual 3D (C-motion Inc., U.S.A.). The cutoff frequencies were set as 6 Hz and 12 Hz for walking and running kinematics respectively, while 100 Hz was used for force plate data. Results: In ATR group, muscle strength there were no difference between affected and unaffected sides (p> .05). In kinematic analysis, subjects showed greater ROM of knee joint flexion-extension in affected side compared to that of unaffected side during walking while smaller ROM of ankle dorsi-plantar and peak knee flexion were observed during running (p< .05). In kinetic analysis, subjects showed lower knee extension moment (running at 2.2 m/s) and positive ankle plantar-flexion power (running at 2.2 m/s, 3.3 m/s) in affected side compared to that of unaffected side (p< .05). This lower positive ankle joint power during a propulsive phase of running is related to slower ankle joint velocity in affected side of the subjects (p< .05). Conclusion: This study aimed to investigate the functional evaluation of the individuals after Achilles tendon rupture surgery through biomechanical analysis during walking and running trials. Based on the findings, greater reduction in dynamic joint function (i.e. lower positive ankle joint power) was found in the affected side of the leg compared to the unaffected side during running while there were no meaningful differences in ankle muscle strength and walking biomechanics. Therefore, before returning to daily life and sports activities, biomechanical analysis using more dynamic movements such as running and jumping trials followed by current clinical evaluations would be helpful in preventing Achilles tendon re-rupture or secondary injury.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
• /
• v.23 no.4 s.181
• /
• pp.75-82
• /
• 2006

In this paper, we propose an optimal trajectory for biped robots to move up-and-down stairs using a genetic algorithm and a computed-torque control for biped robots to be dynamically stable. First, a Real-Coded Genetic Algorithm (RCGA) which of operators are composed of reproduction, crossover and mutation is used to minimize the total energy. Constraints are divided into equalities and inequalities: Equality constraints consist of a position condition at the start and end of a step period and repeatability conditions related to each joint angle and angular velocity. Inequality constraints include collision avoidance conditions of a swing leg at the face and edge of a stair, knee joint conditions with respect to the avoidance of the kinematic singularity, and the zero moment point condition with respect to the stability into the going direction. In order to approximate a gait, each joint angle trajectory is defined as a 4-th order polynomial of which coefficients are chromosomes. The effectiveness of the proposed optimal trajectory is shown in computer simulations with a 6-dof biped robot that consists of seven links in the sagittal plane. The trajectory is more efficient than that generated by the modified GCIPM. And various trajectories generated by the proposed GA method are analyzed in a viewpoint of the consumption energy: walking on even ground, ascending stairs, and descending stairs.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.87-95
• /
• 2009

Purpose: This study reports the basic reference data of the specific gait parameters for Korean normal adults. Methods: The basic gait parameters were extracted from 73 Adults (35 men and 38 women), 18 to 33 years of age, using a Vicon MX motion analysis system. The segment kinetics, such as joint moment and power, was analyzed at the hip, knee and ankle. Results: The motion patterns are typically associated with a specific phase of the gait cycle. The temporal-spatial gait parameters of Korean normal adults, such as cadence, walking speed, stride length, single support and double support, were similar to the other western reference data. The kinetic parameters of Korean normal adults, such as joint moments of force, joint mechanical power generation or absorption and ground reaction forces, were also similar to other western reference datasets. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that objective gait analysis can be used to document the gait patterns of normal healthy adults. The techniques of 3-dimensional temporal-spatial gait parameters and kinematic parameters analysis can provide a detailed biomechanical description of a normal and pathological gait.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.51-57
• /
• 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze kinetic variables of lower limbs according to types of ankle taping in drop landing. For this, targeting seven male basketball players (average age: $20.8{\pm}0.74yrs$, average height: $187.4{\pm}3.92cm$, average weight: $79.8{\pm}7.62kg$) with no instability of ankle joints, the drop landing motion was conducted according to three types of inelastic taping (C-type), elastic taping (K-type), and no treatment (N-taping). Based on the result, the next conclusion was reached. First, the effect of taping for the players with stable ankles was minimal and the high load on ankle joints offset the fixing effect of inelastic taping. Thus the inelastic taping for the players with stable ankles did not have an effect on the control of dorsal flexion during one-foot landing. Second, increasing angular velocity by increasing the movable range of knee joints disperses impact forces, yet inelastic taping restricted the range of knee joint motion and at the same time increased angular velocity, adding to a negative effect on knee joints. Third, inelastic taping induced inefficient motion of Lower limbs and unstable impact force control of ankle joints at the moment of landing and produced maximum vertical ground reaction force, which led to an increase of load. Therefore, inelastic ankle taping of players whose jump actions occur very often should be reconsidered. Also, it is thought that this study has a great meaning in proving the problem of inelastic taping related to knee pain with unknown causes.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.437-447
• /
• 2011

In this study, the lower limbs joints were analyzed for features based on the biomechanical characteristics of landing techniques according to height and landing on the ground type (flats and downhill). In order to achieve the objectives of the study, changes were analyzed in detail contents such as the height and form of the first landing on the ground at different angles of joints, torso and legs, torso and legs of the difference in the range of angular motion of the joint, the maximum angular difference between joints, the lower limbs joints difference between the maximum moment and the difference between COM changes. The subjects in this study do not last six months did not experience joint injuries 10 males in 20 aged were tested. Experimental tools to analyze were the recording and video equipment. Samsung's SCH-650A model camera was used six units, and the 2 GRF-based AMTI were used BP400800 model. 6-unit-camera synchronized with LED (photo cell) and Line Lock system were used. the output from the camera and the ground reaction force based on the data to synchronize A/D Syc. box was used. To calculate the coordinates of three-dimensional space, $1m{\times}3m{\times}2m$ (X, Y, Z axis) to the size of the control points attached to the framework of 36 markers were used, and 29 where the body was taken by attaching a marker to the surface. Two kinds of land condition, 40cm and 60cm in height, and ground conditions in the form of two kinds of flat and downhill slopes ($10^{\circ}$) of the landing operation was performed and each subject's 3 mean two-way RM ANOVA in SPSS 18.0 was used and this time, all the significant level was set at a=.05. Consequently, analyzing the landing technique as land form and land on the ground, the changes of external environmental factors, and the lower limbs joints' function in the evaluation were significantly different from the slopes. Landing of the slop plane were more load on the joints than landing of plane. Especially, knee extensor moment compared to the two kinds of landing, slopes plane were approximately two times higher than flat plane, and it was statistical significance. Most of all not so much range of motion and angular velocity of the shock to reduce stress was important. In the further research, front landing as well as various direction of motion of kinetic, kinetic factors and EMG variables on lower limbs joints of the study in terms of injury-prevention-approach is going to be needed.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.33-42
• /
• 2006

It is important to analyze the characteristics of normal gait in clinical and biomechanical aspects. Although gait characteristics can be varied by anthropometric, racial and cultural factors, normal gait studies have been performed mostly for Western people. The present study conducted a gait analysis for Korean young adults and compared the gait characteristics with those of Western people for the establishment of Korean normal gait data. A total of thirty-two adults in twenties(20 males and 12 females) were participated in the gait experiment and their spatio-temporal and kinematic/kinetic gait characteristics were analyzed. The comparison of the gait characteristics between Korean and Western people, revealed that the stride length and walking speed of Korean were significantly smaller than those of Western people by 0.1~0.3m and 0.15~0.40m/s respectively. And the knee abduction moment of Korean was larger than that of Western people, while the other moments(such as hip flexion/extension moments, abduction/adduction moments, and knee flexion/extension moments) were smaller than those of Western people. The ranges of joint angles between the gait studies were largely different with each other, but most of motion patterns and excursions were similar.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.183-190
• /
• 2015

Objective : Walking with a Material handling is an activity frequently undertaken by agricultural workers in Korea, due to the nature of their work. This study aimed to investigate differences in biomechanical variables according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limbs when walking with a heavy load, and to use this as basic data in the design of various working environments to reduce the skeletomuscular burden on the knee joint. Method : The study subjects comprised of 22 right-foot dominant adult men and women aged between 20 and 23 years. The subjects were divided into a varus or valgus group according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limb by using radiographic findings. The subjects walked without any load and with a load of 10%, 20%, or 30% of their body weight held in front of them. The Kwon3d XP program was used to calculate biomechanical variables. Results : The flexion/extension moment of the knee joint showed a decreasing trend with increased load, irrespective of the mechanical alignment of the lower limb, while the varus group did not show normal compensatory action when supported by one leg at the point of maximum vertical ground reaction force. In addition, in terms of the time taken, subjects showed no difficulties in one-foot support time up to 20%/BW, but at 30%/BW, despite individual differences, there was an increase in single limb. The increased load resulted in a decrease in the ratio of standing phase to ensure physical stability. The valgus group showed a trend of increasing the stability of their center of mass with increasing load, through higher braking power in the early standing phase. Conclusion : In conclusion, although there was no statistical difference in biomechanical variables according to the mechanical alignment of the lower limbs, the varus group showed a more irregular walking pattern with a Material handling than the valgus group, partially proving the association between lower limb alignment and walking with a Material handling.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.161-173
• /
• 2003

This study was performed to investigate the kinematic and kinetic differences between functional walking shoe(FWS) and general sports shoe(GSS). The subjects for this study were 4 male adults who had the walking pattern of rearfoot strike with normal feet. The movement of one lower leg was measured using force platform and 3 video cameras while the subjects walked at the velocity of 2/1.5 m/s. The findings of this study were as follows 1. The angle of lower leg-ground and angle of knee with FWS was greater than with GSS at the moment of strike the floor and the moment of second peak ground reaction force. The decreasing rate of angle of ankle was smaller in FWS from the strike phase to the second peak ground reaction force. These mean upright walking and round walking along the shoe surface. 2. The maximal Increased angle of Achilles tendon and the minimal decreased angle of rearfoot were smaller in FWS very significantly(p<0.001). Thus FWS prevent the excessive pronation of ankle and have good of rear-foot control. 3. The vortical ground reaction force and the rate of it to the BW were smaller in FWS statistically(p<0.001). The loading rate was smaller in FWS, too, and thess represent the reduction of load on ankle joint and prevention of injuries on it.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.697-705
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the possible cause of falling owing to mechanical energy in elderly women as compared to young women when performing the sit-to-walk movement. Two groups participated in this study: 10 elderly women and 10 young women. We used a ProReflex MCU camera (Qualisis, Sweden) and ground reaction force to evaluate the mechanical work. The muscle power (W) showed the same low negative work in both groups in the extension phase of the knee and hip joints while varying the angular velocity and net muscle moment of force. Elderly women, in particular, showed lower negative work. In mechanical work (J), the knee and hip joints of both groups showed the same amount of negative work in the extension phase. In the hip joint, elderly women showed lower negative work results in each phase. These result showed the possible reasons of falling for elderly women according to the weakness of the thigh muscle of the hip joint during the sit-to-walk movement.