Background :The best approach to rehabilitate the control of everyday whole-body movement (e.g. rise-to-walk) after pathology remains unclear in part because the associated controlled performance variables are not known. Rise-to-walk can be performed fluidly (sit-to-walk) or non-fluidly (sit-to-stand, proceeded by gait-initiation). Biomechanical variables that remain consistent in health regardless

Background Individuals with osteoarthritis fall at a greater rate than the general population, likely as a result of weakness, pain, movement limitations, and a decline in balance. Due to the high prevalence of osteoarthritis in the population, understanding the mechanisms leading to greater fall risk is an important issue to better understand. Research question What is the influence of unilateral

Background Evidence suggests that neuromuscular alterations in patients with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are rooted in neurocognitive and proprioceptive deficits. The aim of this study was to assess neuromuscular control of athletes with ACLR under increased cognitive and environmental challenges. Research question Do athletes with ACLR show a different neuromuscular response

Background Progressive loading of the lower limb muscles during running on a positive pressure or reduced gravity (Alter-G™) treadmill is suggested as a rehabilitation strategy after muscle and tendon injury but the influence of running up or downhill and at higher speeds is not known, nor are the interaction effects of speed, inclination, and indicated bodyweight. Research question What are the lower

Background Although it is recognized that the majority of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have balance deficits, comprehensive insights into which balance domains are affected, are still lacking in literature. Research question To what extent is balance control deficient in individuals with DCD compared to controls? Methods Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically

Background Although it is assumed that the presence of patellofemoral pain (PFP) may result in compensatory behaviors that can alter trunk kinematics and lower limb mechanics, the influence of the exacerbation of patellofemoral pain on trunk kinematics and lower limb mechanics during stair negotiation has not been established. Research question Does the exacerbation of PFP symptoms lead to altered

Background: Recently, the successor of the Conventional Gait Model, the CGM2 was introduced. Even though achievable reliability of gait kinematics is a well-assessed topic in gait analysis for several models, information about reliability in difficult study samples with high amount of subcutaneous fat is scarce and to date, not available for the CGM2. Therefore, this study evaluated the test-retest

Background Deficits in knee flexor strength and rate of torque development (RTD) might be present in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP). In addition, maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors might be related with subjective and objective function in women with PFP. However, both conjectures are still poorly understood. Research question : Do women with PFP have deficits in the maximal

Background Reduced forward propulsion during gait, measured as the anterior component of the ground reaction force (AGRF), may contribute to slower walking speeds in older adults and gait dysfunction in individuals with neurological impairments. Trailing limb angle (TLA) is a clinically important gait parameter that is associated with AGRF generation. Real-time gait biofeedback can induce modifications

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune-based chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the neurodegeneration of the central nervous system and produces postural dysfunction. Quiet or static standing is a complex task carried out through afferent sensory inputs and efferent postural corrective outputs. Currently the mechanisms underlying these outputs remain largely unknown. Research

Background Obesity and female sex are independent risk factors for knee osteoarthritis and also influence gait mechanics. However, the interaction between obesity and sex on gait mechanics is unclear, which may have implications for tailored gait modification strategies. Research question The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of obesity and sex on sagittal and frontal plane knee mechanics

Background Gait initiation in level walking is suggested to take three steps before reaching steady-state walking speed. In sloped gait, it is not clear if the general recommendation of level gait can be used. Research question The aim of this study was to investigate (1) if steady-state walking speed is reached within four steps in sloped gait, and (2) to what extent the number of initial steps cause

Background Gait is considered to be the most important determinant of functional independence in activities of daily living. The challenges faced by stroke survivors in India differ from the western population due to economic, cultural, and geographical factors and this, in turn, may influence the choice of intervention. Hence, there is a need to understand the current gait training trends for stroke

Background:Impaired sitting balance is common in persons with stroke, affecting postural control in different directions. However, studies seldomly investigate sitting balance in severely affected non-ambulatory persons with stroke and precise assessment including the diagonal directions are scarce. Research Question:Are measurements of maximal voluntary weight-shifts decreased in severely affected

Background The goal of postoperative tibial plateau fracture (TPF) management is to ensure surgical fixation is maintained while returning patients to normal function as soon as possible, allowing patients to resume their normal activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal changes in lower limb joint kinematics following TPF and determine how these kinematics relate

Background Studies of walking in those with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome have found altered pelvis and hip biomechanics. But a whole body, time-contiuous, assessment of biomechanical parameters has not been reported. Additionally, larger cam morphology has been associated with more pain, faster progression to end-stage osteoarthritis and increased cartilage damage but differences in walking

Background Power output considers all movement aspects of the game of football and could have meaningful impact for teams. Purpose & methods To assess inter-reliability of ten power meters designed for running; and as a descriptor of individual and team performance during a five-a-side football match. The work aimed to assess inter-device reliability of running power-meters combined with data analysis

Background Research investigating differences in gluteus medius muscle activity in those with and without chronic nonspecific low back pain is both limited and conflicting. Additionally, in these populations the relationship between gluteus medius muscle activity, foot type, and transversus abdominis muscle thickness is unclear. Research question We aimed to investigate gluteus medius muscle activity

Background Impairments in gait and balance function are typical after concussion. There is evidence that these neuromuscular deficits persist past the typical time of symptom resolution. The ability to quantify these changes in gait and balance may provide useful information when making return to play decisions in clinical settings. Research Question Are changes in gait function and postural control

Background The acute changes of running biomechanics in habitually shod children when running barefoot have been demonstrated. However, the long-term effects of barefoot running on sprinting biomechanics in children is not well understood. Research question How does four years of participation in a daily school barefoot running program influence sprint biomechanics and stretch-shortening cycle jump

Background:Hip-related pain (HRP) is described as a movement-related disorder. However, little attention is given to the way people with HRP move, especially in populations still participating in sport. Thus, limiting our understanding of movementbased impairments in HRP and their potential relationships with pain/symptoms. Research Question: (1) What are the differences in absolute and relative amounts

Background Persons with lower limb amputation often experience decreased physical capacity, difficulty walking, and increased fall risk. To either prevent or recover from a loss of balance, one must effectively regulate their stepping movements. It is therefore critical to identify how well persons with amputation regulate stepping. Here, we used a multi-objective control framework based on Goal Equivalent

Objectives: Although the overuse injury rate of the Achilles tendon (AT) for running is high, the effect of shoe conditions on AT loading remains unclear. Hence, this study aims to determine the mechanical properties of AT during running under different shoe conditions (minimalist vs. conventional shoes). Design:This work is a controlled laboratory study. Methods:Sixteen healthy male rearfoot strike

Background Change in the lower extremity alignments in the frontal plane and muscle activation patterns have been associated with lower extremity injuries. Therefore, to prevent injuries, many therapeutic protocols focus on find ways to correct dynamic knee valgus (DKV). Methods Thirty-one recreational male cyclists with DKV (26.4 ± 4.5 years, 176.63 ± 7.51 cm, 75.81 ± 9.29 kg, 23.20 ± 4.15 kg/m2)

Background Physical activity promotes healthy ageing in older people. Accurate measurement of physical activity in free-living environment is important in evaluating physical activity interventions. Research question:What is the criterion validity of 1)an ActiGraph to identify physical activity at different intensity levels and 2)an ActiGraph and a smartphone to measure step rate? Methods Community-dwelling

Background The ankle-strategy model, where the human body is modeled as a single inverted pendulum hinged at the ankle, has been used for decades to study the dynamics and the stability of the human upright posture (UP). However, the contribution of the hip joints is critical whenever postural disturbances are considered. To account for hip contribution, a double inverted pendulum (DIP) model rotating

Background Postural instability in Parkinson’s disease (PD) often is ill-responsive to drugs and DBS. Physiotherapy is recommended but practicability and cost effectiveness are debatable. Research question: Can a simple ‘plug and play’ posturography system produce clinically meaningful measures and elicit postural motor learning in PD patients? Methods 40 moderately affected PD patients in a general

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a novel body-weight-supported (BWS) gait training system with visual feedback, called Copernicus® (Rehalife, Italy). This computerized device provides comfortable, regular and repeatable locomotion in hemiplegic patients. Through visual real-time monitoring of gait parameters, patients are trained to transfer weight loading alternately

Background The differences and relationship between joint stiffness and leg stiffness can be used to characterize the lower limb behavior during different walking speeds. Research question This study aimed to investigate the differences in whole leg and lower limb joint stiffness at different walking speeds and the interactions between leg and lower limb joint stiffness. Methods Twenty-seven healthy

Background The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of ten weeks of different running-retraining programmes on rearfoot strike (RFS) prevalence in adolescents. Research question it is possible to change foot strike pattern in adolescents? Methods A total of 180 children (45.3% girls), aged 13–16 years, participated in this intervention study. The children were randomly assigned to one of

Background Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is increasingly used in the field of posture and gait to investigate patterns of cortical brain activation while people move freely. fNIRS methods, analysis and reporting of data vary greatly across studies which in turn can limit the replication of research, interpretation of findings and comparison across works. Research question and methods

Background Walking aids are designed for structural support during walking, however, surprisingly self-reported use of a walking aid (“Yes, I use one.”) has been identified as a risk factor for falling. Adjustment and design of walking aids may affect their usefulness in facilitating a stable walking pattern. We previously identified that increased body weight transfer onto a walking frame (‘device

Background Taping is frequently used as part of the multi-modal management for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). McConnell Patellofemoral Joint Taping (PFJT) and Tibial Internal Rotation Limitation Taping (TIRLT) are proposed to be useful adjuncts to the management of PFPS. However, it is unclear if TIRLT offers similar benefits to PFJT, and its effect on pain and lower limb kinematics have not

Background Preschool age is fundamental for the development of gross motor skills. Timely detection of postural stability deficits using objective methods would facilitate early implementation of therapeutic strategies. Research question What are the age- and gender-related differences in postural control between preschool children diagnosed with developmental delay in their first year of life and

Background Using a mobile phone while performing a postural and locomotor tasks is a common, daily situation. Conversing or sending messages (SMS) while walking account for a significant share of accidental injuries. Therefore, understanding the consequences of using a mobile phone on balance and walking is important, all the more so when these postural and locomotor tasks are aggravated by a disease

Background Recent studies provide compelling evidence that recruiting a common pool of motor modules across behaviors (i.e., motor module generalization) may facilitate motor performance. In particular, motor module generalization across standing reactive balance and walking is associated with both walking speed and endurance in neurologically impaired populations (e.g., stroke survivors and individual’s

Background A standard four-wheeled walker is commonly used after surgery for hip fracture to aid ambulation. However, elderly patients experience some difficulties and are at risk for falls; therefore, attempts are being made to address these issues. Research question Does the non-powered automatic velocity-controlled (NPAVEC) wheeled walker improves the gait and satisfaction of patients with hip fractures

Introduction Since it is well documented that spatiotemporal gait parameters are affected by body size, it is of limited clinical value to compare individual scores against reference values without taking body size into consideration. For older adults, reference values have been presented in recent reports, but unfortunately the effect of body size on gait characteristics was not taken into account

Background Thumb orthoses are a standard treatment modality, with substantial evidence to support its usage for multiple conditions affecting the upper extremity. Despite commonly prescribed, little is known about the immediate impact of such devices on the upper extremity, including potential modifications on motor patterns. Research question We aimed to determine the changes in the upper limb kinematics

Background In the field of three-dimensional motion analysis of the foot, there is little agreement on the preferred size of markers to record kinematic parameters. Although currently applied marker sizes show a considerable range, there has been no detailed investigation of the effect of marker size on the calculation of foot kinematics in the current literature. Research question The objective of

Background Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is associated with defective posture control and balance; thus, a proper assessment of these impairments is necessary for effective clinical decision-making. There is a need for portable, valid, and reliable methods to facilitate the easy collection of real-world data, such as mobile phones. Research question: Is the smartphone “MyAnkle” application valid

Background Leg muscle fatigue is the most important factor that affects walking endurance. Considering the legs act as actuators in alternate contact with the ground during walking, the ground reaction force (GRF) of each leg can indirectly reflect the strength of leg muscles. However, it is not clear how the elastically-suspended backpack (ESB) affects GRF of each leg during human level walking. Research

Background People with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit neuromuscular deficits. Previous studies, however, only investigated magnitudes of muscle activation and not the time-frequency domain. Research question Do people with CAI exhibit differences in muscle activation patterns in the time-frequency domain during landing, anticipated cutting, and unanticipated cutting compared to matched controls

Background Whole-body movement adjustments during gait are common post-stroke, but comprehensive ways of quantifying and evaluating gait from a whole-body perspective are lacking. Research question Can novel kinematic variables related to Center of Mass (CoM) position discriminate side asymmetries as well as coordination between the upper and lower body during gait within persons post-stroke and compared

Background Motion platforms and driving simulators have been shown to contribute to motion sickness and a short-term increase in standing postural sway. However, no studies to date have investigated how the motion of a passenger vehicle and the performance of a task during a drive on a closed test track affects post-drive standing balance. Research Questions What are the effects of (1) a continuous

Background Even though most studies normalize the surface EMG signal of the gastrocnemius muscle using a single position of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), several studies tend to indicate that several positions are in fact needed to obtain a maximal voluntary activation (MVA) for most of the subjects. However, no combination of positions has already been described. Research question

Background Crouch or flexed-knee gait is one of the most common pathological gait patterns in cerebral palsy (CP). Differences exist in definitions used; the degree of knee flexion, inclusion of hip or ankle position, and timing in the gait cycle. This ambiguity may be responsible for variations in prevalence rates and difficulty comparing data across studies. Research question What are the kinematic

Background Gait deficits in Parkinson disease (PD), including freezing of gait (FOG), can be among the most debilitating symptoms. Rhythmic auditory cueing has been used to alleviate some gait symptoms. However, different cue types, such as externally-generated and self-generated cues, affect gait variability differently. The differential effects of these cue types on people with PD with FOG (PD + FOG)

Background Gait disturbance is one of the most common symptoms among patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD). Nevertheless, Parkinson’s disease subtype clustering according to gait characteristics has not been thoroughly investigated. Research question The aim of this study was to identify subgroups according to gait pattern among patients with IPD. Methods This study included 88 patients

Background & aims Dual-task walking is an emerging marker of cognitive impairment. However, there is uncertainty regarding which dual-task test and measure to use. The aims of this study were to determine the association between three different dual-tasks and 1) global cognition and 2) individual cognitive domains. Methods Participants (n = 91) were adults aged between 56–83 years (mean 68.8, SD 6

Background Balance responses to perturbations often involve the arms in an attempt to either restore balance or protect against impact. Although a majority of research has been dedicated to understanding age-related changes in lower limb balance responses, there is a growing body of evidence supporting age-related changes in arm responses. This systematic review aimed to summarize differences in arm

Background The Oxford Foot Model (OFM) and Rizzoli Foot Model (RFM) are the two most frequently used multi-segment models to measure foot kinematics. However, a comprehensive comparison of the kinematic output of these models is lacking. Research question What are the differences in kinematic output between OFM and RFM during normal gait and typical pathological gait patterns in healthy adults?. Methods

Background Understanding the impacts of increased adiposity on postural control and cognitive deficits in adults is critical for health practitioners in recommending or prescribing effective weight loss regimens. Despite prior work in this area, the knowledge of increased adiposity impacts on postural control and cognitive deficits in older adults (OAs) is still limited. Research question The purposes

Background In contrast to wearable tools (like in-shoe) sensors, lab-based gait assessment (using pressure-sensitive mats or cameras) only acquire data over short distances in non-ecological environments. Research question To examine the concurrent validity of a wearable ZeroWire® footswitch system (Aurion Srl, Milan, Italy) vs. the GAITRite® walkway (CIR systems Inc., NJ, USA) for recording temporal

Background Foot pain experienced by long-distance runners could be relieved by functional insoles which aim at evenly distributing the plantar pressure. Research question We hypothesised that an individually moulded insole with medial arch support would reduce the impact and loading under the heel and metatarsal regions. Methods Twelve male recreational runners ran on a treadmill at 10 km/h for 1 hour

Background People after stroke often have postural impairments that can increase their risk of falling. Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) are changes in the activity of postural muscles prior to a voluntary movement in order to maintain vertical equilibrium. Previous research suggests that improving APAs leads to better postural control and reduces the risk of falls. Despite the importance of

Background Static postural balance performance is often impaired in people receiving haemodialysis (HD) for the treatment of stage-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD-5). However, the question as to whether lower postural balance is associated with adverse clinical outcomes such as falls has not been addressed yet. Research question We conducted a prospective cohort study to explore the association between

Background Centre of pressure (CoP) location error is common when predicting inverse dynamic parameters during gait. Tolerance levels of error have been previously reported. However, the clinical impact of gait velocity on CoP error has not been considered. Research Question: What is the clinical impact of CoP error with increasing gait velocity on predicted inverse dynamic parameters during gait in

Background A fall would impact elderly population’s quality of life, which associate with diminished physical and psychological function, and can even be life-threatening. Tai Chi has been used to improve age-related postural instability in locomotion. However, it does not fully explain the mechanism of a lower risk of falling among the Tai Chi population compared to other healthy older adults. Research