Effects of toning shoes on lower extremity gait biomechanics

Background

The Reebok Easy Tone shoe concept was developed to induce instability during walking and standing with the primary purpose of increasing muscle activity of the lower extremity muscles. To the authors' knowledge, no scientific work has been published, which analyzed neuromuscular and biomechanical effects when walking and standing with Reebok Easy Tone shoes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of using such footwear on gait biomechanics for the lower extremity in healthy participants.

Methods

Five healthy female and seven healthy male participants volunteered to participate in this study. During quiet standing, centre of pressure excursion was determined. 3D gait analyses were performed with simultaneously collecting surface electromyography data of the leg muscles when walking with regular shoes and with Reebok Easy Tone shoes.

Findings

Centre of pressure excursion did not show any significant differences. For walking, only slight differences were found in kinematics and kinetics. When walking with Reebok Easy Tone shoes, the first vertical peak of the ground reaction force was significantly increased as well as the maximum plantarflexion moment during initial contact and loading response. Mean muscle activation for vastus medialis and lateralis showed an increase during the second half of stance, but failed to reach significance.

Interpretation

Results of this study did not show any increased instability during standing and only a slight increase of vastii activity during stance. Thus, the marketing claims that “toning shoes” could serve as a sort of training devices for lower limb muscles during walking, cannot be supported.     

A comparison of gait biomechanics and metabolic requirements of overground and treadmill walking in people with stroke

Background

Comparisons of treadmill and overground walking following stroke indicate that symmetry in temporal-distance measures is better on the treadmill suggestive of better gait economy. We examined this issue by examining the kinematic, kinetic and metabolic demands associated with overground and treadmill walking at matched speeds and also explored the effect of increasing treadmill speed.

Methods

Ten people with hemiparesis walked overground at their preferred speed which was matched on the treadmill. Belt speed was then increased 10% and 20% above preferred speed. Temporal-distance outcomes, angular kinematics and vertical ground reaction forces were recorded during steady state (stable heart rate and oxygen uptake).

Findings

Step and stance times were longer when walking overground but the degree of symmetry was comparable for both surfaces. In contrast kinematic data revealed significant interlimb asymmetry with respect to all lower limb joint excursions during overground walking accompanied by higher vertical ground reaction forces at push-off. The metabolic demands, however, were lower when walking overground than on the treadmill. Increasing the belt speed increased angular displacements and the vertical forces associated with both limbs such that symmetry remained unchanged. Metabolic demands increased significantly.

Interpretation

People with stroke adopt a more symmetrical kinematic walking pattern on the treadmill which is maintained at faster belt speeds. Surprisingly, at matched speed the metabolic cost was significantly higher with treadmill walking. We suggest further research to explore whether an increased reliance on the hip musculature to compensate lower push-off forces could explain the higher the energy cost.     

Motor function and joint position sense in relation to gait performance in chronic stroke patients

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between joint position sense (JPS) and motor function of the lower extremity and gait performance of patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN: Single-group cross-sectional design. SETTING: University gait laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one patients with stroke onset of more than 6 months. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The isometric strength, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) motor status, and JPS of the lower extremity were tested. Spatiotemporal gait characteristics were measured using a 6-camera motion analysis system, with patients walking at their comfortable speeds while using their usual devices. RESULTS: Lower-extremity muscle strength and FMA motor score correlated significantly with the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait and contributed significantly to the variance in gait velocity, stride length, and double-stance time. The JPS was not related to gait performance, except that the ankle JPS contributed significantly to the variance in gait velocity and stride length. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with chronic stroke, motor function was significantly related to gait performance. Although the JPS was not, that of the ankle joint made a significant contribution. When enhancing gait performance is desired, improving the motor function is recommended, and the role of JPS should also be taken into consideration.     

便携式步态分析与实验室步态分析时空参数的一致性研究

目的 探讨便携式步态分析与实验室步态分析时空参数的一致性.方法 选取15例健康青年人,在同一天内分别进行便携式步态分析(Gait Watch步态分析)和实验室步态分析(Motion Analysis三维运动分析),记录其步频、步幅、步速、步长等时空参数,采用组内相关系数(ICC)、Bland-Altman散点图等方法评定两种步态分析的一致性及差异.结果 便携式步态分析两次测量所得的时空参数之间比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);便携式步态分析两次测量所得时空参数的ICC均较高,为0.80～0.98,重测信度好.通过Bland-Altman法一致性检验,两种步态分析所得时空参数间的一致性较好,且步幅、步速、左步长、右步长间的差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05),超过了最小可测变化(MDC)(步幅=0.05 m、步速=0.12 m/s、左步长=0.03 m、右步长=0.04 m).结论便携式步态分析与实验室步态分析所得步频、步幅、步速、步长等时空参数的一致性较好,在临床步态评估中均具有重要意义.     

An overview of endocrine function and dysfunction.

In more ways than is probably appreciated, critical care nurses deal with clinical situations that involve abnormalities in endocrine function. Endocrine emergencies frequently precipitate patient admissions to critical care units. More common, however, is the deleterious impact of critical illness and prescribed therapies on endocrine function. The manifestations of endocrine pathology are typically subtle and often go undetected until exacerbations and serious medical consequences ensue. To ensure prompt diagnosis and proper therapy, a general understanding of the endocrine function and hormone regulation is essential. It is also important that critical care nurses broaden their repertoire of assessment skills and become more attuned to the consequences of hormonal imbalance.     

Individual selection of gait retraining strategies is essential to optimally reduce medial knee load during gait

Background

The progression of medial knee osteoarthritis seems closely related to a high external knee adduction moment, which could be reduced through gait retraining. We aimed to determine the retraining strategy that reduces this knee moment most effective during gait, and to determine if the same strategy is the most effective for everyone.

Methods

Thirty-seven healthy participants underwent 3D gait analysis. After normal walking was recorded, participants received verbal instructions on four gait strategies (Trunk Lean, Medial Thrust, Reduced Vertical Acceleration, Toe Out). Knee adduction moment and strategy-specific kinematics were calculated for all conditions.

Findings

The overall knee adduction moment peak was reduced by Medial Thrust (− 0.08 Nm/Bw·Ht) and Trunk Lean (− 0.07 Nm/Bw·Ht), while impulse was reduced by 0.03 Nms/Bw·Ht in both conditions. Toeing out reduced late stance peak and impulse significantly but overall peak was not affected. Reducing vertical acceleration at initial contact did not reduce the overall peak. Strategy-specific kinematics (trunk lean angle, knee adduction angle, first peak of the vertical ground reaction force, foot progression angle) showed that multiple parameters were affected by all conditions. Medial Thrust was the most effective strategy in 43% of the participants, while Trunk Lean reduced external knee adduction moment most in 49%. With similar kinematics, the reduction of the knee adduction moment peak and impulse was significantly different between these groups.

Interpretation

Although Trunk Lean and Medial Thrust reduced the external knee adduction moment overall, individual selection of gait retraining strategy seems vital to optimally reduce dynamic knee load during gait.     

膝关节骨关节炎患者的本体感觉及其与疼痛和功能障碍间的相关性研究

目的明确膝关节骨关节炎（OA）患者膝关节本体感觉误差的程度和分布，并且评价膝关节本体感觉与膝OA患者疼痛和功能障碍之间的关系。方法在Biodex等速系统上用复位测试法测试28例膝OA患者（其中女19例、男9例）和27名同年龄正常人（其中女20例、男7例）的膝关节本体感觉。OA患者疼痛和功能障碍的评定采用目测类比评分法（VAS）和Lequesne指数。结果膝OA患者产生的本体感觉误差比正常人增加了79％（P〈0．05），并以伸膝位的差异百分率最大。在膝关节本体感觉误差和功能障碍之间存在中度的相关关系（r：0．55，P〈0．05），在膝痛和本体感觉误差之间没有显著相关性。结论膝OA患者本体感觉受损，改善其本体感觉可能使患者的功能障碍得到改善，这对膝OA患者的功能评价和康复方案的设计具有重要意义。     

Ankle range of motion is key to gait efficiency in adolescents with cerebral palsy

Background

Gait in young people with cerebral palsy is inefficient and there is a lack of relevant indicators for monitoring the problem. In particular, the impact of gait kinematics on gait efficiency is not well documented. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between gait efficiency, gait kinematics, lower limb muscle strength, and muscular spasticity in adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Methods

Ten ambulatory adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy were recruited. The energy expenditure index during gait, gait kinematics, flexion and extension knee isometric muscle strength, and quadriceps spasticity were assessed.

Findings

Energy expenditure index (1.5 (0.7) beats/m) was strongly correlated with the ankle and knee flexion/extension ranges of motion (r = −0.82, P < 0.01 and r = −0.70, P < 0.02, respectively) and also with maximal plantar flexion (r = 0.74, P < 0.05) during gait. Knee flexion strength was the only strength measurement correlated with energy expenditure index (r = −0.85; P < 0.01).

Interpretation

This study suggests that ankle and knee flexion/extension ranges of motion during gait are key kinematics factors in gait efficiency in adolescents with cerebral palsy.     

Trunk biomechanics during walking after sub-acute stroke and its relation to lower limb impairments

BackgroundTrunk function and lower limb strength seem to be the primary predictors for functional independence in acute stroke patients. Gaining a better understanding of their relationship during walking aids in the identification of intrinsic trunk control deficits and underlying lower limb deficits resulting in compensatory trunk movements.MethodsFifty-seven subjects with stroke and 57 age- and gender-matched subjects without disability were included. Participants underwent an instrumented gait analysis with a standard total body Plug-In-Gait model, a clinical examination of the lower limbs based on range of motion, strength, muscle tone and several clinical assessment scales such as the Trunk Impairment Scale, Tinetti test and Functional Ambulation Categories. Spatiotemporal parameters and joint angular time profiles were compared between healthy adults and stroke survivors with severe and mild to moderate lower limb impairments. Spm1d was used to compare the joint angular time profiles between groups.FindingsTruncal deviations are present during hemiplegic walking, sub-acute stroke survivors walked with increased thoracic tilt, a neutral frontal position of the pelvis during stance, a pelvic hike during swing, and a more rotated position without crossing of the midline. Patients with more severe lower limb impairments had more pronounced deficits in truncal motion.InterpretationSetting accurate rehabilitation goals is of major importance during stroke, as well as understanding the underlying mechanisms and causes of the truncal impairments. Although more compensatory trunk deviations were seen in participants with severe lower limb impairments, they should not be considered as the sole contributor of trunk impairments during walking. Results of this study suggest that intrinsic trunk deficits during walking are also present after stroke.     

肌力训练对偏瘫步态的影响及下肢功能评定与步态分析间的相关性

目的　本文探讨了偏瘫患者在恢复期行患肢膝关节屈伸肌群肌力训练的效果 ,以及下肢功能评定与步态分析之间的相关性。方法　 5 0例脑卒中患者随机分为观察组 ( 30例 )和对照组 ( 2 0例 ) ,二组患者康复训练相同 ,观察组患者在恢复期增加患肢股四头肌、绳肌肌力训练。治疗前后分别采用Fugl Meyer法、Barthel指数法及足印法对二组患者下肢功能及步态进行分析。结果　观察组患者步态较对照组明显改善 (P<0 .0 1)、运动功能与活动能力显著提高 (P <0 .0 1)。步态的对称性与下肢运动功能、平衡功能显著相关 (r =-0 .79,-0 .71、P <0 .0 1) ,与活动能力无关 (r =-0 .2 1,P >0 .0 5 ) ;步速与下肢运动功能、平衡功能、活动能力均显著相关 (r =0 .80、0 .78、0 .76 ,P <0 .0 1)。结论　偏瘫患者在恢复期行患肢膝屈伸肌群肌力训练有助于运动功能提高、步态改善 ;通过足印法步态分析可初步了解下肢步行能力。     

Prolonged activity of knee extensors and dorsal flexors is associated with adaptations in gait in diabetes and diabetic polyneuropathy

Background

People with diabetes or diabetic polyneuropathy often experience limitations in mobility and gait. These limitations are believed to be related to disturbed muscle function and sensory information. In previous studies on diabetic gait, results were confounded by a lower, preferred walking speed in people with diabetes or diabetic polyneuropathy. This study aimed to identify gait-velocity independent effects of diabetes and diabetic polyneuropathy on lower extremity kinematics and muscle activation patterns.

Methods

Eight people with diabetic polyneuropathy, 10 diabetic controls without polyneuropathy and ten healthy, age-matched controls walked at their preferred velocity and a standard velocity of 1.4 ms⁻¹. Muscle activation patterns of gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, gastrocnemius medialis, soleus, and tibialis anterior, and spatiotemporal and joint angles characteristics were analysed.

Findings

Independent of walking speed, muscle activation differed between groups. In diabetic polyneuropathy participants activation of ankle-joint dorsal flexors was prolonged by 5–10% of the stride cycle. Activity of monoarticular knee-joint extensors lasted about 10% longer in both diabetic groups compared to healthy elderly. Initiation of muscle activity did not differ between groups. If gait velocity was controlled, spatiotemporal characteristics were similar between groups.

Interpretation

The study showed that independent of the preferred lower gait velocity, people with diabetes or diabetic polyneuropathy adjust the timing of muscle activity. Contrarily, the concurrent changes in spatiotemporal characteristics occurred to be the result of changed velocity only. The delayed cessation of muscle activity suggested a reduced rate of force development underlying the adjusted timing of muscle activation.     

Test methods to detect hip and knee muscle weakness and gait disturbance in patients with hip osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate test methods for hip and knee muscle weakness and gait disturbance. DESIGN: Test-retest. SETTING: Orthopedic university clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Ten young (age, 36+/-6 y) and 13 elderly (age, 69+/-8 y) healthy volunteers and 11 patients (age, 69+/-8 y) with unilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA) were tested for muscular strength. Twenty-five volunteers (age, 42+/-14 y) underwent gait analysis. INTERVENTIONS: A dynamometer assessing maximal voluntary isometric force of hip and knee muscles and an optosensor walkway detecting limp were developed. Tests evaluated reproducibility and tolerance in patients with OA and elderly subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relative coefficient of variation (CV%) and force (in newtons). RESULTS: CV% for unilateral strength measurements ranged from 7% to 12% for specific muscle groups. CV% for gait parameters ranged from 4% to 8%, except for the double-support phase. Tests were well tolerated, and no patient had to discontinue because of fatigue. Differences related to sex, age, and disease were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Our dynamometer system provides reliable measurements of hip and knee muscle strength in young and old people, and variation is comparable to previous data. Our photocell technique for gait analysis is reliable in people with normal gait. Both methods are attractive because they are affordable, nonstationary, and easy to use.     

Endothelial dysfunction in Buerger's disease and its relation to markers of inflammation

BACKGROUND: Buerger's disease (BD) is a segmental occlusive vascular disease. The aim of this study was to detect functional changes in brachial artery and asymptomatic morphological changes in extra-cranial carotid arteries not affected by the disease process and to assess markers of inflammation and endothelial damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients in the remission phase of BD and the same number of age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. The capability of endothelium-dependent (flow-mediated) and endothelium-independent dilation of the brachial artery and intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries were measured using high-resolution ultrasound. Laboratory parameters of endogenous fibrinolytic activity, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were also measured. RESULTS: Patients with BD had a diminished capability of endothelium-dependent vasodilation and higher levels of some circulating markers of inflammation, such as leukocytes, C-reactive protein, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels were related to some of the inflammatory markers (sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, alpha2-globulins and fibrinogen), while E-selectin was correlated with decreased endogenous blood fibrinolytic activity. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was in negative correlation with the relative share of neutrophil granulocytes. There were no significant differences in intima-media thickness between patients with BD and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has expressed generalized functional arterial disorder in patients with BD not accompanied by any measurable morphological changes of the carotid arterial wall. Functional deterioration of brachial artery could be related to increased levels of various inflammatory markers--the process which is most probably the basic pathogenetic mechanism of the disease.     

The contribution of quasi-joint stiffness of the ankle joint to gait in patients with hemiparesis

Background

The role of ankle joint stiffness during gait in patients with hemiparesis has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of quasi-joint stiffness of the ankle joint to spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters regarding gait in patients with hemiparesis due to brain tumor or stroke and healthy individuals.

Methods

Spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters regarding gait in twelve patients with hemiparesis due to brain tumor or stroke and nine healthy individuals were measured with a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Quasi-joint stiffness was calculated from the slope of the linear regression of the moment–angle curve of the ankle joint during the second rocker.

Findings

There was no significant difference in quasi-joint stiffness among both sides of patients and the right side of controls. Quasi-joint stiffness on the paretic side of patients with hemiparesis positively correlated with maximal ankle power (r = 0.73, P < 0.01) and gait speed (r = 0.66, P < 0.05). In contrast, quasi-joint stiffness in controls negatively correlated with maximal ankle power (r = − 0.73, P < 0.05) and gait speed (r = − 0.76, P < 0.05).

Interpretation

Our findings suggested that ankle power during gait might be generated by increasing quasi-joint stiffness in patients with hemiparesis. In contrast, healthy individuals might decrease quasi-joint stiffness to avoid deceleration of forward tilt of the tibia. Our findings might be useful for selecting treatment for increased ankle stiffness due to contracture and spasticity in patients with hemiparesis.     

An overview of the value of nursing models in relation to education

This article assesses the value of nursing models in terms of their purpose, treating them as a group rather than individually. It then proceeds to examine the implications for education.     

Reliability and validity of the Shaw gait assessment tool for temporospatial gait assessment in people with hemiparesis

Reid S, Held JM, Lawrence S. Reliability and validity of the Shaw gait assessment tool for temporospatial gait assessment in people with hemiparesis.

Objective

To assess the intra-/interrater reliability and the validity of the free web-based Shaw Gait Assessment Tool (with visual and numerical output) for assessing speed, cadence, step length, and limb advance time in people with hemiplegic gait.

Design

Intra-/interrater reliability and concurrent validity with 2 raters using the Shaw Gait Assessment Tool and 1 rater using a multimemory stopwatch.

Setting

Busy outpatient rehabilitation gym at a tertiary care medical center.

Participants

Convenience sample of adults with hemiplegic gait after cerebrovascular accident or traumatic brain injury.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients.

Results

ICCs for intrarater reliability ranged from 0.94 (95% CI, 0.88–0.97) to 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96–0.99), (P<.001), and for interrater reliability from 0.95 (95% CI, 0.88–0.98) to 0.99 (95% CI, 0.99–0.99), (P<.001). The Shaw Gait Assessment Tool correlated with the stopwatch for all measured gait parameters with Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients (range, r=0.95 to r= 0.99, P<.001).

Conclusions

The Shaw Gait Assessment Tool is a free, easy-to-use tool that gives reliable and valid results for 4 temporospatial parameters of hemiplegic gait.     

"脑功复得"治疗脑伤外后学习记忆障碍的实验研究

目的：研究“脑功复得”对脑外伤大鼠学习记忆障碍的治疗作用及作用机理。方法：以液压冲击致脑损伤的大鼠为模型,经“脑功复得”治疗后以主动回避试验测定大鼠学习记忆能力,运用光镜行形态学检查,并检测其脑组织中乙酰胆碱、γ－氨基丁酸、谷氨酸含量。结果：“脑功复得”治疗组大鼠学习记忆能力提高,脑组织中乙酰胆碱和谷氨酸含量增加,存活的海马神经元增多。结论“脑功复得”通过提高脑组织中乙酰胆碱和谷氨酸含量及保护海马     

Freezing of gait and activity limitations in people with Parkinson's disease

Tan DM, McGinley JL, Danoudis ME, Iansek R, Morris ME. Freezing of gait and activity limitations in people with Parkinson's disease.

Objectives

To investigate the relationships between freezing of gait (FOG) and activity limitations in ambulant people with Parkinson's disease (PD), and to explore the contribution of FOG and gait hypokinesia to activity limitations after adjusting for the effects of disease severity.

Design

Retrospective, cross-sectional design.

Setting

Participants were recruited from neurologists' clinics and the general public in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

Volunteers were screened for eligibility using the following inclusion criteria: diagnosis of idiopathic PD, modified Hoehn and Yahr stages 0 to IV, without dementia. Participants (N=210) were tested (mean age ± SD, 67.9±9.6y; mean PD duration ± SD, 6.7±5.6y; median Hoehn and Yahr stage=2.5).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

FOG was measured using the FOG questionnaire. Gait hypokinesia was quantified using both the 6-meter walk test and the Timed Up and Go test. Activity limitation was measured using the modified Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale activities of daily living (ADL) section and the Schwab and England ADL scale.

Results

Severity of gait freezing correlated significantly with the level of activity limitation (Spearman correlation coefficient, ρ=−.49 to .48; P<.001). A hierarchic regression model showed that disease severity explained 37.5% of the variance in Schwab and England ADL score (P<.001). Gait hypokinesia and FOG severity scores explained an additional 9.1% of the variance in activity limitation (R² change=.091; P<.001).

Conclusions

FOG severity and gait hypokinesia were associated with reduced levels of activity after adjusting for disease severity.