Multi-segments kinematic model of the human spine during gait

The complex biomechanical structure of the human spine requires a deep investigation to properly describe its physiological function and its kinematic contribution during motion. The computational approach allows the segmentation of the human spine into several rigid bodies connected by 3D joints. Despite the numerous solutions proposed by previous literature studies based on both inertial and stereophotogrammetric systems, the modelling of the human spine is characterized by some limitations such as the lack of standardization. Accordingly, the present preliminary study focused on the development of a multi-segments kinematic model of the human spine and its validation during gait trials. Three-dimensional spinal angular patterns and ranges of motion of one healthy young subject were considered as outcomes of interest. They were obtained by applying the YXZ Euler angles convention to the custom model. First, results were compared with those of the standard Plug-in-Gait full-body model, which segments the human spine into pelvis and trunk segments. Then, outcomes of the multi-segments model were compared with those obtained using the Tilt-Twist method. Overall, results stressed the importance of the spine segmentation, the major angular contributions of spinal regions during gait (Medium-Lumbar segments for lateral bending and flexion-extension, Thoracic-Medium segments for axial rotation), and the reliability of the proposed custom model (differences between Euler angles method and Tilt-Twist method lower than 0.5° in most cases). Future analysis on a larger healthy population and in the clinical context might be implemented to optimize, standardize and validate the proposed human spine model

Indoor motion analysis of a subject wearing prosthesis for adaptive snowboarding

The growing popularity of adaptive snowboarding has motivated the designs of new prostheses for lower limb amputees. In the paper the biomechanics of an amputee subject wearing an energy-storing trans-femoral prosthesis for snowboarding is investigated. Experimental motion analysis lab tests were conducted by two expert surfers, an amputee and an able body subject, in order to compare the different behaviours. Results for the two subjects and for different working conditions are reported and analysed. A strong dependence of the prosthesis behaviour on working conditions, especially on working frequency, can be pointed out

Effects of botulinum neurotoxin on spatio-temporal gait parameters of patients with chronic stroke: a prospective open-label study

Nowadays, administration of botulinum neurotoxin type A is considered a safe, well tolerated and effective treatment for muscles tone reduction in focal spasticity care. Lack of evidence regards instead its functional role on gait parameters, as well pattern

Effects of botulinum neurotoxin on spatio-temporal gait parameters of patients with chronic stroke: a prospective open-label study

Nowadays, administration of botulinum neurotoxin type A is considered a safe, well tolerated and effective treatment for muscles tone reduction in focal spasticity care. Lack of evidence regards instead its functional role on gait parameters, as well patterns