THE ANALYSIS OF GAIT IN INDIVIDUALS WITH TRANSFEMORAL AMPUTATION USING A BIONIC KNEE DESIGN: A CASE STUDY

Walking is the body´s natural means of moving from one location to another. It is also the most convenient means of traveling short distances (Perry, 1992). Approximately 4500 new amputations of lower extremities are performed annually in the Czech Republic. Worldwide, 200 – 500 million major amputations are performed each year. Major limb amputations of lower extremities account for approximately 85% of all cases of amputations (Ellis, 2005). The loss of a lower extremity causes the inability to walk without a prosthetic aid. Biomechanics has an important place in the multidisciplinary team, which is essential for the complex care of amputees (Janura, Svoboda, Kozakova, & Birgusova, 2006). New prosthetic designs may enable people with transfemoral amputation perform sports (running) activities in the future. However, it is necessary to master walking with a prosthesis first. The aim of our study is to describe the selected biomechanical parameters of gait in patients with a two-year experience with a bionic knee

THE ANALYSIS OF GAIT IN INDIVIDUALS WITH TRANSFEMORAL AMPUTATION USING A BIONIC KNEE DESIGN: A CASE STUDY

Walking is the body´s natural means of moving from one location to another. It is also the most convenient means of traveling short distances (Perry, 1992). Approximately 4500 new amputations of lower extremities are performed annually in the Czech Republic. Worldwide, 200 – 500 million major amputations are performed each year. Major limb amputations of lower extremities account for approximately 85% of all cases of amputations (Ellis, 2005). The loss of a lower extremity causes the inability to walk without a prosthetic aid. Biomechanics has an important place in the multidisciplinary team, which is essential for the complex care of amputees (Janura, Svoboda, Kozakova, & Birgusova, 2006). New prosthetic designs may enable people with transfemoral amputation perform sports (running) activities in the future. However, it is necessary to master walking with a prosthesis first. The aim of our study is to describe the selected biomechanical parameters of gait in patients with a two-year experience with a bionic knee

The influence of hand positions on biomechanical injury risk factors at the wrist joint during the round-off skills in female gymnastics

The aim of this study was to examine the biomechanical injury risk factors at the wrist, including joint kinetics, kinematics and stiffness in the first and second contact limb for parallel and T-shape round-off (RO) techniques. Seven international-level female gymnasts performed 10 trials of the RO to back handspring with parallel and T-shape hand positions. Synchronised kinematic (3D motion analysis system; 247 Hz) and kinetic (two force plates; 1235 Hz) data were collected for each trial. A two-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed differences in the kinematic and kinetic parameters between the techniques for each contact limb. The main findings highlighted that in both the RO techniques, the second contact limb wrist joint is exposed to higher mechanical loads than the first contact limb demonstrated by increased axial compression force and loading rate. In the parallel technique, the second contact limb wrist joint is exposed to higher axial compression load. Differences between wrist joint kinetics highlight that the T-shape technique may potentially lead to reducing these bio-physical loads and consequently protect the second contact limb wrist joint from overload and biological failure. Highlighting the biomechanical risk factors facilitates the process of technique selection making more objective and safe

Elbow joint variability for different hand positions of the round off in gymnastics.

The aim of the present study was to conduct within-gymnast analyses of biological movement variability in impact forces, elbow joint kinematics and kinetics of expert gymnasts in the execution of the round-off with different hand positions. Six international level female gymnasts performed 10 trials of the round-off from a hurdle step to a back-handspring using two hand potions: parallel and T-shape. Two force plates were used to determine ground reaction forces. Eight infrared cameras were employed to collect the kinematic data automatically. Within gymnast variability was calculated using biological coefficient of variation (BCV) discretely for ground reaction force, kinematic and kinetic measures. Variability of the continuous data was quantified using coefficient of multiple correlations (CMC). Group BCV and CMC were calculated and T-test with effect size statistics determined differences between the variability of the two techniques examined in this study. The major observation was a higher level of biological variability in the elbow joint abduction angle and adduction moment of force in the T-shaped hand position. This finding may lead to a reduced repetitive abduction stress and thus protect the elbow joint from overload. Knowledge of the differences in biological variability can inform clinicians and practitioners with effective skill selection

International Society of Biomechanics in Sport March Newsletter 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: Message from the Editor, Preview of ISBS 2015, Poitiers, ISBS Student Mentor Program 2015,ISBS Student Mini Research Grant, ISBS Student Development Profile, Call for ISBS Awards, Hans Gros Emerging Researcher 2015, ISBS Practitioner Profile, ISBS Membership Renewal, Call for bids for hosting ISBS, ISBS Lab Profile, Call for ISBS Election, ISBS Sponsors, ISBS Officer

International Society of Biomechanics in Sport October Newsletter 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: Message from the President, ISBS 2015 Post Conference Report, Student Mini Research Grant Reports, ISBS Awards 2015, Call for ISBS Awards 2016, Report of Student Mentoring Program, Short Communications, ISBS Sponsors, Introducing Biomch-V, C-Motion Group Meetin

The cross on rings performed by an Olympic champion

The cross is a key skill in Male Artistic Gymnastics rings routines. However, few researches were found about this skill. There is knowledge about the forces needed to perform the cross, or about muscles activation, separately. The aim of this paper was to accomplish a comprehensive research about the biomechanics of cross on rings, in order to obtain a descriptive model about this skill. Therefore, the currently Olympic champion on rings event volunteered in this research. He performed three crosses with the usual apparatus in his training gym. The measurement methods were combined: One digital video camera, one strain gauge in each cable and surface electromyography of nine right shoulder muscles were used. Statistical analyses were performed by parametric and non parametric tests and descriptive statistics. Symmetry values were calculated for shoulder angles and cables of right and left side. Coefficient of variation of muscle activation and co contraction were verified. Within gymnast variability was calculated using biological coefficient of variation (BCV), discretely for kinematic measures. Low variability values of shoulder angles and cable forces were verified and low values of asymmetry as well. Muscle activation varied according to muscle function, while co-contraction values were different among trials. These results pointed out the characteristics of the cross performed by an elite gymnast. Knowledge about the characteristics of cross can inform coaches, practitioners and clinicians how a successful skill should be presented

Biomechanics research in Faculty of Physical Culture Palacký University Olomouc and Human Motion Diagnostic Center University of Ostrava

This action is realized by the project NEXLIZ - CZ.1.07/2.3.00/30.0038, which is co-financed by the European social fund and the state budget of the Czech republic