Biomechanics

Human movement science

Freedom brace “perfect” for teen battling cerebral palsy

“It just holds her legs at the perfect angle for her, a nice relaxed position. But yet she can still move her legs up and down, stretch her legs out, and she can go wider if she wants. But it keeps her legs from crossing and … READ MORE

About 14% of cerebral palsy cases may be tied to brain wiring genes

Study confirms genetic link in cerebral palsy. NIH-funded study points to genes that control the establishment of neural circuits during early development. Co-author, Emeritus Professor Alastair MacLennan with Mathew Reinersten, from … READ MORE

Changes in older people’s central nervous system leads to compromised ability to sense movement

The central nervous system of older individuals responds to movement and initiates muscular contraction differently compared to young individuals. This is the result of a study led by researcher Simon Walker at the University of … READ MORE

Postcode lottery for NHS orthotics patients

Specialist orthotics care for patients with mobility issues varies significantly depending on where they live, new research reveals. In future, there will be an increased demand for orthotics services because of the projected … READ MORE

Should I stop running if my knee hurts?

The most common site for pain in recreational runners [1] is the knee. For some, especially older runners, the pain can be a symptom of osteoarthritis. But does running worsen knee pain and osteoarthritis? goodluz/Shutterstock Ewa M … READ MORE

Humans have salamander-like ability to regrow cartilage in joints

The process could be harnessed as a treatment for osteoarthritis. “We believe that an understanding of this ‘salamander-like’ regenerative capacity in humans, and the critically missing components of this regulatory circuit, … READ MORE

SFU researchers working to improve quality of life for seniors in long-term care

The team looked at how to better protect older adults from hip fractures caused by falls. Hip protectors were worn in over 70 per cent of falls, and halved the risk for hip fracture. Injury Prevention and Mobility Laboratory IPML, … READ MORE

Physical activity of older people requires tailored monitoring

The ability to move about may deteriorate when ageing, a phenomenon which needs to be considered when assessing physical activity in older people. A study on active ageing at the University of Jyväskylä examined movement that … READ MORE

Kids’ physical activity before age 5 matters so much because of the developing brain

Both when planning family activities and choosing a child care provider, parents should be mindful of how much physical activity their children are getting. Family Influence. 2020 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for … READ MORE

Specialized sports chairs and the people who use them

Wheelchair court sports are a blast. And modern sports chairs are built to be faster and more agile than ever, making them even more fun to use and very exciting to watch in action. Arizona athlete Tim Surry uses a Top End Pro … READ MORE

Putting the spring-cam back into stroke patients steps

A research group has developed a new, lightweight and motor-less device that can be easily attached to an ankle support device – otherwise known as an ankle foot orthosis (AFO). The new device will aid stroke patients in their … READ MORE

Suffering from bad knees, some look for alternatives to surgery

The burning in his kneecaps was what Richard Bedard noticed first. Then came the tenderness and pain. Sitting for 10 hours a day as a financial editor in Hong Kong was agonizing. So was walking short distances or just standing in the … READ MORE

Orthotics breakthrough helps children with Cerebral Palsy walk and play

Children with Cerebral Palsy have more energy to play and be physically active for longer, thanks to specially designed orthotics. Adapting splints and footwear can decrease the energy children with Cerebral Palsy use by as much as … READ MORE

New wheelchair design: a hand gear for better ergonomics

Using biomedical modelling, researchers at TU Wien have developed a completely new type of wheelchair; specially designed handles make the drive more efficient and ergonomic. The crank levers change length throughout each revolution, … READ MORE

University of Barcelona researchers describe a new anatomic structure in the ankle

This ligament complex would explain chronic pain after an ankle sprain. The superior fascicle of the anterior talofibular ligament (1) is an intra-articular non-isometric structure, that is, it relaxes when the foot is on dorsal … READ MORE

First glimpse of body’s steering wheel joint sparks hope

For the first time, scientists have found a way to reveal the mechanics of the human body’s ‘steering wheel’ – the subtalar joint. Figure 1.5. Illustration of the inversion/eversion and plantar flexion/dorsiflexion movements. … READ MORE

Irregular findings common in knees of young competitive alpine skiers

Five-year study finds lesions associated with repetitive mechanical stress. Bony lesions on the lower part of the thigh bone near the knee are a common but benign finding on MRI in young alpine skiers and should not be confused with … READ MORE

Software recreates complex movements for medical, rehabilitation, and basic research

An open-source movement simulator that has already helped solve problems in medicine, paleontology, and animal locomotion has been expanded and improved, according to a new publication in the open-access journal PLOS Computational … READ MORE

UBC Okanagan research shows strength training is effective

Physical exercise may not be top of mind for older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. But according to one UBC Okanagan researcher, strength training can be an effective way to stay healthy while at home. Jennifer Jakobi, professor … READ MORE

Keep your bones strong at every age

Falling may be painful, especially if the landing is less than graceful. Even a few steps out the front door can carry with them the risk of falling. After fifty years. Amsterdam, Netherlands 28 September 2016 Wikimedia Commons CC0 … READ MORE

Foot rotation during gait in patients with knee OA

Rotating the foot in or out during gait is associated with significant decreases in frontal plane knee load during early or late stance, respectively, and can be effective for reducing pain and potentially slowing the progression of … READ MORE

New studies refute claims of fall prevention with AFO bracing

In 2011, a new custom ankle foot orthotic (AFO) brace, herein referred to as the Moore Balance Brace, was introduced to the podiatric community. From the outset, the Moore Balance Brace was marketed and promoted to prevent falls in … READ MORE

Strenuous exercise is safe for people at high risk of knee OA

People at high risk for knee osteoarthritis (OA) may be reluctant to participate in strenuous physical activities such as jogging, cycling, singles tennis, and skiing. But a new study from Northwestern Medicine, published in JAMA … READ MORE

Walking slower and pausing for rest may enable older adults to maintain outdoor mobility

When functional ability declines, changing the way of walking by, for instance, walking slower, pausing for rest or using walking aids, can facilitate older adults’ outdoor mobility. These were the findings of a study conducted at … READ MORE

Class of 2019: You have to stay stronger than ever after a knee injury, kinesiology PhD finds

Maurice Mohr’s own knee injury brought home the importance of rehab through exercise and physio. A group shot commemorates Maurice Mohr’s PhD defense. From left: his step-mother Joanna Weihrauch-Mohr, father Bernhard Mohr, … READ MORE

Study dispels myth of exercise damage in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee

“The belief that exercise is harmful for cartilage is based on misinformation and the current discord between evidence and persistent beliefs highlights the need for better education.” – Dr Alessio Bricca Knee … READ MORE

Torso simulator offers promise for new back brace innovations

Engineers have for the first time created a simulator mimicking the mechanical behavior of the human torso—which could lead to innovations in the design of medical back supports. It allows researchers to test different back brace … READ MORE

Low-profile assistive ankle exoskeleton can be worn under clothes

Researchers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee have developed a lightweight and inexpensive ankle exoskeleton to assist those with impaired lower leg muscles or those in jobs that require a lot of running or walking. … READ MORE

Meniscal damage predicts development of accelerated knee osteoarthritis

Study data published in Arthritis Rheumatology suggest that destabilizing meniscal tears, large bone marrow lesions, and cartilage loss may predict the development of accelerated knee osteoarthritis (OA). Emily Pond, Rheumatology … READ MORE

CP patients wear AFOs less than prescribed

An open-access study, published in Rehabilitation Research and Practice, investigated the wear time of commonly used AFOs in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Shoes for Orthotics, AFOs, DAFOs. CHASA support groups The O&P EDGE … READ MORE

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