Biomechanics

Human movement science

Health in a postindustrial age: The mystery of our creaky, painful knees

Living longer and being fatter are part, but not all, of it. Painful, stiff, and grating knees may not just be a sign of aging—they may also be a sign of the times. An archaeological sample with traces of bone-on-bone contact. Heli … READ MORE

Understanding hypotonia

Diagnostic challenges should not delay clinical intervention. Hypotonia, or abnormally low muscle tone, is by itself not a disorder but a symptom of an enormous array of issues—many of which can be difficult to diagnose accurately. … READ MORE

Kinematics identify subgroups of kids with CP and equinovarus

Chicago researchers have identified clinically relevant subgroups based on foot and ankle kinematics in children with equinovarus secondary to hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) that could help improve treatment planning and clinical … READ MORE

MS marathoner Cheryl Hile conquers Antarctica

Back in September, I told you about Cheryl Hile. Cheryl is a young woman with MS whose goal is to become the first person with MS to run in seven marathons on seven continents. by Ed Tobias, Multiple Sclerosis News Today February 7, … READ MORE

7-year-old’s mystery illness baffles specialists

Gracie Lee Straus loves taking photographs of people and turning them into jigsaw puzzles on her iPad — from her friends and teachers to her doctors, nurses and therapists. She loves puzzles, even the old-fashioned, hands-on ones. … READ MORE

Recreation programs foster inclusion

It’s all about playing together. That’s the philosophy of special recreation inclusion efforts integrating those with special needs into mainstream park programs. Laney Myers, right, works to get control of the ball during … READ MORE

How magic tricks help children with cerebral palsy

For children with hemiplegia, a common form of cerebral palsy, learning to be a magician is remarkably effective therapy — as attendees at the Breathe Magic summer camp find out. A child at Breathe Magic. Photographs: Graeme … READ MORE

Effectiveness of passive stretching in children with cerebral palsy

Neurological disorders often cause increased muscle tone — too much tightness — in muscles of the arms and legs. Spasticity results from significantly increased muscle tone, limiting movement and joint mobility. Cerebral palsy — … READ MORE

Range of therapies help patients living with physical challenges after a stroke

It was Father’s Day, back in June 1998, when the life of David Andrews was abruptly turned upside down. The Vancouver engineer had just returned home after a long walk with his wife Merylin. He was chasing his dog, who was poking … READ MORE

Out on a limb: Valuable testimony

A person’s testimony doesn’t always agree with objective evidence—that’s why some defense attorneys won’t allow their clients to take the stand during a trial, even in their own defense. Similarly, as most clinicians know, … READ MORE

Efforts to optimize outcomes focus on AFO stiffness, alignment

Given the heterogeneity of many patient populations for whom ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are indicated, it’s not surprising that AFO experts are at the forefront of the current trend favoring customization of devices to meet … READ MORE

Quantifying functional effects of AFO alignment

Assessing device alignment is a key aspect of prosthetic practice, but when it comes to lower extremity orthotics the process is less common. That’s changing, however, as researchers begin to document the effects of alignment on … READ MORE

Dynamic compression bracing for pectus carinatum

Canada’s Milos Raonic, of Toronto, traps a soccer ball with his chest while playing with teammate Vasek Pospisil and coaches after the Davis Cup tennis practice in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, March 4, 2015. AP Photo, … READ MORE

Garner’s “Woman of Steel” patiently works toward swimming goals

Hope Harrington wanted to swim more than anything until pectus carinatum, a deformity of the chest wall, stole that from her. Harrington’s sternum was twisted by 15 degrees; her heart was positioned dangerously close to her … READ MORE

Toddler with cerebral palsy takes first steps wearing magic shoes

A toddler has taken her first independent steps wearing revolutionary shoes made by a small company in Sydney’s west. A Mum’s Perspective – Crowdfunding 3D printed equipment for kids with disabilities. AbilityMate 9NEWS … READ MORE

Effect of AFO design on walking after stroke

Gait speed linked to braking force. Rigid ankle foot orthoses increase gait speed in hemiplegic stroke patients, but not for the reasons one might think, according to research from the Kessler Foundation Research Center in New Jersey. … READ MORE

Stepping up: Orthotic devices help boost physical activity levels

Improved mobility with ankle foot orthoses and other devices can help patients experience the multiple health benefits of increased physical activity. But aggressive activity goals— including the oft-cited target of 10,000 steps per … READ MORE

Custom-made foot orthoses: an analysis of prescription characteristics

Factors that influence prescription of foot orthoses. “Foot orthosis prescriptions are complex, but can be broadly classified into three categories. Selection of these prescription subtypes appears to be influenced by both … READ MORE

Early knee arthritis symptoms first felt when using stairs

People who suffer from knee pain when using the stairs may be experiencing the early symptoms of osteoarthritis, according to a new study by University of Leeds experts. Stair Climbing vs. Running in Run Society University of Leeds … READ MORE

Recreational running benefits hip, knee health

Recreational runners are less likely to experience knee and hip osteoarthritis compared to sedentary individuals and competitive runners, according to a new study published in the June issue of the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports … READ MORE

Major research explores how our bones and muscles age, new ways to block decline

With age, the form and function of our bones and muscles drop off, putting us at increased risk of frailty and falls. Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University are discovering just what happens to the stem … READ MORE

Smart shoe insoles and phone app provide gait info on every step

A proper running technique focusing on every step can help an athlete increase efficiency while preventing injury. Specifically, how the foot strikes the ground can affect performance, comfort, and even pain following an exercise … READ MORE

Fiber-rich diet linked to lowered risk of painful knee osteoarthritis

Findings from two long-term studies in line with other associated health benefits of fibre. A fibre-rich diet is linked to a lowered risk of painful knee osteoarthritis, finds the first study of its kind, published online. Those who … READ MORE

OA strongly affects difficulty in walking

Influence of arthritis greater than heart disease or diabetes. One in four older adults reported having difficulty walking, with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip having a larger influence on this than comorbidities such as … READ MORE

Shoe-string theory: Why shoelaces come untied

High-speed video footage courtesy Prof. Oliver M. O’Reilly, UC Berkeley Dept of Mechanical Engineering. YouTube Apr 11, 2017 By Brett Israel, UC Berkeley April 11, 2017 A new study by mechanical engineers at UC Berkeley finally … READ MORE

Steroid injections increased cartilage loss in knee arthritis

Quarterly corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis increased cartilage loss over the course of 2 years without providing any clinical benefit, according to a randomized controlled trial published in the May 16 issue of JAMA. … READ MORE

Knee extensor strength linked to improved physical function in patients with OA

Patients with osteoarthritis and severe physical dysfunction showed an association between increased knee extensor strength and improved self-reported physical function, according to results presented at the Osteoarthritis Research … READ MORE

Spokane mom has knee replacement at 40, joins fastest growing demographic

Carrie Day was a busy mom with a young daughter, but advanced arthritis in her knees made her feel like an old woman. Carrie Day and her daughter, Chloe, 3, stroll through the Brown Mountain Regional Stormwater Facility. Carrie, age … READ MORE

Will an orthosis help you walk better with MS?

Difficulty walking due to muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and balance issues is common among people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). You can move naturally with the WalkOn during the day. When you crouch down or walk up a set of … READ MORE

What it means when kids walk on their toes

When toddlers are learning to walk, many spend some time walking up on their tip toes, which is known as toe walking. Commonly this is to get into things they aren’t meant to, but as they perfect their walking, they walk more with … READ MORE

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