Biomechanics

Human movement science

Hinged vs solid AFOs for cerebral palsy: No significant difference in gait

There are no significant differences in gait or gross mobility between hinged and solid ankle-foot orthoses for patients with cerebral palsy who could walk without an assistive device, according to a study presented at the Association … READ MORE

High heels: Elevating the discussion

The biomechanical implications of high-heeled shoes are well known, and now dramatic weight-bearing images and new study findings are taking practitioner and patient awareness to the next level. But many women are still sacrificing … READ MORE

Prehabilitation for TKA: Preop and postop benefits

Prehabilitation, particularly in the form of exercise, has the potential to significantly improve preoperative and postoperative outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis who are undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Both … READ MORE

Aquatic resistance training improves physcial function in women with mild knee osteoarthritis

Aquatic resistance training significantly decreases body fat mass and increases walking speed, (i.e., phsyical function) in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis. Aquatic exercise has been shown to decrease pain and … READ MORE

Leisure-time physical activity improves cartilage health and quality of life for women with knee OA

Higher leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) level promotes cartilage health in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA). This was observed in a study carried out in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at … READ MORE

Tuned AFO improves gait in patient with stroke

Adjusting the mechanical properties, alignment, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion resistance of a novel ankle-foot orthosis improved hemiparetic gait in a patient with stroke, according to data presented at the American Academy of … READ MORE

AFO stiffness can help optimize patient function

Decisions related to the stiffness of an ankle foot orthosis (AFO)—whether they involve device design or the materials from which it’s fabricated—can help lower extremity clinicians customize stability, biomechanics, and muscle … READ MORE

Pediatric orthotic management: Children are different

They are not just small adults; some things are very different, though some are just smaller. I often tell our physical medicine and rehabilitation residents in training that there are only two differences between adult and pediatric … READ MORE

Obesity in pregnancy tied to cerebral palsy in kids

Women who are overweight or obese during pregnancy may be increasing the chances that their baby could be born with cerebral palsy, a new study suggests. Excess pre-pregnancy weight may slightly raise baby’s cerebral palsy risk. … READ MORE

Children’s backs: Trolleys do less damage than backpacks

Researchers at the University of Granada warn that 23 percent of the girls carry a load over 20 percent of their body weight in their backpack or trolley — well above what is recommended. Backpack or Suitcase? The Travel Hack … READ MORE

Can staying active help prevent chronic pain?

Physical activity affects pain modulation in older adults. A 2015 study examined physical activity data from 15 European countries and concluded that high levels of activity were associated with higher levels of happiness. Bluearth … READ MORE

Foot and ankle issues may increase risk of knee OA

In individuals at risk for knee osteoarthritis (OA), the presence of foot and ankle symptoms is associated with increased odds of developing symptomatic and radiographic knee OA four years later, according to research from the … READ MORE

Online intervention reduces knee pain, improves mobility

A suite of online interventions provided substantial pain relief and improved mobility for patients with chronic knee pain, according to a study published online February 21 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The interventions … READ MORE

Environmental barriers increase difficulty for adults with knee osteoarthritis

Higher perceived mobility barriers in the environment were associated with increased risk in difficulty with life situation engagement in adults with knee osteoarthritis, according to data published in Arthritis Care & Research. … READ MORE

Women had significantly greater involvement in knee OA-related health care before TKA

In the 12 months preceding total knee arthroplasty, women experienced significantly greater utilization of knee osteoarthritis-related health care than men, according to results. Boost your knee health—and help decide whether knee … READ MORE

Older adults who exercise regularly can reduce risk of severe mobility problems

Nearly one in four adults aged 65 and older has trouble walking or climbing stairs—and 3.4 million older adults have trouble taking care of their personal needs, such as dressing or bathing. As we age, these difficulties can impact … READ MORE

Quadricep strength and speed of force affects knee osteoarthritis

Quadricep strength and speed of force production (SFP) both affect physical functioning in people with, or at risk for, knee osteoarthritis, according to research presented this week at the Association of Academic Physiatrists Annual … READ MORE

Personal factors linked with increased risk of knee OA in the military population

In an active military population, the incidence of primary and secondary knee osteoarthritis correlated with chronological age, race, rank and branch of service, according to results. Maximalist shoes fail to cushion impact of … READ MORE

Cerebral palsy doesn’t stop her from dancing

Even though learning to waltz had been a lifelong dream for Sarah Cauley, she cancelled just one day before her first lesson. She was unable to open her hand enough for someone to hold it, and was afraid no one would want to try. … READ MORE

Orthopaedic research helps patient regain mobility and grow as a nurse

Working as a bedside nurse requires extensive physical effort — pushing wheelchairs and beds, twisting and lifting, and long periods on your feet. Jennifer Thomas, who’s been a nurse at UK HealthCare for six years, can attest … READ MORE

Edmonton researchers help young stroke patients regain mobility

One in every 1,000 babies suffer from a stroke either in utero or shortly after birth. Edmonton researchers are trying to help those young child stroke patients regain mobility and learn how to walk. Linda Hoang with files from Carmen … READ MORE

Why we need kneecaps

The kneecap or patella is a sesmoid bone which is a very important structure to help increase the lever arms in knee movement. If it doesn’t move properly it may lead to knee pain. Watch this basic example and model experiment … READ MORE

Uneven terrain: Tactics for orthotic device users

Helping patients manage an orthotic device can be challenging, but doing so in the face of uneven terrain is a balancing act between stability, mobility, and strength. Device adjustments and rehabilitation protocols can help … READ MORE

Health enhancing physical activity in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis

Paddling with Evoke brace Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 9.6% of men and 18% of women aged over 60 have osteoarthritis worldwide. The disease often results in pain … READ MORE

Early AFO use significantly enhances benefits of stroke rehabilitation

Functional balance test scores rise. Use of an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) within six weeks of stroke results in better balance outcomes and earlier independent ambulation than if AFO use is delayed, according to research from the … READ MORE

Children’s physical activity linked with knee health as adults

Childhood physical performance measures are significantly associated with knee bone area and cartilage volume in adulthood, concluded researchers who presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. … READ MORE

Pre-referral MRIs not often necessary

An MRI isn’t always the best first-choice for diagnosis when patients present with knee pain. While MRI is highly sensitive and it can detect intra-articular pathology, these changes might be associated with degenerative joint … READ MORE

Running may be good for your knees

Many people worry that running ruins knees. But a new study finds that the activity may in fact benefit the joint, changing the biochemical environment inside the knee in ways that could help keep it working smoothly. The Economical … READ MORE

Chair yoga helps older adults manage osteoarthritis pain

Chair yoga may produce sustained improvements in pain interference among older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis, according to a study published December 23 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Doctor’s … READ MORE

Supervised neuromuscular exercise prior to hip and knee replacement

Total hip and knee replacement (THR and TKR) surgery are recognized treatments for pain relief in patients with severe symptoms from hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA). Nevertheless, one year after surgery up to 50% of patients … READ MORE

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