Assessment of Postoperative Surface Electromyography and Joint Angle in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy / 医用生物力学

Objective To analyze and assess the postoperative motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) by surface electromyography (sEMG) and joint angle. Methods Sixteen children with SCP were involved in this study. The sEMG of rectus femoris, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius and medial gastrocnemius muscles and joint angles of the hip, knee and ankle during straight walking were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. In every gait phase, the mean values of joint angles, root mean square and integrated electromyography of sEMG were calculated, to evaluate muscle strength and muscular tension quantitatively. Results The muscle tension of lower limbs was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The muscle strength of rectus femoris and biceps femoris was decreased in the swing phase. At the midswing and terminal swing phase, the strength of tibialis anterior increased significantly (P<0.05). The flexion angle of hip and knee decreased significantly (P<0.05). The dorsiflexion angle of ankle increased significantly (P<0.05), and the varus angle decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusions After operation, the crouching gait and clubfoot were improved positively. Therefore, the motor function of children was improved. Combining sEMG and joint angle can evaluate the muscle function of patients quantitatively, and it also can provide references for clinical diagnosis.

Influences of Different Stop Modes on Gait Stability of the Elderly Carrying Heavy Objects / 医用生物力学

Objective To analyze characteristics of muscle activity and changes of corresponding kinematic parameters of the lower limbs for the elderly carrying heavy objects under synchronous stop modes, and explore the effects of hand weight-bearing and stop modes on gait stability and body balance of the elderly. Methods The ankle, knee, hip joint angles and surface electromyography (EMG) signals of bilateral lower limbs were collected under the condition of emergency stop and planned stop by loading 0 kg, 2.5 kg on both hands and 5 kg on right hand. Results Under different weight-bearing modes, the ankle and hip angles of bilateral lower limbs were significantly different (P<0.05), while the knee angles did not change significantly, and different stop modes significantly affected the angle changes in each joint (P <0.001); the average EMG of tibia anterior muscle, lateral femoral muscle, and biceps femoris in braking leg showed higher muscle activity during emergency stop. Conclusions In order to cope with the instability caused by weight-bearing and emergency stop, the elderly will have a corresponding balance mechanism in the lower limbs. During an emergency stop, braking the tibialis anterior muscle of the leg requires a higher muscle activity level to control flexion angle of the ankle joint, thereby reducing amplitude of the ankle joint fluctuation. The single-handed load increases the muscle performance differences between the braking leg and trailing leg, resulting in the lateral instability.

Neural Adaptation Analysis of Muscle Isometric Maximum Voluntary Contraction Resistance Training at Different Joint Angles / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the characteristics of neural adaptation for resistance training of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of muscles at different joint angles. Methods Thirty healthy male college students were randomly divided into 3 groups, and each group was subjected to MVC isometric contraction resistance training at elbow joint angles of 45°, 90°, and 135°. Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of the biceps brachii were measured before and after training, and the root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF) of the sEMG signals were also analyzed. ResultsThere were significant differences in normalized RMS of sEMG for the biceps brachii before and after training at 45°, 90°, and 135° elbow joints. Comparison of the RMS between different angles after training showed that 45° was significantly different from 90° and 135°. There were no significant differences between 90° and 135°. After training, no significant differences were found in normalized MF at all angles. Conclusions The RMS of sEMG shows angle-specific changes, while the MF of sEMG does not have angle-specific changes. When the biceps brachii is at the middle and large elbow joint angles, the neural adaptation effect produced by isometric resistance training is better.

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional techniques for determining the kinematic patterns for hindlimb obstacle avoidance during sheep locomotion / Técnicas bidimensionais e tridimensionais para determinar os padrões cinemáticos durante a ultrapassagem de obstáculos pelos membros pélvicosdurante a locomoção de ovinos

ABSTRACT: Analysis of locomotion is often used as a measure for impairment and recovery following experimental peripheral nerve injury. Compared to rodents, sheep offer several advantages for studying peripheral nerve regeneration. In the present study, we compared for the first time, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) hindlimb kinematics during obstacle avoidance in the ovine model. This study obtained kinematic data to serve as a template for an objective assessment of the ankle joint motion in future studies of common peroneal nerve (CP) injury and repair in the ovine model. The strategy used by the sheep to bring the hindlimb over a moderately high obstacle, set to 10% of its hindlimb length, was pronounced knee, ankle and metatarsophalangeal flexion when approaching and clearing the obstacle. Despite the overall time course kinematic patterns about the hip, knee, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal were identical, we found significant differences between values of the 2D and 3D joint angular motion. Our results showed that the most apparent changes that occurred during the gait cycle were for the ankle (2D-measured STANCEmax: 157±2.4 degrees vs. 3D-measured STANCEmax: 151±1.2 degrees; P<.05) and metatarsophalangeal joints (2D-measured STANCEmin: 151±2.2 degrees vs. 3D-measured STANCEmin: 162 ± 2.2 degrees; P<.01 and 2D-measured TO: 163±4.9 degrees vs. 3D-measured TO: 177±1.4 degrees; P<.05), whereas the hip and knee joints were much less affected. Data and techniques described here are useful for an objective assessment of altered gait after CP injury and repairin an ovine model.

RESUMO: A análise da locomoção é frequentemente usada como uma medida para avaliar a disfunção e sua recuperação após lesão nervosa periférica experimental. Quando comparadas com os roedores, as ovelhas oferecem várias características atrativas como modelo experimental para o estudo da regeneração nervosa periférica. Não existem estudos acerca dos resultados da locomoção após lesão e reparação do nervo periférico no modelo ovino. No presente estudo, realizámos e comparámos a cinemática bidimensional (2D) e, pela primeira vez, tridimensional (3D) do membro pélvico durante a ultrapassagem de obstáculos no modelo ovino. Este estudo teve como objetivo obter dados cinemáticos para servir de modelo para uma avaliação objetiva do movimento articular do tornozelo em estudos futuros de lesão e reparação do nervo fibular comum (FC) no modelo ovino. A estratégia usada pelas ovelhas para elevar o membro pélvico sobre um obstáculo com uma altura moderada, fixado em 10% do seu comprimento, caracteriza-se por uma flexão pronunciada do joelho, tornozelo e metatarso-falangeana ao se aproximar e ultrapassar o obstáculo. Apesar dos padrões cinemáticos do quadril, joelho, tornozelo e metatarso-falangeano terem sido idênticos, foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os valores do movimento angular das articulações em 2D e 3D. Os nossos resultados mostram que as mudanças mais aparentes que ocorreram durante o ciclo da marcha foram nas articulações do tornozelo (em 2DSTANCEmax: 157±2.4 graus vs. em 3D STANCEmax: 151±1.2 graus; P<.05) e metatarso-falangeana (em 2D STANCEmin: 151±2.2 graus vs. em 3D STANCEmin: 162 ± 2.2 graus; P<.01 e em 2D TO: 163±4.9 graus vs. em 3D TO: 177±1.4 graus; P<.05), enquanto as articulações do quadril e do joelho foram muito menos afetadas. É provável que os dados e técnicas descritas aqui sejam úteis para uma avaliação objetiva das alterações na marcha após lesão e reparação do PC no modelo ovino.

Operative Management of Calcaneal Fractures using Mippo Technique

Introduction: Calcaneal fractures continues to be a topic ofcontroversy in terms of the optimal management modality.Current study aimed to access the sinus tarsi approach forthe fixation of calcaneal fractures in terms of radiological andfunctional results.Material and Methods: Study was conducted on 30 patientsof both genders aged between 20 and 60 years with both jointdepression and tongue type fractures, Sanders type 2 and type3 fractures.Results: In our study, as per AOFAS Scale at 3 months, 19(63.33%) calcaneum cases fell into the excellent group, 9 (30%)into good and 2(6.66%) into poor result group. The Mean ±SDAOFAS scale was 78.43±7.17 (range 55-85). At 6 months, theresult as per AOFAS scale showed further improvement with 28(93.33%) calcaneum cases falling into the excellent group and 2(6.66%) falling into the good result group. None of them fell inpoor group at 6 months follow up. The Mean ±SD AOFAS scalewas 90.03±5.24 (range 74-95).Conclusion: Fixation with plate using MIPPO techniquethrough sinus tarsi approach is an effective and safe methodwith good clinical and radiological results, for the treatmentof calcaneal fractures; to achieve anatomical restoration undervision, stable fixation and early mobilization with minimal softtissue complications.

Three dimensional digital study and clinical significance of thoracic joint angle in children aged from 10 to 12 years / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the morphological characteristics and change rule of thoracic joint angles in children aged from 10 to 12 years through thinner CT scanning and 3D reconstruction,and to provide theoretical basis for early diagnosis,treatment and prevention.Methods Totally 30 normal cases aged from 10 to 12 years were admitted into this study.There was no bone destruction,deformity,fractures,tumors and spine surgery involved.DICOM 3.0 data of multi-slice spiral CT (0.625 ～ 1.25 mm),ranging from T1 to T12,were used for 3D reconstruction,measurement and statistical analysis.Results The difference between left and right sagittal section angle of zygopophysis was less than 10°.There was no significant differences between T1,T11,and T12for sagittal section angle of upper zygopophysis (P ＞ 0.05).So was it between T3,T4,T9,T10 and T11 for sagittal section angle of lower zygopophysis (P ＞ 0.05).While there were significant differences between others(P ＜ 0.05).The was no significant difference between left and right coronal plane angle of zygopophysis (P ＞ 0.05).Coronal plane angle of lower and upper zygopophysis tended to be ‘ spike-like’,and the maximum points were at T7 to T9.For horizontal plane angle,left and right upper zygopophysis made significant differences between T2,T4,T8,T10 and T12 only,so did T7 lower zygopophysis (P ＜ 0.05).Horizontal angle of upper zygopophysis tended to be stable in the upper thoracic both in the left and right side,while a decreasing trend was shown in lower thoracic.Horizontal angle of lower zygopophysis showed a decreasing trend generally except individual vertebrae.Both upper and lower zygopophysis showed negative angle at T11 and T12 levels.Conclusion Thoracic joint angles(coronal,sagittal and horizontal angle) in children aged from 10 to 12 years can directly reflect the developmental regularity with growth,and it verified the tendency that horizontal facet joints of the cervical spine gradually changes to coronal facet joints thoracic spine and then changes to sagittal facet joints of lumbar spine.And the left and right side facet joints are basically symmetrical with the angle difference less than 10°.

Changes in the sagittal plane spinal alignment at the time of the cross-leg sitting position / 体力科学

<p>Cross-leg sitting is locus posture performed well in Asian area, and a lifestyle and culture are thought to affect it. It is usually essential to cross-leg sitting carried out in the case of Zen meditation to maintain cross-leg sitting locus in a relaxed state to perform locus posture in floor, and to perform it in hip joint flexion of bilateral feet, abduction, and lateral rotation position in the meditation for a long time. The spinal column of cross-leg sitting was intended that aligning it confirmed backbone in lumbar vertebrae being displaced than rest standing position in the kyphosis direction or raising a bearing surface whether aligning it changed into lordotic projection from the lumbar vertebrae kyphosis direction. The thoracic vertebra angle and the lumbar vertebrae angle measured it using SpinalMouse®. We decided to measure a thoracic vertebra angle, a lumbar vertebrae angle when we changed the height of the target rest standing position and the bearing surface of cross-leg sitting. The thoracic vertebra angle did not change by raising the bearing surface of cross-leg sitting, however the lumbar vertebrae angle changed. It showed a significant correlation between hip joint flexion, abduction, an external rotation angles and the change of the lumbar vertebrae angle. Results of this study suggested that lumbar, aligning it changed to lordosis in the high cross-leg sitting thing that we changed. The quantity that aligning it biases into lordosis of the lumbar part is related to the flexion of the hip joint, abduction, external rotation flexibility.</p>

The value of the calcaneal tubercle joint angle measurement in the joint surface after calcaneal fractures / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the surgical treatment of intra -articular calcaneal fractures with bone nodules joint angle in the preoperative and intraoperative evaluation of prognosis of postoperative analysis.Methods 22 cases of affected joint surface after calcaneal fractures,open reduction and internal fixation with steel plate in the operation treatment.Used Sanders classification:preoperative,intraoperative,postoperative again calcaneal tubercle joint angle measurement.According to the Maryland foot scoring system to evaluate postoperative effect.Results All patients were followed up for 8 to 20 months.The excellent and good rate of the patients was 90%,the postoperative complications:heel broadening,subtalar arthritis in 2 cases,poor healing in 2 cases (after the treatment and healing). Conclusion It has high value of the calcaneal tubercle joint angle measurement in the joint surface after calcaneal fractures.

Method for analyzing the signal of hip joint angles during human walking using Hilbert-Huang transform / 医用生物力学

Objective To propose a method for analyzing the hip joint signals during human walking based on Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) method and verify its feasibility. Methods First, the hip joint angles of one healthy subject were measured by using the hip joint measuring platform composed of acceleration sensors and gyroscopes. Second, all intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) at different scales, which could be further analyzed and combined, were obtained by applying the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) to original signals. Finally, the Hilbert spectrum of original signals were plotted and analyzed. Results The signals representing different motion modes as well as gait characteristics indicated by rotating track of the hip joint were obtained. The Hilbert spectrum could show the intra-wave frequency modulation in the main motion mode and the characteristics of walking frequencies. Conclusions This method can be used in rehabilitation and treatment of patients with gait diseases. By using this method, the characteristic signals of the hip joints at different frequency scales can be effectively decomposed, and the post-processing signals can be filtered and centrally corrected, so as to adaptively analyze gait signals of the patients.

Variation characteristics of gait parameters during stair ascent and descent / 医用生物力学

Objective To collect the kinematics and kinetics functional parameters of healthy human lower limbs during stair ascent and descent, so as to provide data for designing the gait trajectory and selecting the driving components of the exoskeleton walker to achieve the motion of stair climbing. Methods Common staircase as an experimental setup was designed, and the three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system and 3D force plate were used to simultaneously measure the ankle, knee, hip motion information during stair ascent and descent. The movement characteristics of the lower limb during stair climbing was analyzed by SPSS statistical software and Origin graphics software, and the functional parameters during stair ascent and decent were also compared and analyzed. Results The joint angle at the sagittal plane, joint moment variation with gait and activity limits in lower limbs of healthy youth during stair ascent and descent were obtained by the experiment. The ranges of motion in ankle，knee and hip joints during stair ascent were -10.66°-13.26°, 6.85°-88.92°, 1.31°-50.18°,while those during stair descent were -37.42°-27.18°,9.83°-95.53°,8.01°-31.62°.The maximum ankle, knee and hip joint moment during stair ascent and descent were 1.788, 1.121, 0.946 N•m/kg, respectively. Conclusions The gait parameters variation with gait and the joint range of motion in human lower limb were significantly different during stair ascent and descent. Separate design targeting at stair ascent or stair descent is required for gait planning of walking aids, and the selection of driving element should consider the maximum moment in each joint during stair ascent and descent.

Problems in Defi ning the Angle of Shoulder Axial Rotation / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Angles of the shoulder joint are usually defined in each of the sagittal, coronal, and horizontal planes passing through the center of the shoulder joint. One of the problems with this method is the difficulty of describing some positions of the shoulder joint such as the anterolaterally elevated position. In 2005, the International Society of Biomechanics proposed a recommendation on definitions of joint coordinate systems including the shoulder based on Euler/Cardan angles, which have often been used for the purpose of research on shoulder joint movement in daily activities. With this definition, however, it still remains impossible to define the angle of axial rotation in the hanging down position. Also, Codman's paradox, the phenomenon where the rotation angle of the shoulder changes after motions without axial rotation of the arm, remains unsolved. To solve these problems, a new method to define the angle of shoulder axial rotation, the non-singular method, has been proposed. This review describes the history and the problems of the methods used to define shoulder angles, and presents this new method of definition.

The clinical value of using a four-point method to measure joint angles / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To study the clinical value of using a four-point method (FP) in measuring joint angles.Method Methods Twenty-five subjects without knee dysfunction were studied.Every knee joint was tested in extension,below 90° of flexion and above 90° of flexion with the traditional three-point method (TP) and the new four-point method.X-rays were taken as a gold standard measurement.The reliability and validity were analyzed using Bland-Altman plots,which can yield 95% limits of agreement (LOA).Results (1) The joint axis centers moved with changes in joint angle.(2) The 95% LOA of inter-tester reliability was (-5.0,2.7) with the FP and (-6.5,4.4) with the TP.The 95% LOAs of intra-tester reliability were (-3.6,4.0) for tester A and (-4.1,4.8) for tester B with the FP,while (-5.0,6.4) for tester A and (-6.1,5.8) for tester B with the TP.(3) The 95% LOAs in the three positions were (3.5,2.6) in extension,(-3.3,3.6) in mild flexion and (-1.9,5.7) in greater flexion with the FP,and ( 6.8,1.1),(-4.0,7.1) and (0,8.5) with the TP.Conclusions The FP gives better reliability and validity than the TP in joint angle measurement.

Measurement and analysis of the joint angle in lower limb during stair ascent / 医用生物力学

Objective To obtain the statistical data from the range of motion in lower limb of the Chinese people during their stair ascent so as to provide references for the design of artificial joints with large range flexion. Methods Common staircase as an experimental device was designed, and motion capture system（Optotrak Certus, NDI）and 3D force plate（AMTI, Bertec）were used to establish a systematic method to measure the lower limb motion from 40 subjects during stair ascent. Results The variation of joint angle and range of motion in hip, knee and ankle joints for the 40 subjects in different directions within one cycle were obtained and calculated. The range of motion in hip, knee and ankle joints at the sagittal plane were -1.6°~66.7°, 0°~91.4°,-20.8°~22.4°, respectively. Conclusions During the movement of stair ascent, the range of motion at the sagittal plane in hip, knee and ankle joints reached the maximum, with the most flexion in hip and knee. Compared with the movement during walking and jogging on flat road, the range of motion in joints both in hip and knee at the sagittal plane were larger during stair ascent.

The Effect of Arch Pad on Ankle Kinematics during Running / 대한스포츠의학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in three-dimensional (3D) ankle joint kinematics on the arch pad. Ten male subjects performed running trials on treadmill, and ten motion capture system were used to record a position data of the reflected markers on the lower limb. Two conditions (no support and support: arch pad) were compared with the joint angles which were analyzed by the Cardan method. As a result, ankle joint eversion angles with support shoe (-6.5degrees+/-2.5degrees) were significantly lower than that with no support shoe (-10.2degrees+/-3.2degrees) (p0.25, p>0.11). Shoes with medial arch support or using special shoe inserts may help correct one's running form by reducing pronation and may reduce risk of running injury.

PROFILES OF ACTIVITIES OF THIGH MUSCLES DURING SPRINT RUNNING IN TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES EXPERIENCED HAMSTRINGS (MUSCLE) STRAIN INJURY － DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INJURED AND NON INJURED LEGS － / 体力科学

The present study aimed to investigate the profiles of activities of thigh muscles during 100 m sprint running in track and field athletes experienced hamstrings (muscle) strain injury, with specific emphasis on the difference between injured and non-inured legs. The subjects were 20 track and field athletes who were divided into muscle strain injury group (MS) and non muscle strain injury group (NMS). The electromyograms (EMGs) of five thigh muscles (the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis) and knee joint angles were recorded during 100 m sprint running. For NMS, there were no significant differences between the right and left legs. For MS, the averaged EMG of every muscle,expressed as relative to that during maximum voluntary contraction (%mEMG_MVC), values of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus in the latter phases of takeoff and swing periods were significantly higher in the injured leg than in the non-injured leg. Also, the maximal flexed and extended angles of the knee joint during takeoff and swing period, respectively, for the injured leg were significantly greater than those for non-injured leg. Thus, the present results indicate that track and field athletes experienced hamstrings (muscle) strain injury show by higher EMG activities in the biceps femoiris and semitendinosus of the injured leg at the later phases of swing and takeoff periods during 100 m sprint running. This may be partially related to the running style with a greater extended position of knee joint angles at the corresponding phases.

Effect of Flexion Angle of Knee Joint on Co-contractions of Agonist and Antagonist Muscles / 中国康复理论与实践

@# Objective To test the effect of different flexion angles of knee joint on the myoelectric activity and torque of quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle when these muscles contracting.MethodsElectromyographic activities and isometric torque measurements were performed on 10 healthy subjects at 30°, 60° and 90° of knee joint flexion.ResultsThe results indicated that the greatest maximal voluntary isometric contracture-torque of quadriceps femoris occurred during knee extension at 60° of knee flexion ( P<0.01). However, no significant relationship of maximal voluntary isometric contracture-electromyography and maximal voluntary isometric contracture-torque of quadriceps femoris were found in 10 subjects. But when knee joint was at 90° flexion, hamstring muscle had a greatest neuro-myoelectric activity.ConclusionThe exercise of maximal voluntary isometric contraction of quadriceps femoris and hamstrings muscles at certain knee joint angle can help to maintain the stability of knee joint.

Relationship between Surface EMG and Angle of Elbow Joint / 航天医学与医学工程

Objective To explore the correlation between the moving angle of elbow joint and surface electromyogram signal(sEMG)activities of biceps and triceps.Methods The eigenvalue of sEMG during elbow joint moving under constant load were calculated with means of root mean square(RMS)and integrated electromyogram(iEMG)in time domain.Results The experimental results showed that both the chavacteristics of RMS and iEMG for biceps differed from those of triceps.The sEMG activities of biceps increased with the increment of elbow joint angle,while those from triceps reached to the maximum values when elbow joint angle was 90?.Furthermore,the sEMG activities of triceps at the elbow angle of 45? was similar with that when elbow angle was 135?.Conclusion The sEMG from biceps and triceps can reflect the moving angle of elbow joint under constant load.

An Motion Analysis of Sit-to-Stand Transfer in Young Children with Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: Rising from a sitting position is very common, yet essential activity in daily life. The activity to perform the sit-to-stand (STS) transfer is a prerequisite for upright mobility. The children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy have postural asymmetry and unequal development of movement patterns of the two sides, which may influence on STS pattern in these children. This study is aimed to evaluate STS pattern in cerebral palsied children with spastic hemiplegia, in comparison with the normal children. METHOD: Twelve young children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy and 21 normal developed children were recruited as subjects. A motion analysis system using a Motion analyzer (Vicon 370 M.A. with 6 infrared cameras) was used to examine the STS task. The changes in joint angle, moment, and power of each joints in lower limbs, total duration of STS transfer and each transitional points were assessed. RESULTS: Total duration of STS and the first phase duration of forward trunk lean (from T0 to T1) was significantly prolonged in hemiplegic children (2.09 sec; 0.70 sec) in comparison with those of normal control children (1.13 sec; 0.32 sec). Maximal hip extension power and maximal knee extension moment and power were significantly decreased in plegic side (0.53 W/kg; 0.14 Nm/kg; 0.18 W/kg) than in sound side (0.79 W/kg; 0.33 Nm/kg; 0.48 W/kg) of hemiplegic children and normal control children (1.28 W/kg; 0.39 Nm/kg; 0.58 W/kg). Maximal ankle dorsiflexion was significantly increased in the sound side (27.8degrees) of hemiplegic children than in plegic side (22.5degrees) and normal control children (21.9degrees). CONCLUSION: Characteristics through the kinematic and kinetic analysis of STS transfer was identified in spastic hemiplgic cerebral palsied children. Slowness of speed, decreased power generation of knee and hip of plegic side and asymmetric movement of joint angles in these patients were major characteristics which were distinct from normal control children. Slowness of speed of STS was thought to be mainly from prolongation of first phase.

An Analysis of Sit-to-Stand Transfer in Normal Children

OBJECTIVE: Rising from a sitting position is a very common, yet essential activity in daily life. The activity to perform the sit-to-stand (STS) transfer is a prerequisite for upright mobility. This study aims to provide fundamental data concerning the execution of the STS, and in particularly the followings: 1) how do the angles of the lower limbs change throughout the process of rising from a chair; 2) how much motion torque and power in each joint are required per kilogram of body weight to complete the STS transfer? METHOD: Twenty-one children who have developed normally and could understand the command requested are involved as subjects. Their age ranged from 3 to 5 years old. Motion analysis of STS transfer were assessed with the Vicon 370 M.A (Oxford Metrics Limited, United Kingdom). The changes in joint angle, maximal moment and power in lower limb were calculated throughout the STS transfer. RESULTS: A series of transition points was observed in the angles of the hip, knee and ankle joints throughout the sit-to-stand movements, which was classified into five stages. The first stage is trunk and hip flexion phase; second stage, buttock take-off; third stage, ankle dorsiflexion and knee extension; forth stage, just-standing; fifth stage, stabilizing phase. The extension moment of each joint is 0.65 Nm/kg on right, 0.71 Nm/kg on left in hip, 0.41 Nm/kg on right, 0.38 Nm/kg on left in knee and 0.21 Nm/kg on right, 0.22 Nm/kg on left in ankle joint. The extension power is 0.60 watt/kg on right, 0.68 watt/kg on left in hip, 0.59 watt/kg on right, 0.50 watt/kg on left in knee and 0.15 watt/kg on right, 0.15 watt/kg on left in ankle joint. CONCLUSION: A consistent pattern was observed throughout the sit-to-stand transfer and six transition points were observed in the angles of the hip, knee and ankle joints throughout the STS transfer. By these 6 points, the movement of the STS transfer was classified into 5 stages. Major changes in angle, moment, and power of each joint were observed in sagittal plane. There were no side to side difference during the STS transfer.

The Pathologic Anatomy of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Degenerative spondylolisthesis, which occurs frequently in middle-aged women, is a disease that causes canal stenosis of the lumbar spine and low back pain. Although the clinical features have been described characteristically, its pathogenic mechanism and therapeutic principles are still to be clarified. Some investigators have claimed that the disease originates from morphologic abnormalities of laminae and facet joints or that it is primarily due to degeneration of the intervertebral disks and degenerative changes of the facet joints. We selected two groups of patients retrospectively. The one was a group of patient who had normal findings on their magnetic resonance imaging(Group I ) and the other was a group of patients who showed degenerative spondylolisthesis at L4-5 and had been managed surgically(Group II ). We measured the total lordosis from Ll to S 1 and segmental lordosis of L3-4, L4-5 and LS-S 1 in both groups by Cobbs method. In group 3, we measured the degree of slippage of the L4 vertebral body and investigated the associated congenital anomalies of the lumbosacral vertebra on simple anteroposterior and lateral radiographs in both groups. And we measured the facet joint angles of the L3-4, L4-5 and L5-Sl at both side on MRI. Then we analysed the results statistically and got the following conclusions. 1. In Group I, total lordosis decreased significantly. The segmental lordosis of L4-5 and LS-S1 decreased, too, but the segmental lordosis of L3-4 increased. 2. The facet joint angles of L4-5 in Group I increased significantly in both sides. 3. The intercrestal line was lower in Group I than in Group II. 4. The degree of slip was not related with the facet joint angles of L4-5.