@ThePO_dcast is set up to discuss points of interest from across the world of prosthetics and orthotics. The latest podcast features our Dr Nicola Eddison discussing Tuning vs. Biomechanical Optimisation!
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Visualising Coordination Patterns during human movement
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Here’s an introduction and highlights of our work
- Proposed coordination pattern classification can offer an interpretation of the CA that provides either in-phase or anti-phase coordination information, along with an understanding of the direction of segmental rotations and the segment that is the dominant mover at each point in time.
- The traditional approach of reporting time-series data from vector coding can be problematic when overlaying multiple trials on the same illustration.
- The use of colour mapping and profiling techniques highlighted differences in coordination pattern and coordination variability data across several participants that questions the interpretation and relevance of reporting group data.
- Colour mapping and profiling techniques are ideal reporting methods to compliment prospective multiple single-subject design studies and to classify commonalities and differences in patterns of coordination and patterns of control between individuals or trials.
- The data visualisation approaches in the current study may provide further insight on overuse injuries, exercise prescription and rehabilitation interventions.
- Our approach can have important implications in demonstrating gait coordination data in an easily comprehensible fashion by clinicians and scientists alike.
Key References
Needham, R., Naemi, R. and Chockalingam, N., 2014. Quantifying lumbar–pelvis coordination during gait using a modified vector coding technique. Journal of biomechanics, 47(5), pp.1020-1026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2013.12.032
Needham, R.A., Naemi, R. and Chockalingam, N., 2015. A new coordination pattern classification to assess gait kinematics when utilising a modified vector coding technique. Journal of biomechanics, 48(12), pp.3506-3511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.07.023
Needham, R.A., Naemi, R., Hamill, J. and Chockalingam, N., 2020. Analysing patterns of coordination and patterns of control using novel data visualisation techniques in vector coding. The Foot, p.101678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foot.2020.101678
Our latest work shows that children with Cerebral Palsy have more energy to play and be physically active for longer!
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Our research shows that the appropriate design and tailoring of splints can reduce the energy used by children with CP while increasing their speed and distance, compared with a splint which is not fine-tuned. This is something which could have a significant impact on their quality of life.
During the study, the researchers analysed the walking pattern of children with cerebral palsy at our gait laboratory and participants were assessed while barefoot and with both non-tuned and tuned splints.
Children wearing the fine-tuned splints showed improvements in several areas including hip and pelvic function and knee extension, while a non-tuned splint potentially showed a decrease in hip function.
The full research findings, which were published in the June edition of the Foot Journal, are available below:
- Does user perception affect adherence when wearing biomechanically optimised ankle foot orthosis – footwear combinations: A pilot study
- The effect of tuning ankle foot orthoses-footwear combinations on gait kinematics of children with cerebral palsy: A case series
- Ankle Foot Orthoses: Standardisation of Terminology
Calling for Early career Researchers in India interested in Diabetes and Assistive Devices
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The Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies at Staffordshire University, UK is looking to establish a network of like-minded early career researchers in India interested in the area of rehabilitation and/or mobility assistive devices (e.g. footwear, orthoses, prostheses, wheelchairs) for people with diabetes. The goal of this network will be to establish national collaboration between early career researchers within India and international collaboration with Indian institutions and Staffordshire University.
Ideally you should:
· Have a PhD related to the area of rehabilitation or mobility assistive devices for people with diabete
· Be employed at an Indian University or Research based Institution.
· Be an early career researcher who is currently within their first five years of academic or other research-related employment.
· Ideally with a good range of internationally peer reviewed journal publications.
· Below the age of 40 years.
If you are interested please email Dr. Aoife Healy (a.healy(at)staffs.ac.uk) with a short resume including a list of publications or provide a link to your ResearchGate/Google Scholar profile by Monday 22nd July 2019.