Clinical Biomechanics最新文献

{"title":"Measurement of gait by an in-shoe motion sensor system: feasibility and potential application in healthy adults and patients with orthopedic diseases","authors":"Keiko Asakura ,&nbsp;Sachie Mori ,&nbsp;Aya Yoshida ,&nbsp;Norihito Etoh ,&nbsp;Katsunori Fukutake ,&nbsp;Hideyuki Aoki ,&nbsp;Eisuke Orito ,&nbsp;Azusa Furukawa ,&nbsp;Hiroaki Nakano ,&nbsp;Hiroshi Takahashi ,&nbsp;Yuji Nishiwaki","doi":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106597","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106597","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Gait varies in accordance with several factors, including age, gender, and the presence of disease. A recently developed system allows the convenient measurement of gait using in-shoe motion sensors and a smartphone application. Here, this system was used to measure seven gait parameters in 40 healthy adults and 45 patients with orthopedic disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>For the healthy volunteers, gait monitoring was performed for one month. This monitoring was also performed at home before and one year after surgery in patients with knee or spine disorders, and at hospital at four time points before and after surgery to monitor changes in gait. The relationship between participant characteristics and gait was assessed among the healthy volunteers, and change of gait in the perioperative period was described among the patients.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>In the healthy volunteers, being in one's 80s was significantly related with worse gait conditions, such as slower walking speed and shorter stride length, than being in one's 40s. Also, higher height was associated with longer stride length. In the patients with knee disorders, many gait parameters worsened from before to one month after surgery, and then tended to improve up to one year post-surgery. In contrast, patients with spinal disorders showed improvement even at one month post-surgery, with continued improvement up to three months post-surgery.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>Measurement in daily life was feasible, and thought to accurately reflect the gait of each participant. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between the gait parameters and health outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50992,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Biomechanics","volume":"127 ","pages":"Article 106597"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144330282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamic balance and mobility during pregnancy","authors":"Breanna R. Dumke ,&nbsp;Lauren H. Theilen ,&nbsp;Janet M. Shaw ,&nbsp;K. Bo Foreman ,&nbsp;Leland E. Dibble ,&nbsp;Peter C. Fino","doi":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106596","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106596","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Approximately 25 % of pregnant people fall during the course of their pregnancy. While most falls during pregnancy occur during complex, dynamic movements, prior research on balance in pregnant people has largely focused on static posture. The present study aims to investigate dynamic balance and mobility throughout gestation by examining relatively more complex movements than traditional assessments of gait and balance in pregnant people. It is the first study to quantify two common clinical tests, the tandem gait test and the Timed Up and Go test, that assess mobility and fall risk via IMUs within pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 30 pregnant people (1st trimester: <em>n</em> = 10, 2nd trimester: n = 10, 3rd trimester: n = 10) and 10 healthy nonpregnant control females completed a tandem gait test and the Timed Up and Go test. Time to completion and measures of movement quality such as smoothness, peak turning speed, and mediolateral sway via the root mean square of center of mass acceleration, obtained through inertial measurement units (Opal v2, APDM Inc.), were compared between groups.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Overall, pregnant individuals completed both tests slower as gestational age increased. Pregnant people also demonstrated a similar movement quality, to healthy controls, rather than maintaining movement speed.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>We speculate that reduced movement speed may be a compensatory strategy used during pregnancy to safely move despite increased mass and limited thoracopelvic rotations. Altogether, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the context-dependent effects of pregnancy on dynamic balance and mobility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50992,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Biomechanics","volume":"127 ","pages":"Article 106596"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144336046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral frailty and fall risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis in adults aged 45 and over","authors":"Prakasini Satapathy ,&nbsp;Shilpa Gaidhane ,&nbsp;Ashok Kumar Bishoyi ,&nbsp;Subbulakshmi Ganesan ,&nbsp;V. Kavita ,&nbsp;Swati Mishra ,&nbsp;Manpreet Kaur ,&nbsp;Ganesh Bushi ,&nbsp;Muhammed Shabil ,&nbsp;Rukshar Syed ,&nbsp;Sonam Puri ,&nbsp;Sunil Kumar ,&nbsp;Sabah Ansar ,&nbsp;Sanjit Sah ,&nbsp;Lovely Jain","doi":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106595","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106595","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Oral health plays a vital role in overall well-being among older adults. Oral frailty—characterized by impaired chewing ability, reduced saliva production, and tooth loss—has been linked to an increased risk of physical decline, particularly falls. Falls are a major health concern in aging populations due to their impact on independence and healthcare burden. This study investigates the association between oral frailty and the occurrence of falls to inform prevention strategies and health policy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify studies examining the relationship between oral frailty and falls among individuals aged 45 years and older. Study quality was assessed using the National Institute of Health assessment tool. Statistical analyses, including meta-analysis and assessments of heterogeneity and publication bias, were performed using R Studio and Review Manager.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>From 1563 records identified, 12 studies met the eligibility criteria. The combined analysis demonstrated a significant association between oral frailty and falls, with individuals experiencing oral frailty having nearly twice the risk of falling compared to those without (pooled odds ratio 1.86). Subgroup analysis showed a stronger association among adults aged 65 years and older (odds ratio 2.03), suggesting increased vulnerability with advancing age.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>There is a clear association between oral frailty and increased risk of falls among older adults. Integrating oral health into geriatric care can help reduce fall-related injuries and associated healthcare costs. These findings support expanding access to dental care as part of preventive health coverage for the aging population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50992,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Biomechanics","volume":"127 ","pages":"Article 106595"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144366026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retrograde intramedullary headless compression screw fixation for distal fibular fractures","authors":"Joseph Bellapianta ,&nbsp;Scott Winnier ,&nbsp;George Anastasios Souflis ,&nbsp;Michael K. Viggiano","doi":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106593","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106593","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Although intramedullary headless compression screw fixation for distal fibular fractures has been described, its biomechanical properties remain underexplored in orthopedic literature. Distal fibular fractures are commonly treated with plate-and-screw constructs; however, complications related to hardware prominence, soft tissue irritation, and hardware removal are frequent. Retrograde intramedullary headless compression screw fixation may offer a biomechanically stable, minimally invasive alternative.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To biomechanically compare retrograde intramedullary headless compression screw fixation with traditional 7-hole one-third tubular plate and lag screw fixation in simulated Weber B distal fibular fractures using cadaveric models.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty match-paired cadaver fibulas were artificially fractured and repaired with either intramedullary screw or plate fixation. The specimens underwent four-point bending and torsional tests to assess biomechanical stability. Paired <em>t</em>-tests were used for comparisons, with effect sizes and confidence intervals reported.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Intramedullary headless compression screw fixation demonstrated greater stability during compression testing, but this difference was not statistically significant (<em>p</em> = 0.1326). The mean difference in maximum compressive load was 28.108 N (95 % CI [−11.43, 67.65]). No significant differences were observed in torsion testing, with a mean difference of −14.411 N·cm (95 % CI [−35.70, 6.88]). The study had low statistical power (0.052) to detect differences.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretations</h3><div>Retrograde intramedullary screw fixation provides comparable or superior biomechanical stability to plate-and-screw constructs in a cadaveric model. This technique may be a viable alternative in select fracture patterns, warranting further clinical investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50992,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Biomechanics","volume":"127 ","pages":"Article 106593"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144314545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Simple assessment for rotation of the forearm using three-dimensional bone models","authors":"Derek F.R. van Loon ,&nbsp;Mark F. Siemensma ,&nbsp;Eline M. van Es ,&nbsp;Denise Eygendaal ,&nbsp;DirkJan H.E.J. Veeger ,&nbsp;Joost W. Colaris","doi":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106590","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Dynamic medical imaging can determine the cause of rotational impairment in the forearm. However, it has drawbacks depending on the image modality used, related to radiation dose, the need for specialized equipment, and the labor intensity involved in the analysis. Because the forearm rotation axis is static, we hypothesize that an axis based on bony landmarks is comparable to an axis calculated from dynamic imaging.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eight post-mortem human forearms were scanned using CT in seven rotational positions from maximum supination to maximum pronation. Three rotation axes were calculated: the landmark, average helical, and circle fit axes. The primary outcome is the difference between the axes expressed as the angle and the minimal distance between them. Secondary outcomes are the orientation errors when modeling pose using the three found axes.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The mean difference between the landmark and average helical axes was 0.38 degrees and 0.51 mm. The mean difference between the landmark and circle fit axes was 0.40 degrees and 0.51 mm. When modeling the pose of the radius using one of the three axes, the difference between the modeled radius and the scanned radius was in each direction below 2 mm and 1 degree.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>The rotation axis of the forearm can be accurately calculated using automatically placed bony landmarks. These findings indicate that determining the forearm rotation axis does not require multiple static images or dynamic imaging. This knowledge should be applied to clinical data to assess its applicability in practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50992,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Biomechanics","volume":"127 ","pages":"Article 106590"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144314544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Aquatic and land-based therapies were ineffective in improving muscle strength and morphological parameters in Parkinson: A randomized trial","authors":"Bruno Strey ,&nbsp;Jéssica Saccol Borin Aita ,&nbsp;Bruna Frata ,&nbsp;Fernanda Cechetti ,&nbsp;Ronei Silveira Pinto","doi":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aims to investigate the efficacy of two common conservative physical therapy modalities: aquatic-based therapy and land-based therapy on disease progression and objective neuromuscular and morphological parameters in individuals with Parkinson's disease.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A randomized clinical trial involved 30 participants with Parkinson's disease, assigned to either aquatic-based therapy or land-based therapy for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Section III. Knee isometric rate of force development and isokinetic peak torque were measured using dynamometry. Thigh bone mass density, fat-free mass, and fat mass were assessed via DXA, while ultrasonography evaluated quadriceps muscle thickness, quadriceps specific tension, thigh specific tension, and echo intensity of the quadriceps.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Neither the aquatic-based therapy nor land-based therapy groups showed significant changes in the UPDRS, isometric rate of force development, isokinetic peak torque, bone mass density, or fat mass. However, both groups exhibited a significant reduction in fat-free mass (<em>p</em> = 0.008). The aquatic-based therapy group significantly increased echo intensity of the rectus femoris (Δ = 8.1 ± 14.8 arbitrary units) compared to land-based therapy (Δ = −1.8 ± 9.1 arbitrary units). Several isometric rate of force development intervals and both quadriceps specific tension and thigh specific tension were significantly related to the UPDRS (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>Both low-intensity modalities did not improve force production but reduced thigh fat-free mass in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease progression was significantly associated with force production parameters rather than morphological parameters<em>.</em></div></div>","PeriodicalId":50992,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Biomechanics","volume":"127 ","pages":"Article 106594"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144314543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A medial malleolus marker provides precise measurements of tibial torsion that align closely with EOS","authors":"Patrick Do,&nbsp;Jing Feng,&nbsp;Ellen M. Raney","doi":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Tibial malalignment often occurs in children with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders like cerebral palsy. Tibial torsion measurement, crucial for treatment decisions, is typically assessed using the conventional gait model, which places markers on the lateral shank, knee, and malleolus. However, accurately placing these markers can be challenging. Studies suggest adding a medial malleolus marker improves measurement accuracy. Additionally, EOS imaging provides a low-radiation, cost-effective method for measuring tibial rotation. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the conventional gait model versus the medial malleoli marker method, compare these with passive goniometer measurements, and correlate results with EOS imaging.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In a cohort of 31 participants (aged 5–17 years), tibial torsion was assessed through physical exams, gait analysis, and EOS imaging. Tibial rotation was analyzed using the conventional model and medial malleoli marker method. Correlations between methods were assessed using Pearson's coefficient and Bland-Altman plots.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The medial malleoli marker method correlated more strongly with EOS imaging (<em>r</em> = 0.66) than the conventional model (<em>r</em> = 0.27). It also showed excellent agreement with passive goniometer measurements (<em>r</em> = 0.92). EOS imaging consistently reported higher torsion values compared to other methods.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>Adding a medial malleolus marker enhances the accuracy and reliability of tibial rotation measurements compared to the conventional gait model. While discrepancies exist with EOS imaging, the medial malleoli marker method shows stronger alignment with both passive and imaging-based assessments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50992,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Biomechanics","volume":"127 ","pages":"Article 106591"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144279202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mobility metrics in individuals with and without an indication for knee arthroplasty: An explorative analysis","authors":"F.J. Bruning ,&nbsp;C.J. Ensink ,&nbsp;K.C. Defoort ,&nbsp;J.M.H. Smolders ,&nbsp;I.E. van der Horst-Bruinsma ,&nbsp;C.H.M. van den Ende ,&nbsp;K. Smulders","doi":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106592","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106592","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>It is conceivable that candidates for total knee arthroplasty due to knee osteoarthritis have poorer walking ability than people who do not have an indication for total knee arthroplasty. This study explored the discriminative ability of mobility metrics between individuals with and without an indication for total knee arthroplasty.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Mobility metrics were collected with inertial sensors on the same day as the consultation with the orthopedic surgeon in which the decision for total knee arthroplasty eligibility was made. Inertial sensors on both feet, lower back and trunk were used to collect gait data during short mobility tests. Participants walked along a 10-m walkway for two minutes, and performed sit-to-stand tasks. Based on the orthopedic surgeon's indication for total knee arthroplasty, individuals were assigned to the indication (<em>N</em> = 58) group or no indication (<em>N</em> = 73) group. Mobility metrics reflecting walking, turning and rising from a chair were compared between groups, and corrected for confounding variables.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Both groups had similar demographic and clinical characteristics, except for higher radiographic osteoarthritis severity in the indication group. Gait speed was 0.08 m/s (95 %CI: [−0.15, −0.01]) lower in the indication group compared to the no indication group. No significant differences were found in other mobility metrics.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>Unlike expected, the difference in mobility metrics between individuals with and without a total knee arthroplasty indication was small. This finding implies that the ability to walk, turn and rise from a chair plays a minor role in the decision-making process regarding TKA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50992,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Biomechanics","volume":"127 ","pages":"Article 106592"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144291322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Region-specific assessment of the mechanical properties of each hamstring muscle in human cadavers using shear wave elastography","authors":"Gakuto Nakao ,&nbsp;Taiki Kodesho ,&nbsp;Kazuma Yamagata ,&nbsp;Risa Adachi ,&nbsp;Koki Ishiyama ,&nbsp;Kazuyoshi Kozawa ,&nbsp;Kota Watanabe ,&nbsp;Yuki Ohsaki ,&nbsp;Masaki Katayose ,&nbsp;Keigo Taniguchi","doi":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106586","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106586","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Understanding regional mechanical properties of individual hamstring muscles is essential for accurately interpreting their functional behavior during elongation. However, how mechanical stress varies within muscles during elongation remains unclear. This study aimed to examine whether mechanical stresses differ among the hamstring muscles and at various regions within each muscle.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Fifteen cadavers were dissected to study the biceps femoris long head, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscles. Proximal and distal tendons were attached to a mechanical testing machine, and muscles were stretched from slack length to 8 % strain. Muscle length was measured with a tape measure, and anatomical cross-sectional areas at proximal (33 %) and distal (67 %) regions were determined using B-mode ultrasonography. Strain and stress were calculated to assess mechanical properties, and shear modulus was measured using shear wave elastography at the same regions.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>A linear correlation between shear modulus and stress was found for all hamstring muscles (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). Significant interactions among muscle, region, and strain were observed, with post-hoc tests revealing that the biceps femoris long head and semimembranosus had higher shear modulus than the semitendinosus after 0.5 % strain. The proximal biceps femoris long head showed increased shear modulus after 5 % strain, and proximal semimembranosus showed higher values after 0.5 % strain compared with the distal region.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>The study findings reveal region-specific variations in the mechanical properties both among and within the hamstring muscles. Combining shear wave elastography with mechanical testing offers a non-destructive approach for characterizing these variations in passive muscle behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50992,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Biomechanics","volume":"127 ","pages":"Article 106586"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144241961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating ankle dorsiflexion in people with multiple sclerosis: Weight bearing vs. non-weight bearing methods","authors":"Michael Psarakis ,&nbsp;Alexandra Badman ,&nbsp;Louis Dennison ,&nbsp;Phu Hoang","doi":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106585","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106585","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ankle joint contractures are common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), significantly reducing dorsiflexion range of motion, hindering gait and increasing falls. Accurate, standardised ankle dorsiflexion measures for neurologically impaired populations are lacking. This study compared validity and reliability of the non-torque-controlled Weight-Bearing Lunge Test with the torque-controlled Modified Lidcombe Template in assessing ankle dorsiflexion among people with and without MS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Sixty participants were included: 20 with MS, 20 healthy matched controls, and 20 young adults. Ankle dorsiflexion was assessed bilaterally in knee-flexed and knee-extended positions using both methods. Concurrent validity was analyzed using correlation coefficients. Discriminative validity was evaluated by comparing dorsiflexion between affected and less-affected sides in the MS group and contralaterally in controls. Intra-rater reliability was assessed with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients from measurements taken seven days apart.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>High correlations were found between both tests in knee-flexed positions (<em>r</em> = 0.76) but moderate correlations in knee-extension (<em>r</em> = 0.58). The Weight-Bearing Lunge Test demonstrated greater sensitivity in detecting differences between affected and less-affected sides in MS, particularly in knee-flexion (effect size d = −1.04). However, knee-extension measures were less consistent, proving unsuitable for 20 % of MS participants due to balance limitations. The Modified Lidcombe Template exhibited excellent reliability across all conditions (&gt; 0.90), with higher torques differentiating between affected and less-affected sides in MS.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>The Modified Lidcombe Template offers greater consistency and appropriateness for neurological conditions. Measuring resistance to passive movement at higher torques provides a comprehensive understanding of contractures, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50992,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Biomechanics","volume":"127 ","pages":"Article 106585"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144241960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}