text:
Most Cited Gait & Posture Articles
The most cited articles published since 2011, extracted from Scopus.
Validity of the Microsoft Kinect for assessment of postural controlRoss A. Clark | Yong Hao Pua | Karine Fortin | Callan Ritchie | Kate E. Webster | Linda Denehy | Adam L. Bryant
Volume 36, Issue 3, July 2012, Pages 372-377
Clinically feasible methods of assessing postural control such as timed standing balance and functional reach tests provide important information, however, they cannot accurately quantify specific postural control mechanisms. The Microsoft Kinect™ system provides real-time anatomical landmark position data in three dimensions (3D), and given that it is inexpensive, portable and simple to setup it may bridge this gap. This study assessed the concurrent validity of the Microsoft Kinect™ against a benchmark reference, a multiple-camera 3D motion analysis system, in 20 healthy subjects during three postural control tests: (i) forward reach, (ii) lateral reach, and (iii) single-leg eyes-closed standing balance. For the reach tests, the outcome measures consisted of distance reached and trunk flexion angle in the sagittal (forward reach) and coronal (lateral reach) planes. For the standing balance test the range and deviation of movement in the anatomical landmark positions for the sternum, pelvis, knee and ankle and the lateral and anterior trunk flexion angle were assessed. The Microsoft Kinect™ and 3D motion analysis systems had comparable inter-trial reliability (ICC difference=0.06. ±. 0.05; range, 0.00-0.16) and excellent concurrent validity, with Pearson's . r-values >0.90 for the majority of measurements (r=0.96. ±. 0.04; range, 0.84-0.99). However, ordinary least products analyses demonstrated proportional biases for some outcome measures associated with the pelvis and sternum. These findings suggest that the Microsoft Kinect™ can validly assess kinematic strategies of postural control. Given the potential benefits it could therefore become a useful tool for assessing postural control in the clinical setting. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
Assessing and training standing balance in older adults: A novel approach using the 'Nintendo Wii' Balance BoardWilliam Young | Stuart Ferguson | Sébastien Brault | Cathy Craig
Volume 33, Issue 2, February 2011, Pages 303-305
Older adults, deemed to be at a high risk of falling, are often unable to participate in dynamic exercises due to physical constraints and/or a fear of falling. Using the Nintendo 'Wii Balance Board' (WBB) (Nintendo, Kyoto, Japan), we have developed an interface that allows a user to accurately calculate a participant's centre of pressure (COP) and incorporate it into a virtual environment to create bespoke diagnostic or training programmes that exploit real-time visual feedback of current COP position. This platform allows researchers to design, control and validate tasks that both train and test balance function. This technology provides a safe, adaptable and low-cost balance training/testing solution for older adults, particularly those at high-risk of falling. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.
Normative spatiotemporal gait parameters in older adultsJohn H. Hollman | Eric M. McDade | Ronald C. Petersen
Volume 34, Issue 1, May 2011, Pages 111-118
While factor analyses have characterized pace, rhythm and variability as factors that explain variance in gait performance in older adults, comprehensive analyses incorporating many gait parameters have not been undertaken and normative data for many of those parameters are lacking. The purposes of this study were to conduct a factor analysis on nearly two dozen spatiotemporal gait parameters and to contribute to the normative database of gait parameters from healthy, able-bodied men and women over the age of 70. Data were extracted from 294 participants enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. Spatiotemporal gait data were obtained as participants completed two walks across a 5.6-m electronic walkway (GAITRite®). Five primary domains of spatiotemporal gait performance were identified: a " rhythm" domain was characterized by cadence and temporal parameters such as stride time; a " phase" domain was characterized by temporophasic parameters that constitute distinct divisions of the gait cycle; a " variability" domain encompassed gait cycle and step variability parameters; a " pace" domain was characterized by parameters that included gait speed, step length and stride length; and a " base of support" domain was characterized by step width and step width variability. Several domains differed between men and women and differed across age groups. Reference values of 23 gait parameters are presented which researchers or clinicians can use for assessing and interpreting gait dysfunction in aging persons. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
Local dynamic stability and variability of gait are associated with fall history in elderly subjectsMarcel J P Toebes | Marco J M Hoozemans | Regula Furrer | Joost Dekker | Jaap H. Van Dieën
Volume 36, Issue 3, July 2012, Pages 527-531
Gait parameters that can be measured with simple instrumentation may hold promise for identifying individuals at risk of falling. Increased variability of gait is associated with increased risk of falling, but research on additional parameters indicates that local dynamic stability (LDS) of gait may also be a predictor of fall risk. The objective of the present study was to assess the association between gait variability, LDS of gait and fall history in a large sample of elderly subjects.Subjects were recruited and tested at a large national fair. One hundred and thirty four elderly, aged 50-75, who were able to walk without aids on a treadmill, agreed to participate.After subjects walked on a treadmill, LDS (higher values indicate more instability) and variability parameters were calculated from accelerometer signals (trunk worn). Fall history was obtained by self-report of falls in the past 12 months.Gait variability and short-term LDS were, individually and combined, positively associated with fall history.In conclusion, both increased gait variability and increased short-term LDS are possible risk factors for falling in the elderly. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
Efficacy of clinical gait analysis: A systematic reviewTishya A L Wren | George E. Gorton | Sylvia Õunpuu | Carole A. Tucker
Volume 34, Issue 2, June 2011, Pages 149-153
The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and summarize the current evidence base related to the clinical efficacy of gait analysis. A literature review was conducted to identify references related to human gait analysis published between January 2000 and September 2009 plus relevant older references. The references were assessed independently by four reviewers using a hierarchical model of efficacy adapted for gait analysis, and final scores were agreed upon by at least three of the four reviewers. 1528 references were identified relating to human instrumented gait analysis. Of these, 116 original articles addressed technical accuracy efficacy, 89 addressed diagnostic accuracy efficacy, 11 addressed diagnostic thinking and treatment efficacy, seven addressed patient outcomes efficacy, and one addressed societal efficacy, with some of the articles addressing multiple levels of efficacy. This body of literature provides strong evidence for the technical, diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic thinking and treatment efficacy of gait analysis. The existing evidence also indicates efficacy at the higher levels of patient outcomes and societal cost-effectiveness, but this evidence is more sparse and does not include any randomized controlled trials. Thus, the current evidence supports the clinical efficacy of gait analysis, particularly at the lower levels of efficacy, but additional research is needed to strengthen the evidence base at the higher levels of efficacy. © 2011.
Body-worn motion sensors detect balance and gait deficits in people with multiple sclerosis who have normal walking speedR. I. Spain | R. J. St. George | A. Salarian | M. Mancini | J. M. Wagner | F. B. Horak | D. Bourdette
Volume 35, Issue 4, April 2012, Pages 573-578
While balance and gait limitations are hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS), standard stopwatch-timed measures practical for use in the clinic are insensitive in minimally affected patients. This prevents early detection and intervention for mobility problems. The study sought to determine if body-worn sensors could detect differences in balance and gait between people with MS with normal walking speeds and healthy controls. Thirty-one MS and twenty-eight age- and sex-matched control subjects were tested using body-worn sensors both during quiet stance and gait (Timed Up and Go test, TUG). Results were compared to stopwatch-timed measures. Stopwatch durations of the TUG and Timed 25 Foot Walk tests were not significantly different between groups. However, during quiet stance with eyes closed, people with MS had significantly greater sway acceleration amplitude than controls (. p=. 0.02). During gait, people with MS had greater trunk angular range of motion in roll (medio-lateral flexion, . p=. 0.017) and yaw (axial rotation, . p=. 0.026) planes. Turning duration through 180° was also longer in MS (. p=. 0.031). Thus, body-worn motion sensors detected mobility differences between MS and healthy controls when traditional timed tests could not. This portable technology provides objective and quantitative mobility data previously not obtainable in the clinic, and may prove a useful outcome measure for early mobility changes in MS. © 2011 .
Reliability and minimal detectible change values for gait kinematics and kinetics in healthy adultsJason M. Wilken | Kelly M. Rodriguez | Melissa Brawner | Benjamin J. Darter
Volume 35, Issue 2, February 2012, Pages 301-307
Computerized assessment of gait is commonly used in both research and clinical settings to quantify gait mechanics and detect change in performance. Minimal Detectable Change values have only recently been reported, are only available for patient populations, and in many cases exceed 10°. Twenty nine healthy individuals underwent two biomechanical gait assessments separated by 5.6 (SD 2.2) days, with two raters for each session. All subjects walked at a self selected pace and three controlled velocities. ICC, SEM and MDC for kinematic and kinetic measures were calculated for interrater-intrasession, intrarater-intersession and interrater-intersession. ICC values were in the good to excellent range (r>0.75) for all kinematic and kinetic variables and all comparisons. MDC values were lower than previously published data for all similar comparisons. The results of the current study suggest that reliability is good to excellent across a range of controlled walking velocities and the introduction of a second rater does not appreciably impact ICC or MDC values. In young healthy adults changes in gait kinematics of greater than approximately 5° can be identified when comparing between sessions. © 2011.
Accuracy of the Microsoft Kinect sensor for measuring movement in people with Parkinson's diseaseBrook Galna | Gillian Barry | Dan Jackson | Dadirayi Mhiripiri | Patrick Olivier | Lynn Rochester
Volume 39, Issue 4, January 2014, Pages 1062-1068
Background: The Microsoft Kinect sensor (Kinect) is potentially a low-cost solution for clinical and home-based assessment of movement symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The purpose of this study was to establish the accuracy of the Kinect in measuring clinically relevant movements in people with PD. Methods: Nine people with PD and 10 controls performed a series of movements which were measured concurrently with a Vicon three-dimensional motion analysis system (gold-standard) and the Kinect. The movements included quiet standing, multidirectional reaching and stepping and walking on the spot, and the following items from the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale: hand clasping, finger tapping, foot, leg agility, chair rising and hand pronation. Outcomes included mean timing and range of motion across movement repetitions. Results: The Kinect measured timing of movement repetitions very accurately (low bias, 95% limits of agreement <10% of the group mean, ICCs >0.9 and Pearson's r>. 0.9). However, the Kinect had varied success measuring spatial characteristics, ranging from excellent for gross movements such as sit-to-stand (ICC. = .989) to very poor for fine movement such as hand clasping (ICC. = .012). Despite this, results from the Kinect related strongly to those obtained with the Vicon system (Pearson's r>. 0.8) for most movements. Conclusions: The Kinect can accurately measure timing and gross spatial characteristics of clinically relevant movements but not with the same spatial accuracy for smaller movements, such as hand clasping. © 2014 The Authors.
Gait and cognition: The relationship between gait stability and variability with executive function in persons with and without dementiaTrienke IJmker | Claudine J C Lamoth
Volume 35, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 126-130
Besides cognitive decline, dementia is characterized by gait changes and increased fall risk, also in early stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the relationship between executive function and gait variability and stability during single task and dual task walking in persons with and without dementia. The study sample consisted of three groups: fifteen dementia patients (aged 75-87), fourteen healthy elderly (aged 75-85), and twelve relatively younger elderly (aged 55-70). Participants underwent neuropsychological testing and tests of single and dual task walking while wearing an accelerometer. Outcome measures include stride related measures such as mean and coefficient of variation of stride time, and dynamic measures regarding the magnitude, smoothness, predictability and local stability of trunk accelerations. Patients with dementia exhibited a significantly (p<. .05) less variable, but more irregular trunk acceleration pattern than cognitively intact elderly on single and dual task walking. The walking pattern during dual tasking for the whole group became increasingly unstable, even though participants modified their gait pattern by slowing their walking speed, and decreasing the magnitude of trunk accelerations. Moderate to high correlations (r> .51) were found between executive tasks and gait parameters. In conclusion, these findings indicate that decreased executive function plays an important role in increased gait variability in dementia patients; a fact that should be considered when designing fall risk interventions for this population. Furthermore, results indicate that measures of gait variability and stability should be deemed worthwhile in the diagnosis of dementia. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
Quantifying gait abnormalities in persons with multiple sclerosis with minimal disabilityJacob J. Sosnoff | Brian M. Sandroff | Robert W. Motl
Volume 36, Issue 1, May 2012, Pages 154-156
Abnormalities in gait kinematics in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) who have mild disability have been noted using motion capture systems. However, it is not clear if these abnormalities can be detected with clinically feasible technology. This investigation examined if the spatiotemporal markers of gait including variability metrics can distinguish between PwMS with minimal disability and controls with clinically feasible technology. 43 PwMS with minimal disability and 43 healthy controls completed four walking trials along a 26 foot long pressure sensitive pathway (GAITRite). Spatiotemporal markers of gait including variability metrics were determined. Statistical analysis revealed that PwMS walked slower, with fewer, shorter, wider steps and spent a greater percentage of a gait cycle in double support than controls. Additionally, PwMS had greater variability in the time between steps, single support percent and step width than controls. Collectively, the results highlight that PwMS, in the absence of clinical gait impairment, have subtle but detectable differences in gait and that these alterations can be detected with clinically feasible technology. The current results raise the possibility of targeting walking deviations earlier in disability progression in PwMS. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
Reliability of center of pressure measures of postural stability in healthy older adults: Effects of postural task difficulty and cognitive loadMojgan Moghadam | Hassan Ashayeri | Mahyar Salavati | Javad Sarafzadeh | Keyvan Davatgaran Taghipoor | Ahmad Saeedi | Reza Salehi
Volume 33, Issue 4, April 2011, Pages 651-655
Postural instability is a major risk factor of falling in the elderly. It is well documented that postural control may decline while performing a concurrent cognitive task and this effect increases with age. Despite the extensive use of dual tasking in balance assessment protocols, a lack of sufficient reliability information is evident. This study determines the reliability of the postural stability measures in older adults, assessed under single and dual-task conditions and different levels of postural difficulty. Sixteen older adults completed quiet stance postural measurements at three levels of difficulty (rigid surface-eyes open, rigid surface-eyes closed, and foam surface-eyes closed), with or without performing a concurrent backward counting task, in two sessions 1 week apart. Force plate data was used to calculate center of pressure (COP) parameters including mean velocity, phase plane portrait, area (95% confidence ellipse), standard deviation (SD) of amplitude, and SD of velocity. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), and minimal metrically detectable change (MMDC) were calculated for each COP measure in all test conditions. Mean velocity, total phase plane, phase plane in ML direction, and SD of velocity in ML direction were the most reliable COP measures across all test conditions. ICC values were consistently higher in ML direction compared with AP direction. In general, velocity-related COP measures in ML direction showed to be highly reliable. Further research may explore the predictive and evaluative value of these COP parameters. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
Speeding up or slowing down?: Gait adaptations to preserve gait stability in response to balance perturbationsLaura Hak | Han Houdijk | Frans Steenbrink | Agali Mert | Peter Van der Wurff | Peter J. Beek | Jaap H. Van Dieën
Volume 36, Issue 2, June 2012, Pages 260-264
It has frequently been proposed that lowering walking speed is a strategy to enhance gait stability and to decrease the probability of falling. However, previous studies have not been able to establish a clear relation between walking speed and gait stability. We investigated whether people do indeed lower walking speed when gait stability is challenged, and whether this reduces the probability of falling.Nine healthy subjects walked on the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation ENvironment (CAREN) system, while quasi-random medio-lateral translations of the walking surface were imposed at four different intensities. A self-paced treadmill setting allowed subjects to regulate their walking speed throughout the trials. Walking speed, step length, step frequency, step width, local dynamic stability (LDS), and margins of stability (MoS) were measured.Subjects did not change walking speed in response to the balance perturbations (. p=. 0.118), but made shorter, faster, and wider steps (. p<. 0.01) with increasing perturbation intensity. Subjects became locally less stable in response to the perturbations (. p<. 0.01), but increased their MoS in medio-lateral (. p<. 0.01) and backward (. p<. 0.01) direction.In conclusion, not a lower walking speed, but a combination of decreased step length and increased step frequency and step width seems to be the strategy of choice to cope with medio-lateral balance perturbations, which increases MoS and thus decreases the risk of falling. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
Biomechanics and physiological parameters during gait in lower-limb amputees: A systematic reviewYoshimasa Sagawa | Katia Turcot | Stéphane Armand | Andre Thevenon | Nicolas Vuillerme | Eric Watelain
Volume 33, Issue 4, April 2011, Pages 511-526
The purpose of this systematic review was to identify which biomechanical and physiological parameters are the most relevant, commonly used, able to discriminate and/or have specific clinical relevance for the gait analysis of lower-limb amputees (LLA). Methods: We performed an electronic search via the PubMed, EMBASE and ISI Web of Knowledge databases from 1979 to May 2009. Two independent reviewers assessed the title and abstract of each identified study. The quality assessment of the full text was undertaken using a 13-item checklist divided into three levels: A, B, and C. Results: The literature search identified 584 abstracts to be considered. After applying the inclusion criteria, we reviewed the full text of a total of 89 articles. The mean article quality was 8 ± 2. No A-level article was found; the primary reason was a negative score in blinded outcome assessment. Sixty-six articles (74%) corresponded to a B-level, and two articles (2%) corresponded to a C-level. Twenty-one articles (24%) did not acquire enough points to be assigned to any level. In this study, we present and discuss the most commonly used and most relevant 32 parameters. Many of the parameters found were not reported in enough studies or in enough detail to allow a useful evaluation. Conclusion: This systematic review can help researchers compare, choose and develop the most appropriate gait evaluation protocol for their field of study, based on the articles with best scores on the criteria list and the relevance of specific biomechanical and physiological parameters. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
How robust is human gait to muscle weakness?Marjolein M. van der Krogt | Scott L. Delp | Michael H. Schwartz
Volume 36, Issue 1, May 2012, Pages 113-119
Humans have a remarkable capacity to perform complex movements requiring agility, timing, and strength. Disuse, aging, and disease can lead to a loss of muscle strength, which frequently limits the performance of motor tasks. It is unknown, however, how much weakness can be tolerated before normal daily activities become impaired. This study examines the extent to which lower limb muscles can be weakened before normal walking is affected. We developed muscle-driven simulations of normal walking and then progressively weakened all major muscle groups, one at the time and simultaneously, to evaluate how much weakness could be tolerated before execution of normal gait became impossible. We further examined the compensations that arose as a result of weakening muscles. Our simulations revealed that normal walking is remarkably robust to weakness of some muscles but sensitive to weakness of others. Gait appears most robust to weakness of hip and knee extensors, which can tolerate weakness well and without a substantial increase in muscle stress. In contrast, gait is most sensitive to weakness of plantarflexors, hip abductors, and hip flexors. Weakness of individual muscles results in increased activation of the weak muscle, and in compensatory activation of other muscles. These compensations are generally inefficient, and generate unbalanced joint moments that require compensatory activation in yet other muscles. As a result, total muscle activation increases with weakness as does the cost of walking. By clarifying which muscles are critical to maintaining normal gait, our results provide important insights for developing therapies to prevent or improve gait pathology. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
Gait assessment in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: The effect of dual-task challenges across the cognitive spectrumSusan W. Muir | Mark Speechley | Jennie Wells | Michael Borrie | Karen Gopaul | Manuel Montero-Odasso
Volume 35, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 96-100
Gait impairment is a prominent falls risk factor and a prevalent feature among older adults with cognitive impairment. However, there is a lack of comparative studies on gait performance and fall risk covering the continuum from normal cognition through mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD). We evaluated gait performance and the response to dual-task challenges in older adults with AD, MCI and normal cognition without a history of falls. We hypothesized that, in older people without history of falls, gait performance will deteriorate across the cognitive spectrum with changes being more evident under dual-tasking. Gait was assessed using an electronic walkway under single and three dual-tasks conditions. Gait velocity and stride time variability were not significantly different between the three groups under the single-task condition. By contrast, significant differences of decreasing velocity (p<. 0.0001), increasing stride time (p= 0.0057) and increasing stride time variability (p= 0.0037) were found under dual-task testing for people with MCI and AD. Less automatic and more complex dual-task tests, such as naming animals and serial subtraction by sevens from 100, created the greatest deterioration of gait performance. Gait changes under dual-tasking for the MCI and AD groups were statistically different from the cognitively normal controls. Dual-task assessment exposed gait impairments not obvious under a single-task test condition and may facilitate falls risk identification in cognitively impaired persons without a history of falls. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
Gait variability in older adults: A structured review of testing protocol and clinimetric propertiesSue Lord | Tracey Howe | Julia Greenland | Linda Simpson | Lynn Rochester
Volume 34, Issue 4, October 2011, Pages 443-450
Gait variability (stride-to-stride fluctuations) is used increasingly as a marker for gait performance and future mobility status, cognitive status, and falls. This structured review explicitly examined literature that reported on the reliability, validity and responsiveness of gait variability in older adults. We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PEDRO, Biomechanics, SportDiscus and PsycInfo databases. Two independent reviewers undertook data extraction, with adjudication by a third reviewer in cases of disagreement. Twenty-two full papers were screened and 10 met the predefined inclusion criteria, involving 1036 participants who were mainly community dwelling older adults in their 8th decade. A wide range of gait variability parameters, testing protocols and calculations of gait variability were reported. Reliability estimates varied, but were mostly fair to moderate. Concurrent validity was established for stance time variability and change estimates were reported for stance time and swing time. Standard of reporting was generally poor, with insufficient detail provided for aspects of measurement and testing protocols. Further research is required to standardise testing procedures and establish reliability, responsiveness and validity for confident use of gait variability as a robust measure. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
Is the foot striking pattern more important than barefoot or shod conditions in running?Yo Shih | Kuan Lun Lin | Tzyy Yuang Shiang
Volume 38, Issue 3, July 2013, Pages 490-494
People have advocated barefoot running, claiming that it is better suited to human nature. Humans usually run barefoot using a forefoot strike and run shod using a heel strike. The striking pattern was thought to be a key factor that contributes to the benefit of barefoot running. The purpose of this study is to use scientific data to prove that the striking pattern is more important than barefoot or shod conditions for runners on running injuries prevention. Twelve habitually male shod runners were recruited to run under four varying conditions: barefoot running with a forefoot strike, barefoot running with a heel strike, shod running with a forefoot strike, and shod running with a heel strike. Kinetic and kinematic data and electromyography signals were recorded during the experiments. The results showed that the lower extremity can gain more compliance when running with a forefoot strike. Habitually shod runners can gain more shock absorption by changing the striking pattern to a forefoot strike when running with shoes and barefoot conditions. Habitually shod runners may be subject to injuries more easily when they run barefoot while maintaining their heel strike pattern. Higher muscle activity in the gastrocnemius was observed when running with a forefoot strike, which may imply a greater training load on the muscle and a tendency for injury. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
A kinematic method for footstrike pattern detection in barefoot and shod runnersAllison R. Altman | Irene S. Davis
Volume 35, Issue 2, February 2012, Pages 298-300
Footstrike patterns during running can be classified discretely into a rearfoot strike, midfoot strike and forefoot strike by visual observation. However, the footstrike pattern can also be classified on a continuum, ranging from 0% to 100% (extreme rearfoot to extreme forefoot) using the strike index, a measure requiring force plate data. When force data are not available, an alternative method to quantify the strike pattern must be used. The purpose of this paper was to quantify the continuum of foot strike patterns using an easily attainable kinematic measure, and compare it to the strike index measure. Force and kinematic data from twenty subjects were collected as they ran across an embedded force plate. Strike index and the footstrike angle were identified for the four running conditions of rearfoot strike, midfoot strike and forefoot strike, as well as barefoot. The footstrike angle was calculated as the angle of the foot with respect to the ground in the sagittal plane. Results indicated that the footstrike angle was significantly correlated with strike index. The linear regression model suggested that strike index can be accurately estimated, in both barefoot and shod conditions, in the absence of force data. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
Clinical stabilometry standardization. Basic definitions - Acquisition interval - Sampling frequency.Fabio Scoppa | Roberto Capra | Michele Gallamini | Riccardo Shiffer
Volume 37, Issue 2, February 2013, Pages 290-292
Several statements on the still debated issue of stabilometry standardization were agreed upon by the ISPGR Standardization Committee.•A set of metrological characteristics for stabilometric platforms was defined.•Relying both on practice and experimental verification it was agreed that, to obtain appropriate accuracy and sensitivity in the Romberg Test:○The acquisition interval should not be less than 25s.○The sampling frequency should be at least 50Hz.•After careful consideration it was decided that the recommendations made in the previous Standardization proposal in 1983 regarding environmental conditions should be maintained. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
Validity and reliability of the Kinect within functional assessment activities: Comparison with standard stereophotogrammetryB. Bonnechère | B. Jansen | P. Salvia | H. Bouzahouene | L. Omelina | F. Moiseev | V. Sholukha | J. Cornelis | M. Rooze | S. Van Sint Jan
Volume 39, Issue 1, January 2014, Pages 593-598
The recent availability of the Kinect™ sensor, a cost-effective markerless motion capture system (MLS), offers interesting possibilities in clinical functional analysis and rehabilitation. However, neither validity nor reproducibility of this device is known yet. These two parameters were evaluated in this study. Forty-eight volunteers performed shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, hip abduction and knee flexion motions; the same protocol was repeated one week later to evaluate reproducibility. Movements were simultaneously recorded by the Kinect (with Microsoft Kinect SDK v.1.5) MLS and a traditional marker-based stereophotogrammetry system (MBS). Considering the MBS as reference, discrepancies between MLS and MBS were evaluated by comparing the range of motion (ROM) between both systems. MLS reproducibility was found to be statistically similar to MBS results for the four exercises. Measured ROMs however were found different between the systems. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Validity of a Smartphone-based instrumented Timed Up and GoSabato Mellone | Carlo Tacconi | Lorenzo Chiari
Volume 36, Issue 1, May 2012, Pages 163-165
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) is one of the most widely used clinical tests to assess balance and mobility. An instrumented Timed Up and Go (iTUG) makes use of a specialized measurement system (e.g. an accelerometer) to identify and evaluate specific mobility skills. Nowadays a Smartphone (SP) comes with a large set of embedded sensors, including an accelerometer. An SP is a user-friendly device able to perform ubiquitous sensing with a variety of connectivity options. In this study we evaluate the validity of an SP for instrumenting the TUG. We examined 49 subjects (59 ± 16 years old), without defining any inclusion criteria, using both an SP and a McRoberts Dynaport Hybrid, a device specifically designed for movement analysis. The statistical agreement between the two measurement systems is good for some of the parameters described in literature, which are of clear clinical value. Inter-rater reliability is often excellent and intra-rater reliability has been assessed in a subgroup of 25 subjects finding the same results for the two devices. In conclusion we found evidence that the SP is capable of becoming a pervasive and low-cost tool for the quantitative analysis of balance and mobility. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
Validity of the Microsoft Kinect for providing lateral trunk lean feedback during gait retrainingRoss A. Clark | Yong Hao Pua | Adam L. Bryant | Michael A. Hunt
Volume 38, Issue 4, September 2013, Pages 1064-1066
Gait retraining programs are prescribed to assist in the rehabilitation process of many clinical conditions. Using lateral trunk lean modification as the model, the aim of this study was to assess the concurrent validity of kinematic data recorded using a marker-based 3D motion analysis (3DMA) system and a low-cost alternative, the Microsoft Kinect™ (Kinect), during a gait retraining session. Twenty healthy adults were trained to modify their gait to obtain a lateral trunk lean angle of 10°. Real-time biofeedback of the lateral trunk lean angle was provided on a computer screen in front of the subject using data extracted from the Kinect skeletal tracking algorithm. Marker coordinate data were concurrently recorded using the 3DMA system, and the similarity and equivalency of the trunk lean angle data from each system were compared. The lateral trunk lean angle data obtained from the Kinect system without any form of calibration resulted in errors of a high (>2°) magnitude (mean error = 3.2 ± 2.2°). Performing global and individualized calibration significantly ( P<. 0.001) improved this error to 1.7 ± 1.5° and 0.8 ± 0.8° respectively. With the addition of a simple calibration the anatomical position coordinates of the Kinect can be used to create a real-time biofeedback system for gait retraining. Given that this system is low-cost, portable and does not require any sensors to be attached to the body, it could provide numerous advantages when compared to laboratory-based gait retraining systems. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Step length asymmetry is representative of compensatory mechanisms used in post-stroke hemiparetic walkingJessica L. Allen | Steven A. Kautz | Richard R. Neptune
Volume 33, Issue 4, April 2011, Pages 538-543
Post-stroke hemiparetic subjects walk with asymmetrical step lengths that are highly variable between subjects and may be indicative of the underlying impairments and compensatory mechanisms used. The goal of this study was to determine if post-stroke hemiparetic subjects grouped by step length asymmetry have similar abnormal walking biomechanics compared to non-impaired walkers. Kinematic and ground reaction force data were recorded from 55 hemiparetic subjects walking at their self-selected speed and 21 age and speed-matched non-impaired control subjects. Hemiparetic subjects were grouped by paretic step ratio, which was calculated as the paretic step-length divided by the sum of paretic and nonparetic step-lengths, into high (>0.535), symmetric (0.535-0.465) and low (<0.465) groups. Non-parametric Wilcoxin signed-rank tests were used to test for differences in joint kinetic measures between hemiparetic groups and speed-matched control subjects during late single-leg stance and pre-swing. The paretic leg ankle moment impulse was reduced in all hemiparetic subjects regardless of their paretic step ratio. The high group had increased nonparetic leg ankle plantarflexor and knee extensor moment impulses, the symmetric group had increased hip flexor moment impulses on both the paretic and nonparetic leg and the low group had no additional significant differences in joint moment impulses. These results suggest that the direction of asymmetry can be used to identify both the degree of paretic plantarflexor impairment and the compensatory mechanisms used by post-stroke hemiparetic subjects. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
Is gait variability reliable in older adults and Parkinson's disease? Towards an optimal testing protocolBrook Galna | Sue Lord | Lynn Rochester
Volume 37, Issue 4, April 2013, Pages 580-585
Background: Despite the widespread use of gait variability in research and clinical studies, testing protocols designed to optimise its reliability have not been established. This study evaluates the impact of testing protocol and pathology on the reliability of gait variability. Objective: To (i) estimate the reliability of gait variability during continuous and intermittent walking protocols in older adults and people with Parkinson's disease (PD), (ii) determine optimal number of steps for acceptable levels of reliability of gait variability and (iii) provide sample size estimates for use in clinical trials. Methods: Gait variability was measured twice, one week apart, in 27 older adults and 25 PD participants. Participants walked at their preferred pace during: (i) a continuous 2. min walk and (ii) 3 intermittent walks over a 12. m walkway. Gait variability was calculated as the within-person standard deviation for step velocity, length and width, and step, stance and swing duration. Results: Reliability of gait variability ranged from poor to excellent (intra class correlations .041-.860; relative limits of agreement 34-89%). Gait variability was more reliable during continuous walks. Control and PD participants demonstrated similar reliability. Increasing the number of steps improved reliability, with most improvement seen across the first 30 steps. Conclusions: In this study, we identified testing protocols that improve the reliability of measuring gait variability. We recommend using a continuous walking protocol and to collect no fewer than 30 steps. Early PD does not appear to impact negatively on the reliability of gait variability. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
Postural sway as a marker of progression in Parkinson's disease: A pilot longitudinal studyMartina Mancini | Patricia Carlson-Kuhta | Cris Zampieri | John G. Nutt | Lorenzo Chiari | Fay B. Horak
Volume 36, Issue 3, July 2012, Pages 471-476
Objective measures of postural control that are sensitive to Parkinson's disease (PD) progression would improve patient care and accelerate clinical trials. Although measures of postural sway during quiet stance in untreated PD have been shown to differ from age-matched control subjects, it is not known if sway measures change with disease progression in early PD. In this pilot study, we asked whether accelerometer-based metrics of sway could provide a practical tool for monitoring progression of postural dyscontrol in people with untreated or newly treated PD.We examined 13 subjects with PD and 12 healthy, age-matched control subjects. The PD subjects had been recently diagnosed and had not started any antiparkinsonian medications at the baseline session. All subjects were tested 3-6 months and 12 months after the baseline session. Subjects were asked to stand quietly for two minutes while wearing an inertial sensor on their posterior trunk that measured trunk linear acceleration.Our results suggested that objective sway measures deteriorated over one year despite minimal changes in UPDRS motor scores. Medio-lateral (ML) sway measures were more sensitive than antero-posterior sway measures in detecting progression. The ML JERK was larger in the PD group than the control group across all three testing sessions. The ML sway dispersion and ML sway velocity were also significantly higher in PD compared to control subjects by the 12-month evaluation. It is feasible to measure progression of PD prior to onset of treatment using accelerometer-based measures of quiet standing. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.


text: Brandon's Apartment - Drugs By Brandon's Apartment On tonight's episode of Brandon's Apartment, literally weeks after opening... more »On tonight's episode of Brandon's Apartment, literally weeks after opening for his idol, Doug Stanhope and winning the Brantford Comedy Festival - Rising Star competition and opening for Canadian icons Colin Mochrie and his wife Deb McGrath. Award-winning, comedy prodigy ten-year-old Mayce Galoni stops by to discuss his drug problem (or drug-dealer problems.) www.maycegaloni.wordpress.com Meanwhile, rapper, entrepreneur, and reality star Drew Carrymore drops some fire from his new mixtape, "Saved By the Fro." To download "Saved By the Fro," more information on 'The Project: Guatemala', or anything else Drew Carrymore, please visit http://www.drewcarrymore.com « less Published September 29, 2013 906 views More Info » Full Credits Brandon's Apartment Uploader Stats & Data 10 Funny Votes 2 Die Votes 906 Views Published: September 29, 2013 Categories: Stand Up Web Series Music Keywords: comedy Doug Stanhope Colin Mochrie Deb McGrawth Hamilton Stand Up Late Night best Worst Ontario Canada independent music live reality 4:20 entertainment world tour pot weed monologue banter host co-host DJ Up Next: Brandon's Apartment - Family AUTOPLAY Up Next In: 10 Brandon's Apartment - Family S01E06 Brandon's Apartment - Video Games S01E04 Brandon's Apartment - Racism S01E03 Brandon's Apartment - Hecklers S01E05 Follow Facebook Twitter Tumblr Instagram Browse Related Comments 7+ more View All ▶ Brandon's Apartment Vaguely Related Videos Vaguely Related Pics & Words Advertisement Tags: comedy Doug Stanhope Colin Mochrie Deb McGrawth Hamilton Advertisement

subset: commoncrawl


text:
realmagick.com The shrine of knowledge.
Deontological Ethics
A selection of articles related to deontological ethics.
Original articles from our library related to the Deontological Ethics. See Table of Contents for further available material (downloadable resources) on Deontological Ethics.
- The 'W' Word (Witch), What Does it Mean?
- The other day I sat down and again tried to define what it is that I am doing. We are talking about beginning our church next year, but a church of what? I am the type that is most comfortable with a clear and complete understanding, so I began at the...
Religions >> Paganism & Wicca
- Privacy, Ethics & OBE
- There is a widespread belief stemming from early this century that has not only remained unchanged but has been continually propagated ever since. This belief is that if a projector deliberately invades the privacy of another person for immoral purposes or...
Astral Projection >> Out of Body Experiences
- The Religious Experience: A Wiccan Viewpoint
- What is religion? Religion is a set of beliefs which allow us to understand and categorize our world and our place in it. A set of beliefs which define our culture, our expectations, our views of people and behaviors we expect. I have found several different...
Religion & Philosophy >> Religions
- A Basic View of Paganism or Bambi Pagansim
- "You people are all so nice! I like the idea of Paganism, but I don't think I could be that nice all the time." The writer was genuinely perplexed and driven to ask me if it is really possible that Pagans, Witches and Wiccans really lived such...
Religions >> Paganism & Wicca
- Our Pagan Village: The Importance and Persuit of Honor
- Candlelight flickers over the Beltaine revels. Food is laid out in the circle for the feast. Only one rule – no one can feed themselves. Each is dependent on friends and loved ones for sustenance, joy and delight. After an hour of laughter and revels and way...
Paganism & Wicca >> Daily Life
- Values in the Balance
- We in the Pagan community pride ourselves on our tolerance for difference. Differences in lifestyle, sexual preference, orientation and expression, race, orthodoxy, tradition, ritual structure, costumes, positions on nudity, personal interaction styles, etc....
Holidays >> Mabon
Deontological Ethics is described in multiple online sources, as addition to our editors' articles, see section below for printable documents, Deontological Ethics books and related discussion.
Suggested News Resources
- The Death of Socrates and Capital Punishment Today By Professor Robert Zaller
- We call this deontology today, or, in plainer language, ethics. For Socrates, this was the only real question of human life, and he asked it endlessly, every day of his life.
- Serial Season 2, Episodes 7 and 8 Recap
- There are few places in the world, the Western world, at that, where one can indulge in Virtue Ethics instead of Deontological Ethics.
- Is Torture Ever Ethically Justifiable?
- The ethical debate clearly split along a dividing line—between ethical deontologists and ethical consequentialists but with the former sometimes using the latter approach and the latter sometimes using the former approach.
- Guest Post: Does Humanity Want Computers Making Moral Decisions?
- Will they be ethical? Will they be good? And what do we mean by "good"?
Great care has been taken to prepare the information on this page. Elements of the content come from factual and lexical knowledge databases, realmagick.com library and third-party sources. We appreciate your suggestions and comments on further improvements of the site.
Deontological Ethics Topics
Related searchessilent watcher
gear ratio example
jennifer lopez early years
baba ram dass
kazakhstan demographics
boule de suif summary
toilet khazi
About - Contact - Advertising
© 2000 - 2016 Realmagick.com, All Rights Reserved.
© 2000 - 2016 Realmagick.com, All Rights Reserved.