Clinical Research Directory

"Balance, Gait, and Motion Analysis in Multiple Sclerosis"

The goal of this observational cross-sectional study is to investigate the relationship between functional measures of balance and gait and objective kinetic and kinematic parameters in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The main questions it aims to answer are: i) What is the relationship between kinetic and kinematic gait and balance parameters measured using the Vicon motion analysis system and performance on clinical functional assessments in people with Multiple Sclerosis? ii) Which biomechanical parameters are most strongly associated with functional balance, gait, and physical performance outcomes? Participants will attend a single laboratory-based assessment session. During this session, they will undergo biomechanical gait and balance analysis using the Vicon motion capture system, complete functional assessments of balance, gait, and physical performance, complete questionnaires assessing fear of falling and fatigue, and undergo assessment of lower-limb spasticity.

The Impact of Shoulder Immobilization by Orthoses on Human Joint Biomechanics and Inter-joint Coordination

Shoulder joint orthoses are commonly used for patients with shoulder disorders to stabilize and protect shoulder joint after injury or surgery. These devices maintain proper anatomical alignment of the shoulder joint and surrounding soft tissues, reducing pain, facilitating proper recovery, and preventing further injury. Commonly used shoulder orthoses include shoulder sling, abduction brace, and figure-of-eight shoulder brace. The appropriate orthosis is selected based on patient's specific clinical needs, and it should be worn for an appropriate duration to avoid over or inadequate shoulder immobilization. When patients wear shoulder orthoses during daily activities, such as sit-to-stand, level walking, climbing stairs, or overcoming obstacles of a certain height, the immobilized shoulder reduces reciprocal arm swing, altering body's balance mechanism and potentially increasing the risk of falls. Different shoulder orthoses with various shoulder position affect human motor coordination and balance to varying degrees. Therefore, assessing the changes in body movements caused by shoulder immobilization with orthoses can provide crucial clinical information to aid in clinical decision-making. This study utilizes stereophotogrammetry to measure and analyze subjects' motion changes while their shoulders are immobilized with orthoses. It aims to understand the biomechanical changes when subjects participate in static balance tests and dynamic activities. Through corresponding biomechanical analyses, including kinematics, dynamics, and joint coordination, the study seeks to understand the extent of the impact of shoulder orthoses on human movements. This information would serve as important reference data for subsequent clinical decisions regarding whether to use orthoses or not, the duration of use, and the suitability of the orthoses for patients of different ages.

Effect of Corrective Exercises on Dynamic Knee Valgus

Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is a movement pattern of the lower limb potentially consisting of a combination of adduction and internal rotation of the femur, knee abduction, tibial anterior translation, tibial external rotation and ankle eversion. Average "normal" performance during a fall jump landing mission knee valgus angle should be in the range of 7-13 degrees in women and 3-8 degrees in men. This faulty movement pattern is a common dysfunction observed in the lower limb during dynamic activities. On the other hand, this is reported to be the underlying mechanism of knee injuries. Changes in knee valgus increase abnormal stresses on the tibiofemoral joint and increase the risk of injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament injuries, patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band syndrome, chronic ankle instability, acute lateral ankle sprains. The main cause of DKV is deficits in neuromuscular control and therefore injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies focus on improving neuromuscular control to avoid these injury mechanisms. There are conflicting results in the literature regarding which of the exercise approaches is superior for DKV, and there is a lack of studies evaluating 2D movement analysis, muscle mechanics and performance of corrective exercise training. Identifying individuals with abnormal movement patterns and those at risk is important to prevent future injuries. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of corrective exercises on lower extremity biomechanics and performance in individuals with asymptomatic dynamic knee valgus.