Biomechanical Study of a Tricompartmental Unloader Brace for Patellofemoral or Multicompartment Knee Osteoarthritis.

Off-loader knee braces have traditionally focused on redistributing loads away from either the medial or lateral tibiofemoral (TF) compartments. In this article, we study the potential of a novel "tricompartment unloader" (TCU) knee brace intended to simultaneously unload both the patellofemoral (PF) and TF joints during knee flexion. Three different models of the TCU brace are evaluated for their potential to unload the knee joint.

Design and development of ankle-foot prosthesis with delayed release of plantarflexion.

A computer-controlled mechanism that fits a standard ankle-foot prosthesis was designed to capture the absorbed energy in the ankle and delay its release until specific times in the gait cycle. This mechanism used a direct current motor to take up and hold the compression of a carbon-fiber ankle joint. Based on the timing of the contact forces between the foot and the ground, a microprocessor released the spring at preset times later in the gait cycle.

The future of the regional training centres: planning for sustainability.

The main objective of the Regional Training Centres (RTCs) is to produce well qualified personnel within the fields of health services and nursing research. Through their collaborative efforts, each of the RTCs has created opportunities for conceptual and methodological competency, knowledge synthesis and knowledge translation and exchange for graduate students, as well as for community-based decision-makers across a variety of areas in applied health and nursing services research. Now, the RTCs face the challenge of envisioning their future.

Comparison of two normative paediatric gait databases.

The availability of age-matched normative data is an essential component of clinical gait analyses. Comparison of normative gait databases is difficult due to the high-dimensionality and temporal nature of the various gait waveforms. The purpose of this study was to provide a method of comparing the sagittal joint angle data between two normative databases.

An extended index to quantify normality of gait in children.

Clinical gait analysis aims to quantify and assess the mechanics of walking and identify deviations from 'normal' movement patterns. To facilitate the use of clinical equipment, protocols are required to process data and produce a few meaningful summary measurements which can, in turn, be used to flag gait abnormalities. Earlier work produced a one-dimensional index of gait, calculated from sagittal hip, knee and ankle rotation angle patterns.

A comparison of kinetic gait parameters for 3-13 year olds.

Background: Normative gait data is essential for diagnosing and treating abnormal gait patterns. The examination of the onset of adult-like kinetic gait patterns in children has generated inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to identify age-related differences in kinematic and kinetic gait parameters across children aged 3-13 years old.

Effect of stiffness and movement speed on selected dynamic torque characteristics of hydraulic-actuation joystick controls for heavy vehicles.

The purpose of this work was to quantify the effects of joystick stiffness and movement speed on the dynamic torque characteristics of hydraulic-actuation joystick controls, as found in off-road vehicles, as one of the initial steps towards the development of a joystick design protocol. Using a previously developed mathematical model in which a hydraulic-actuation joystick is assumed to rotate about two axes where the rotation origin is a universal joint, the dynamic torque characteristics incurred by an operator were predicted. Utilizing a laboratory mock-up of an excavator cab environment, three actuation torque characteristics (peak torque, angular impulse and deceleration at the hard endpoint) were quantified for nine unskilled joystick operators during the use of a commonly used North American hydraulic-actuation joystick.

Gait analysis.

Gait analysis, or the study of locomotion, has changed dramatically over the last few decades. Advances in computer technology and data analysis techniques have contributed greatly to the progress of this field. Gait analysis has become a valuable tool in the clinical setting.