Concurrent validity of an automated algorithm for computing the center of pressure excursion index (CPEI).

Center of Pressure Excursion Index (CPEI), a parameter computed from the distribution of plantar pressures during stance phase of barefoot walking, has been used to assess dynamic foot function. The original custom program developed to calculate CPEI required the oversight of a user who could manually correct for certain exceptions to the computational rules. A new fully automatic program has been developed to calculate CPEI with an algorithm that accounts for these exceptions.

Changes in Lower Extremity Kinematics and Temporal Parameters of Adolescent Baseball Pitchers During an Extended Pitching Bout.

Background: Few studies have investigated detailed 3-dimensional lower extremity kinematics during baseball pitching in adolescent athletes during extended play. Changes in these parameters may affect performance outcomes.

Purpose: To investigate whether adolescent baseball pitchers experience changes in lower extremity kinematics and event timing during a simulated game-length pitching bout.

The effect of simulated elbow contracture on temporal and distance gait parameters.

Background: Elbow contractures can be functionally debilitating. Extensive research has been published on treatments to restore elbow motion, but few have discussed clinical implications beyond the affected extremity. Reciprocal arm swing in normal gait has been shown to increase stability and reduce energy expenditure.

Trunk muscle activity during exercises performed on land and in water.

Purpose: The study's purpose was to determine whether trunk muscle activity levels are different during spine stability exercises performed in water compared with on land.

Methods: Eleven male participants performed four abdominal trunk exercises on land and in water at the depth of the xiphoid. The exercises were abdominal hollowing, abdominal bracing, and anteroposterior and mediolateral pelvic tilts.

Effect of whole body vibration on stereotypy of young children with autism.

The objective of this case was report on the effects of acute whole body vibration exposure on stereotyped behaviour of young children with autism. Four young boys (ages 4-5 years) diagnosed with autism participated. The children were participants in an early intensive behavioural intervention clinic and during downtimes stood on a whole body vibration platform with the machine turned off (control condition) and on (treatment condition) for three to four, 30 s periods (frequency=28 Hz; amplitude 0.