Search Results

Equations that clarify the mechanical relationships between various parameter values and the velocity of the distal endpoint of a two-segment kinetic chain modeling the human arm were developed and analyzed. In particular, a single equation was presented that relates the distal endpoint velocity to the system’s angular momentum (as an indicator of muscular torque input), the ratio of the distal segment’s angular velocity to that of the proximal segment (the flail ratio), and the angle between the two segments (the configuration angle). These three system variables were analyzed to examine which values are best for creating a large value for the velocity of the distal endpoint. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine whether the relationships between the system values and the distal endpoint velocity were consistent for varying segment parameters. The relationships found were consistent for the various segment parameters. For any given values of the flail ratio and the configuration angle, the larger the value of the system angular momentum, the larger the value of the distal endpoint velocity. For any given values of the system angular momentum and the configuration angle, the larger the flail ratio, the larger the value of the distal endpoint velocity. For given values of the system angular momentum and the flail ratio, the optimal configuration angle that maximizes the distal endpoint velocity depends on the flail ratio value. While it may be impossible to generate simultaneously the combination of optimal parameter values determined, the knowledge of the relationships of these parameters with each other and with the distal endpoint velocity will aid in the search for an attainable optimal compromise.

The large, late-stance energy generated by the ankle is believed to be critical during gait. However, the distal foot absorbs/dissipates a considerable amount of energy during the same phase. Thus, the energy generated by the combined ankle–foot system is more modest, which raises questions regarding the necessity of such a large ankle power and the interplay between foot and ankle energetics. This study aimed to evaluate our conservation of energy hypothesis, which predicted if distal foot energy absorption/dissipation was reduced, then less energy would be generated at the ankle and thus the same combined ankle–foot energetics would be achieved. Motion analysis data were collected as healthy subjects walked under 2 conditions (Shoes, Footplate). In the Footplate condition, the shoe was replaced with a customized, rigid footplate with a rocker profile. In support of the hypothesis, there was significantly less positive ankle and less negative distal foot work with footplate use, resulting in very similar combined ankle–foot work between conditions. These findings suggest that there is an interplay between the energy generated by the ankle and absorbed by the foot. This interplay should be considered when designing orthotic and prosthetic ankle–foot systems and rehabilitation programs for individuals with weakened ankle muscles.

The variety of experimental setups used during in vitro testing of distal radius fracture treatments impairs interstudy comparison and might lead to contradictory results. Setups particularly differ with respect to their boundary conditions, but the influence on the experimental outcome is unknown. The aim of this biomechanical study was to investigate the effects of 2 common boundary conditions on the biomechanical properties of an extra-articular distal radius fracture treated using volar plate osteosynthesis. Uniaxial compression tests were performed on 10 synthetic radii that were randomized into a proximally constrained group (ProxConst) or proximally movable group (ProxMove). The load was applied distally through a ball joint to enable distal fragment rotation. A significantly larger (ProxConst vs ProxMove) stiffness (671.6 ± 118.9 N·mm⁻¹ vs 259.6 ± 49.4 N·mm⁻¹), elastic limit (186.2 ± 24.4 N vs 75.4 ± 20.2 N), and failure load (504.9 ± 142.5 N vs 200.7 ± 49.0 N) were found for the ProxConst group. The residual tilt did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. We concluded that the boundary conditions have a profound impact on the experimental outcome and should be considered more carefully in both study design and interstudy comparison.