Kinesiology Commons^™

New Perspectives On Foot Segment Forces And Joint Kinetics - Integrating Plantar Shear Stresses And Pressures With Multi-Segment Foot Modeling, Dustin A. Bruening, Spencer R. Petersen, Sarah T. Ridge

Faculty Publications

The role of the foot in gait is not well understood, in part due to challenges in capturing and utilizing segmental ground reaction forces. The purposes of this study were to 1) develop methodology to integrate plantar pressure/shear stresses with a multi-segment foot model, and 2) generate and display key normative data from this combined system. Twenty-six young healthy adults walked barefoot (1.3 m/s) across a pressure/shear sensor with markers matching a published 4-segment kinetic foot model. A novel anatomical/geometric masking method was developed that successfully separated regions aligned with model segmentation. This template-based method can be automated and customized …

The Role Of The Midfoot In Drop Landings, Mark T. Olsen, Dustin A. Bruening, A. Wayne Johnson, Sarah T. Ridge

Faculty Publications

Purpose: The midfoot is instrumental to foot function; however, quantifying its roles in human movement has been difficult. A forceful dynamic activity like landing may help elucidate the midfoot’s contribution to foot energetics and function. The main purpose of this study was to measure midtarsal joint kinematics and kinetics during a barefoot single-leg landing task. A secondary aim of this study was to explore the relationship between static foot posture and dynamic midfoot function.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study design, 48 females (age = 20.4 ± 1.8 yr, body mass index = 21.6 ± 1.7 kg/m) performed drop landings from …

A Sport-Specific Wearable Jump Monitor For Figure Skating, Dustin A. Bruening, Riley E. Reynolds, Chris W. Adair, Peter Zapalo, Sarah T. Ridge

Faculty Publications

Advancements in wearable technology have facilitated performance monitoring in a number of sports. Figure skating may also benefit from this technology, but the inherent movements present some unique challenges. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to monitor three aspects of figure skating jumping performance: jump count, jump height, and rotation speed. Seven competitive figure skaters, outfitted with a waist-mounted IMU, performed a total of 59 isolated multi-revolution jumps and their competition routines, which consisted of 41 multi-revolution jumps along with spins, footwork, and other skills. The isolated jumps were …

Control Of Redundant Pointing Movements Involving The Wrist And Forearm, Garrett R. Dorman, Kevin C. Davis, Allan W. Peaden, Steven K. Charles

Faculty Publications

The musculoskeletal system can move in more ways than are strictly necessary, allowing many tasks to be accomplished with a variety of limb configurations. Why some configurations are preferred has been a focus of motor control research, but most studies have focused on shoulder-elbow or whole-arm movements. This study focuses on movements involving forearm pronation-supination (PS), wrist flexion-extension (FE), and wrist radial-ulnar deviation (RUD), and elucidates how these three degrees of freedom (DOF) combine to perform the common task of pointing, which only requires two DOF. Although pointing is more sensitive to FE and RUD than to PS and could …

Walking In Minimalist Shoes Is Effective For Strengthening Foot Muscles, Sarah T. Ridge, Mark T. Olsen, Dustin A. Bruening, Kevin Jurgensmeier, David Griffin, Irene S. Davis, A. Wayne Johnson

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Weakness of foot muscles may contribute to a variety of loading-related injuries. Supportive footwear may contribute to intrinsic foot muscle weakness by reducing the muscles’ role in locomotion (e.g., absorbing forces and controlling motion). Increased stimulus to the foot muscles can be provided through a variety of mechanisms, including minimalist footwear and directed exercise.

Purpose: To determine the effect of walking in minimalist footwear or performing foot strengthening exercises on foot muscle size and strength.

Methods: Fifty-seven runners were randomly assigned to one of three groups—minimalist shoe walking (MSW), foot strengthening (FS) exercise, or control (C). All groups maintained …

Comparison Of Varying Heel To Toe Differences And Cushion To Barefoot Running In Novice Minimalist Runners, Danny Moody, Iain Hunter, Sarah T. Ridge, J. William Myrer

Faculty Publications

There are many different types of footwear available for runners in today’s market. Many of these shoes claim to help runners run more efficiently by altering an individual’s stride mechanics. Minimalist footwear claims to aid runners run more on their forefeet whereas more traditional footwear provides more cushioning specifically for a heel first landing. The purpose of this paper was to determine if runners, who were accustomed to running in traditional footwear would alter their running mechanics while running acutely in various types of minimalist footwear. Twelve subjects, accustomed to running in traditional 12 mm heel/toe differential footwear, ran in …

Does Any Good Come From A Coach That Yells? Reflective Experiences From Former Athletes, David C. Barney, Alema Tauiliili

Faculty Publications

Yelling in society is a common occurrence. Parents yell at their children, bosses yell at their employees and coaches yell at their athletes. Yet, in many cases the yelling coach exhibits unkind, loud in nature, and very personal statements. The purpose of this study was to better understand former athlete’s perspectives regarding their thoughts and experiences of their coaches yelling at them. For this study yelling will imply saying loud, unkind, personal comments towards the athlete. For this study 124 former athletes were surveyed regarding their experiences with a yelling coach. Generally, it was found that the former athletes did …

Reliability Of Doming And Toe Flexion Testing To Quantify Foot Muscle Strength, Sarah T. Ridge, J. William Myrer, Mark T. Olsen, Kevin Jurgensmeier, A. Wayne Johnson

Faculty Publications

Quantifying the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles has been a challenge for clinicians and researchers. The reliable measurement of this strength is important in order to assess weakness, which may contribute to a variety of functional issues in the foot and lower leg, including plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus. This study reports 3 novel methods for measuring foot strength – doming (previously unmeasured), hallux flexion, and flexion of the lesser toes.

Running Decreases Knee Intra-Articular Cytokine And Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Concentrations: A Pilot Study, Robert D. Hyldahl, Alyssa Evans, Sunku Kwon, Sarah T. Ridge, Eric Robinson, J. Ty Hopkins, Matthew K. Seeley

Faculty Publications

Introduction Regular exercise protects against degenerative joint disorders, yet the mechanisms that underlie these benefits are poorly understood. Chronic, low-grade inflammation is widely implicated in the onset and progression of degenerative joint disease.

Purpose To examine the effect of running on knee intra-articular and circulating markers of inflammation and cartilage turnover in healthy men and women.

Methods Six recreational runners completed a running (30 min) and control (unloaded for 30 min) session in a counterbalanced order. Synovial fluid (SF) and serum samples were taken before and after each session. Cytokine concentration was measured in SF and serum using a multiplexed …

Biomechanical Analysis Of Gait Termination In 11–17 Year Old Youth At Preferred And Fast Walking Speeds, Sarah T. Ridge, John Henley, Kurt Manal, Freeman Miller, James G. Richards

Faculty Publications

In populations where walking and/or stopping can be difficult, such as in children with cerebral palsy, the ability to quickly stop walking may be beyond the child’s capabilities. Gait termination may be improved with physical therapy. However, without a greater understanding of the mechanical requirements of this skill, treatment planning is difficult. The purpose of this study was to understand how healthy children successfully terminate gait in one step when walking quickly, which can be challenging even for healthy children. Lower extremity kinematic and kinetic data were collected from 15 youth as they performed walking, planned, and unplanned stopping tasks. …

Ambulation Speed And Corresponding Mechanics Are Associated With Changes In Serum Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein, W. Matt Denning, Michael Becker Pardo, Jason G. Winward, Iain Hunter, Sarah T. Ridge, J. Ty Hopkins, C. Shane Reese, Allen C. Parcell, Matthew K. Seeley

Faculty Publications

Because serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) has been used to reflect articular cartilage condition, we aimed to identify walking and running mechanics that are associated with changes in serum COMP. Eighteen subjects (9 male, 9 female; age = 23 ± 2 yrs.; mass = 68.3 ± 9.6 kg; height = 1.70 ± 0.08 m) completed 4000 steps on an instrumented treadmill on three separate days. Each day corresponded to a different ambulation speed: slow (preferred walking speed), medium (+50% of slow), and fast (+100% of slow). Synchronized ground reaction force and video data were collected to evaluate walking mechanics. …

The Effect Of Training In Minimalist Running Shoes On Running Economy, Sarah T. Ridge, Tyler Standifird, Jessica Rivera, A. Wayne Johnson, Ulrike H. Mitchell, Iain Hunter

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of minimalist running shoes on oxygen uptake during running before and after a 10-week transition from traditional to minimalist running shoes. Twenty-five recreational runners (no previous experience in minimalist running shoes) participated in submaximal VO2 testing at a self-selected pace while wearing traditional and minimalist running shoes. Ten of the 25 runners gradually transitioned to minimalist running shoes over 10 weeks (experimental group), while the other 15 maintained their typical training regimen (control group). All participants repeated submaximal VO2 testing at the end of 10 weeks. Testing included a 3 …

Meat Intake And Insulin Resistance In Women Without Type 2 Diabetes, Larry A. Tucker, James D. Lecheminant, Bruce W. Bailey

Faculty Publications

Purpose. To examine the relationship between meat intake and insulin resistance (IR) in 292 nondiabetic women. Methods. IR was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Diet was assessed via 7-day weighed food records. Servings of very lean meat (VLM) and regular meat (meat) were indexed using the ADA Exchange Lists Program. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers and body fat was measured using the Bod Pod. Results. Meat intake was directly related to HOMA (F = 7.4; P = 0.007). Women with moderate or high meat intakes had significantly higher HOMA levels than their counterparts. Adjusting for body fat …

Slow Walking On A Treadmill Desk Does Not Negatively Affect Executive Abilities: An Examination Of Cognitive Control, Conflict Adaptation, Response Inhibition, And Post-Error Slowing, Michael J. Larson, James D. Lecheminant, Kaylie Carbine, Kyle R. Hill, Edward Christenson, Travis Masterson, Rick Lecheminant

Faculty Publications

An increasing trend in the workplace is for employees to walk on treadmills while working to attain known health benefits; however, the effect of walking on a treadmill during cognitive control and executive function tasks is not well known. We compared the cognitive control processes of conflict adaptation (i.e., congruency sequence effects—improved performance following high-conflict relative to low-conflict trials), post-error slowing (i.e., Rabbitt effect), and response inhibition during treadmill walking (1.5 mph) relative to sitting. Understanding the influence of treadmill desks on these cognitive processes may have implications for worker health and productivity. Sixty-nine individuals were randomized to either a …

Cognitive And Typing Outcomes Measured Simultaneously With Slow Treadmill Walking Or Sitting: Implications For Treadmill Desks, James D. Lecheminant, Michael D. Larson, Kyle Hill, Kaylie Carbine, Travis Masterson, Ed Christenson

Faculty Publications

Purpose

This study compared cognitive (attention, learning, and memory) and typing outcomes during slow treadmill walking or sitting. Seventy-five healthy individuals were randomly assigned to a treadmill walking group (n=37; 23 female) or sitting group (n=38; 17 female).

Methods

The treadmill walking group completed a series of tests while walking at 1.5 mph. The sitting group performed the same tests while sitting at a standard desk. Tests performed by both groups included: the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and a modified version of the Paced Auditory Serial Attention Test. In addition, typing performance was evaluated.

Results

Participants in the treadmill …

Sex Differences In Whole Body Gait Kinematics At Preferred Speeds, Dustin A. Bruening, R. Frimenko, C. Goodyear, A. Fullenkamp

Faculty Publications

Studies on human perception have identified pelvis and torso motion as key discriminators between male and female gaits. However, while most observers would advocate that men and women walk differently, consistent findings and explanations of sex differences in gait kinematics across modern empirical studies are rare. In the present study we evaluated sex differences in whole body gait kinematics from a large sample of subjects (55 men, 36 women) walking at self selected speeds. We analyzed the data through comparisons of discrete metrics and whole curve analyses. Results showed that in the frontal plane, women walked with greater pelvic obliquity …

Dairy Consumption And Insulin Resistance: The Role Of Body Fat, Physical Activity, And Energy Intake, Larry A. Tucker, Andrea Erickson, James D. Lecheminant, Bruce W. Bailey

Faculty Publications

The relationship between dairy consumption and insulin resistance was ascertained in 272 middle-aged, nondiabetic women using a cross-sectional design. Participants kept 7-day, weighed food records to report their diets, including dairy intake. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). The Bod Pod was used to measure body fat percentage, and accelerometry for 7 days was used to objectively index physical activity. Regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which mean HOMA levels differed across low, moderate, and high dairy intake categories. Results showed that women in the highest quartile of dairy consumption had significantly greater …

Instrumented Figure Skating Blade For Measuring On-Ice Skating Forces, S A. Acuña, D M. Smith, J M. Robinson, J C. Hawks, P Starbuck, D L. King, Sarah T. Ridge, Steven Knight Charles

Faculty Publications

Competitive figure skaters experience substantial, repeated impact loading during jumps and landings. Although these loads, which are thought to be as high as six times body weight, can lead to overuse injuries, it is not currently possible to measure these forces on-ice. Consequently, efforts to improve safety for skaters are significantly limited. Here we present the development of an instrumented figure skating blade for measuring forces on-ice. The measurement system consists of strain gauges attached to the blade, Wheatstone bridge circuit boards, and a data acquisition device. The system is capable of measuring forces in the vertical and horizontal directions …

Comparison Of Automated Event Detection Algorithms In Pathological Gait, Dustin A. Bruening, Sarah Trager Ridge

Faculty Publications

Accurate automated event detection is important in increasing the efficiency and utility of instrumented gait analysis. Published automated event detection algorithms, however, have had limited testing on pathological populations, particularly those where force measurements are not available or reliable. In this study we first postulated robust definitions of gait events that were subsequently used to compare kinematic based event detection algorithms across difficult pathologies. We hypothesized that algorithm accuracy would vary by gait pattern, and that accurate event detection could be accomplished by first visually classifying the gait pattern, and subsequently choosing the most appropriate algorithm. Nine published kinematic event …

Foot Bone Marrow Edema After A 10-Wk Transition To Minimalist Running Shoes, Sarah T. Ridge, A. Wayne Johnson, Ulrike H. Mitchell, Iain Hunter, Eric Robinson, Brent S. E. Rich, Stephen Douglas Brown

Faculty Publications

Purpose: Minimalist running shoes are becoming a more popular choice for runners in the past few years. However, there is little conclusive evidence about the advantages or disadvantages of running in these shoes. Although performance benefits may exist, injury may also occur from the added stress of running without the benefit of cushioning under the foot. Bone marrow edema can be a manifestation of added stress on the foot. This study measured bone marrow edema in runners’ feet before and after a 10-wk period of transitioning from traditional to minimalist running shoes.

Methods: Thirty-six experienced recreational runners underwent magnetic resonance …

Kinematic And Kinetic Analysis Of Planned And Unplanned Gait Termination In Children, Sarah T. Ridge, John Henley, Kurt Manal, Freeman Miller, James G. Richards

Faculty Publications

Gait termination is a task which requires people to alter momentum and stabilize the body. To date, many of the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of gait termination have not been reported, making it difficult for clinicians to design interventions to improve the ability to terminate gait quickly and efficiently. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the lower body mechanics of healthy children as they performed walking trials, planned stopping trials, and unplanned stopping trials. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected from 15 healthy children between the ages of 11 and 17 years (14.3 ± 2.1 years). The …

Analysis Of A Kinetic Multi-Segment Foot Model. Part I: Model Repeatability And Kinematic Validity, Dustin A. Bruening, Kevin M. Cooney, Frank L. Buczek

Faculty Publications

Kinematic multi-segment foot models are still evolving, but have seen increased use in clinical and research settings. The addition of kinetics may increase knowledge of foot and ankle function as well as influence multi-segment foot model evolution; however, previous kinetic models are too complex for clinical use. In this study we present a three-segment kinetic foot model and thorough evaluation of model performance during normal gait. In this first of two companion papers, model reference frames and joint centers are analyzed for repeatability, joint translations are measured, segment rigidity characterized, and sample joint angles presented. Within-tester and between-tester repeatability were …

Analysis Of A Kinetic Multi-Segment Foot Model. Part Ii: Kinetics And Clinical Implications, Dustin A. Bruening, Kevin M. Cooney, Frank L. Buczek

Faculty Publications

Kinematic multi-segment foot models have seen increased use in clinical and research settings, but the addition of kinetics has been limited and hampered by measurement limitations and modeling assumptions. In this second of two companion papers, we complete the presentation and analysis of a three segment kinetic foot model by incorporating kinetic parameters and calculating joint moments and powers. The model was tested on 17 pediatric subjects (ages 7–18 years) during normal gait. Ground reaction forces were measured using two adjacent force platforms, requiring targeted walking and the creation of two sub-models to analyze ankle, midtarsal, and 1st metatarsophalangeal joints. …

Real-Time Feedback As A Method Of Monitoring Walking Velocity During Gait Analysis, Sarah T. Ridge, James G. Richards

Faculty Publications

When quantifying the mechanics of gait, it is important to ensure that subjects maintain a consistent walking velocity during gait analysis trials. Most methods of measuring walking velocity do not produce data until after the subject has completed the trial. This often results in discarding completed trials from analysis because the subject's velocity was not within an acceptable range. Real-time feedback of position data can be used to help subjects adjust their walking velocity during the trial, when necessary. Results from 14 subjects who participated in gait analysis using real-time feedback to monitor their walking velocity show that they were …

Measured And Estimated Ground Reaction Forces For Multi-Segment Foot Models, Dustin A. Bruening, Kevin M. Cooney, Frank L. Buczek

Faculty Publications

Accurate measurement of ground reaction forces under discrete areas of the foot is important in the development of more advanced foot models, which can improve our understanding of foot and ankle function. To overcome current equipment limitations, a few investigators have proposed combining a pressure mat with a single force platform and using a proportionality assumption to estimate subarea shear forces and free moments. In this study, two adjacent force platforms were used to evaluate the accuracy of the proportionality assumption on a three segment foot model during normal gait. Seventeen right feet were tested using a targeted walking approach, …

Comparison Of A Reduced Carbohydrate And Reduced Fat Diet For Ldl, Hdl, And Vldl Subclasses During 9-Months Of Weight Maintenance Subsequent To Weight Loss, James D. Lecheminant, Bryan K. Smith, Eric C. Westman, Mary C. Vernon, Joseph E. Donnelly

Faculty Publications

Objectives: This study compared LDL, HDL, and VLDL subclasses in overweight or obese adults consuming either a reduced carbohydrate (RC) or reduced fat (RF) weight maintenance diet for 9 months following significant weight loss. Methods: Thirty-five (21 RC; 14 RF) overweight or obese middle-aged adults completed a 1-year weight management clinic. Participants met weekly for the first six months and bi-weekly thereafter. Meetings included instruction for diet, physical activity, and behavior change related to weight management. Additionally, participants followed a liquid very low-energy diet of ~2092 kJ per day for the first three months of the study. Subsequently, participants followed …

Use Of Near-Infrared Light To Reduce Symptoms Associated With Restless Legs Syndrome In A Woman: A Case Report, Ulrike H. Mitchell

Faculty Publications

Introduction: We describe a potential new treatment option for patients suffering from restless legs syndrome. Contemporary treatment for restless legs syndrome consists mostly of dopaminergic drugs that leave some patients feeling nauseated and dizzy. A non-invasive, drug-free option would open new doors for patients suffering from restless legs syndrome. Case presentation: A 69-year-old Caucasian woman met International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group criteria for the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome. She had been afflicted with restless legs syndrome for over 30 years and tried many of the available pharmaceutical remedies without success. For this study she received 30-minute treatment sessions …

The Short-Term Effect Of Whole Body Vibration Training On Sprint Start Performance In Collegiate Athletes, J. Brent Feland, J. Ty Hopkins, Iain Hunter, Brad Roberts

Faculty Publications

Whole body vibration (WBV) is characterized by a vibratory stimulus emitted throughout the body through the use of a vibrating platform on which the subject stands. Studies have shown over 30% increases in maximal explosive strength such as maximal speed biceps curl as well as increases in maximum dynamic force such as maximal sitting bench pull as the result of vibration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short term whole-body vibration on sprint starts among collegiate track athletes. On the first day eleven subjects were randomly assigned to either a non-vibration or vibration group for …

Neurophysiological Reflex Mechanisms’ Lack Of Contribution To The Success Of Pnf Stretches, J. Brent Feland, Sterling C. Hilton, J. Ty Hopkins, Iain Hunter, Ulrike H. Mitchell, J. William Myrer

Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretches are widely used in athletics and rehabilitation. Although it has been shown that they produce better range-of-motion (ROM) increases than the slow or static stretch, the mechanisms responsible remain an enigma. This study was conducted to determine whether the previously proposed neurophysiological mechanisms of reciprocal inhibition and autogenic inhibition are responsible for the success of PNF stretches. In addition, the authors assessed the existence of the phenomenon of successive induction because it is used to strengthen reciprocal inhibition. Methods: Eighteen subjects 17–44 y performed the PNF stretches contract–relax (CR) and contract–relax, agonist …

Using Sport Science To Improve Coaching: A Case Study Of The American Record Holder In The Women’S Hammer Throw, Iain Hunter, Erin Gilreath, Larry W. Judge

Faculty Publications

Conclusions from biomechanical data can make a significant difference in the performance of athletes in the hammer throw if properly understood by coaches. By utilizing this scientific approach to the hammer throw event, the throws coach will be able to determine more accurate adjustments and devise training stimuli to better accommodate the athlete. In this case study, we have attempted to bridge the gap between the researcher and the coach in our approach to teaching the hammer throw, by integrating biomechanical analysis. We have employed the use of video analysis as an essential part of our coaching/teaching system. This USATF …