Concurrent validity of IMU and phone-based markerless systems for lower-limb kinematics during cognitively-challenging landing tasks.

Alternative technologies, such as IMU and low-cost markerless systems, may overcome the drawbacks of optoelectronic marker-based motion capture systems (OMS) in sports non-contact injury risk screening, but the precision of collected kinematic data must be validated in comparison to OMS. This study assessed the concurrent validity of the Xsens IMU and phone-based OpenCap systems for lower-limb kinematics during cognitively-challenging landing tasks. Thirty competitive athletes (13 females, 17 males) performed unplanned jump-land-jump tasks towards lateral secondary directions while kinematics was simultaneously recorded with OMS, Xsens, and OpenCap.

Effects of whole-body cryostimulation on spinal and shoulder range of motion in individuals with obesity.

Introduction: Flexibility and mobility are essential components of physical fitness, impacting joint function and musculoskeletal health. Individuals with obesity often exhibit restricted range of motion (ROM), exacerbated by muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and altered posture. Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC), involving exposure to low temperatures, has shown promise in alleviating inflammation and improving physical performance.

Real-Time Monitoring of Physiological and Postural Parameters to Evaluate Human Reactions in Virtual Reality for Safety Training.

In recent years, the application of ergonomics to workplace safety monitoring has gained increasing interest from companies and public institutions, allowing for the evaluation of the potential impact that dangerous situations may have on workers during their routine activities. This study presents a method for real-time monitoring of human physiological and motor responses to simulated workplace hazards during virtual reality safety training. The setup allows for precise measurements of both physiological and postural parameters during simulated scenarios.

Impact of a Lower Limb Exosuit Anchor Points on Energetics and Biomechanics.

Anchor point placement is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of exosuit design since it determines how forces interact with the human body. This work analyzes the impact of different anchor point positions on gait kinematics, muscular activation and energetic consumption. A total of six experiments were conducted with 11 subjects wearing the XoSoft exosuit, which assists hip flexion in five configurations.

Validation of a Commercially Available IMU-Based System Against an Optoelectronic System for Full-Body Motor Tasks.

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) have gained popularity as portable and cost-effective alternatives to optoelectronic motion capture systems for assessing joint kinematics. This study aimed to validate a commercially available multi-sensor IMU-based system against a laboratory-grade motion capture system across lower limb, trunk, and upper limb movements. Fifteen healthy participants performed a battery of single- and multi-joint tasks while motion data were simultaneously recorded by both systems.

Use of TDCS with proprioceptive exercises to improve gait and balance in visually impaired children and preadolescents: a protocol for randomized clinical trial study.

In the absence of information from the visual system, balance is guided by only two of the three afferent systems. If there is no early stimulation of these systems, blind children tend to become passive, which can have a negative impact on muscle tone, coordination and balance. The aim of the present study protocol is to investigate whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance the effects of static and dynamic proprioceptive exercises on gait and balance control in children and preadolescents with acquired or congenital visual impairment.

Randomized Observer-Blind Study on the Effects of Neuromuscolar Taping in Parkinson's Disease Patients.

Background: Abnormal posture occurs in about 30% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The neuromuscular taping (NMT) is a new treatment that induces micromovements that stimulate skin receptors. Application of NMT with a decompression and eccentric technique expands the interstitial spaces and therefore improves circulation and absorption of liquids by reducing the pressure under the skin favoring the muscular relaxation.

The role of age and maturation on jump performance and postural control in female adolescent volleyball players over a season.

Background: Jump performance and postural control are essential for success in technical/tactical actions and overall playing performance in volleyball. Youth athletes undergo significant physical and neuromuscular development during adolescence, which can impact these abilities. This study examined the effect of age and biological maturity, assessed as the distance from peak height velocity using the maturity offset (MO), on vertical and plyometric jumping abilities and postural control in adolescent female volleyball players across different age categories throughout a competitive season.

Mechanical peripheral stimulation for the treatment of gait disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease: a multi-centre, double-blind, crossover randomized controlled trial.

Background: Pharmacological, surgical and physical therapies ameliorate motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Unfortunately, the progression of the disease induces deterioration in daily activities, especially in gait and balance. Invasive and non invasive medical devices have been developed to alleviate drug-resistant symptoms in patients with advanced PD, and automated mechanical peripheral stimulation (AMPS) has been proposed as a new rehabilitative approach.

Vertical Jump Height Estimation Using Low-Sampling IMU in Countermovement Jumps: A Feasible Alternative to Motion Capture and Force Platforms.

Vertical jump height from a countermovement jump is a widespread metric to assess the lower limb functionality. Motion capture systems and force platforms are considered gold standards to estimate vertical jump height; however, their use in ecological settings is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of low-sampling-rate inertial measurement units as an alternative to the gold standard systems.

The Use of Wearable Systems for Assessing Work-Related Risks Related to the Musculoskeletal System-A Systematic Review.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a leading cause of chronic conditions among working-age adults. Preventing these disorders is crucial to reducing their impact, and quantitative analysis through sensors can help identify their causes and guide ergonomic solutions. This systematic review aims to compile research from 2000 to 2023 published in English and sourced from Web of Science, Scopus, or PubMed that examines workers' movements during tasks using wearable sensor systems that are applicable in workplace settings.

Estimation of gait parameters in healthy and hemiplegic individuals using Azure Kinect: a comparative study with the optoelectronic system.

Introduction: Walking ability is essential for maintaining functional independence, but it can be impaired by conditions like hemiplegia resulting from a stroke event. In post-stroke populations, accurately assessing gait anomalies is crucial for rehabilitation to promote functional recovery, and to prevent falls or injuries.

Methods: The aim of this study is to evaluate gait-related parameters using a solution based on a single RGB-D camera, specifically Microsoft Azure Kinect DK (MAK), on a short walkway in both healthy (n= 27) and post-stroke individuals with hemiplegia (n= 20).

Seasonal Comparison of Pre-Adolescent Soccer Players' Physical Performance Using an Objective Physical Test Battery.

Background/objective: Soccer is a multifactorial sport, requiring physical, psychological, technical, and tactical skills to succeed. Monitoring and comparing physical characteristics over time is essential to assess players' development, customize training, and prevent injury. The use of wearable sensors is essential to provide accurate and objective physical data.

Effects of mediolateral whole-body vibration during gait with additional cognitive load.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) may increase musculoskeletal disorder risk among workers standing on vibrating surfaces for prolonged periods. Limited studies were conducted to comprehend WBV impact on individuals engaged in dynamic activities. This study explored the effects of different horizontal WBV frequencies on gait parameters, lower limb kinematics, and the cognitive response of healthy subjects.

Motor and Respiratory Tele-Rehabilitation in Patients with Long COVID-19 after Hospital Discharge: An Interventional Study.

The persistence of symptoms following COVID-19 infection represents a significant challenge in healthcare management. During the outbreak, tele-rehabilitation emerged as a new tool to support healthcare structures in providing rehabilitation services. This study assessed the effectiveness and the feasibility of a 3-week home-based motor and respiratory rehabilitation program for individuals with long COVID-19 after traditional rehabilitation.

Cyclogram-based evaluation of inter-limb gait symmetry in Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Background: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by a complex clinical condition, whose typical features lead to impaired motor and functional skills. To date, limited data is available as regards symmetry of gait in PWS.

Research Question: The aim of this study was to characterize lower-limb asymmetry during gait in a group of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) individuals by using the synchronized cyclograms and to compare it with those of two different control groups, a normal-weight group and an obese group.

EEG connectivity in functional brain networks supporting visuomotor integration processes in dominant and non-dominant hand movements.

This study explores the changes in the organization of functional brain networks induced by performing a visuomotor integration task, as revealed by noninvasive spontaneous electroencephalographic traces (EEG).EEG data were acquired during the execution of the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) with the dominant and non-dominant hands in a group of 44 right-handed volunteers. Both spectral analysis and phase-based connectivity analysis were performed in the theta (ϑ), mu (μ) and beta (ß) bands.

Limb Volume Measurements: A Comparison of Circumferential Techniques and Optoelectronic Systems against Water Displacement.

Background: Accurate measurements of limb volumes are important for clinical reasons. We aimed to assess the reliability and validity of two centimetric and two optoelectronic techniques for limb volume measurements against water volumetry, defined as the gold standard.

Methods: Five different measurement methods were executed on the same day for each participant, namely water displacement, fixed-height (circumferences measured every 5 (10) cm for the upper (lower limb) centimetric technique, segmental centimetric technique (circumferences measured according to proportional height), optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP, based on a motion analysis system), and IGOODI Gate body scanner technology (which creates an accurate 3D avatar).

Customized Landing Task for ACL Injury Risk Assessment: Kinematic Sex-Related Differences.

Background: Women present a higher anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rate than men, suggesting sex-related biomechanical differences. Task characteristics are often fixed for both sexes, possibly affecting the perceived difficulty. We investigated kinematic sex differences across landing tasks for ACL injury risk assessment, adjusted to participants' anthropometrics/performance, and whether different tasks affect kinematic sex comparisons.

The Effect of a New Generation of Ankle Foot Orthoses on Sloped Walking in Children with Hemiplegia Using the Gait Real Time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL).

Cerebral palsy poses challenges in walking, necessitating ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) for stability. Gait analysis, particularly on slopes, is crucial for effective AFO assessment. The study aimed to compare the performance of commercially available AFOs with a new sports-specific AFO in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and to assess the effects of varying slopes on gait.

Improving the reliability of underwater gait analysis using wearable pressure and inertial sensors.

This work addresses the lack of reliable wearable methods to assess walking gaits in underwater environments by evaluating the lateral hydrodynamic pressure exerted on lower limbs. Sixteen healthy adults were outfitted with waterproof wearable inertial and pressure sensors. Gait analysis was conducted on land in a motion analysis laboratory using an optoelectronic system as reference, and subsequently underwater in a rehabilitation swimming pool.

The relationship between jump and sprint performance in preschool children.

Background: Physical activity may help prevent the development of adverse health disorders in children. Thus, it is fundamental to assess key physical skills, such as jumping and running, from an early age. Several studies proposed test batteries to evaluate these motor skills in preschoolers, but no research studied their association.

Early sleep after action observation plus motor imagery improves gait and balance abilities in older adults.

Action observation plus motor imagery (AOMI) is a rehabilitative approach to improve gait and balance performance. However, limited benefits have been reported in older adults. Early sleep after motor practice represents a strategy to enhance the consolidation of trained skills.

Bioimpedance Vector Analysis-Derived Body Composition Influences Strength and Power in Alpine Skiers.

: Alpine ski racing is a complex sport where no single factor can exclusively account for performance. We assessed body composition, using bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA), and our purpose was to study its influence on the strength and power profile of young alpine skiers. : Anthropometric measurements and advanced BIVA parameters were recorded on eighteen alpine ski racers (6 females/12 males; 17.

Hip joint contact forces are lower in people with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome during squat tasks.

It remains unknown if hip joint forces during squat tasks are altered in people with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). The aim of this study is to compare hip joint forces between people with FAIS and healthy controls during double leg squat and single leg squat tasks and within limbs during a single leg squat task in people with FAIS. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected in eight people with FAIS and eight healthy matched controls using 3D motion capture and force plates.