R. Michnik

Kinematic Analysis of Complex Therapeutic Movements of the Upper Limb

The paper presents the results of kinematic analysis of therapeutic movements of the upper limb, according to PNF method recommendations. Real trajectories of upper limb movements were recorded using the photogrammetric method. The measuring site consisted of a set of 8 digital cameras, two computer workstations, a set of markers, calibrating dice and light sources. On the basis of the recorded images and calculations performed with the use of specialized software, model trajectories of the analyzed movements and values of relative angular translocations and angular velocity in individual joints of the limb were defined.

The influence of frequency of visual disorders on stabilographic parameters.

PURPOSE Defining the influence of parameters of visual disorders on ability of balancing turns out to be an important process in effective diagnostics. Current diagnostic methods relating mainly to determination of the coefficient of BRUTM (Balance Rehabilitation Unit Trade Mark) depend on lots of tests carried out in a disturbed environment created by Virtual Reality Technology. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the frequency of visual disturbances on stabilographic values in the virtual reality environment. METHODS The study was carried out involving one research group in Virtual Cave. There were induced visual disturbances with different frequencies and with the change of frequency during measuring the position of the center of pressure (COP) in the test. Before each test the reference test was performed. All tests were performed with disorders in two different sceneries: closed and open scenery. All measurements were carried out on an immobile Zebris platform which enables determination of feet pressure distribution. From the measured values of the position of the COP Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) was calculated. RESULTS The results of calculation are shown in graphs. Their analysis showed that changing the parameters of disorder frequency in world created using Virtual Reality Technology affects stabilographic parameters. The intensity of these changes is also affected by applied research scenery. CONCLUSIONS Conditions have been set out to carry out similar studies in order to obtain reliable results. The study is the first step in a project to develop a system for diagnosis and rehabilitation of human movement using Virtual Reality Technology.

Application of Gait Index Assessment to Monitor the Treatment Progress in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

A three-dimensional analysis of movement is more and more often applied to assess locomotive functions of patients with cerebral palsy (CP). For the past few years there has been a growing interest in gait index methods which enable the evaluation of the patient’s gait with the use of a single numerical value. This research aimed at the assessment of the gait of patients with CP at different stages of treatment on the basis of gait indices Gillette Gait Index (defined by Shutte) and Gait Deviation Index (definied by Schwartz and Rozumalski) as well as finding dependencies between the determined indices values. The studied group consisted of 56 healthy participants and 16 patients with cerebral palsy treated using botulinum toxin. On the grounds of the determined indexes, the improvement of gait was observed in the case of 75 % of patients with CP. Statistically significant differences were found between GGI and GDI values obtained in the initial investigation and after 6 months following the administration of botulinum (PRE and POST). There was a strong linear dependence observed between the GDI and GGI* (\(GGI^*=\ln (\sqrt{GGI})\)) values. No significant dependence was observed between the percentage indices of improvement determined on the basis of the GGI and GDI results obtained (in the PRE and POST examination).

Application of Motion Analysis Systems in the Designing of a Rehabilitation Device

The paper presents the results of kinematic analysis of the prototype of rehabilitation device for human upper limb. The aim of these measurements was to assess possibility to execute PNF movements in upper limb joints and correctness of functioning of control algorithms responsible for reproducing of assigned movements The measuring site consisted of a set of 4 digital cameras, computer workstation, a set of markers, calibrating dice and light sources. Measurements were carried out for simple and complex movements. First a man forced a motion sequence, and then the device had to repeat it. Measurements revealed necessity of changes in constructions due to unacceptable positioning inaccuracy. Exemplary results before and after these changes are presented in the paper.

Control System for a Limb Rehabilitation Robot

Limb disability, which in many cases results from disease or injury, impairs everyday actions and limits job opportunities. Treatment consists of physical therapy that requires laborious repetition of recommended motions with the help of an experienced physiotherapist. Robot-aided exercises for repeatable rehabilitation motions would allow speeding up the rehabilitation process and reduce its costs. This work presents a concept of a control system for a rehabilitation robot constructed for this aim. The solution has been verified with the prototype robot ARM-100 for upper limb rehabilitation with the control system based on the assumptions discussed in this paper.

Kinematic differences in gait obtained for people with right and left paresis

The article concerns research into gait kinematics of people after stroke. The comparative analyses of angle courses and gait parameters were carried out. Results obtained for people with left and right sided paresis were compared with each other.

The Upper Limb Motion Deviation Index: A new comprehensive index of upper limb motion pathology

PURPOSE The aim of the research was to formulate a new index enabling assessment of the overall pathology of the upper limb movement. It defines the difference between the pathological movement and a normal movement pattern. METHODS Methodology of determining the index is based on a mathematical algorithm for calculating the Gait Deviation Index which is based on advanced methods of image comparison. To calculate the ULMDI index, one must divide the analyzed movement into cycles appropriate to the nature of the movement (similarly in gait it is the gait cycle) and then determine kinematic quantities (courses of joint angles). RESULTS A group of 23 healthy people (10 women: k1-k10 and 13 men: m1-m13) as the reference group and a group of 3 persons with mobility impairments (p1-p3) took part in the research. Time values of the angles of the joints on both upper limbs were registered and then ULMDI indexes were calculated. CONCLUSIONS It has been shown that the developed ULMDI index allows to detect the deviations from the accepted norm in the performance of movements. The results showed that both the description of the motor dysfunction of examined person based on the diagnosis of the physician, a detailed analysis of kinematic waveforms received during the tests and the calculated values provide a coherent picture of the state of a human movement. The index analysis is less time-consuming for the doctor, and the comparison of the results at various stages of therapy gives an objective picture of the rehabilitation progress.

Determination of Loads in the Joints of the Upper Limb During Activities of Daily Living

The elaborated methodology applied in the research integrates experimental measurements of kinematic parameters, which are then used in numerical computation. Measurements of kinematics of the upper limb motion were carried out during experimental studies using a MVN Biomech System. A mathematical model of movement of the upper limbs allowing the determination of force reaction in joints in a non-invasive way while performing selected routine activities is an important element of the applied research methodology. In the study the resultant reaction forces in the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints were determined and analyzed for the group of 8 healthy people as well as patterns of joint reaction force of the individual joints were developed.

Kinematic analysis of modern dance movement "stag jump" within the context of impact loads, injury to the locomotor system and its prevention

Background This paper presents a case study of kinematic analysis of the modern dance movement known as the “stag jump”. Detailed analysis of the kinematic structure of this movement as performed by the dancers, accompanied by measurements of impact forces during landing, will allow the authors to determine, in subsequent model-based research phases, the forces acting in knee joints of the lower landing limb. Material/Methods Two professional modern dancers participated in the study: a male and a female. The study consisted in recording the values of ground reaction and body motion, and then determining and analyzing kinematic parameters of performed movements. Results The results of measurement of joint angles in the landing lower limb, pelvis, and foot position in relation to the ground, as well as the level of vertical components of ground reaction, provided insight into the loading response phase of the “stag jump”. The measurements and obtained results show differences between the man and woman in ground reactions and kinematic quantities. Conclusions The results obtained during the research may be used in the development and teaching of dancing movements. Training sessions, carried out in the biomechanical laboratory, with active participation of dancing teachers, could form a basis for a prevention model of injuries and physical overloads occurring within this occupational group. Primary differences in the “stag jump” performance technique probably result from the different educational path the man and the woman went through.

The Loads Acting on Lumbar Spine During Sitting Down and Standing Up

The paper presents an analysis of the loads acting on lumbar spine during movement of sitting down and getting up from a chair. The study was conducted on a group of 30 people (parents of disabled children) complaining about chronic low back pain. Basing on kinematics, obtained during experiment from APAS system, simulations were performed in the Anybody Modeling System environment. The use of methods, mathematical modeling and static optimization, allowed to determine the magnitude of the loads acting on musculoskeletal system. The results of reactions in the L5-sacrum joint, the muscular forces of erector spinae and the transversus abdominis are significantly correlated with the kinematics of the movement.