Browse the latest research summaries in the field of biomechanics for spinal cord injury patients and caregivers.
Showing 11-20 of 203 results
Diagnostics, 2023 • November 29, 2023
This review investigates the usefulness of R-AMA systems in patients with neurological disorders, highlighting the Lokomat and Armeo as frequently used tools. R-AMA offers advantages over conventional...
KEY FINDING: The Lokomat and Armeo devices are the most frequently used R-AMA tools for gait/balance and upper limb rehabilitation, respectively.
PLoS ONE, 2024 • April 2, 2024
This study developed and evaluated the ARM algorithm, an IMU-based tool to assess repetitive arm motion in manual wheelchair users (MWC) in real-world settings. The algorithm was tested and validated ...
KEY FINDING: The ARM algorithm accurately estimated active and resting times (>98%) in the community, validated against video analysis.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2024 • January 1, 2024
This study developed and tested a portable IMU-based system for quantifying knee extensor spasticity following SCI during the pendulum test. The IMU-based system demonstrated excellent agreement and t...
KEY FINDING: The IMU-based system showed excellent agreement with the optical tracking system in individuals with SCI (ICC > 0.98) and good agreement in controls (ICC > 0.82).
Methods Protoc., 2024 • May 4, 2024
This protocol describes a comprehensive approach to analyze gait in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The study involves a multidisciplinary team and advanced technologies to inves...
KEY FINDING: The study will explore correlations between physical characteristics like muscle strength, spasticity, walking speed, and energy efficiency in individuals with incomplete SCI.
Bioengineering, 2025 • January 15, 2025
This study investigated the effect of adapted rowing ergometer setup and speed on lower extremity loading in a group of able-bodied adults and a single participant with SCI. The hypotheses were suppor...
KEY FINDING: Able-bodied rowers generated 0.22–0.45 body weight foot reaction forces, and higher forces were associated with faster speeds, a forward seat position, and a large knee range of motion.
J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 2022 • February 1, 2022
This study examined the impact of geared wheels on shoulder biomechanics and muscle activity in wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries propeling on carpet. The low gear condition significantly red...
KEY FINDING: The propulsion speed and stroke distance decreased significantly during the low gear condition.
J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 2022 • February 1, 2022
This study accurately quantified glenohumeral kinematics during manual wheelchair tasks using fluoroscopy in individuals with spinal cord injury. The study compared glenohumeral parameters theorized t...
KEY FINDING: Scaption was characterized by external rotation, while propulsion, sideways lean, and weight-relief raise involved internal rotation.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2022 • January 1, 2022
This study characterized the upper extremity joint kinematics of wheelchair athletes performing exercises commonly prescribed as part of extreme conditioning programs (ECPs). The results suggest that ...
KEY FINDING: Wheelchair athletes may be exposed to potentially injurious positions during common ECP exercises, demanding extreme shoulder and/or wrist flexion and extension, abduction, and external rotation.
Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2021 • July 1, 2021
This study investigated differences in upper extremity joint dynamics between pediatric male and female manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury during wheelchair propulsion. The study found si...
KEY FINDING: Females exhibited significantly greater peak forearm pronation compared to males.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2023 • January 1, 2023
This study compared the trunk mechanics and spatiotemporal outcomes of caregivers performing transfer tasks using a robotic assisted transfer device (RATD) and a mobile floor lift. The results indicat...
KEY FINDING: Caregivers using the RATD showed significantly smaller ranges of trunk flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation compared to using a mobile floor lift.