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Excited to share recent @pennmotionlab pub 1st authored by @BiomechHullfish that developed a simple and accurate algorithm to estimate plantar flexion moments across a range of activities. brief thread...
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.04.016
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.04.016
we used a force-sensitive insole that was discretized intohind, mid-, and forefoot segments. summing the product of each of these forces with static distances from the ~center of each segment to the ankle joint = plantar flexion moment.../2
this approach estimated moments that strongly agreed with inverse dynamics. we're excited about this approach because these sensors are lightweight, stream data remotely, and can be put into load-sharing devices like immobilizing boots or MAFOs for achilles tendon injuries.../3
and that is our next step - quantifying tendon loading while tissue is offloaded by another structure. In diffstudy (on @biorxivpreprint https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.27.968495v1) @BiomechHullfish instrumented a boot with sensors and quantified Achilles tendon loading during gait.../4
not surprisingly - walking with foot supported in 30 deg PF offloads the Ach tendon. we're now exploring this space to define the effects of ankle_angle, walking speed, and healing progress. goal is to define loading benchmarks for clinical guidance.
