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...

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& #39;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)">https://www.biorxiv.org/content/1... @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& #39;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.