A disturbed, inconsistent walking pattern is a common feature of patients with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). Such extreme variability in both temporal and spatial parameters of gait has been associated with unstable walking and an elevated prevalence of falls. However, despite their ability to discretise healthy from pathological function, normative variability values for key gait parameters are ...

OBJECTIVE To test the efficacy in promoting brisk walking of two theory-based interventions that incorporate implementation intentions and text message (Short Message Service; SMS) reminders directed at one's walking-related plans or goals. DESIGN Participants (N = 149) were randomized to one of three conditions (implementation intention + SMS plan reminder, implementation intention + SMS goa...

The determination of gait events such as heel strike and toe-off provide the basis for defining stance and swing phases of gait cycles. Two algorithms for determining event times for treadmill and overground walking based solely on kinematic data are presented. Kinematic data from treadmill walking trials lasting 20-45s were collected from three subject populations (healthy young, n=7; multiple...

The arms have been shown to be involved in the regulation of balance during walking. The use of a walking aid enhances balance by increasing the base of support and reducing the load on the legs by partly transferring it to the arms. However, when actively engaged during a balance task, perturbations to the arms can destabilize balance. Previous studies have investigated postural adjustments as...

The purpose of this study was to further validate the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) as a self-report tool to aid in the clinical identification of walking ability of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). 132 patients with PAD and an ankle brachial index (ABI) ≤0.90 were enrolled; 123 provided complete data for the WIQ and standardized graded treadmill test. The WIQ scores were...

BACKGROUND Understanding the biomechanics of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) may provide insights into injury risk and prevention, as well as function of the arch-supporting structures. Our understanding of MLA deformation is currently limited to sit-to-stand, walking, and running. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three-dimensional deformation of the MLA of the right foot was characterized in 17 healt...

OBJECTIVE The equinovarus deformity of the foot and digital scrolling is very common among people with sequelae from cerebrovascular accidents. The aim of this study was focused on changes produced by surgical correction of the deformity in terms of comfort, balance, independence and ability to move freely within the context of the daily life of the patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS The data was ...

Observers recognize subtle changes in the movements of others with relative ease. However, tracking a walking human is computationally difficult, because the degree of articulation is high and scene changes can temporarily occlude parts of the moving figure. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to test the hypothesis that the superior temporal sulcus (STS) uses form cues to aid b...