OBJECTIVES Because posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) resection makes flexion gaps wider in total knee replacement (TKR), preserving or sacrificing a PCL affects the gap equivalence; however, there are no criteria for the PCL resection that consider gap situations of each knee. This study aims to investigate gap characteristics of knees and to consider the criteria for PCL resection. METHODS T...

This paper details a strategy of discriminating finger Gestures using surface electromyography (EMG) signals, which could be applied to controlling the advanced multi-fingered myoelectric prosthesis for hand amputees. Finger motions discrimination is the key problem in this study. The EMG signal classification system was established based on the surface EMG signals from the subject’s forearm. F...

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of lumbar rotational manipulation and lumbar central posteroanterior mobilization on lumbar bending stiffness and flexion and extension range of motion (ROM). Methods: A samesubject, repeated-measures, crossover design was used using 32 asymptomatic subjects (16 female and 16 male; mean [SD] age, 25.5 [4.5] years; weight, 65.7 ...

Background: Knee range of motion is an essential outcome measure following total knee arthroplasty and it is important to measure this outcome with a simple and accurate tool. Measurement from digital photographs could provide a superior clinical alternative to the common goniometer as devices for capturing digital photographs are becoming more accessible, measurement accuracy is assisted with ...

OBJECTIVE Balance between flexor and extensor muscle activity is essential for optimal function. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the relationship between maximum finger flexion force and maximum finger extension force in women with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy women. METHODS Twenty healthy women (median age 61 years) and 20 women with rheumatoid arthritis (median age 59.5 y...

Core muscle imbalances and weak trunk strength are relevant for injury prevention and performance. Information regarding core strength requirements and ideal flexion/extension ratios in alpine skiing is limited. We aimed to compare trunk strength capacities in elite alpine skiers with those of a matched control group. The concentric maximal trunk flexion and extension of 109 elite skiers and 47...

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the limb position at which the maximum toe-grip strength could be exerted as well as measurement reproducibility. [Subjects] Twenty healthy young women were selected. [Methods] We measured toe-grip strength under three conditions: 90° hip and knee flexion while sitting, 90° hip flexion and knee extension while sitting, and a standing...

OBJECTIVE To model the kinematics of the canine stifle in 3 dimensions using the Joint Coordinate System (JCS) and compare the JCS method with linear and segmental models. STUDY DESIGN In vivo biomechanical study. ANIMALS Normal adult mixed breed dogs (n=6). METHODS Dogs had 10 retroreflective markers affixed to the skin on the right pelvic limb. Dogs were walked and trotted 5 times throu...

Abnormal knee kinematics following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament may exist despite an apparent resolution of tibial laxity and functional benefit. We performed upright, weight-bearing MR scans of both knees in the sagittal plane at different angles of flexion to determine the kinematics of the knee following unilateral reconstruction (n = 12). The uninjured knee acted as a co...