Background: This study, the first of its kind, originated with the need for a brace (an ankle foot orthosis), to constrain ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion within a motion threshold of <5°. A conventional thermoplastic, solid brace failed during a quasi-static loading study, informing the investigation and development of an experimental carbon composite brace, maximizing stiffness and proximity of shank and foot cylindrical shells to provide the required degree of control. Methods: Two experiments were conducted: a quasi-static loading study, using cadaveric limbs (n = 2), and a gait study with healthy subjects (n = 14). Conditions tested were STOP, FREE, and CONTROL. Data for all studies were collected using six motion-capture cameras (Vicon, Oxford, UK; 120 Hz) tracking bone-anchored markers (cadaveric limbs) and skin-anchored markers (subjects). In the quasi-static loading study, loading conditions were congruent with the gait study. Study 1 involved a quasi-static loading analysis using cadaveric limbs, compared motion data from a conventional thermoplastic solid brace and the experimental brace. Study 2 involved quantifying ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion in subjects during treadmill walking, in brace STOP, FREE, and CONTROL conditions. Findings: The experimental brace in STOP condition consistently constrained ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion below the motion threshold of <5°, across all studies. Interpretation: Collectively, these findings demonstrate (1) that a conventional thermoplastic, solid brace was ineffective for clinical applications that required significant motion control, and (2) that ankle motion control is most effective when considered as a relationship between the brace, the ankle-foot complex, and the external forces that affect them both.

Yes / Introduction: Clinicians typically use findings from cohort studies to objectively inform judgements regarding the potential (dis)advantages of prescribing a new prosthetic device. However, before finalising prescription a clinician will typically ask a patient to ‘try out’ a change of prosthetic device while the patient is at the clinic. Observed differences in gait when using the new device should be the result of the device’s mechanical function, but could also conceivably be due to patient related factors which can change from day-to-day and can thus make device comparisons unreliable. To determine whether a device’s mechanical function consistently has a more meaningful impact on gait than patient-related factors, the present study undertook quantitative gait analyses of a trans-tibial amputee walking using two different foot-ankle devices on two occasions over a year apart. If the observed differences present between devices, established using quantitative gait analysis, were in the same direction and of similar magnitude on each of the two occasions, this would indicate that device-related factors were more important than patient-related factors. Methods: One adult male with a unilateral trans-tibial amputation completed repeated walking trials using two different prosthetic foot devices on two separate occasions, 14 months apart. Walking speed and sagittal plane joint kinematics and kinetics for both limbs were assessed on each occasion. Clinically meaningful differences in these biomechanical outcome variables were defined as those with an effect size difference (d) between prosthetic conditions of at least 0.4 (i.e. ‘medium’ effect size). Results: Eight variables namely, walking speed, prosthetic ‘ankle’ peak plantar- and dorsi- flexion and peak positive power, and residual knee loading response flexion, peak stance-phase extension and flexion moments and peak negative power, displayed clinically meaningful differences (d > 0.4) between foot devices during the first session. All eight of these showed similar effect size differences during the second session despite the participant being heavier and older. Conclusions: Findings suggest that a prosthetic device’s mechanical function consistently has a more meaningful impact on gait than patient-related factors. These findings support the current clinical practice of making decisions regarding prosthetic prescription for an individual, based on a single session evaluation of their gait using two different devices. However, to confirm this conclusion, a case series using the same approach as the present study could be undertaken.

No description available.

No description available.

Title: Specific changes on feet of rhythmic gymnasts and possibilities of physiotherapeutic influence of the feet with the help of a movement program Objectives: An objective of the thesis is to assess a function and specific changes on feet of rhythmic gymnasts and to demonstrate a positive influence of a movement program on these changes and the deteriorated function of the foot. To summarize the results of existing studies focused on influencing of proper function of the foot and to gain useful information from this experiment not only for physiotherapists, trainers and modern gymnasts but also for laical, actively sporting public which exhibit the same issues with the foot area Methods: The main essence of this scientific-research quantitative study is an influencing of deteriorated function and specific changes on feet of rhythmic gymnasts with the help of a movement program. The program was performed after each practice (i.e. 4 times a week) through the course of 3 months. 10 probands in the age from 14 to 17 years participated in the program. The experiment was based on the method of a comparison of 2 questionnaires and an entrance and exit kinesiological analysis, the part of which was also a test according to Véle (with visual control/without visual control) and a plantogram. For their...

Title: Evaluation of the effect of exercise according to the Propriofoot concept and the methodology of Sensorimotor Training by Janda and Vávrová on foot pressure distribution Objectives: In this thesis the following three goals were set: First, to find out if and how does the percentual foot pressure distribution between the left and right foot in standing change after a four-week long exercise according to either the methodology of Sensorimotor training by Janda and Vávrová or the Propriofoot concept. Second, if and how will the segmental foot load change. Third, if the prospective changes of foot load will agree or differ between the two groups. Methods: A pilot study for quantitative research using experimental scientific method was conducted, with two groups consisting of ten members each, aged thirty to fifty and diagnosed with flat foot. At the beginning, all probands underwent diagnostic measurement using the "Plantograf V10" device. Then they attended a four-week long individual therapy with an exercise plan created according to one of the two methods in consideration. At the end the probands were again measured by the same device. Entrance and control measurements obtained for each participant and both groups were evaluated, compared and statistically analyzed. Results: Analysis of the...

The diploma thesis called Labour Party during the Premiership of Margaret Thatcher (1979- 1990) focuses on the causes of the defeats of the Labour Party in 1979, 1983 and 1987. For this purpose it examines the relations of the individual party factions. Attention is also paid to opinion polls, especially party preferences. Last but not least, it is taken into account how the Labor Party turned towards centrism and rejected the more radical left-wing policy it had enforced in its first opposition period. Key words Labour Party, Militant, Social Democratic Party, Tony Benn, Neil Kinnock, David Owen, Michael Foot, National Executive Committee, Tony Benn, Trade unions

The diploma thesis called Labour Party during the Premiership of Margaret Thatcher (1979- 1990) focuses on the causes of the defeats of the Labour Party in 1979, 1983 and 1987. For this purpose it examines the relations of the individual party factions. Attention is also paid to opinion polls, especially party preferences. Last but not least, it is taken into account how the Labor Party turned towards centrism and rejected the more radical left-wing policy it had enforced in its first opposition period. Key words Labour Party, Militant, Social Democratic Party, Tony Benn, Neil Kinnock, David Owen, Michael Foot, National Executive Committee, Tony Benn, Trade unions

Le pied plat valgus dynamique idiopathique est une déformation touchant un grand nombre d’enfants. Il fait l’objet de la plupart des consultations d’orthopédie pédiatrique et donne communément lieu au port d’orthèses plantaires correctives. Le pied étant un segment dont l’architecture lui confère des propriétés de souplesse et de robustesse, une altération de sa structure, en particulier touchant à la forme de la voute plantaire, peut engendrer des modifications de la marche. Les atteintes de cette déformation sont au cœur de beaucoup d’études mais la littérature reste toujours parcellaire et centrée sur quelques variables mesurées sur le membre inférieur. En revanche, s’il est important d’évaluer la déformation localement, la marche reste une coordination de l’ensemble des segments corporels hautement hiérarchisée, dont l’évaluation de la performance nécessite des analyses plus globales. Le travail de cette thèse s’attachera à effectuer une caractérisation de l’effet de la présence d’un pied plat valgus dynamique sur la marche de l’enfant, mêlant des méthodes issues de la biomécanique classique, aux analyses de données et aus théories des systèmes dynamiques non linéaires.Les principaux résultats de ce travail concernent la multiplicité des atteintes biomécanique et les nombreuses modifications que le pied plat valgus dynamique engendre au niveau musculaire et cinématique sur le membre inférieur. Les mouvements intrinsèques du pied s’avèrent refléter particulièrement le défaut de maitrise de la marche à l’échelle du patient. Enfin, le pied s’avèrera jouer un rôle protecteur du centre de masse vis-à-vis du maintien de la stabilité dynamique lors de la marche. / The pediatric flexible flat foot is a common deformation. It is the reason of most pediatric orthopedic consultations and commonly leads corrective foot orthotics prescription. The specific architecture of the normal foot gives it properties of adaptation, strength and flexibility. Any alteration of its structure, particularly related to the shape of the plantar arch can cause modifications in gait. A lot of studies investigated the effects of this deformation, but are generally centered on a small number of variables, only at the level of the lower limb. However, if the local deformation is important to assess, it is unlikely to represent the complex non-linear coordination of the whole body segments related to gait performance. This thesis aims at characterizing the effect of flexible flat foot on gait in children, from a biomechanical point of view at the lower limb level as well as at the global coordination level, using methods from classicla biomechanics, data analysis and non linear dynamical systems theories.The major outcomes of this work are the multiplicity of biomechanical effects and the numerous changes on muscles activities and kinematics of the lower limb caused by flexible flat foot. The intrinsic foot movements particularly reflect the lack of control of gait at the patient's level. The particular role of the trunk and contralateral leg regarding the specific locomotor pattern of patients will be detailed. Finally, the foot will appear to have a protective role of the center of mass concerning resistance to perturbations and maintaining gait dynamic stability.

Die Einrichtungen der Verkehrsunfallforschung Hannover und (ab 1999) Dresden registrierten 736 Beinverletzungen eines Schweregrades AIS ≥ 2 im Zeitraum von 1983 bis März 2007. 174 dieser Verletzungen (23,6 %) waren Frakturen und Luxationen des Fußes und des oberen Sprunggelenkes. Es waren 149 Füße von 141 Frontinsassen (140 PKW) betroffen. Die Insassen untergliederten sich in 117 Fahrer und 24 Beifahrer. Das durchschnittliche Alter der Insassen betrug 38.5 ± 16.8 Jahre. Die häufigste Verletzung war die Fraktur des oberen Sprunggelenkes (n=82; 80 Malleolarfrakturen, 2 Pilonfrakturen). 34 Frakturen und Luxationen betrafen den Rückfuß (5 Talus- und 26 Calcaneusfrakturen, 2 subtalare Luxationen, 1 subtotale Amputation), 16 den Mittfuß (4 Navicularefrakturen, 5 Cuboidfrakturen, 3 Cuneiformefrakturen, 2 Chopart-Gelenksluxationen, 1 subtotale Amputation, 1 schweres Decollement) und 39 den Vorfuß (Metatarsalefrakturen). Offene Frakturen wurden nur in 3 Fällen registriert (2 Malleolarfrakturen, 1 Metatarsalefraktur). In 10 Fällen wurden beide Füße verletzt. 33 Insassen (23,4 %) waren polytraumatisiert, davon starben 17. 81 % der Insassen waren angeschnallt. Die verunfallten PKW wurden in prä- (Baujahr 1997 und älter) und post-EuroNCAP- (Baujahr 1998 und jünger) Fahrzeuge unterteilt. Die meisten Fußverletzungen fanden sich in prä-EuroNCAP-Autos. Die meisten Insassen befanden sich in Fahrzeugen der unteren Mittelklasse (40 Fahrer und 9 Beifahrer) und der Mittelklasse (27 Fahrer und 7 Beifahrer). 49 der 140 Unfälle ereigneten sich auf Landes- bzw. Kreisstraßen, 26 auf Bundesstraßen und 13 auf Autobahnen. Es wurden überwiegend Frontalzusammenstöße beobachtet. Zwischen den verletzten Fußregionen fanden sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede hinsichtlich der Delta v- und EES-Werte, es ergab sich aber ein Trend zu höheren Delta v- und EES-Werten bei neueren PKW (post-EuroNCAP). Die Häufigkeit von Fußverletzungen stieg linear mit steigendem Delta v-Wert, oberhalb eines Delta v-Wertes von 55 km/h kam es nur noch in prä-EuroNCAP-Autos zu einem weiteren linearen Anstieg, während post-EuroNCAP-Fahrzeuge keinen weiteren Anstieg der Verletzungshäufigkeit zeigten. Die Fußraumintrusion zeigte keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den einzelnen Fußregionen, jedoch zeigte sich in post-EuroNCAP-Fahrzeugen ein Trend zu höheren Intrusionswerten. Zwischen den einzelnen Fahrzeugklassen zeigten sich keine Unterschiede in der Fußraumintrusion. Nur 29 der 174 Frakturen und Luxationen des Fußes und des oberen Sprunggelenkes wurden in post-EuroNCAP-Fahrzeugen registiert, die überwiegende Zahl dieser Verletzungen (n=145) ereignete sich in prä-EuroNCAP-Fahrzeugen. Bei Betrachtung des AIS2008-assoziierten FCI (functional capacity index) für die Fußregion zeigte sich eine geringere Wahrscheinlichkeit einer dauerhaften Behinderung in post-EuroNCAP-Fahrzeugen bei gleichem Delta v-Wert. / The accident research of Hanover and (from 1999 on) Dresden registered 736 leg injuries (AIS ≥ 2) from 1983 to March 2007. 174 of these injuries (23.6 %) were fractures or dislocations of foot and ankle. 149 feet of 141 front seat car occupants in 140 cars were affected. Of these 117 were drivers, 24 were front seat passengers. The mean age of occupants was 38.5 ± 16.8 years. Ankle fractures were the most frequent injury (n = 82; 80 malleolar fractures, 2 pilon fractures). 34 fractures and dislocations affected the hindfoot (5 talus and 26 calcaneal fractures, 2 subtalar dislocations and 1 subtotal amputation) , 16 to midfoot (4 navicular fractures, 5 cuboid fractures, 3 fractures of cuneiformia, 2 dislocations of chopart joint, 1 subtotal amputation, and one severe decollement) and 39 the forefoot (metatarsal fractures). Open fractures were seldom seen (2 malleolar fractures, 1 metatarsal fracture). Both feet were injured in 10 cases. 33 occupants (23.4 %) were polytaumatic had a polytrauma, 17 of them died. 81 percent of the occupants were belted. The cars were divided in pre EuroNCAP (year of manufacture 1997 and older) and post EuroNCAP cars (year of manufacture 1998 and newer). Most of the foot injuries were seen in pre EuroNCAP cars. Most of the occupants sat in compact cars (40 drivers and 9 front seat passengers) and large family cars (27 drivers and 7 co-drivers). 49 of 140 accidents occurred on country roads, 26 on main roads and 13 on motorways. The crash direction was mostly frontal. Generally were found no differences of delta v- and EES-level between the injured foot regions, but divided into pre- and post-EuroNCAP cars there was a tendency to higher delta v- and EES-levels in newer cars. The frequency of foot injuries increased linearly with increasing delta v-level; but above delta v-level of 55 km/h the linear increase only was seen in pre-EuroNCAP cars, post-EuroNCAP cars showed no further increase of injuries. The footwell intrusion showed no difference between the injured foot regions but post-EuroNCAP cars had a tendency to higher footwell intrusion. There were no differences in footwell intrusion between the car types. Only 29 of 174 fractures or dislocations of foot and ankle were seen in post-EuroNCAP cars, the predominate number of these injuries (n = 145) were noticed in pre-EuroNCAP cars. A lower probability of long-term impairment was found in post-EuroNCAP cars for equal delta v levels, using the AIS2008 associated Functional Capacity Index (FCI) for the foot region.