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The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
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The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
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Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
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A slider-crank mechanism converts rotational motion from the crank into linear motion of the slider or vice versa. This mechanism consists of three main parts: the crank, the connecting rod, and the slider. The movement of the slider-crank is an example of general plane motion as the fluctuating angle between the crank and the connecting rod. Consider a segment AB where point A is at the end of the slider and point B is on the diametrically opposite end to point A, on a crack. The variance in...
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Movement joints in buildings are essential design elements that accommodate inevitable motions caused by various factors such as temperature changes, moisture content variations, and structural deflections. These motions, if not considered in design and construction, can lead to unsightly or dangerous damage. Movement joints are incorporated in different forms to manage these stresses and allow materials to move without causing distress.
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The adult human body usually has 206 bones, and except for the hyoid bone in the neck, each bone is connected to at least one other bone. Joints are the location where bones come together. Many joints allow for movement between the bones. At these joints, the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones can move smoothly against each other. However, the bones of other joints may be joined by connective tissue or cartilage. These joints are designed for stability and provide little or no...
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An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field
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Leg joint function during walking acceleration and deceleration.

Mu Qiao1, Devin L Jindrich2

  • 1Kinesiology Program, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004-0698, United States.

Journal of Biomechanics
|December 22, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human leg joints have distinct roles during walking speed changes. The hip acts as a motor, the ankle as a spring, and the knee shows varied functions, adapting to acceleration and deceleration.

Keywords:
GaitInitiationLocomotionManeuverTermination

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Human locomotion
  • Kinesiology

Background:

  • Constant-velocity walking mechanics are well-understood.
  • Locomotion involving speed changes (acceleration/deceleration) is less studied.
  • Understanding joint function during unsteady walking is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate individual leg joint functions during walking speed variations.
  • Test hypotheses on hip (motor), knee (strut), and ankle (spring) roles.
  • Differentiate joint contributions during constant, accelerating, and decelerating walking.

Main Methods:

  • Recorded full-body kinematics and kinetics.
  • Utilized inverse dynamics to calculate net joint moments.
  • Decomposed joint functions (strut, motor, damper, spring) using net joint work indices.

Main Results:

  • Overall leg mechanics were strut-like, but individual joints showed varied roles.
  • Hip joints acted as power-generating motors; ankle joints exhibited spring-like behavior.
  • Knee joints displayed motor and damper functions, not solely strut-like.
  • Acceleration increased hip/ankle motor function; deceleration increased knee/ankle damping.

Conclusions:

  • Leg joints adopt distinct functional roles during unsteady locomotion.
  • Changes in joint mechanical work during speed variations are driven by angular displacements, not moments.
  • Hip and ankle joints are key power modulators, while the knee exhibits complex, adaptable behavior.