Constituent Lower Extremity Work (CLEW) approach: A novel tool to visualize joint and segment work

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Kinetics
• Human Movement Analysis

Background:

• Work is a key measure of movement mechanics but lacks intuitive clinical visualization.
• Existing methods for calculating and interpreting work variables are not easily applicable in clinical settings.
• A standardized approach is needed to represent lower limb work contributions for better clinical understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Constituent Lower Extremity Work (CLEW) approach for visualizing and interpreting lower limb mechanics.
• To provide a method for detailing the mechanical cost-of-transport and work distribution in cyclic tasks.
• To facilitate the comparison of limb-specific work adaptations in clinical populations.

Main Methods:

• Calculated relative work of hip, knee, ankle, and distal foot using six degree-of-freedom power.
• Developed a pie chart visualization (CLEW approach) to display work variables.
• Applied the CLEW approach to compare unimpaired walking with gait of an individual with unilateral amputation.

Main Results:

• The CLEW approach visualizes mechanical cost-of-transport and positive/negative work percentages during stance and swing phases.
• It details individual positive and negative work contributions from each lower limb constituent.
• Demonstrated utility by comparing reference data with data from an amputee's intact and prosthetic limbs.

Conclusions:

• The CLEW approach offers a clear, comprehensive method for visualizing and interpreting lower limb work.
• This methodology enhances the understanding of biomechanical adaptations in clinical populations and across different gait intensities.
• CLEW charts can be a valuable tool for clinical reporting and comparative analysis in gait research.