Article

Traditional three-dimensional gait analyses require the skilled palpation of
anatomical landmarks to identify joint parameters and produce reliable joint
kinematics. Functional methods have been developed to help improve the
reliability and validity of identifying joint kinematic parameters. The purpose
of this study was to investigate whether a functional method could improve the
between-day reliability of joint kinematics during running compared to a
traditional manual marker placement method. It was hypothesised that the
functional technique would result in greater within- and between-tester
reliability. An eight-camera motion analysis system was used to evaluate the
reliability of 3D lower extremity kinematics during running for both a functional
and a manual marker placement technique. Reliability of the waveform shape,
amplitude and offset of the kinematic curves was assessed using the coefficient
of multiple correlation, range of motion and root mean square error respectively.
The functional joint methodology did not improve the within- and between-tester
reliability in terms of kinematic curve shape, amplitude or offset compared to
the manual placement technique. When experienced examiners are used to place the
anatomical markers together with a lean subject sample, functional methods may
not improve the day-to-day reliability of three-dimensional gait kinematics over
traditional marker placement techniques.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS