Nyari Bhatt
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Chandramouli Krishnan
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Medicine
Program:
Authors: Nyari Bhatt, Breanna Bordine, Thomas Augenstein, Danny Shin, Edward Washabaugh, Olugbenga Adeeko, Chandramouli Krishnan
Session: Session 4: 1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
Poster: 84
Abstract
Background: Improving propulsive force during walking is critical for enhanced gait function in individuals with neurological disorders such as stroke. Past research has established a connection between superior propulsive force and improved walking speed. However, the challenge lies in finding cost-effective methods for assessing and augmenting this force. Traditional ground reaction force measurements require expensive equipment, limiting practical application in clinical settings. Real-time biofeedback to increase trailing limb angle has been shown to be a promising alternative measure. However, limb propulsion can also be improved by providing biofeedback on ankle plantarflexion angle, as ankle muscles play a major role in propulsion. Our research focuses on comparing biofeedback mechanisms for trailing limb angle and ankle angle to better understand their impact on propulsion. Methods: Seventeen able-bodied participants underwent a single session of gait analysis while performing two different biofeedback conditions: 1) ankle angle and 2) trailing limb angle. The target angle to match during walking was chosen by summing the increase in ankle angle and trailing limb angle observed when performing a walking condition where the participants increased their propulsion forces by 25%. Hip, knee, and ankle muscle activations were measured using surface electromyography (EMG) to obtain insights into the neuromuscular mechanisms underlying the biofeedback interventions. Limb angles, including ankle and trailing limb, were also measured to capture the biomechanical changes induced by the different feedback strategies. Results: The analyses of the results of this study are ongoing. However, contrary to our initial hypothesis, preliminary findings suggest that providing biofeedback to increase trailing limb angle outperforms biofeedback to increase ankle angle in enhancing propulsive forces. In general, participants increased their propulsive forces to a greater extent when increasing their trailing limb angle than when increasing their ankle plantarflexion angle. There were also differences in muscle activation strategies in both conditions, indicating that the mechanisms mediating changes in propulsive forces were different between the two conditions. Conclusion: This study underscores the potential of biofeedback as a cost-effective means to improve propulsive forces in able-bodied individuals. Although both trailing limb angle and ankle angle biofeedback contribute to enhanced propulsion, trailing limb angle appears to be a more effective technique. Further investigations are warranted, especially with stroke survivors, to validate and extend these findings for clinical applications in gait rehabilitation.
