All Outputs (72)

The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on stability of gait in people with trans-tibial amputation (2016)
Journal Article
Major, M., Twiste, M., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2016). The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on stability of gait in people with trans-tibial amputation. Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 53(6), 839-852. https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2015.08.0148

The ability to control balance during walking is a critical precondition for minimizing fall risk, but is compromised in persons with lower-limb loss due to reduced sensory feedback mechanisms and inability to actively modulate prosthesis mechanical... Read More about The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on stability of gait in people with trans-tibial amputation.

Transtibial amputee gait efficiency : energy storage and return versus solid ankle cushioned heel prosthetic feet (2016)
Journal Article
Gardiner, J., Bari, A., Howard, D., & Kenney, L. (2016). Transtibial amputee gait efficiency : energy storage and return versus solid ankle cushioned heel prosthetic feet. Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 53(6), 1133-1138. https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2015.04.0066

Energy storage and return (ESR) feet have long been assumed to promote metabolically efficient amputee gait. However, despite being prescribed for approximately thirty years, there is limited evidence that they achieve this desired function. Here, we... Read More about Transtibial amputee gait efficiency : energy storage and return versus solid ankle cushioned heel prosthetic feet.

A device for characterising the mechanical properties of the plantar soft tissue of the foot (2015)
Journal Article
Parker, D., Cooper, G., Pearson, S., Crofts, G., Howard, D., Busby, P., & Nester, C. (2015). A device for characterising the mechanical properties of the plantar soft tissue of the foot. Medical Engineering and Physics, 37(11), 1098-1104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2015.08.008

The plantar soft tissue is a highly functional viscoelastic structure involved in transferring load to the human body during walking. A Soft Tissue Response Imaging Device was developed to apply a vertical compression to the plantar soft tissue whils... Read More about A device for characterising the mechanical properties of the plantar soft tissue of the foot.

Older people’s experiences of using tactile paving (2015)
Journal Article
Ormerod, M., Newton, R., MacLennan, H., Faruk, M., Thies, S., Kenney, L., …Nester, C. (2015). Older people’s experiences of using tactile paving. Proceedings of the ICE - Municipal Engineer, 168(1), 3-10. https://doi.org/10.1680/muen.14.00016

Tactile paving has been designed in response to the needs of vision-impaired pedestrians to be independent, mobile, confident and safe when using the external environment. Tactile paving is not without its critics because it can adversely affect ot... Read More about Older people’s experiences of using tactile paving.

A forward dynamic modelling investigation of cause-and-effect relationships in single support phase of human walking (2015)
Journal Article
McGrath, M., Howard, D., & Baker, R. (2015). A forward dynamic modelling investigation of cause-and-effect relationships in single support phase of human walking. Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine, 2015, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/383705

Mathematical gait models often fall into one of two categories: simple and complex. There is a large leap in complexity between model types, meaning the effects of individual gait mechanisms get overlooked. This study investigated the cause-and-effec... Read More about A forward dynamic modelling investigation of cause-and-effect relationships in single support phase of human walking.

The strengths and weaknesses of inverted pendulum models of human walking (2014)
Journal Article
McGrath, M., Howard, D., & Baker, R. (2015). The strengths and weaknesses of inverted pendulum models of human walking. Gait & Posture, 41(2), 389-394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2014.10.023

An investigation into the kinematic and kinetic predictions of two ‘inverted pendulum’ (IP) models of gait was undertaken. The first model consisted of a single leg, with anthropometrically correct mass and moment of inertia, and a point mass at th... Read More about The strengths and weaknesses of inverted pendulum models of human walking.

The use of an adjustable electrode housing unit to compare electrode alignment and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study (2014)
Journal Article
and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 40(1), 123-128. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364614545417

Background: Usable myoelectric control relies on secure and intimate contact at all times between the electrode, the socket and the residual limb. At present, there is little post-fitting socket adjustment available to prosthetists with respect to el... Read More about The use of an adjustable electrode housing unit to compare electrode alignment and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study.

An investigation into plantar pressure measurement protocols for footwear research (2014)
Journal Article
Melvin, J., Preece, S., Nester, C., & Howard, D. (2014). An investigation into plantar pressure measurement protocols for footwear research. Gait & Posture, 40(4), 682-687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2014.07.026

Many researchers investigate how footwear design affects plantar pressure (PP) and ask participants to walk in unfamiliar footwear as part of their studies. However, there are no clear guidelines for the required period of time or number of steps a... Read More about An investigation into plantar pressure measurement protocols for footwear research.

Feasibility study of a take-home array-based functional electrical stimulation system with automated setup for current functional electrical stimulation users with foot-drop (2014)
Journal Article
Prenton, S., Kenney, L., Stapleton, C., Cooper, G., Reeves, M., Heller, B., …Williamson, T. (2014). Feasibility study of a take-home array-based functional electrical stimulation system with automated setup for current functional electrical stimulation users with foot-drop. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(10), 1870-1877. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2014.04.027

Objective To investigate the feasibility of unsupervised community use of an array-based automated setup functional electrical stimulator for current foot-drop functional electrical stimulation (FES) users. Design Feasibility study. S... Read More about Feasibility study of a take-home array-based functional electrical stimulation system with automated setup for current functional electrical stimulation users with foot-drop.

A systematic procedure to optimise dose and image quality for the measurement of inter-vertebral angles from lateral spinal projections using Cobb and superimposition methods (2014)
Journal Article
Al Qaroot, B., Hogg, P., Twiste, M., & Howard, D. (2014). A systematic procedure to optimise dose and image quality for the measurement of inter-vertebral angles from lateral spinal projections using Cobb and superimposition methods. Journal of X-Ray Science and Technology, 22(5), 613-625. https://doi.org/10.3233/XST-140449

BACKGROUND: Patients with vertebral column deformations are exposed to high risks associated with ionising radiation exposure. Risks are further increased due to the serial X-ray images that are needed to measure and asses their spinal deformation us... Read More about A systematic procedure to optimise dose and image quality for the measurement of inter-vertebral angles from lateral spinal projections using Cobb and superimposition methods.

Automated detection of instantaneous gait events using time frequency analysis and manifold embedding (2013)
Journal Article
using time frequency analysis and manifold embedding. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 21(6), 908-915. https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSRE.2013.2239313

Accelerometry is a widely used sensing modality in human biomechanics due to its portability, non-invasiveness, and accuracy. However, difficulties lie in signal variability and interpretation in relation to biomechanical events. In walking, heel st... Read More about Automated detection of instantaneous gait events using time frequency analysis and manifold embedding.

The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on ankle and knee kinematics, prosthetic limb loading, and net metabolic cost of trans-tibial amputee gait (2013)
Journal Article
Major, M., Twiste, M., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2014). The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on ankle and knee kinematics, prosthetic limb loading, and net metabolic cost of trans-tibial amputee gait. Clinical Biomechanics, 29(1), 98-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2013.10.012

Background Previous studies of commercially-available trans-tibial prosthetic components have been unable to provide clear insight into the relationships between prosthetic mechanical properties and user performance (i.e., gait quality and energy ex... Read More about The effects of prosthetic ankle stiffness on ankle and knee kinematics, prosthetic limb loading, and net metabolic cost of trans-tibial amputee gait.

Automatic detection of lift-off and touch-down of a pick-up walker using 3D kinematics (2013)
Journal Article
Grootveld, L., Thies, S., Ogden, D., Howard, D., & Kenney, L. (2014). Automatic detection of lift-off and touch-down of a pick-up walker using 3D kinematics. Medical Engineering and Physics, 36(2), 255-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2013.08.008

Walking aids have been associated with falls and it is believed that incorrect use limits their usefulness. Measures are therefore needed that characterize their stable use and the classification of key events in walking aid movement is the first ste... Read More about Automatic detection of lift-off and touch-down of a pick-up walker using 3D kinematics.

Stance phase mechanical characterization of transtibial prostheses distal to the socket : a review (2012)
Journal Article
Major, M., Kenney, L., Twiste, M., & Howard, D. (2012). Stance phase mechanical characterization of transtibial prostheses distal to the socket : a review. Journal of rehabilitation research and development, 49(6), 815-830. https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2011.06.0108

Achieving the required functionality of a trans-tibial prosthesis during the stance phase of gait (e.g., shock absorption, close to normal roll-over characteristics, and smooth transition into swing) depends on the “Amputee Independent Prosthesis P... Read More about Stance phase mechanical characterization of transtibial prostheses distal to the socket : a review.

The effects of transverse rotation angle on compression and effective lever arm of prosthetic feet during simulated stance (2012)
Journal Article
Major, M., Howard, D., Jones, R., & Twiste, M. (2012). The effects of transverse rotation angle on compression and effective lever arm of prosthetic feet during simulated stance. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 36(2), 231-235. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364611435996

Background and Aim: Unlike sagittal plane prosthesis alignment, few studies have observed the effects of transverse plane alignment on gait and prosthesis behaviour. Changes in transverse plane rotation angle will rotate the points of loading on the... Read More about The effects of transverse rotation angle on compression and effective lever arm of prosthetic feet during simulated stance.

Effects of ramp negotiation, paving type and shoe sole geometry on toe clearance in young adults (2011)
Journal Article
Thies, S., Jones, R., Kenney, L., Howard, D., & Baker, R. (2011). Effects of ramp negotiation, paving type and shoe sole geometry on toe clearance in young adults. Journal of Biomechanics, 44(15), 2679-2684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.07.027

Trips are a major cause of falls and result from involuntary contact of the foot with the ground during the swing phase of gait. Adequate toe clearance during swing is therefore crucial for safe locomotion. To date, little is known about the effects... Read More about Effects of ramp negotiation, paving type and shoe sole geometry on toe clearance in young adults.

The use of hydrogel as an electrode-skin interface for electrode array FES applications (2011)
Journal Article
Cooper, G., Barker, A., Heller, B., Good, T., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2011). The use of hydrogel as an electrode-skin interface for electrode array FES applications. Medical Engineering and Physics, 33(8), 967-982. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2011.03.008

Functional electrical stimulation is commonly used to restore function in post-stroke patients in upper and lower limb applications. Location of the electrodes can be a problem hence some research groups have begun to experiment with electrode arrays... Read More about The use of hydrogel as an electrode-skin interface for electrode array FES applications.

A comparative evaluation of sonomyography, electromyography, force, and wrist angle in a discrete tracking task (2011)
Journal Article
Guo, J., Zheng, Y., Kenney, L., Bowen, A., Howard, D., & Canderle, J. (2011). A comparative evaluation of sonomyography, electromyography, force, and wrist angle in a discrete tracking task. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 37(6), 884-891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2011.03.008

We have previously used the real-time change of muscle thickness detected using ultrasound, namely sonomyography (SMG), for prosthesis motor control purposes. In the present study, we further compared subjects’ performance using SMG and surface elect... Read More about A comparative evaluation of sonomyography, electromyography, force, and wrist angle in a discrete tracking task.

Biomechanics for inclusive urban design : effects of tactile paving on older adults’ gait when crossing the street (2011)
Journal Article
Thies, S., Kenney, L., Howard, D., Nester, C., Ormerod, M., Newton, R., …Maclennan, H. (2011). Biomechanics for inclusive urban design : effects of tactile paving on older adults’ gait when crossing the street. Journal of Biomechanics, 44(8), 1599-1604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2010.12.016

In light of our ageing population it is important that the urban environment is easily accessible and hence supports older adults’ independence. Tactile ‘blister’ paving was originally designed to provide guidance for visually impaired people at pede... Read More about Biomechanics for inclusive urban design : effects of tactile paving on older adults’ gait when crossing the street.

Amputee independent prosthesis properties - a new model for description and measurement (2011)
Journal Article
Major, M., Twiste, M., Kenney, L., & Howard, D. (2011). Amputee independent prosthesis properties - a new model for description and measurement. Journal of Biomechanics, 44(14), 2572-2575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.07.016

A model is presented for describing the Amputee Independent Prosthesis Properties (AIPP) of complete assemblies of trans-tibial prosthetic components distal to the socket. This new AIPP model includes features of both lumped parameter and roll-over m... Read More about Amputee independent prosthesis properties - a new model for description and measurement.