The joint angles of the lower limb are important parameters in evaluating the ability and stability of the walk. The individuals differ in their walking styles because of differences in flexion/ extension angles of hip, knee and ankle joints. The simplest method of measuring joint angles is placing goniometers along these joints. Although this method is prone to error and have very little scientific information contained other than joint angle values, different phases and subphases of gait can be categorized in terms of these angles. The joint angle measured from the normal functioning lower limb of the patient can be used as part of a feedback mechanism that guides the prosthetic mechanism employed on the affected/amputated limb to produce very similar angular movement to execute stable walking pattern. Authors measure human joint movement angles using Biometrics Twin Axis Goniometers in order to analyze the joint angle patterns and mapping them for normal gait. These angles information can be used as a feedback in controlling the flexion/extension of prosthetic.
[1]
Michael Bottlang,et al.
Hinged External Fixation of the Knee: Intrinsic Factors Influencing Passive Joint Motion
,
2004,
Journal of orthopaedic trauma.
[2]
Robert W. Jackson,et al.
Dynamic Knee Motion in Anterior Cruciate Impairment: A Report and Case Study
,
2002,
Proceedings.
[3]
H. van Mameren,et al.
Digital goniometric measurement of knee joint motion. Evaluation of usefulness for research settings and clinical practice.
,
2007,
The Knee.
[4]
D. Sutherland.
The evolution of clinical gait analysis. Part II kinematics.
,
2002,
Gait & posture.
[5]
E. Isakov,et al.
Influence of speed on gait parameters and on symmetry in transtibial amputees
,
1996,
Prosthetics and orthotics international.
[6]
P R Cavanagh,et al.
Accuracy of the functional method of hip joint center location: effects of limited motion and varied implementation.
,
2001,
Journal of biomechanics.