- Senior Lecturer (Education and Research) Dr. Lee received BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics(P&O) and PhD in Biomedica... moreSenior Lecturer (Education and Research)
Dr. Lee received BSc in Prosthetics and Orthotics(P&O) and PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2001 and 2006, respectively.
He led research projects in Australia, Taiwan, Mainland China and HK. He ranks 51th globally in total no. publications among all prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) related articles indexed in Scopus. Recently, he received grants and industrial sponsorship to support his application of conventional wisdom of P&O and engineering principles to solve more general health-care problems.edit
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BACKGROUNDPlantar sensory input is a crucial component of proprioceptive system, which is important for maintaining balance and gait control. Foot orthoses are traditionally prescribed to correct/c ...
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Most dynamic stretching protocols include the gastrocnemius muscle, but soleus stretches are often neglected, which is the key powerful muscle for the push-off (concentric) of all speed movements. The purpose of this study was to examine... more
Most dynamic stretching protocols include the gastrocnemius muscle, but soleus stretches are often neglected, which is the key powerful muscle for the push-off (concentric) of all speed movements. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the added soleus stretch in a regular stretching protocol would have greater benefits for ankle flexibility, dynamic balance and functional performance. Fourteen healthy male soccer players received each of the stretching conditions (regular stretching only (Regular), regular stretching with soleus stretching (Soleus) and no stretching (Control)) randomly on different training days, with two-day separation. The ankle flexibility, standing heel-lift balance and speed performances were assessed following each stretching intervention. The active dynamic stretches were performed for 30 s with three repetitions on each of the three (Regular) and four (Soleus) muscles. One-way ANOVA with repeated measures (or the Friedman non-parametric test) was ...
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Balance and gait disorders have been the second leading cause of falls. Inertial motion sensors and force sensors have been widely used to monitor both static and dynamic balance performance. Based on the detected performance, instant... more
Balance and gait disorders have been the second leading cause of falls. Inertial motion sensors and force sensors have been widely used to monitor both static and dynamic balance performance. Based on the detected performance, instant visual, auditory, electrotactile and vibrotactile biofeedback could be provided to augment the somatosensory input and enhance balance control. This review aims to synthesize the research examining the effect of biofeedback systems, with wearable inertial motion sensors and force sensors, on balance performance. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included in this review. All studies were evaluated based on the methodological quality. Sample characteristics, device design and study characteristics were summarized. Most previous studies suggested that biofeedback devices were effective in enhancing static and dynamic balance in healthy young and older adults, and patients with balance and gait disorders. Attention should be paid to the ch...
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Older adults walk with a shorter stride length, reduced hip range of motion (ROM) and higher cadence. These are signs of reductions in walking ability. This study investigated whether using a wireless smart insole system that monitored... more
Older adults walk with a shorter stride length, reduced hip range of motion (ROM) and higher cadence. These are signs of reductions in walking ability. This study investigated whether using a wireless smart insole system that monitored and provided biofeedback to encourage an extension of swing time could increase stride length and hip flexion, while reducing the cadence. Seven older adults were tested in this study, with and without the biofeedback device, in an outdoor environment. Gait analysis was performed by using GaitRite system and Xsens MVN. Repeated measures analysis demonstrated that with biofeedback, the swing time increased by 6.45%, stride length by 4.52% and hip flexion by 14.73%, with statistical significance. It also decreased the cadence significantly by 5.5%. This study has demonstrated that this smart insole system modified positively the studied gait parameters in older adults and has the potential to improve their walking ability.
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Background Badminton is a popular sport activity in both recreational and elite levels. A lot of biomechanical studies have investigated badminton lunge, since good lunge performance may increase the chances to win the game. This review... more
Background Badminton is a popular sport activity in both recreational and elite levels. A lot of biomechanical studies have investigated badminton lunge, since good lunge performance may increase the chances to win the game. This review summarized the current trends, research methods, and parameters-of-interest concerning lower-extremity biomechanics in badminton lunges. Methodology Databases including Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PubMed were searched from the oldest available date to September 2020. Two independent authors screened all the articles and 20 articles were eligible for further review. The reviewed articles compared the differences among playing levels, footwear designs, and lunge directions/variations, using parameters including ground reaction forces, plantar pressure distribution, kinematics, and kinetics. Results Elite badminton players demonstrated higher impact attenuation capability, more aggressive knee and ankle strategy (higher mechanical mome...
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Research Interests: Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Fall prevention, Medicine, and 15 morePhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Human Movement Science, Simulation, Humans, Female, Male, Reaction Time, Biofeedback, Balance, Posture, Postural Balance, Perturbation, Ambulatory Care, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, and Medical and Health Sciences
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Maintaining postural equilibrium requires fast reactions and constant adjustments of the center of mass (CoM) position to prevent falls, especially when there is a sudden perturbation of the support surface. During this study, a newly... more
Maintaining postural equilibrium requires fast reactions and constant adjustments of the center of mass (CoM) position to prevent falls, especially when there is a sudden perturbation of the support surface. During this study, a newly developed wearable feedback system provided immediate vibrotactile clues to users based on plantar force measurement, in an attempt to reduce reaction time and CoM displacement in response to a perturbation of the floor. Ten healthy young adults participated in this study. They stood on a support surface, which suddenly moved in one of four horizontal directions (forward, backward, left and right), with the biofeedback system turned on or off. The testing sequence of the four perturbation directions and the two system conditions (turned on or off) was randomized. The resulting reaction time and CoM displacement were analysed. Results showed that the vibrotactile feedback system significantly improved balance control during translational perturbations. The positive results of this preliminary study highlight the potential of a plantar force measurement based biofeedback system in improving balance under perturbations of the support surface. Future system optimizations could facilitate its application in fall prevention in real life conditions, such as standing in buses or trains that suddenly decelerate or accelerate.
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Background: Long-distance walking is a convenient way for prompting physical activity of elderly people. However, walking ability declines with aging. Research question: This study assessed if silicone insoles with heel lifts (named here... more
Background: Long-distance walking is a convenient way for prompting physical activity of elderly people. However, walking ability declines with aging. Research question: This study assessed if silicone insoles with heel lifts (named here the prescribed insoles) could facilitate long-distance walking of older adults. Methods: Fifteen adults aged over 65, who did not have obvious lower-limb problems, walked on a treadmill for totally 60 min in two separate walking sessions: 1) with the prescribed insoles, and 2) with original insoles of the standardized shoes. Gait tests using force plates and a motion analysis system, and subjective evaluation using visual analog and Borg's CR10 scales were conducted at different time points of the treadmill walking. Results: Objective gait anaylsis showed that without using the prescribed insoles, there were significant reductions (p < 0.05) in stance time, vertical ground reaction force, ankle dorsiflexion angle and ankle power generation of the dominant leg after the 60-minute treadmill walk. Such significant reductions were not observed in the same group of subjects upon using the prescribed insoles. Meanwhile, significant improvements in subjective perception of physical exertion, pain and fatigue were observed. Significance: Heel lifts and silicone insoles are generally used to relieve plantar pain and reduce strain of plantar flexors in patients. This study showed they might also be solutions to facilitate long-distance walking of older adults, an approach which could prompt their physical activity.
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Background: Physical exercise, such as walking, is imperative to older adults. However, long-distance walking may increase walking instability which exposes them to some fall risks. Objective: To evaluate the influence of long-distance... more
Background: Physical exercise, such as walking, is imperative to older adults. However, long-distance walking may increase walking instability which exposes them to some fall risks. Objective: To evaluate the influence of long-distance walking on gait asymmetry and variability of older adults. Method: Sixteen physically active older adults were instructed to walk on a treadmill for a total of 60 min. Gait experiments were conducted over-ground at the baseline (before treadmill-walk), after first 30 min (30-min) and second 30 min (60-min) of the walk. In addition to spatiotemporal parameters, median absolute deviation of the joint angular velocity was measured to evaluate gait asymmetry and gait variability. Findings: There were significant differences in the overall asymmetry index among the three time instances (Partial η 2 = 0.77, p < .05), predominantly contributed by the ankle (Partial η 2 = 0.31, p < .017). Longdistance walking significantly increased the average and maximum median absolute deviation of the ankle at both sides (W ≥ 0.19, p < .05), and knee at the non-dominant side (W = 0.44, p < .05). Interpretation. At 30-min, the older adults demonstrated a significantly higher asymmetry and variability at the ankle, which implied higher instability. Continue walking for an additional 30 min (60-min) further increased variability of the non-dominant limb at the knee joint. Walking for 30 min or more could significantly reduce walking stability.
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This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
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This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Sensory feedback is critical in proprioception and balance to orchestrate muscles to perform targeted motion(s). Biofeedback plays a significant role in substituting such sensory data when sensory functions of an individual are reduced or... more
Sensory feedback is critical in proprioception and balance to orchestrate muscles to perform targeted motion(s). Biofeedback plays a significant role in substituting such sensory data when sensory functions of an individual are reduced or lost such as neurological disorders including stroke causing loss of sensory and motor functions requires compensation of both motor and sensory functions. Biofeedback substitution can be in the form of several means: mechanical, electrical, chemical and/or combination. This study proposes a soft monolithic haptic biofeedback device prototyped and pilot tests were conducted with healthy participants that balance and proprioception of the wearer were improved with applied mechanical stimuli on the lower limb(s). The soft monolithic haptic biofeedback device has been developed and manufactured using fused deposition modelling (FDM) that employs soft and flexible materials with low elastic moduli. Experimental results of the pilot tests show that the ...
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Research Interests: Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Older Adults, Gait, and 15 moreHumans, Perceived Exertion, Female, Male, Aged, Time Factors, Ankle Joint, Range of Motion, Ankle, Treadmill, Exercise Test, Biomechanical Phenomena, Psychomotor Performance, Exertion, and physical exertion
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Although biofeedback systems have been used to improve balance with success, they were confined to hospital training applications. Little attempt has been made to investigate the use of in-shoe plantar force measurement and wireless... more
Although biofeedback systems have been used to improve balance with success, they were confined to hospital training applications. Little attempt has been made to investigate the use of in-shoe plantar force measurement and wireless technology to turn hospital training biofeedback systems into wearable devices. This research developed a wearable biofeedback system which detects body sway by analyzing the plantar force and provides users with the corresponding haptic cues. The effects of this system were evaluated in thirty young and elderly subjects with simulated reduced foot sensation. Subjects performed a Romberg test under three conditions: (1) no socks, system turned-off; (2) wearing five layers of socks, system turned-off; (3) wearing five layers of socks, and system turned-on. Degree of body sway was investigated by computing the center of pressure (COP) movement measured by a floor-mounted force platform. Plantar tactile sensation was evaluated using a monofilament test. Wea...
Research Interests: Engineering, Computer Science, Analytical Chemistry, Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and 15 moreGait and Balance, Elderly, Humans, Female, Male, Biofeedback, Balance, Aged, Adult, Haptic Technology, Foot, Falls, Plantar Pressure, Electrical And Electronic Engineering, and Accidental falls
Background: Plantar sensory input is a crucial component of proprioceptive system, which is important for maintaining balance and gait control. Foot orthoses with arch supports, metatarsal pads, an ...
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Falls and fall-induced injuries are major global public health problems. Balance and gait disorders have been the second leading cause of falls. Inertial motion sensors and force sensors have been widely used to monitor both static and... more
Falls and fall-induced injuries are major global public health problems. Balance and gait disorders have been the second leading cause of falls. Inertial motion sensors and force sensors have been widely used to monitor both static and dynamic balance performance. Based on the detected performance, instant visual, auditory, electrotactile and vibrotactile biofeedback could be provided to augment the somatosensory input and enhance balance control. This review aims to synthesize the research examining the effect of biofeedback systems, with wearable inertial motion sensors and force sensors, on balance performance. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included in this review. All studies were evaluated based on the methodological quality. Sample characteristics, device design and study characteristics were summarized. Most previous studies suggested that biofeedback devices were effective in enhancing static and dynamic balance in healthy young and older adults, and pat...
Research Interests: Engineering, Computer Science, Analytical Chemistry, Haptics, Medicine, and 15 morePhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gait and Balance, Gait, Force Sensors, Elderly, Humans, Biofeedback, Balance, Motion, Effects, Falls, Improvement, Electrical And Electronic Engineering, Inertial Measurement Unit, and Accidental falls
To evaluate a newly developed biofeedback device enabling lower-limb amputees to identify various floor conditions. An experiment with self-control and group-control: self-control with repeated measures (with and without the biofeedback... more
To evaluate a newly developed biofeedback device enabling lower-limb amputees to identify various floor conditions. An experiment with self-control and group-control: self-control with repeated measures (with and without the biofeedback device) within amputee group; comparison between amputee and non-amputee groups. University locomotion laboratory. Five lower-limb amputees and eight non-amputees. A wearable biofeedback device, which identified different floor conditions by analyzing the force patterns under the prosthetic feet and provided vibration cues in response to different floor conditions, was provided to the amputees. The subjects stepped on a foam platform concealing a small object or no object, at one of the four locations of the foot sole. Subjects were asked whether there was a small object under their feet and the location of the object if it existed. The test was repeated with 4 different object types and 4 object locations. The successful rate of floor identification...
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Although biofeedback systems have been used to improve balance with success, they were confined to hospital training applications. Little attempt has been made to investigate the use of in-shoe plantar force measurement and wireless... more
Although biofeedback systems have been used to improve balance with success, they were confined to hospital training applications. Little attempt has been made to investigate the use of in-shoe plantar force measurement and wireless technology to turn hospital training biofeedback systems into wearable devices. This research developed a wearable biofeedback system which detects body sway by analyzing the plantar force and provides users with the corresponding haptic cues. The effects of this system were evaluated in thirty young and elderly subjects with simulated reduced foot sensation. Subjects performed a Romberg test under three conditions: (1) no socks, system turned-off; (2) wearing five layers of socks, system turned-off; (3) wearing five layers of socks, and system turned-on. Degree of body sway was investigated by computing the center of pressure (COP) movement measured by a floor-mounted force platform. Plantar tactile sensation was evaluated using a monofilament test. Wea...
Research Interests: Engineering, Measurement, System, Biofeedback, Balance, and 9 morePaving, Towards, Devices, Force, Wearable, Improving, Way, Plantar, and Science and Technology Studies
2004-2005 > Academic research: refereed > Refereed conference pape
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Many older adults do not adhere to the recommended physical activity levels. This study examines the gait changes upon long-distance walking among healthy older adults. Gait tests of 24 adults aged 65 or more were conducted at the... more
Many older adults do not adhere to the recommended physical activity levels. This study examines the gait changes upon long-distance walking among healthy older adults. Gait tests of 24 adults aged 65 or more were conducted at the baseline, at the end of 30 and 60 minutes of treadmill walk. Spatial temporal, kinematic and kinetic gait data were computed. Perceived level of exertion was evaluated for each subject. Ten subjects (Group B) perceived higher exertion level than the remaining fourteen subjects (Group A). After walking, group B had significant reductions in dominant-side ankle joint range of motion and power, suggesting lower-leg muscle fatigue, which appeared to be compensated by significantly increased non-dominant side knee and hip motions. These changes were not observed in Group A. Differences in gait parameters between Group A and B implied that some biomechanical factors might contribute to the lack of walking of some older adults.
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Previous studies on amputee gait were based on a few steps of walking. Long-distance walking is commonly performed by amputees, but its effect on gait was not known. This preliminary study investigated the effect of long-distance walking... more
Previous studies on amputee gait were based on a few steps of walking. Long-distance walking is commonly performed by amputees, but its effect on gait was not known. This preliminary study investigated the effect of long-distance walking on amputee gait and the compensatory mechanism used by amputees to facilitate long-distance walking. Two below-knee amputees walked on a level treadmill for two 30- minute sessions. Ground reaction forces, kinematics of the hip, knee and ankle, and residual limb-socket interface pressure were measured before and after the two walking sessions. Results showed the interface pressure decreased and there was change in asymmetry between the amputated and sound limbs, with 9.0% increase in propulsive impulse ratio and 10.4% decrease in braking impulse ratio. Accumulated fatigue reduced the joint power at the knee and ankle of both sides. The sound side hip joint power in the late stance phase decreased, while the prosthetic side hip joint power in the ear...
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To investigate health-related quality of life and its relationship with functional status and other related factors in victims with fractures 4 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. A cross-sectional survey with a multi-stage random... more
To investigate health-related quality of life and its relationship with functional status and other related factors in victims with fractures 4 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. A cross-sectional survey with a multi-stage random sampling method. Five hospitals from the areas most severely affected by the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Victims with fractures aged 14 years and older who were hospitalized in the rehabilitation departments of the 5 identified hospitals during the period 12 May 2008 to 12 May 2009. Information on demographics, such as age, gender, marital status and educational level, functional status, working status, income, and health-related quality of life, were investigated. Manual muscle test, visual analogue scale, Modified Barthel Index and Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36) were employed as the main outcome measures. A total of 243 victims with fractures were interviewed. Thirty-seven percent of the fracture victims had decreased muscle strength, 28.8% had...
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Comfort is among the most important issues when fitting a prosthesis. However, high stress applied to the residual limb, which is not particularly tolerant to loading, can cause discomfort, pain, and tissue breakdown. In an attempt to... more
Comfort is among the most important issues when fitting a prosthesis. However, high stress applied to the residual limb, which is not particularly tolerant to loading, can cause discomfort, pain, and tissue breakdown. In an attempt to improve prosthesis fit, it is important to study the stress distribution at the residual limb-socket interface. Computational finite element (FE) modeling allows for efficient parametric analysis and is a useful tool for investigating the load transfer mechanics at the limb-socket interface. Due to the complicated frictional and sliding actions at the interface, however, simulation of the mechanical interaction between the limb and socket is challenging. In addition, a prosthetic socket is usually shape-rectified so as to redistribute the load to load-tolerant regions of the residual limb. After donning the shape-rectified socket, some mechanical stresses known as pre-stresses are produced. Many previous models have incorporated some simplifying assumptions when simulating the friction-slip and pre-stresses. This chapter illustrates a technique that simulates the contact at the limb-socket interface, considering both the friction/slip and pre-stress conditions, by using an automated contact method
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It is estimated that there are at least three million amputees in the world. Amputation can be caused by vascular diseases, infection, cancer, and traumatic accidents. Prosthetic replacement is one of the most significant rehabilitation... more
It is estimated that there are at least three million amputees in the world. Amputation can be caused by vascular diseases, infection, cancer, and traumatic accidents. Prosthetic replacement is one of the most significant rehabilitation programs. A good lower-limb prosthesis can restore locomotive function and improve the self body-image as well as general health of an amputee. A prosthesis replaces some of the important functions lost due to amputation, and should do so without causing discomfort, pain, or damage to the soft tissue of the residual limb. An external prosthesis is composed of a prosthetic socket and a prosthetic foot, which are interconnected by a shank and possibly some prosthetic joints. A socket is a part of a prosthesis that connects to the residual limb. A good understanding of the mechanical interaction between the socket and the residual limb is required to provide comfort and prevent skin breakdown around the residual limb. The shape of the socket is not exactly a replica of the residual limb, but should be modified so that the load is transferred to the residual limb efficiently. This addresses the nonuniform thickness of soft tissue around the residual limb and the difference in load-tolerant abilities over residual limb regions. A socket is designed to support the body weight of an amputee by applying a reasonable pressure to the residual limb. A number of factors, such as socket design, residual limb length, and alignment, may influence the socket-limb interface pressure. Here we will apply classic mechanics to analyze the interaction between the prosthetic socket and the residual limb. The focus will be on prostheses for amputations at transtibial levels, due to the large percentage of amputees at this level
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Background: A custom moulded ankle orthosis with hinged joints potentially offers a better control over the subtalar joint and the ankle joint during lateral cutting movements, due to total contact design and increase in material... more
Background: A custom moulded ankle orthosis with hinged joints potentially offers a better control over the subtalar joint and the ankle joint during lateral cutting movements, due to total contact design and increase in material strength. Objectives: To test the above hypothesis by comparing it to three other available orthoses. Study Design: Repeated measures. Methods: Eight subjects with a history of ankle sprains (Grade 2), and 11 subjects without such history performed lateral cutting movements in four test conditions: 1) non-orthotic, 2) custom-moulded ankle orthosis with hinges, 3) Sport-Stirrup, and 4) elastic ankle sleeve with plastic support. A VICON motion analysis system was used to study the motions at the ankle and subtalar joints. Results: The custom-moulded ankle orthosis significantly lowered the inversion angle at initial contact ( p = 0.006) and the peak inversion angle ( p = 0.000) during lateral cutting movements in comparison to non-orthotic condition, while th...
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This paper reports findings of experiments aiming to (1) compare the load tolerant ability over different regions of stumps of lower limb amputees, (2) study the effect of walking on the load tolerant ability, and (3) examine the... more
This paper reports findings of experiments aiming to (1) compare the load tolerant ability over different regions of stumps of lower limb amputees, (2) study the effect of walking on the load tolerant ability, and (3) examine the distal-end weight-bearing ability supported by different interface materials. The method was to apply increasing load to the stump up to the pain level through a force transducer or a digital scale, considering the effect of regional difference, walking, and interface materials. The results show that the patellar tendon and the distal end of the fibula were the best and worst load-tolerant region, respectively. Walking with prostheses tended to increase the load-tolerant ability, which is thought to be due to the massage-like effect of the socket. Different interface materials did not significantly alter the distal-end weight-bearing ability. However, there was a great difference in the distal-end weight-bearing ability among different subjects.
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Research Interests: Engineering, Finite Element Methods, Finite element method, Fatigue, Medicine, and 15 moreFinite Element Analysis, Humans, Computer Simulation, Approach, Life, Amputees, Failure probability, Finite Element Simulations, Evaluate, Fatigue Life, Artificial Limbs, Knee Joint, Equipment Failure Analysis, Medical and Health Sciences, and model error
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Research Interests: Mechanical Engineering, Gait Biomechanics, Kinetics, Anthropometry, Energy Metabolism, and 15 moreGait, Humans, Gait Analysis, Kinematics, Amputation, Clinical Sciences, Amputees, Adult, Endurance Training, Ankle, Artificial Limbs, Knee Joint, Exercise Test, Long Distance, and Biomechanical Phenomena
Research Interests: Engineering, Perception, Gait Biomechanics, Fatigue, Medicine, and 15 morePhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Humans, Male, Perceptions, Interface, Amputees, Effects, Middle Aged, Adult, Muscle Fatigue, Amputation Stumps, Interface Pressure, Exercise Test, Long Distance, and Medical and Health Sciences
Elderly persons who walk more have lower mortality rate, cognitive decline, and risk of fall. Lack of motivation could be the reason for the sedentary lifestyle. Nonetheless, lack of motivation alone cannot explain the physical inactivity... more
Elderly persons who walk more have lower mortality rate, cognitive decline, and risk of fall. Lack of motivation could be the reason for the sedentary lifestyle. Nonetheless, lack of motivation alone cannot explain the physical inactivity of most people.1 Biomechanical factors could play a role in maintaining regular walking. Ageing is associated with significant reduction of muscle strength,2 which could impair gait. Discomfort and pain at the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot could be another factor. Elderly people usually have lower shock absorption ability of the soft tissue at the plantar foot,3 and are more susceptible to foot pain upon repeated loading at the feet. Gait analysis could aid in understanding the cause of difficulty in walking. Taking an additional step in modifying the force systems applied to the lower-limb by use of external devices offer the chance of facilitating long-distance walking. Traditionally, orthopaedic insoles are used to treat patients with foo...
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Table tennis is one of the most famous competitive and recreational sports worldwide . A previous survey estimated that almost 300 million people participate in table tennis across countries , while a recent report indicated that China... more
Table tennis is one of the most famous competitive and recreational sports worldwide . A previous survey estimated that almost 300 million people participate in table tennis across countries , while a recent report indicated that China has more than 300 million recreational table tennis players . In 2016, another survey reported about 100 thousand people aged 16 or over have played table tennis for at least 30 minutes a week in England. In the United States, more than 16 million people have played table tennis . By 2016, there were 40 million competitive table tennis players registered worldwide .Table tennis was originated from lawn tennis on the dining table during winter with improvised equipment since 1880s . In 1883, Ralph Slazenger is believed to describe a game mechanism by passing ball over a net and with reference to ordinary tennis to be played indoor (Great Britain Patent, No. 3156, dated 26 Jun 1883). The game is played on a standard rectangular table using a lightweight...
Monolimb refers to a trans-tibial prosthesis having the socket and the shank molded into one piece of thermoplastics. It has a characteristic that the shank could deflect during walking stimulating motions at ankle joints. Positive... more
Monolimb refers to a trans-tibial prosthesis having the socket and the shank molded into one piece of thermoplastics. It has a characteristic that the shank could deflect during walking stimulating motions at ankle joints. Positive feedbacks were gained including improved gait efficiency and comfort from patients using prostheses with deformable shanks. Comfort and gait could be further improved by properly raising the shank flexibility. However, structural integrity should be remained which resists buckling of the prosthesis. Till now there is no guideline for the shank design of monolimb. Currently, the structural test specifications of lower limb prostheses are specified in ISO10328. To optimize the design of the shank, monolimbs with different shank designs have to be subjected to tests according to the ISO standards. Performing such test experimentally is expensive and time demanding. Two approaches help ease the problem. A statistical approach developed by Taguchi using orthog...
This present study aims to review the available evidence on the biomechanics of table-tennis strokes. Specifically, it summarized current trends, categorized research foci, and biomechanical outcomes regarding various movement maneuvers... more
This present study aims to review the available evidence on the biomechanics of table-tennis strokes. Specifically, it summarized current trends, categorized research foci, and biomechanical outcomes regarding various movement maneuvers and playing levels. Databases included were Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PubMed. Twenty-nine articles were identified meeting the inclusion criteria. Most of these articles revealed how executing different maneuvers changed the parameters related to body postures and lines of movement, which included racket face angle, trunk rotation, knee, and elbow joints. It was found that there was a lack of studies that investigated backspin maneuvers, longline maneuvers, strikes against sidespin, and pen-hold players. Meanwhile, higher-level players were found to be able to better utilize the joint power of the shoulder and wrist joints through the full-body kinetic chain. They also increased plantar pressure excursion in the medial-lateral dir...
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Table tennis players often execute one-step, side-step or cross-step to move to an appropriate position for topspin forehand. However, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the footwork effects on lower-limb kinetics and... more
Table tennis players often execute one-step, side-step or cross-step to move to an appropriate position for topspin forehand. However, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the footwork effects on lower-limb kinetics and kinematics, which are related to playing performance and injury prevention. This study examined the ground reaction forces, joint kinetics and in-shoe plantar pressure distribution during topspin forehand with three typical footwork patterns. Fifteen male table tennis players performed cross-court topspin forehands in one-step, side-step and cross-step. Force plate, motion capturing, and instrumented insole systems were used to measure ground reaction force, joint moments and plantar pressure variables. One-way ANONA with repeated measures was performed to determine any significant differences between footwork. Results indicated that participants exhibited significantly higher ground reaction force loadings, knee flexion angle, knee moment, ankle inversion ...
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The wearing of socks and insoles may affect the ability of the foot to detect tactile input influencing postural balance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether (1) thick socks adversely affected the elderly postural balance and... more
The wearing of socks and insoles may affect the ability of the foot to detect tactile input influencing postural balance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether (1) thick socks adversely affected the elderly postural balance and (2) orthopedic insoles could improve the elderly postural balance while wearing thick socks. Repeated-measures study design. In total, 14 healthy older adults were recruited. A monofilament test was conducted to evaluate foot plantar sensation with and without thick socks. Subjects then performed the Romberg tests under three conditions: (1) barefoot, (2) with socks only, and (3) with both socks and insoles. Postural balance was assessed by measuring the center of pressure movement during standing in each experimental condition. Thick socks significantly decreased the monofilament score ( p < 0.001), suggesting reduction in ability to detect external forces. All center of pressure parameters increased significantly while wearing thick socks ( p ...