A Rigid Body Database On Human Movement

Clinical Center

Investigators

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Abstract

The primary objective of this study remains the same: to link the neuro-muscular system and movement biomechanics of people with and without physical impairments to his or her ability to perform activities of daily living, including gait. Many of the methodologies remain the same as well, the core of which is 3D movement analysis, but also include evaluation of muscle activity, strength, muscle ultrasound and assistive devices or adaptive aids, among others. We have collected data on functional movement tasks in both the arm and legs such as reaching and walking in different patient groups, specifically those with cerebral palsy, brachial plexus palsy and adults with dystonia, as well as healthy volunteers, of all ages. This is only an assessment protocol but it has enabled us to evaluate differences in movement or physical assessment characteristics within patient groups as well as between those with and without a specific disorder to provide insights into the mechanisms that underlie motor coordination and how it can be affected by specific conditions. We have also assessed patients with or without an assistive device to determine the extent to which the device may be aiding their motor performance. This study has proved to be very useful in evaluating assessments and in providing normative as well as an increasingly larger database of those with neurological gait disorders to better understand the types and ranges of functional limitations that may be present. In the past year, we evaluated the use of FDA approved exoskeleton of the function of patients with dystonia affecting gait. Evaluating the impact of assistive devices on gait is integral to this study and provides information that may inform the care and treatment of patients with movement disorders.