DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/KYQ2-7P46
Defense Date
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
Peter Pidcoe
Second Advisor
Dianne Pawluk
Third Advisor
Jennifer Wayne
Abstract
The goal of this study was to evaluate biomechanical differences between healthy subjects and those with ankle instability during the gradual onset of lower extremity fatigue from a landing activity. An understanding of these differences is needed in order to prevent future injury to or further debilitation in individuals with ankle instability. A functional fatiguing activity was designed to focus fatigue on the quadriceps muscles, as those are the muscles most frequently fatigued during sport. Measures were taken throughout the progression of fatigue with a force plate and a motion tracking system and included vertical ground reaction force and lower extremity kinetics, kinematics, and energetics. The time required to reach self-reported fatigue and a balance assessment, the Star Excursion Balance Test, before and after the onset of fatigue was also recorded. Significant differences were observed between groups in peak ground reaction force, ground reaction force impulse, and frontal plane ankle joint impulse. Results indicated that subjects with ankle instability not only exhibited a different baseline for most measurements than normal subjects, but also managed the progression of fatigue differently. With this information and information from further studies, recommendations and/ or training schemes could be made and implemented to help those with ankle instability avoid recurrent injuries.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-11-2015