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Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(9): 712-719
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1275670
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Biomechanics During Exercise with a Novel Stairclimber

Y.-J. Tsai1 , B.-J. Hsue2 , C.-J. Lin3 , F.-C. Su1
  • 1National Cheng-Kung University, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Tainan, Taiwan
  • 2National Cheng Kung University, Department of Physical Therapy, Tainan, Taiwan
  • 3Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chia Yi, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chia Yi county, Taiwan
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision March 16, 2011

Publication Date:
11 May 2011 (online)

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Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the stair-climbing biomechanics related to the lower extremities when subjects used the novel designed stair-climber, which could provide opportunity for both sagittal and frontal movements. 12 volunteers were required to step while either keeping the trunk static (STATIC) or allowing the trunk to shift with weight bearing (SHIFT). A motion analysis system and the 6-axis force and torque sensor embedded in the pedal were used to collect data. Foot contact forces and joint moments were calculated to represent loading characteristics. The joint angle and corresponding moments at the terminal point of the stance phase were computed to serve as the indicator of safety. Significant differences were found in peak foot contact forces, knee extensor moment, and hip abductor moment. At the end of the stance phase, various directions of moment between conditions were found in the knee and the ankle. The knee valgus angle, hip abductor moment, and knee extensor moment were significantly greater in SHIFT than in STATIC. The various stepping strategies caused differences in joint loading characteristics; therefore, these findings need to be given greater consideration in the design of training protocols.

Key words

stepping strategy - kinematics - foot contact force - joint moment

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Correspondence

Prof. Fong-Chin Su

National Cheng-Kung University

Institute of Biomedical

Engineering

No. 1 University Road

Tainan

701 Taiwan

Phone: +886/6/275 7575-63422

Fax: +886/6/234 3270

Email: fcsu@mail.ncku.edu.tw

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