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Biomedical subjects

G I Turnbull

Publications and source records attributed to G I Turnbull.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Deficiencies in standing weight shifts by ambulant hemiplegic subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To compare weight shifts of hemiplegic subjects with controls in parallel and diagonal stance. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: All subjects were functionally independent in the general community. Hemiplegic subjects had qualified for and had received rehabilitation. PARTICIPANTS: Independently ambulant hemiplegic subjects, who exhibited an asymmetrical gait pattern, were compared with age-and sex-matched controls recruited from the same community. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects maintained a series of weight shift postures, each for a duration of 10sec, while standing on a transduced platform with feet both parallel and placed diagonally, the latter position designed to mimic the double support phases of the gait cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Locations of center of pressure (CP) were measured in relation to each subject's center of base of support and, ranges of weight shift in each direction were calculated. RESULTS: With feet parallel, the hemiplegic sample was deficient in shifting weight towards the hemiplegic leg and posteriorly (p<.05). The diagonal tests revealed deficiencies in shifting weight posterolaterally over both lower limbs (p<.05) but particularly over the affected leg. The ranges over which weight could be significantly below the values for the normal sample in both cardinal plane and diagonal directions (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Even functionally ambulant hemiplegic subjects demonstrate marked limitations in the capacity to shift weight and possess a reduced range of weight shift. The diagonal tests emphasized deficiencies in shifting weight posteriorly over both limbs and toward the affected side, specific rehabilitation of which may improve gait.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

A comparison of the range of walking speeds between normal and hemiplegic subjects.

It is known that people who have suffered stroke walk slower than normal. However, their ability to deviate from a preferred speed of walking has not been reported. This study investigated the range of walking speeds of 20 hemiplegic subjects and compared the results with those of 20 normal age- and gender-matched controls. All subjects traversed a computerized grid walkway which measured selected temporal and spatial gait parameters. Subjects walked at five self-selected speeds: "normal"; "slower than normal"; "slowest"; "faster than normal"; and "fastest". Comparisons were made between velocity, range of velocity, stride time and stride length. The hemiplegic group walked significantly slower at all speeds, were less capable of adapting the speed of their gait, possessed a markedly reduced range of walking speed, and walked more cautiously than the controls. These deficiencies are likely to limit the stroke person's ability to respond to environmental demands.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The kinematics of idiopathic gait disorder. A comparison with healthy young and elderly females.

In this study the kinematic gait parameters of healthy young and elderly subjects were compared with those of a group of patients with idiopathic gait disorder of the elderly (IGDE), a condition characterized by dysfunctional walking for which no underlying cause can be determined. The velocity and the temporal/distance gait kinematics were measured for self-selected fast, medium and slow speeds of walking. The elderly walk with a more cautious gait pattern than younger adults. This pattern is characterized by a slow walking speed and a reduced single support phase, with shorter but more frequent strides, and is even more marked in persons with IGDE. The slower the walking speed the more cautious this pattern becomes. The patients with IGDE not only walk far slower than a group of healthy age matched individuals but the range of speeds, from self-selected slow to fast, is much reduced and does not overlap that of the healthy elderly. With objective gait measurements this group might be better identified.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Gait asymmetries in residual hemiplegia.

Temporal gait asymmetries in 25 patients with residual stroke were measured from a walkway which allowed data collection on-line with a microcomputer. An asymmetry ratio has been introduced to reflect the degree of asymmetry in each of the support phases of the gait cycle. Subjects in this study demonstrated residual deficits in walking, and although there was a general pattern of asymmetry, walking patterns varied even though the group had been selected according to criteria which tended to make for relative functional homogeneity. Both the extent and patterns of temporal gait asymmetries with respect to phases of the gait cycle were found to vary. The basic rehabilitative implication of these findings is that it is not possible to design a single gait reeducation program for all residual stroke patients; the exercises prescribed must address the unique deficiencies of each patient.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Frequency analysis of commercially available vibrators.

The tonic vibration reflex -- elicitation of a muscle contraction by mechanical vibration -- is a well documented physiological phenomenon of particular relevance to physiotherapy. Among the critical features pertaining to the effectiveness of its use in clinical practice are the mechanical attributes of the vibrator used to elicit the reflex. Because physiological responses differ with vibrations of varying frequency and amplitude, it is necessary to measure these characteristics before a commercial vibrator is used therapeutically: Facilities and equipment for performing such tests are, however, not readily available to physiotherapists. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to measure and compare frequencies of a variety of commercially available vibrators under varying load conditions and over time. Vibrators from major Canadian retail outlets and manufacturers were obtained and, through the use of both mechanical and optical methods, a total of 19 models were frequency-calibrated. The results of the study permit discussion related to the suitability and reliability of each model and provide specific guidance to physiotherapy departments in the selection of appropriate therapeutic vibrators. The results also indicate that the mode of application, such as strapping the apparatus to the patient rather than having the operator hold it in her hand, affects the frequency in some models. The data related to frequency measurements, gained through this study, should enable therapists to make more effective use of commercially available vibrators in motor reeducation.

Canada↗