ABSTRACT
This study presents vector coding technique applied to angle-angle joint diagrams to quantify modification of normal gait pattern due to increased knee joint stiffness. Subject specific inverse kinematic analysis was performed during normal gait (NG), stiff knee gait (SKG) and slow running (SR). Case study relates to a healthy 40-year-old male subject weighing 70 kg and 1.86 m tall. Reflective adhesive marks were placed at skin surface of lower limbs selected anatomical points. Images of reflective marks during experimental tests at NG, SKG and SR were captured using camera system. AnyGait software was used for inverse kinematic to obtain lower limb joint angles. Flexion-extension angle-angle diagrams were plotted for the hip, knee, ankle joints and vector coding applied. Results of non-invasive and autonomous vector coding made it possible to objectify and quantify subtle undetectable changes using direct observation of lower limb joint movement at SKG and SR in relation to NG.
