The results of this study support the hypothesis that fear of falling does influence spatial and temporal gait parameter changes in elderly persons. Slower gait speed, shorter stride length, increased stride width, and prolonged double limb support time were found to be associated with a preexisting fear of falling.

SUMMARY Energy expenditure indices (EEI) based on oxygen uptake and heart rate were used to compare the economy of walking at various speeds by normal and cerebral‐palsied children. At low walking speeds, EEI values were high, indicating poor economy. At higher speeds the EEI values decreased until a range of maximum economy was reached. For normal children who were capable of walking beyond this range at higher speeds, the EEI increased again. This pattern was noted for both oxygen‐uptake and heart‐rate indices. Mean EEI values based on oxygen uptake and heart rate for normal children were significantly lower and occurred at faster walking speeds than values for children with cerebral palsy. EEI based on either oxygen uptake or heart rate can be used clinically to provide objective information to help evaluate the influence on gait function of surgical intervention, ambulatory aids or orthotics. RÉSUMÉ Index d'économie énergétique de la marche chez les enfants normaux et IMC Les indices de l'économie énergétique (EEI) basés sur la consommation d'oxygène et le rythme cardiaque ont été utilisés pour comparer l'économie de marche à vitesses variées chez l'enfant normal et IMC. A faible vitesse, les valeurs EEI étaient élevées, indiquant une économie médiocre. A vitesses plus élevées, les valeurs EEI décroissaient jusqu'à un niveau d'économie optimale. Pour les enfants normaux capables de vitesses de marche au delà de cet optimum, l'EEI s'accroissait. Cette distribution était observée aussi bien pour la consommation d'oxygène que le rythme cardiaque. Les valeurs moyennes EEI de consommation d'oxygène et de rythme cardiaque étaient significativement plus basses et apparaissaient à des vitesses plus élevées chez les enfants normaux par rapport aux valeurs des enfants IMC. L'EEI basée sur la consommation d'oxygène ou le rythme cardiaque est bien adaptée à la clinique et peut être utilisée pour fournir des informations objectives aidant à évaluer l'influence des interventions chirurgicales, des aides de marche ou des appareillages sur la fonction de marche. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Energieumsatzindex beim Laufen bei gesunden Kindern und Kindern mit Cerebralparese Der Energieumsatzindex (EEI), basierend auf Sauerstoffverbrauch und Herzfrequenz, wurde herangezogen, um die Energieausnutzung beim Laufen mit verschiedenen Geschwindigkeiten bei gesunden und cerebralparetischen Kindern zu vergleichen. Bei niedrigen Geschwindigkeiten waren die EEI‐Werte hoch, was für eine schlechte Energieausnutzung sprach. Bei höheren Geschwindigkeiten fielen die EEI‐Werte ab, bis ein Bereich der maximalen Ausnutzung erreicht war. Bei den gesunden Kindern, die in der Lage waren, diesen Bereich mit höheren Geschwindigkeiten zu überschreiten, stieg der EEI an. Dieser Verlauf wurde sowohl für den Sauerstoffverbrauch als auch für die Herzfrequenz festgestellt. Die mittleren EEI‐Werte, basierend auf Sauerstoffverbrauch und Herzfrequenz waren für gesunde Kinder signifikant niedriger und traten bei höheren Geschwindigkeiten auf, als die Werte für die cerebral...

The purpose of this study was to examine individuals 5 years after ACL reconstruction and analyze changes involving strength, stability, function, and sports activities. Nineteen males and six females, mean age = 31.4 +/- 7.31 years, participated in this study. Fifteen subjects had received extraarticular and ten subjects had received intraarticular ACL reconstructions. Subjects completed a 100 point subjective functional activity questionnaire and a sports participation survey. Knee ligament stability was assessed during an objective knee examination. Isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength were tested at 240 and 120 deg/sec using the Cybex II dynamometer. Anterolateral rotatory instability and positive Lachman were elicited on the operated leg for 80% of the subjects. No significant relationship was found between objective instability and the functional activity score. For the intraarticular group, a significant correlation (P less than 0.05) was found between increased quadriceps and hamstring strength on the operated leg and return to functional activities. Subjects' functional activity score was positively correlated (P less than 0.001) with their ability to participate in sports. Subjects participating in sports involving cutting and twisting motions were less successful in returning to their preinjury participation levels and reported more subjective complaints of pain, swelling, and/or instability. These results indicate that long-term progressive rehabilitation emphasizing increased quadriceps and hamstring strength to approximate the nonoperated leg may enhance successful return to functional and sports activities after ACL reconstruction.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the shoulder strength ratios obtained from college-level baseball pitchers and age- and sex-matched nonpitchers. Shoulder flexion/extension and externallinternal rotation strength ratios were assessed in 10 pitchers and 9 nonpitchers. Speeds selected for testing were 180 and 300 degrees /sec on the Cybex /I.@R esults indicated that both pitchers and nonpitchers generated greater peak torque values for the extensors and internal rotators than for the flexors and external rotators of the shoulder. A comparison of shoulder strength ratios between a pitcher's throwing arm and his nonthrowing arm was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for shoulder external/internal rotation at the speeds of 180 and 300 "/set. A comparison of shoulder strength ratios between pitchers and nonpitchers on the nondominant arm was not statistically significant for any of the speeds or directions tested. A comparison of the shoulder strength ratios between pitchers and nonpitchers on the dominant arm was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all directions and speeds tested. The relationship between shoulder muscle imbalance and injury was discussed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1987;8(9):451-461.