W3 Flashcards
What are the three essential requirements for navigating stairs?
Progression: Generating concentric forces to propel the body upward and eccentric forces to control the descent.
Postural Control: Managing the center of mass in relation to a moving base of support.
Adaptation: Adjusting to varying stair dimensions and environmental factors like stair height, width, and presence of handrails.
What are the two main phases of stair ascent and their subdivisions?
Stance Phase (64% of cycle): Includes Weight Acceptance, Pull Up, Forward Continuance, and Push Up.
It is from ipsilateral foot strike (on stair above) to ipsilateral toe off
Swing Phase (36% of cycle): Comprises Swing Foot Clearance and Swing Foot Placement.
It is from ipsilateral toe off (bottom stair) to ipsilateral foot strike (on stair above)
Describe the two phases of stair descent and their specific actions.
Stance Phase (64% of cycle): Consists of Weight Acceptance, Forward Continuance, and Controlled Lowering.
Swing Phase (36% of cycle): Involves Leg Pull Through and Foot Placement.
How important is sensory information in stair navigation?
Sensory information is crucial for identifying and accommodating various aspects of the stairs, such as edge detection and changes in stair dimensions, which informs both ascent and descent.
What are the main differences between stair climbing and level walking in terms of movement dynamics?
- Cadence: Lower in stair climbing.
- Stance Phase: Smaller proportion during stair climbing.
- Cycle Duration: Longer in stair climbing.
- Speed and Stride Length: Both are reduced in stair climbing.
What is the difference between kinematics and kinetics in the context of stair mobility?
Kinematics: Describes the motion of points, bodies, and systems of bodies without considering the forces that cause them.
Kinetics: Involves analyzing forces that act on a body and the motions they produce, focusing on moments, powers, and energy dynamics.
Which muscle groups are primarily involved during the stance phase of stair ascent?
Early Stance: Knee extensors, especially Vastus Lateralis, contribute to pulling up.
Late Stance: Plantarflexors like Soleus and Gastrocnemius aid in pulling up; Hip extensors (Gluteus Maximus in the first half and Hamstrings in the second half of stance) help with forward continuance.
What are the primary muscle actions during the descent phase of stair navigation?
The control during descent is largely dominated by eccentric muscle contractions.
Key muscles include the quadriceps for controlling the lowering of the body and the gluteal muscles for stabilizing the hips.
Does using handrails increase stability for all adults during stair descent?
Handrail use does not significantly increase stability for healthy older adults.
It does increase stability for older adults with a fear of falling, especially during stair descent, aiding in balance and confidence.
How are kinematic and kinetic data utilized in analyzing stair navigation?
Kinematic Data: Captures the movement patterns of joints and limbs during stair navigation using motion capture systems.
Kinetic Data: Measures forces and torques using force plates and sensors to understand the dynamics of muscle power and joint stress.
Why is stair descent considered more hazardous compared to ascent?
Stair descent is associated with a higher risk of falls due to the need for controlled lowering of the body against gravity.
It requires significant eccentric control, which can be challenging for individuals with muscular or neurological impairments.
What are some training strategies to improve safety and efficiency in stair navigation?
Strength Training: Focus on strengthening knee and hip extensors, and hip abductors.
Eccentric Training: Particularly for muscles involved in stair descent to enhance control.
Balance and Adaptation Exercises: To improve the ability to adjust to different stair environments and conditions
What are the three essential requirements for the sit to stand movement?
Progression: Generating sufficient joint torque to rise from a seated position.
Stability: Transitioning the center of mass from the chair to the feet effectively.
Adaptation: Modifying movement strategies based on environmental constraints such as chair height or surface texture.
Describe the phases of movement in the sit to stand transition.
Flexion Moment: Initial effort to move forward and initiate standing.
Transfer Moment: Shifting body weight from buttocks to legs.
Extension: Straightening the legs to achieve a full standing position.
Additional phases may include stabilization once standing, depending on the complexity of the model used.
Which muscle groups are critically involved in the sit to stand movement?
The quadriceps are pivotal for knee extension.
Hip extensors, including the gluteus maximus and hamstrings, drive hip movement.
Core muscles aid in stabilizing the upper body throughout the transition.
