Biomechanical Assessment

What is Biomechanical Assessment: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition & Overview

Biomechanical assessment is the process of analysing the functions of lower limbs. It is performed to determine abnormalities and identify how the body compensates for these irregularities.

Among those who can benefit from the procedure include those with:

• Asymmetrical body that is quite pronounced in the feet and legs and affects how a person walks or stands
• Physical anomalies that affect movements, such as having one leg shorter than the other and bowed legs
• Injuries sustained from sports or accidents
• Prolonged strain on the limbs due to excess weight leading to irregular gait and posture

The goals of biomechanical assessment are to determine that causes of specific abnormalities and present ways to correct or completely eliminate the issues arising from such irregularities.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

Aside from those mentioned above, biomechanical assessment can also be recommended for:

• Individuals suffering from various pains in the lower limbs that need to be addressed in a permanent and long-term manner. Examples of these ailments include pain in the heel, arch pain, and Achilles tendinitis as well as foot, knee, and back pain. These assessments are particularly helpful for painful conditions with no apparent causes.

• Athletes who had sports-related injuries, in which the biomechanical assessment can help establish the proper rehabilitation program to address the problem and promote healing of injuries. The assessment can also be done on athletes who just want to improve their performance regardless if they are injured or not.

• Those born with flat feet or high arches. These conditions often cause pain and discomfort due to the improper distribution of weight and unstable posture. An individual with flat feet is also likely to develop deformities like bunions and hammer toes. Children with these conditions can benefit from early intervention to avoid misalignment and correct posture deficiencies as they grow to adulthood.

The results of the biomechanical assessment will take into consideration several factors. These include the patient’s age, range of motion, occupation or sports engaged in, postural alignment, and even genetic predisposition to certain physical anomalies or deformities. The results will be able to indicate the source of pain or the cause of any limb-related injury. Those suffering from foot pain can also use the results of the assessment to have foot orthoses customised according to their needs.

Athletes and their trainers often integrate the results of the assessment in their training to achieve optimal performance in actual competitions.

How is the Procedure Performed?

Biomechanical assessment, which typically lasts between one and two hours, is often performed in a specialised laboratory where physiotherapists can monitor and record how a person walks and runs. Patients are asked to wear a pair of shorts so the movements of the legs are visible and easily recorded. Before the actual assessment, patients are asked about their medical history and the symptoms they have been experiencing.

Biomechanical assessments are divided into two major parts. The first one is the static part in which the specialist assesses lower limb posture and takes measurements while the patient is standing up or laying down. This part of the procedure also includes examining the bones of the foot, patterns of calluses, functions of the big toe, and integrity of joints.

The second part, on the other hand, is considered the dynamic part, in which patients are asked to perform several activities while cameras record their movements. This can involve gait analysis in which the walking pattern of the patient is evaluated. Running and motion capture analysis are also performed. The patient is asked to walk and run using a treadmill while data is recorded and captured by computers.

Examples of tools that are used during the biomechanical assessment include the biometer that measures the amount of carbon dioxide being exhaled, a tractograph that measures angles during leg examination, and a goniometer that measures motion ranges of joints.

Athletes may be evaluated and assessed in the place where they do sports, like a field or an indoor court. In some cases, the assessment is carried out while the athlete is playing or engaged in a competition to get relevant results. This method typically involves sensors and 3D kinematics.

Possible Risks and Complications

Individuals who undergo a biomechanical assessment may feel exhaustion after the session. Improper or wrong diagnosis can lead to improper treatment and may exacerbate pain and posture problems.

References:

• Biomechanical assessment and treatment in lower extremity prosthetics and orthotics: a clinical perspective. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2006 Feb ;17(1):203-43.

• Foot orthotics in the treatment of lower limb conditions: a musculoskeletal physiotherapy perspective. Vicenzino B.Man Ther. 2004 Nov; 9(4):185-96.

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**What is Biomechanical Assessment?**



Biomechanical assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that examines the mechanics of an individual’s body during movement. It involves analyzing factors such as posture, alignment, ‌joint mobility, muscular strength and imbalances, and gait ‌patterns.



**Why is‌ Biomechanical Assessment Important?**



Biomechanical assessment plays a crucial role in:



* **Injury Prevention:** Identifying and addressing posture and mechanics that ⁣may predispose ⁣to injuries

* **Performance Enhancement:** Optimizing movement efficiency and reducing energy expenditure for athletes and ⁤dancers

* **Pain Management:** ⁣Diagnosing the underlying biomechanical causes ⁤of musculoskeletal‍ pain

* **Rehabilitation:** Designing⁤ targeted rehabilitation programs tailored to ‍individual biomechanics



**How is a⁤ Biomechanical Assessment Conducted?**



Biomechanical assessment typically ⁤includes the‍ following‍ steps:



* *History Taking:* Gathering information about the individual’s medical history, symptoms, and​ activity level

* *Observation:* Watching the individual ‍perform certain movements and activities

* *Range of Motion Testing:* Measuring the mobility of joints in various directions

* ⁤*Strength Testing:* Assessing muscle strength and endurance

* *Posture⁢ and Gait Analysis:* Evaluating⁣ alignment, balance, and walking ⁤patterns



**Who Conducts Biomechanical Assessments?**



Qualified⁢ professionals who perform biomechanical assessments include:



* *Physical Therapists*

* *Occupational Therapists*

* *Sports Medicine Physicians*

* *Chiropractors*



**Benefits of Biomechanical Assessment**



Undergoing a ‍biomechanical assessment offers several benefits, such as:



* *Personalized Recommendations:* Tailored interventions based on individual biomechanics

* ⁢*Early Injury Detection:** Identifying potential problems before they become injuries

* *Reduced Pain and Discomfort:* Addressing underlying biomechanical causes of musculoskeletal pain

* *Improved Movement Efficiency:* Optimizing body mechanics for better performance⁤ and energy conservation

* *Enhanced Rehabilitation Outcomes:* Facilitating faster and more effective recovery



**When to Seek a Biomechanical ⁤Assessment**



Individuals may consider ⁣seeking ‍a biomechanical assessment if⁤ they experience:



* *Chronic ⁢pain*

* *Recurring injuries*

* *Difficulty‍ with specific ⁣movements*

* *Impaired balance or ‍coordination*

* *Professional athletes ‍or‍ dancers seeking performance optimization*



**Conclusion**



Biomechanical assessment is a valuable ‌tool for assessing an individual’s body mechanics and ⁣addressing musculoskeletal concerns. It enables healthcare professionals to provide personalized‍ interventions that can ⁣prevent injuries, enhance performance, manage pain, and facilitate rehabilitation. By optimizing ​body mechanics, biomechanical ⁣assessment helps individuals achieve optimal health and well-being.