Introduction

The course is focused on quantitative movement analysis and its applications mainly in clinical rehabilitation. In particular, the following topics will be treated: a) the equipment of a Movement Analysis Laboratory (MAL) (optoelectronic systems, force platforms, electromyographic system, ergospirometer, baropodometric platforms, IMU,..); b) analysis of walking or Gait Analysis (main protocols, data elaboration, data analysis, parameters and reports, typical patterns); c) development of experimental sets-up for other movements particularly useful for the evaluation of specific pathologies (Sit to stand, upper limb movements, posture,…); d) examples about the use of movement analysis in the definition of functional limitation related to pathological condition as well as in the new treatment outcomes evaluation in pathologies of children and adults (Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, eating disorders, Multiple sclerosis…); e) parameter extraction and computation of synthetic indexes f) movement analysis for sport and ergonomic applications; g) organization and management of a movement analysis laboratory in clinic. The aims of the course are:

1) To give basic concept about the development and the use of protocols based on equipment present in a Motion Analysis Laboratory for the quantification of functional limitations related to specific pathologies;2) To evidence the importance of the movement analysis in rehabilitation to support the diagnosis, the decision making approach and the treatment outcomes evaluations.

DETAILED PROGRAM 

- Introduction to the study of posture and movement analysis for clinical applications. The main aims of the biomechanical evaluation of the human movement. The movement alterations typical of specific pathologies. Functional limitation and functional recovery. The clinical needing and the bioengineering approach to the problem.

-The Motion analysis Lab. Presentation of the MAL's distribution in Italy, in EU, USA and in Latin American countries. Equipment of a clinical MAL (optoelectronic systems, force platforms, electromyography system, ergospirometer, baropodometric platforms, IMU,..). The organization and the management of a MAL in clinic. Technical aspects and MAL layout realization. The European peer review evaluation of a clinical MAL.

-Protocols realization for the evaluation of specific human movement tasks. The selection of the movement according to the pathological functional limitation. Markers and electrodes placement for kinematics and muscle activity detection. Biomechanical models for the joint kinetic identification. Experimental set-up. Parameters extraction and report definition for a clinical use of the data. Protocols for total body evaluation (Sit to stand, Step initiation, Upper limb,...) and fine motor evaluation (writing, hand and face movement,..) and their clinical applications.

- Posture and Gait Analysis. Standardized protocols. Anatomical and technical protocols. Output of a Gait Analysis test and data interpretation. The gait cycle. Spatio-temporal parameters. Joint kinematics: angle definitions, conventions and reference patterns. Joint kinetics. Coefficient of Friction in gait. Risk of falls. Typical gait pattern in specific pathologies.

- Moment analysis in development disabilities. Functional alterations in children with Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Myelomenigocelis,... Clinical examples of biomechanical analysis in the treatment outcomes evaluation and the decision making approach.

-Movement evaluation in pathologies of adult age and in elderly. Movement analysis in Parkinson’s Disease, in Multiple Sclerosis, in Stroke and in Eating Disorders. The movement analysis in oncological rehabilitation.

-Movement Biomechanics for sport and ergonomics. Protocols and examples.

 COURSE ORGANIZATION AND FINAL EXAM

The course is organized with lessons and with practical sessions in the laboratory where the students learn the use of the equipment as well as dedicated software for data analysis. Clinical cases will be presented to better evidence the biomechanical alteration of specific pathologies.  Medical doctors will be invited to describe in details some clinical aspects. The final exam is an oral test.

It should be noted that this is a limited number access course. The mandatory procedure for access request is here  http://www.ccsbio.polimi.it/?page_id=27  )”.

The final exam is an oral test.