BIOMECHANICS OF GAIT
The biomechanics of gait is the study of the body’s mechanics during walking or
running, involving the complex interaction of muscles, bones, and joints to
achieve forward progression, stability, and energy efficiency.
Two main phases of gait: stance (60%) and swing (40%).
Heel-strike foot-flat mid-stance heel-off toe-off swing.
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BIOMECHANICS OF GAIT– CLINICAL
RELEVANCE
Overpronation at sub talar joint tibial stress fractures, plantar fasciitis.
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Oversupination at sub talar joint. lateral ankle sprains.
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Abnormal stride length hip & knee overload.
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MALALIGNMENT INJURIES.
Definition:Malalignment injuries in sports occur when bones or joints are not in
their correct anatomical position, which can be congenital, caused by trauma like
a poorly healed fracture, or result from chronic postural issues.
Common malalignments:
genu valgum
genu varum
pes planus
pes cavus.
Femoral anteversion.
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Malalignment creates unevenstress on the musculoskeletal system, predisposing
athletes to following injuries:
Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
Iliotibial band syndrome
Stress fractures
Plantar fasciitis
Traction apophysitises: (in children and adolescents)
Early-onset arthritis: if a malalignment involves a joint surface
INJURY PREVENTION STRATEGIES
PRINCIPLES
Warm-up & stretching.
Proper technique.
Protective equipment.
Load management.
Physiotherapy.
Playing on safe surfaces.
Adequate nutrition and hydration.
Giving sufficient time to rest and recovery.
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Develop afitness plan that includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and
flexibility to decrease your risk of injury.
Prepare your body for exercise by increasing blood flow and muscle flexibility,
which also improves nerve sensitivity and cardiovascular response.
Improve the ability of muscles to perform and increase flexibility, which can
reduce the risk of injury.
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Focus onstrengthening the muscles around joints to improve stability and
reduce strain.
Drink enough water to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Follow an appropriate diet that meets functional requirements and supports
recovery after exercise.
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INJURY PREVENTION
ORTHOPAEDIC ROLE
Screening for malalignment (clinical + imaging).
Corrective measures: orthoses, physiotherapy, surgery if needed.
Pre-season musculoskeletal screening.
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REHABILITATION PROCESS
Therehabilitation process is a structured approach that involves an individual,
healthcare professionals, and a treatment plan to restore and enhance physical,
mental, and social well-being after an injury, illness, or addiction.
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REHABILITATION PROCESS
Phasesof rehabilitation
1.Acute (control swelling & pain,protect, rest, ice, compression,elevation.)
2. Subacute (ROM, strengthening)
3. Remodelling (resistance, proprioception)
4. Return to play
ASSISTIVE DEVICES INREHAB
Assistive devices in rehabilitation are tools and technology designed to help
individuals with disabilities or injuries regain or improve their independence and
function.These devices span various categories, including mobility aids like
wheelchairs and walkers, sensory aids such as hearing aids and magnifiers,
communication tools like hearing loops and electronic communication boards, and
cognitive aids such as reminder devices and software.The goal is to reduce
functional limitations, slow functional decline, and enhance a person’s quality of life
and participation in daily activities.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT
Anxiety
Depression
Fear of re-injury.
Loss of athletic identity.
Anger
Frustration.
Social Isolation.
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Anger andFrustration:A common response to being sidelined and unable to
perform.
Sadness and Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low self-worth
can arise from the loss of play and a threat to their athletic identity.
Anxiety and Fear:Athletes may feel anxious about their recovery, performance
upon return, and the possibility of re-injury.
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Social Isolation:Theabsence from team activities can lead to feelings of
loneliness and disconnection from peers and coaches.
Loss of Identity: For many athletes, being an athlete is a central part of their
identity.An injury can create an identity crisis and feelings of self-doubt.
Reduced Confidence:The experience of injury can erode an athlete’s confidence
in their body and ability to compete at the same level again.
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Mental HealthConditions: Left unaddressed, the emotional toll of an injury can
escalate into depression, anxiety disorders, or even substance use and eating
disorders.
Maladaptive Coping: In response to stress, some athletes may resort to unhelpful
coping strategies, such as increased alcohol consumption.
Fear of Re-injury:This fear can manifest as a hesitancy to engage fully in
rehabilitation and a physical caution during training, which can slow recovery.
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Performance Anxiety:Athletesmay experience increased nervousness and
pressure when returning to competition, fearing they won’t perform as well as
before.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT STRATEGIES
Sports psychologists.
Goal setting and motivation.
Team inclusion during rehab.
Psychological Interventions: Strategies like positive self-talk, goal setting,
visualization, and mindfulness can help athletes manage their emotions and build
confidence.
Integrated Care: Clinicians and physiotherapists can play a crucial role by
monitoring the athlete’s emotional state alongside their physical progress and
integrating psychological support into rehabilitation programs.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY CASE EXAMPLE
ACL rupture case:
- Surgery by orthopaedic surgeon
- Rehab by physiotherapist
- Nutrition support for healing
- Psychological counselling
- Strength coach for conditioning