Assessment of Postoperative Surface Electromyography and Joint Angle in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy / 医用生物力学

Objective To analyze and assess the postoperative motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) by surface electromyography (sEMG) and joint angle. Methods Sixteen children with SCP were involved in this study. The sEMG of rectus femoris, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius and medial gastrocnemius muscles and joint angles of the hip, knee and ankle during straight walking were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. In every gait phase, the mean values of joint angles, root mean square and integrated electromyography of sEMG were calculated, to evaluate muscle strength and muscular tension quantitatively. Results The muscle tension of lower limbs was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The muscle strength of rectus femoris and biceps femoris was decreased in the swing phase. At the midswing and terminal swing phase, the strength of tibialis anterior increased significantly (P<0.05). The flexion angle of hip and knee decreased significantly (P<0.05). The dorsiflexion angle of ankle increased significantly (P<0.05), and the varus angle decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusions After operation, the crouching gait and clubfoot were improved positively. Therefore, the motor function of children was improved. Combining sEMG and joint angle can evaluate the muscle function of patients quantitatively, and it also can provide references for clinical diagnosis.

Quantitative Study on Kinematics of Ankle Rotating-Traction-Poking Manipulation for Treating Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain / 医用生物力学

Objective To quantify operation characteristics of the ankle rotating-traction-poking manipulation (RTPM) for treating acute lateral ankle sprain by using motion capture technology, so as to provide objective references for standardized operation of RTPM and its education inheritance. Methods A professional physiotherapist performed the RTPM on 60 volunteers with acute lateral ankle sprain. Motion capture system was used to acquire effective kinematic data during the RTPM, so as to make analysis and summarize rules. Results The average time of ankle rotating for six circles was 11.36 s and the average time of ankle traction and poking was 3.42 s. The average displacement of ankle traction was 36.94 mm and the average displacement of ankle poking was 22.44 mm. The average angle of ankle traction was 23.27°, and the average angle of ankle poking was 22.76°. During the RTPM for treating acute lateral ankle sprain, the average linear velocity of ankle rotating was 58.28 mm/s, and the average linear velocity of ankle traction and poking was 23.81 mm/s. The linear acceleration of ankle rotating was 0.43 mm/s2, and the linear acceleration of ankle traction and poking was 0.54 mm/s2. Conclusions The RTPM can be applied in clinical practice. During the RTMP, the principle of gentleness, rhythmicity and continuity should be followed. Under the premise of following physiological characteristics of ankle joint, treatment of the sprained ankle should be carried out with slow and uniform speed continuously.

Normative Temporal Data of Hyolaryngeal Movements during Swallowing / 대한연하장애학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the temporal variables of hyolaryngeal movements during normal swallowing using kinematic analysis of the video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) to present the normal cut-off values of those variables. METHODS: Seventy-five healthy volunteers (17 men, 58 women) without swallowing dysfunctions were recruited to examine the swallowing of 2-ml diluted barium by a VFSS. Kinematic analysis was conducted by digitization of video files for movements of hyolaryngeal structures, including the vocal cords, hyoid bone, and epiglottis during normal swallowing. The time points and duration of hyolaryngeal movements were measured. The time points were the start point, maximal point, and the end point of the LE (Laryngeal Elevation), HE (Hyoid Excursion), and EF (Epiglottic Folding). The durations of LE, HE, and EF were obtained by subtracting the time of the start point from the time of the maximal point. The onset time of LE was defined as the reference time point (0 sec). The upper and lower limits of the 95% confidence interval were adopted as the normal cut-off values for the temporal variables of hyolaryngeal movements after transformation to a normal distribution. If a transformation formula to a normal distribution was not found in a variable, the values of the 2.5–97.5 percentile were adopted. RESULTS: The cut-off values of the maximal and end points of the LE were 0.281 to 0.916 sec, and 0.830 to 2.205 sec, respectively. The cut-off values of the start, maximal and end points of the HE were −0.233 to 0.400 sec, 0.320 to 0.874 sec, and 0.889 to 2.055 sec, respectively. The cut-off values of the start, maximal, and end points of the EF were 0.017 to 0.483 sec, 0.364 to 1.055 sec, and 0.774 to 1.773 sec, respectively. The cut-off values of the duration of LE, HE, and EF were 0.281 to 0.916 sec, 0.258 to 0.767 sec, and 0.255 to 0.787 sec, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study presented the normal cut-off values of temporal variables of hyolaryngeal movements during normal swallowing. This study can serve as a basis for classifying and analyzing the patterns of patients with dysphagia.

Acute effect of uphill running: current scenario and future hypotheses / Efeito agudo da corrida ascendente: cenário atual e futuras hipóteses

Strategies for metabolic adjustments are often considered by athletes throughout a running event. Planning for such events during training does not always include variations from level training, even though up/downhill exertion should definitely be a part of such planning. The differentiation of training stimuli, under adverse conditions of intensity and inclination, can generate differentiated benefits. However, uphill running raises expectations of deleterious effects. The imposition of different slope gradients throughout running could generate increased metabolic demands for sports performance. Thus, the present study aimed to answer questions mainly about the acute effects of uphill running, its relationship with aerobic performance, allowing us to introduce new hypotheses for future studies in the area on the subject. Gaps still need to be filled concerning the relevance of uphill running, and its determinants. Many of the points presently under scrutiny only lead to speculative explanations; for logical reasons, more studies should focus on the prescription of training at different slopes. This is the point at which specific conditioning is required, because the regulation of the effort and the energy cost resulting from the imposition of uphill running during competitive races depends heavily on previous experiences. This review will cover recently published research on the subject.

RESUMO Estratégias para ajustes metabólicos são frequentemente consideradas por atletas ao longo de um evento de corrida. O planejamento de tais eventos durante o treinamento nem sempre inclui treinamento em planos inclinados, que deveriam compor esse planejamento. Adiferenciação dos estímulos de treinamento, em condições adversas de intensidade e inclinação, pode gerar benefíciosdiferenciados. No entanto, a corrida ascendente aumenta as expectativas de efeitos deletérios. Portanto, a imposição de diferentes gradientes de inclinação ao longo da corrida poderia gerar demandas metabólicas aumentadas paradesempenho esportivo. Assim, o presente estudo tevecomo objetivo responder questões principalmente sobre os efeitos agudos da corrida ascendente, sua relação com o desempenho aeróbio e a proposição de novas possíveis hipóteses para estudos futuros sobre o assunto. Muitaslacunas ainda precisam ser preenchidas sobre a relevância da corrida ascendente e seus determinantes. Muitas das questões apresentadas apenas levam a explicaçõesespeculativas; por razões lógicas, mais estudos devemse concentrar na prescrição de treinamento em face dediferentes porcentagens de inclinação. Este é o ponto em que o condicionamento específico é necessário, porquea regulação do esforço e do custo de energia resultanteda imposição de corrida ascendente durante corridascompetitivas depende fortemente das experiênciasanteriores.

Kinematic analysis and trajectory planning of serial robot / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To select a safe, flexible and lightweight manipulator and to execute its kinematic analysis and trajectory planning, so as to improve the application of serial robot in the treatment of hazardous biochemical products. Methods The kinematic modeling was carried out for the manipulator, and the kinematic and inverse kinematic formulas were deduced and verified.Differential transform method was used to obtain the Jacobian matrix of the manipulator,and the trajectory planning was implemented for the manipulator at joint and cartesian spaces.Results An ideal motion curve was formed by the trajectory planning of serial robot to realize its stable and high-efficiency motion at spaces.Conclusion Serial robot is facilitated to execute the treatment of hazardous biochemical products, and references are provided to other researches on serial robot.

Influence of Supraglottic Swallow on Swallowing Kinematics: Comparison between the Young and the Elderly / 대한연하장애학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of supraglottic swallowing maneuver on swallowing kinematics using kinematic analysis of a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). METHOD: Twenty healthy volunteers (10 in a young group ( < 40 years) and 10 in an elderly group (≥60 years)), participated in this study. After structured instruction by a skilled physician, the subjects swallowed 5 ml of diluted barium in the neutral position without any swallowing maneuvers, as well as with supraglottic swallow maneuver under digital videofluoroscopy, three times each. Kinematic analysis was conducted by digitization of video files for movements of hyolaryngeal structures, including the hyoid bone, larynx, arytenoid, and epiglottis. We measured the maximum displacements and velocities of the hyolaryngeal structures during swallowing. RESULT: The most remarkable change in supraglottic swallow was the maximum vertical displacement (mm) of the hyoid bone during swallowing in both groups (11.5±3.34–19.7±6.88 in the young group, P=0.009; 13.4±2.13–22.8±5.35 in the elderly group, P < 0.001). For velocity variables, patterns of change differed between the young and elderly groups. In the young group, the maximum vertical velocities of the larynx and arytenoid were decreased (P < 0.05), but in the elderly group, the maximum 2D velocity of hyoid bone, maximum horizontal and 2D velocity of the larynx and maximum horizontal velocity of the arytenoid were increased (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in changes between the young and elderly groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that supraglottic swallow could affect hyolaryngeal movements, particularly vertical hyoid movement, during swallowing. Beneficial kinematic changes in supraglottic swallow were more pronounced in the elderly group. Therefore, supraglottic swallow may contribute to swallowing improvement by enhancing hyolaryngeal movements during swallowing, in addition to laryngeal closure.

Análise cinemática das distâncias percorridas por jogadores de basquetebol de elite durante um jogo / Kinematic analysis of the distances covered by basketball elite players during a game

Introdução: os esportes coletivos têm se tornado um objeto de investigação científica em diversas áreas do conhecimento, e um desses esportes é o basquetebol. Entre os métodos de investigação das múltiplas variáveis esportivas está a videogrametria, que a partir de filmagens pode fornecer a posição dos jogadores em função do tempo. Objetivos: o objetivo geral desse trabalho foi analisar as distâncias percorridas por jogadores de basquetebol de uma equipe de elite, nos jogos como mandante, por videogrametria. Métodos: foi filmado um jogo da temporada 2011/2012 do Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). Após a aquisição das sequências de imagens, foi realizado no Sistema Dvideo (FEF-Unicamp, Campinas, Brasil) o rastreamento manual da posição de todos os jogadores, durante toda a partida, e a reconstrução 2D da posição em função do tempo, em relação a um sistema de referência real definido na quadra. Resultados: foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas distâncias percorridas entre quartos para bola viva (p = 0.002), e entre os quartos para bola morta (p = 0.001). Conclusão: as análises das distâncias percorridas totais, distâncias percorridas por minuto e tempos jogados de jogadores por jogo, por período de jogo, em bola viva (cronometro ativo) e bola morta (cronômetro parado) apresentaram diferenças importantes para a descrição de parte do volume dos esforços realizados o que pode auxiliar técnicos e preparadores físicos para o treinamento dos atletas.

Introduction: team sports have become an object of scientific investigation in several areas of knowledge, and one of those sports is basketball. Among the methods of investigation of multiple variables is videogrammetry sports, that can provide filming from the position of the players with respect to time. Objectives: the aim of this study was to analyze the distances covered by basketball players of an elite team in the game as principal, for videogrammetry. Methods: We filmed a game of the 2011/2012 season of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB). Following the acquisition of image sequences, it was held at Dvideo System (FEF-Unicamp, Campinas, Brazil) manual tracking of the position of all the players throughout the match, and the 2D reconstruction of the position versus time, for a real reference system defined on the court. Results: there were significant differences in the distances between periods for live ball (p = 0.002), and between the rooms for dead ball (p = 0.001). Conclusion: the analysis of the total distance covered, distance covered per minute and played times players per game, per game period, live-ball (active timer) and dead ball (stopped clock) showed important differences for describing part of the volume the efforts which can help coaches and trainers for the training of athletes.

Efeito do número de jogadores sobre a demanda física e respostas fisiológicas durante jogos com campo reduzido em jogadores de futebol sub-15 / The effect of number of players on physical demand and physiological responses during small-sided games in under-15 soccer players

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar o efeito do número de jogadores em jogos com campo reduzido (JCRs) sobre a demanda física e as respostas fisiológicas em jogadores adolescentes de futebol. Para isso, 14 jogadores de uma equipe de nível estadual (idade 14,4 ± 0,5 anos; massa corporal 56,2 ± 7,0 kg; estatura 1,7 ± 0,1 m; IMC 20,3 ± 1,4 kg∙m-2) foram submetidos a dois formatos (3 vs 3 e 7 vs 7) de JCRs. Foram analisadas as repostas de frequência cardíaca (FC), percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE) e lactato sanguíneo ([La]), além da demanda física por meio do sistema de posicionamento global (GPS). Embora não tenha havido diferença estatística nas distâncias percorridas em diferentes zonas de velocidade entre os formatos de JCRs, a distância total percorrida, a distância percorrida em alta velocidade, a quantidade de ações em alta intensidade e a quantidade de acelerações > 1 m∙s-2 foram maiores (p < 0,05) no JCR 3 vs 3 (1794 m; 885 m; 69; 87, respectivamente) em relação ao JCR 7 vs 7 (1663 m; 712 m; 57; 68). O percentual da frequência cardíaca máxima (FCmáx), PSE e [La] foram superiores (p < 0,05) no JCR 3 vs 3 quando comparado ao 7 vs 7 (91,3%; 6,1 u.a.; 5,0 mmol∙L-1 vs 85,1%; 5,1 u.a.; 2,1 mmol∙L-1, respectivamente). Os resultados demonstram que a intensidade é maior durante o JCR 3 vs 3 do que no JCR 7 vs 7; além disso, a demanda física é influenciada pelo número de jogadores, com uma maior distância total e distância em alta velocidade, além de maior quantidade de atividades em alta intensidade e acelerações no JCR 3 vs 3.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of number of players in small-sided games (SSG) on time-motion characteristics and physiological responses in young soccer players. Fourteen soccer players from a state-level youth soccer team (age 14.4 ± 0.5 years; body mass 56.2 ± 7.0 kg; height 1.7 ± 0.1 m; BMI 20.3 ± 1.4 kg∙m-2) performed two formats (3 vs. 3 e 7 vs. 7) of the SSG. Heart rate (HR), rating perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate ([La]) and physical demands were analyzed using a global positioning system (GPS). Although there were not statistical differences in distance covered at different zones between SSG formats, the total distance covered, distance covered at high-speed, the quantity of high-intensity activities and quantity of accelerations > 1.0 m∙s-2 were higher (p < 0.05) during SSG 3 vs. 3 (1794 m; 885 m; 69; 87, respectively) than SSG 7 vs. 7 (1663 m; 712 m; 57; 68). The percentage of maximal heart rate (HRmax), RPE and [La] were higher (p < 0.05) in the SSG 3 vs. 3 than in 7 vs. 7 (91.3%; 6.1 a.u.; 5.0 mmol∙L-1 vs. 85.1%; 5.1 a.u.; 2.1 mmol∙L-1, respectively). The results show that intensity is greater during SSG 3 vs. 3 than in 7 vs. 7; furthermore, the physical demand is influenced by the number of players per team, with higher total distance covered and distance at high-speed during SSG 3 vs. 3. The players also perform higher number of activities at high-intensity and accelerations during SSG 3 vs. 3.

Ultrasonography as an ancillary method for the positioning of markers in equine motion analysis / Utilização da ultrassonografia como método auxiliar no posicionamento de marcadores em análise de movimento de equinos

Kinematic motion analysis is based on the reconstruction of selected bony anatomical landmarks identified by surface markers. Anatomical landmarks generally do not correspond to points but rather to relatively large and curved areas and their identification by palpation is not easy. Precise placement of surface markers is even more difficult and there is great variability between operators. In this study 16 examiners were asked to identify the lateral border of the left ischial tuberosity in a horse using palpation and ultrasonography for placement of a corresponding skin surface marker. Images of each marking procedure were captured using two video cameras and processed using the DVideow videogrammetry. A custom-written Matlab code was used to determine the position of the respective vectors. The positions of the markers were then compared to assess inter-examiner variability and the precision of the methods employed using the Bartlett test and the paired t-test respectively. Ultrasonography significantly improved the location of the anatomical landmark by each examiner (p = 0.04) and reduced the variability in the position of the surface marker when compared to palpation (p = 0.0028). The variability of the calculated distances (mean ± SD) was 2.89 ± 2.24 cm and 1.63 ± 0.98 cm using palpation and ultrasonography respectively. Ultrasound guidance reduced inter-examiner variability and allowed visualization of the corresponding bony anatomical landmark.

A análise cinemática do movimento é baseada na reconstrução de pontos anatômicos específicos identificados por marcadores de superfície. Esses pontos de referência geralmente não correspondem a pontos, mas a áreas relativamente grandes e curvas de difícil identificação pela palpação. A colocação precisa dos marcadores de superfície é ainda mais difícil e há grande variabilidade entre examinadores. Neste estudo, 16 examinadores foram submetidos à identificação da borda lateral da tuberosidade isquiática esquerda de um cavalo usando a palpação e a ultrassonografia para colocar um marcador de superfície. Imagens de cada procedimento de marcação foram adquiridas utilizando-se duas câmeras de vídeo digital e processadas através o sistema de videogrametria DVideow. O software Matlab foi usado para determinar a posição dos respectivos vetores. As posições dos marcadores foram comparadas para avaliar a variabilidade entre os examinadores e a precisão do método empregado através do teste de Bartlett e teste t pareado, respectivamente. A ultrassonografia melhorou significativamente a localização dos pontos anatômicos de cada examinador (p=0,04) e variabilidade das distâncias calculadas (média +-dp) foi de 2,89 +- 2,24 cm e 1,63 + - 0,98 cm usando a palpação e a ultrassonografia, respectivamente. A ultrassonografia reduziu a variabilidade entre examinadores e permitiu a visualização do ponto anatômico corresponde.

Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of the ability in the activities of daily living of hemiplegic patients and normal subjects / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To study the kinematic characteristics of normal subjects and hemiplegic patients in activities of daily living (ADL) by three-dimensional (3D) kinematic analysis. Methods A Vicon motion capture system was used to record 3D kinematic data on 15 normal subjects ( the healthy group) and 10 hemiparetic patients (the hemiplegic group) performing 5 ADL tasks: reaching up, combing, drinking, touching the opposite shoulder and touching the back pocket. The movement times and the 3D motion angles of the sternoclavicular joint,the acromioclavicular joint, the shoulder joint, the elbow joint and the wrist joint were recorded. Three-dimensional joint angles and movement times were compared between the normal group and the hemiplegic group. Results Compared with the normal group, the hemiplegic group had significantly more lateral rotation and abduction of the sternoclavicular joint, medial rotation and extension of the acromioclavicular joint and flexion of the elbow joint.The hemiplegics used significantly less medial rotation of the sternoclavicular joint and adduction/abduction, flexion/extension and lateraL/medial rotation of the shoulder joint. Additionally, the hemiplegic group showed significantly longer movement times. Conclusion Hemiplegics use different joint motor patterns from healthy subjects in completing ADL actions.

ANÁLISIS CINEMÁTICO DEL SALTO EN PACIENTES SIN PATOLOGÍAS EN EXTREMIDADES INFERIORES

El salto vertical es una habilidad relevante en el desempeño de muchos deportes de alto rendimiento, como el voleibol, básquetbol y fútbol. El gesto está basado en un conjunto de variables independientes específicas, cada una de las cuales puede afectar o favorecer en el rendimiento final. En este trabajo se realizó un análisis cinemático del salto vertical en deportistas amateurs sin antecedentes patológicos en extremidades inferiores, por medio de dos técnicas de squat jump. Para esto, se utilizó un sistema de videografía bidimensional y softwares desarrollados anteriormente en el laboratorio de biomecánica. Se evaluaron los ángulos entre segmentos, posiciones y desplazamientos de los centros de gravedad y velocidades de las articulaciones anatómicas, en cada variante del ejercicio. Los resultados obtenidos permiten caracterizar el gesto realizado y comparar las dos técnicas evaluadas. Se demostró que la técnica mejora el desempeño del salto vertical cuando se usa el balanceo de los brazos, aumentando la altura del centro de masa del cuerpo entero. El estudio demuestra ser una herramienta factible como referencias para futuros análisis del salto vertical en extremidades inferiores.

Vertical jumping is a crucial ability in the performance of several sports such as volleyball, basketball and football. The standing vertical jump is based on several specific independent variables, where each can affect or improve the final performance. The main goal of this study was to examine the kinematic vertical jump in amateurs sportsmen without pathological antecedents in lower limbs, through two types of squat jump. The movement was analyzed using two-dimensional video system and the data were processed with the use of software developed in the laboratory. The angles among segments, positions and displacements of the center of mass and anatomical joints velocities were evaluated, in each variant of the exercise. The results obtained allow the characterization of the standing vertical jump performed by the subject and allow the comparison of both techniques as well. It was demonstrated that this technique improves performance of the vertical jump while using arm swing which leads to an increase in height of the body's center of mass.

Comparison of the Hyoid Movement during the Pharyngolaryngeal Swallowing at the Healthy Young and Old Person

OBJECTIVE: To compare the movement pattern of the hyoid during the pharyngeal swallowing between healthy young and old person through the motion analysis using the videofluoroscopic study. METHOD: Eight young and eight old volunteers without dysphagia were included in this study. Movement patterns of the hyoid (degree of anterior and superior displacement, the speed, trajectory and temporal speed curve of the hyoid) were analyzed through the videofluoroscopy and the motion analysis system. RESULTS: The maximal anterior displacement and the maximal speed of the hyoid were decreased in the old group compared with the young. The trajectories of the young and old group showed asymmetrical pathway (returning pathway was different from the departing one). All groups showed two speed peaks at the temporal curve but the peaks at the old group were blunted. CONCLUSION: Decrease of the maximal anterior movement and the peak speed of the hyoid during the pharyngeal swallowing was found in the old group. It may be due to decrease in the contraction speed of the muscles related to the hyoid movement and elasticity of the laryngeal wall according to the aging.

Kinematic Gait Analysis of Ramp Walking in Normal Adult

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of ramp walking. METHOD: The sagittal kinematic and temporospatial data of ramp and level walking were obtained by a motion analyzer for ten healthy young adults. RESULTS: Compared with the values of level walking, the range of motion of ankle at all degrees for up-hill walking and the ROM of hip at 20o down-hill and all degrees for up-hill walking were significantly different (p<0.05). The peak dorsiflexion of ankle at 20o of up-hill and at 20o down-hill walking increased significantly (p<0.05) and peak plantar flexion of ankle at all degrees of up-hill walking increased significantly (p<0.05). The peak flexion of knee at 20o of up-hill walking increased significantly (p<0.05) and peak extension of knee at 20o of up-hill and down-hill walking also increased significantly (p<0.05). The peak flexion angles of hip at all degrees for up and down-hill walking were significantly different (p<0.05) and peak extension angles of hip at 10o of up-hill walking increased significantly (p<0.05). The temporospatial data showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Ramp walking showed a different kinematic gait pattern. So, this study may be useful to evaluate the effect of gait training on the ramp and pathologic gait patterns.

Experimental Syringomyelia in the Rat: Histopathology of Spinal Cord and Kinematic Analysis of Locomotion

The neurotoxic effects of excitatory amino acids(EAAs) in the brain are well documented, but their toxicity in the spinal cord has not been thoroughly studied. Intraspinal microinjections of quisqualic acid(QA) were done to evaluate its neurotoxic effects on neurons in the adult rat spinal cord. Animals were divided into four groups based on times of post-QA injections, ranging from 7-49 days. Total volume injected in each group ranged from 0.3 to 2.0microL of QA and normal saline(vehicle) were injected in lower thoracic and upper lumbar spinal cord. Kinematic analysis of recovery process was performed using a computerized motion analysis system after intraspinal injection of QA and saline. Our results showed that unilateral injections of QA produced either unilateral or bilateral neuronal degenerations during the survival period. This was accompanied by an inflammatory reaction and initiation of pathological process leading to spinal cavitation in 23 of 25 animals. Segments affected by QA injections showed darkly stained, hypertrophied neuronal profiles, and an increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP). Immunostaining for GFAP was especially intense in the areas of neuronal degeneration and around the border of spinal cavities. The kinematic analysis of locomotion in the right hindlimb showed a decrease in gait height(pre-injection level: 2.07+/-0.12cm) at post QA injection 1 week(1.53+/-0.09cm), but returned to pre-injection level at 5 weeks(1.83+/-0.15cm). There was no statistical difference in the gait distance before and after QA injections. Results of this study have shown that the intraspinal injection of QA may be a suitable model to study cellular events of EAA-induced neurotoxicity on spinal neurons and the pathological process of spinal cavitation following neuronal degeneration. Computerized motion analysis system was useful for detection of the neurological deficits from minor spinal cord injury.