Mechanical Science
Everything in the universe is moving from
the smallest particles on atoms to the vast galaxies. What
they all have in common are the few fundamental laws that
govern them. Sir Isaac Newton in 1687 shocked the scientific
world by publishing his works The Mathematical Principles of
Natural Philosophy. The English physicist unveiled his
theory on universal gravitation and three laws of
motion.
These very laws and theories are very
important in explaining and predicting outcomes in human
locomotion. Gravity and Motion are predictable
for all objects. The human being is a complex object that is
still governed by these fundamental laws.
Biomechanics is the study
of human locomotion. Countless researchers and clinicians
have created a great body of knowledge. Gait labs with
sophisticated equipment have been set up around the world to
study and understand normal human mechanics. They study how
and why human locomotion works efficiently.
Pathomechanics is the study
of abnormal human locomotion. The less efficient
Pathomechanics is not as well understood, because each
person with physical limitations presents with a different
set of problems. Each pathology has commonalities and their
differences. Some pathologies overlap commonalities of
others. The great variable of factors that affect normal
Biomechanics has limited the ability to create solutions. No
two people present with the exact same set of
factors.
To recognize all the factors and the
mechanics that govern them is the key to unlocking the
ability of developing solutions.
The three laws of
motion:
Newton's first law of
motion: A moving object will continue to move in a straight
line or an object at rest will remain at rest, unless acted
upon by an outside force. This is also known as the law of Inertia.
Newton's second law of
motion: A force applied to an object will
create acceleration
Newton's third law of
motion: For every action there is an equal and
opposite reaction.
What do all these laws
of science have in common?
They can all be measured.
Mechanical sciences can be quantified. Orthotics is defined
by mechanical sciences and therefore can be quantified. The
only way one can determine whether a positive or negative
outcome has transpired is to measure and compare them with
sound mechanical science.
It is well documented that human
locomotion can be broken down by it's parts. There is a
great body of knowledge on normal human locomotion. With
normal parameters each foot is in contact with the
ground 60% of the time and 40% swinging in the
air. These are known as Stance to Swing
Ratios.
There are other aspects of human gait
that can be measured or quantified. The step length,
stride, angulations of body segments in each of the three
planes, deformities, laxities, joint range of motion,
timing, compensations, energy consumption, etc.
Mechanical science compares normal
parameters based on past research with individual results.
This comparative data gives us a baseline mechanical
profile. We compare the pathomechanical data with the normal
parameters.
Our solutions are developed with
this data and is what makes us unique. We then can
compare what an orthosis actually does or does not do. We
often compare bare foot, conventional braces and DynamicBracingSolutions™.
We believe all bracing systems that are
fit should be quantified to determine whether a positive
outcome is achieved.
New Videos
Click below to see examples of our video's on a few results and testimonials.
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All braces are measured, fit and DBS Fabricated for each client's needs. (A sample AFO shown.)
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There often is a device that can alleviate premature wearing of joints, ligaments, muscle, and bones, along with preventing ulcers, reducing or eliminating pain, and improving balance.
DBS orthotists work closely with a patient's physician, and can send an elaborate evaluation report with recommendations back to the physician.
Lectures & Presentations
To schedule for your organization or more on locally scheduled events, contact us.
A few Titles from the lecture series...
