BIOMECHANICAL GAIT ANALYSIS AND MUSCLE TESTING IN THE CONTEXT OF KINESIOLOGY: SCIENTIFIC AND EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Abstract

Topicality. The article reviews modern approaches to biomechanical gait analysis and muscle testing in kinesiology.The technological tools used to assess motor functions are considered, the possibilities of their practical application in sports, rehabilitation and injury prevention are described. The importance of integrating these methods into a comprehensive assessment of the functional status of patients is emphasized. The goal of the work is study is tosystematize modern scientific data and practical approaches to the use of biomechanical gait analysis and muscle testing in kinesiological practice. Materials and methods. For the preparation of this review article, scientific sources indexed in Scopus (ScienceDirect) were analyzed. The main focus was placed on gait video analysis methods, surface electromyography (sEMG) technologies, and manual muscle testing techniques. Research results. The center of mass (COM) of the body is the point at which the weight of the whole body is concentrated and around which its balance inspace occurs. In biomechanics, it is a key indicator that reflects the functional state of the musculoskeletal system and the effectiveness of compensatory mechanisms during movement. Under normal conditions, the CM at rest is located at thelevel of the second sacral vertebra (S2) in the sagittal plane and approximately midway between the anterior upper iliac crests in the frontal plane. In a static body position, the displacement of the CM is minimal and is controlled by postural stability mechanisms. During gait or other dynamic actions, the CM performs a complex trajectory in three planes,ensuring efficiency and conservation of movement energy. In patients with musculoskeletal disorders, in particular afteramputations, orthopedic lesions, or neurological diseases, there is a displacement of the CM in both the frontal and sagittal planes. This displacement is often the result of asymmetry of the load on the limbs, changes in muscle tone, pain, or structural deformities. In the case of prostheses or orthoses, the change in the position of the CM can be either compensatory or pathological, depending on the quality of the orthopedic device and the degree of patient adaptation. An accurate assessment of the position and dynamics of the CM is important for planning rehabilitation measures, selectingprosthetic and orthopedic devices, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Modern research methods, such as three-dimensional kinematic analysis and platforms for measuring the reaction of support, allow us to objectively determine changes in the position of the CM in space during the performance of functional tasks. Conclusions. The review showedthat biomechanical gait analysis and muscle testing are complementary tools in kinesiology. Their use allows for effectiveassessment of the functional state of the musculoskeletal system, development of individualized intervention strategies, and improvement of the quality of recovery from injuries. Integrating these methods into the daily practice of movement therapy specialists is a reasonable step towards improving treatment outcomes.