The purpose of this study is to analyze the biomechanics of ankle cartilage and ligaments during a typical Tai Chi movement-Brush Knee and Twist Step (BKTS). The kinematic and kinetic data were acquired in one experienced male Tai Chi practitioner while performing BKTS and in normal walking. The measured parameters were used as loading and boundary conditions for further finite element analysis. This study showed that the contact stress of the ankle joint during BKTS was generally less than that during walking. However, the maximum tensile force of the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament and the posterior talofibular ligament during BKTS was 130 N, 169 N and 89 N, respectively, while it was only 57 N, 119 N and 48 N during walking. Therefore, patients with arthritis of the ankle can properly practice Tai Chi. Practitioners with sprained lateral ligaments of the ankle joint were suggested to properly reduce the ankle movement range during BKTS.
本文旨在分析太极拳搂膝拗步中踝关节软骨和主要韧带的生物力学响应。采集1名太极拳练习者搂膝拗步及正常行走时的运动学和动力学数据，作为有限元分析的载荷和边界条件，计算关节接触应力和韧带受力。研究结果表明，搂膝拗步动作时踝关节接触应力普遍小于步行时接触应力。但是，在搂膝拗步动作中距腓前韧带、跟腓韧带和距腓后韧带的最大拉力分别为130、169、89 N，对应在步态中仅分别为57、119、48 N。因此，踝关节炎的患者可以适当练习太极拳，但是踝关节外侧韧带扭伤的练习者在搂膝拗步时应适当减小足踝动作幅度。.
Keywords: Brush Knee and Twist Step; Tai Chi; ankle; contact stress; finite element analysis.