Physically impaired individuals in medieval Ireland: exploring biomechanics and care

  • Jessica White

Student thesis: Doctoral ThesisDoctor of Philosophy

Abstract

In archaeology, the term biomechanics is often used to describe the locomotion of altered gait based solely on macroscopic and cortical bone analyses. However, there is a research gap between osteological evidence and the actual biomechanics of gait. An emerging engineering approach involves computer simulation of musculoskeletal systems to estimate true gait patterns from geometric measurements of skeletal anatomy. This study aims to bridge the gap by using data from the skeletal remains of three physically impaired individuals - one from Ranelagh, Co. Roscommon and two from Ballyhanna, Co. Donegal, Ireland - to create musculoskeletal models of their skeletons, developing a technique than can be used for future studies both temporally and globally. Detailed macroscopic analyses was carried out on the three individuals revealing the limitations in their gait. This information, along with CT scans of their skeletons, was then used to build computer musculoskeletal models. Gait was simulated finding the optimum parameters, revealing the likely limb function after impairment. Understanding bone morphology relies on the premise that habitual biomechanical stress is represented in the quantity and distribution of cortical bone. The unimpaired individuals of Ranelagh and Ballyhanna were assessed in terms of cortical bone and entheseal changes to infer the habitual movements of the general population and used as a control sample in which the physically impaired individuals were compared to. Following the gait simulations, the physically impaired individual's limbs were analysed for signs of weight-bearing by examining cortical bone thickness and entheseal changes that might suggest daily activities. This research was the first to use this interdisciplinary approach to reveal the biomechanics and crutch use of physically impaired individuals in an archaeological setting and in doing so developed a technique for future bioarchaeological gait studies alike. This study was also the first to show evidence of crutch use in medieval Irish populations.

Thesis embargoed until 31 December 2029.
Date of AwardDec 2024
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Queen's University Belfast
SupervisorEileen Murphy (Supervisor) & Alex Lennon (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Biomechanics
  • Gait Analysis
  • Cortical Bone Analyses
  • Entheseal Changes
  • Entheses Analysis
  • Computer Simulation
  • 3D model
  • 3D Simulation
  • 3D Musculoskeletal Modelling
  • Musculoskeletal Model
  • Bioarchaeology
  • Osteoarchaeology
  • Medieval Ireland
  • Bioarchaeology of Care
  • Medieval Crutches

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