Physically impaired individuals in medieval Ireland: exploring biomechanics and care

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.<br><br><i>Thesis embargoed until 31 December 2029.</i>