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Environment And Response Of 3d-Encapsulated Mesenchymal Stem Cells To Mechanical Loading, Augustus Greenwood

McKelvey School of Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This thesis explores the micromechanical environment induced when cyclically compressing hydrogels via finite element modeling and experimentally on the impact of loading on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) when encapsulated withing 3D hydrogel matrices. Degenerative joint diseases, characterized by cartilage degradation, present significant challenges due to cartilage's limited self-repair capacity. Innovative approaches, including stem cell-based therapies and engineered biomaterials, have emerged as promising strategies for cartilage repair and regeneration. This work specifically investigates the calibration of a bioreactor, the uniformity of load response across the hydrogel constructs via finite element modeling (FEM), and the stress response of MSCs subjected to various …

Deep Learning And Generative Ai Approaches For Automated Diagnosis And Personalized Treatment: Bridging Machine Learning, Medicine, And Biomechanics In Predicting Tissue Mechanics And Biomaterial Properties., Yasin Shokrollahi

Theses and Dissertations

Machine learning, particularly deep neural networks, has demonstrated significant potential in predicting high-dimensional tasks across various domains. This work encompasses a detailed review of Generative AI in healthcare and three studies integrating machine learning with finite element analysis for predicting biomechanical behaviors and properties. Initially, we provide a comprehensive overview of Generative AI applications in healthcare, focusing on Transformers and Denoising Diffusion models and suggesting potential research avenues to address existing challenges.

Subsequently, we addressed soccer-related ocular injuries by combining finite element analysis and machine learning to predict retinal mechanics following a soccer ball hit rapidly. The prediction errors are …

Digital Twins Of The Living Knee: From Measurements To Model, Thor Erik Andreassen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Modern medicine has dramatically improved the lives of many. In orthopaedics, robotic surgery has given clinicians superior accuracy when performing interventions over conventional methods. Nevertheless, while these and many other methods are available to ensure treatments are performed successfully, far fewer methods exist to predict the proper treatment option for a given person. Clinicians are forced to categorize individuals, choosing the best treatment on “average.” However, many individuals differ significantly from the “average” person, for which many of these treatments are designed. Going forward, a method of testing, evaluating, and predicting different treatment options' short- and long-term effects on an …

Computational Methodology For Generating Patient-Specific Soft Tissue Representations, Ahilan Anantha Krishnan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focused on modeling specimen-specific soft tissue structures in the context of joint replacement surgery. The research addressed four key aspects. The first study involved developing a workflow for creating finite element models of the hip capsule to replicate its torque-rotational response. Experimental data from ten cadaveric hips were used to calibrate the models, resulting in improved accuracy and relevance for surgical planning and implant design. The second study tackled the challenge of expediting the calibration of mechanical properties of the hip capsule to match patient-specific laxities. A statistical shape function model was proposed to generate patient-specific finite element …

Analysis Of Gait Parameters And Knee Angles In Ultimate Frisbee Players: Implications For Balance And Injury, Ethan Nikcevich

Master's Theses

Biomechanics research investigating gait and balance of ultimate frisbee players is an unexplored topic. Ultimate requires a wide range of motions that could improve balance and is also a sport prone to frequent injury. This study explores the impact of playing ultimate on gait parameters associated with balance and knee angles associated with joint injury. Gait trials were conducted on 8 ultimate players and 8 control participants between the ages of 18 and 23 to obtain total double support time, stance phase time, single support time, load response time, abduction-adduction (AA) angles, internal-external (IE) rotation angles, and flexion angles of …

Machine Learning Approach To Activity Categorization In Young Adults Using Biomechanical Metrics, Nathan Q. C. Holland

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Inactive adults often have decreased musculoskeletal health and increased risk factors for chronic diseases. However, there is limited data linking biomechanical measurements of generally healthy young adults to their physical activity levels assessed through questionnaires. Commonly used data collection methods in biomechanics for assessing musculoskeletal health include but are not limited to muscle quality (measured as echo intensity when using ultrasound), isokinetic (i.e., dynamic) muscle strength, muscle activations, and functional movement assessments using motion capture systems. These assessments can be time consuming for both data collection and processing. Therefore, understanding if all biomechanical assessments are necessary to classify the activity …

Mechanical Response Of The Craniofacial Skeleton To Subfracture Impacts In The Time And Frequency Domains, Paige Merko

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Resonant frequencies have been suggested as a mechanism of brain injury since these vibrations can transfer energy into the brain. Study of the vibrational response of the craniofacial skeleton to impact is limited in literature. In this research, four cadaver specimens were impacted at five locations on the craniofacial skeleton. The mechanical response to each impact was compared in the time and frequency domains. Impacts to the maxilla and its associated soft tissues tended to be attenuated, while impacts to the cranial vault, specifically to the occipital, produced the most severe response. Results suggest that the facial skeleton and its …

Patient Movement Monitoring Based On Imu And Deep Learning, Mohsen Sharifi Renani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of disability among the aging population in the United States and is frequently treated by replacing deteriorated joints with metal and plastic components. Developing better quantitative measures of movement quality to track patients longitudinally in their own homes would enable personalized treatment plans and hasten the advancement of promising new interventions. Wearable sensors and machine learning used to quantify patient movement could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. The purpose of this dissertation was to overcome technical challenges associated with the use of wearable sensors, specifically Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), as a …

Development And Application Of 3d Kinematic Methodologies For Biomechanical Modelling In Adaptive Sports And Rehabilitation, Anne Marie Severyn

All Dissertations

Biomechanical analysis is widely used to assess human movement sciences, specifically using three-dimensional motion capture modelling. There are unprecedented opportunities to increase quantitative knowledge of rehabilitation and recreation for disadvantaged population groups. Specifically, 3D models and movement profiles for human gait analysis were generated with emphasis on post-stroke patients, with direct model translation to analyze equivalent measurements while horseback riding in use of the alternative form of rehabilitation, equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) or hippotherapy (HPOT). Significant improvements in gait symmetry and velocity were found within an inpatient rehabilitation setting for patients following a stroke, and the developed movement …

Finite Element Model Of The Pediatric Hip Joint During The Barlow Maneuver, Christina M. Zlock

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip is the dysplasia or dislocation of an unstable femoral head in the acetabulum of the pelvis. This is a result of an abnormal or underdeveloped growth of the acetabulum and triradiate cartilages and/or an out of place and uncentered femoral head in the acetabulum. This underdevelopment, if not diagnosed and treated at an early age, may lead to abnormal and pain and osteoarthritis later in life. A common step in diagnosis is to perform a physical examination of the hip, one method is the Barlow maneuver.

The aim of the project is to use healthy …

Skeletal Modeling Parameters And Clinical Factors Related To Injury Risk In Baseball Pitchers, Aaron Trunt

Dissertations and Theses

ABSTRACT Baseball pitching is a well-studied area of biomechanics partially due to high injury rates in the upper extremity. While current known injury risk factors for pitchers include limited shoulder range of motion (ROM), increased ball velocity, and limited shoulder strength, there has been a lack of scientific evidence linking increased joint kinetics to injury risk. The aims of this research were to (1) explore relationships between known risk factors for injury and joint kinetics, (2) establish more specific biomechanical models of pitchers to calculate joint kinetics with greater precision, and (3) deploy these models prospectively to determine how model …

Visuomotor Adaptation During Asymmetric Walking, Charles Napoli

Masters Theses

Necessary for effective ambulation, head stability affords optimal conditions for the perception of visual information during dynamic tasks. This maintenance of head-in-space equilibrium is achieved, in part, by the attenuation of the high frequency impact shock resulting from ground contact. While a great deal of experimentation has been done on the matter during steady state locomotion, little is known about how head stability or dynamic visual acuity is maintained during asymmetric walking.

In this study, fifteen participants were instructed to walk on a split-belt treadmill for ten minutes while verbally reporting the orientation of a randomized Landolt-C optotype that was …

Building A Biomechanical Model Of A Rat Forelimb, Joshua Nathaniel Eric Mak

Dissertations and Theses

This paper presents a biomechanical model of the rat forelimb to test theories of determining viscoelastic muscle parameters. Several biomechanical models of rat hindlimbs have been developed and have explored the effects of multi-muscle control during locomotion. The forelimb model uses two ball-and-socket joints to model clavicle and scapula movement. A third ball-and-socket joint is used at the shoulder and two hinge joints are used at the elbow and wrist. Scapula motion is further constrained by muscle and spring elements. Each forelimb has 11 degrees of freedom, and 23 Hill-type muscles. The model has been created in Animatlab, which includes …

Musculoskeletal Adaptation Of Young And Older Adults In Response To Environmental, Physical, And Cognitive Conditions, Amy E. Holcomb

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Accidental falls present a large functional and financial burden among people aged 65 years and older. Falls, injuries associated with falls, and the fear of falling decrease quality of life, physical function, and independence for older adults. To prevent falls, improve stability, and protect joints from damage or injury, the typical response to "challenging" conditions include cautious gait, increase muscle co-contraction, and decreased range of motion. These compensatory strategies are more pronounced in the older adult population with apprehensive "cautious" gait at slower speeds, decreased knee flexion, and increased muscle activation around the knee and ankle. The underlying mechanisms and …

Developing Multi-Species Brain-Strain-Based Scaling Law Using Finite Element Analysis., Xingyu Liu

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

To better understand traumatic brain injury (TBI), various laboratory animal experiments have been developed. However, there lacks an effective scaling to connect animal TBI models with human brain injuries. With the help of the finite element (FE) model, brain mechanical responses such as strains can be predicted, and hence can serve as a parameter to facilitate animal to human scaling, as these tissue-level strains directly link to neuronal damage. In this thesis, first, a comprehensive comparison of brain strains between animal TBI models and human TBI cases was conducted. Then, a brain-strain-based scaling law between mouse and human was developed, …

Failure Analysis Of The Ulnar Collateral Ligament For Youth Baseball Pitchers, Carlos Soto

Master's Theses

The objectives of this study were to (1) use kinetics from motion analysis and inverse dynamics to calculate the stress experienced by the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) during a typical pitch cycle, (2) compare calculated maximum UCL pitching stresses to failure properties, and (3) investigate correlations between UCL stress with anthropometric and pitching biomechanical parameters. Prior motion analysis experiments of eighteen 10- to 11- year-old baseball pitchers throwing 10 fastballs were analyzed. Maximum internal elbow varus torques were calculated using inverse dynamics methods during a typical pitch cycle. Calculations used axial loading stress equations and maximum internal elbow varus torques …

Subject-Specific Musculoskeletal Modeling Of Hip Dysplasia Biomechanics, Ke Song

McKelvey School of Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is characterized by abnormal bony anatomy, causes pain and functional limitations, and is a prominent risk factor for premature hip osteoarthritis. Although the pathology of DDH is believed to be mechanically-induced, little is known about how DDH anatomy alters hip biomechanics during activities of daily living, partly due to the difficulties with measuring hip muscle and joint forces. Musculoskeletal models (MSMs) are useful for dynamic simulations of joint mechanics, but the reliability of MSMs for DDH research is limited by an accurate model representation of the unique hip anatomy. To address such challenges, this …

Development Of A Solidworks Simulation Toolkit For A Sophomore Level Biomedical Engineering Course, Jordan Crosby

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the engineering industry, computer-aided design (CAD) programs are used to create models and create virtual experiments or studies that allow engineers to observe the real behavior of parts or assemblies under certain conditions. Companies hire students with experience in CAD, as professionals believe that CAD experience is beneficial [1,2]. SolidWorks is among the most popular CAD software used by engineers. SolidWorks has multiple functionalities that also allow for finite element analysis dependent on the license. Users can create simulation studies in SolidWorks Simulation that can be used as an accurate approximation for real results.

The goal of this study …

Drive Leg And Stride Leg Ground Reaction Forces Relationship To Medial Elbow Stress And Velocity In Collegiate Baseball Pitchers, Brett Smith

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This study examines several different kinetic variables in relation to pitch velocity and elbow varus torque in collegiate baseball pitchers using force plates, an inertial measurement unit, and a radar unit. The purpose of this study is to investigate the kinetic variables being measured and their relationship to pitch velocity and loads being placed on the medial elbow. Twelve collegiate baseball pitchers participated in this study, which was approved by the IRB. Impulse of the drive leg in the anterior-posterior direction, stride leg peak force in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction, elbow varus torque, and pitch velocity were all measured. Two …

Broadening The Capability Of Kinetics Analysis In Biomechanics, Nicholas Nelson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Two studies are discussed in this manuscript each preceded by a literature review of the topic. The first review and study explore agility movements and the effect that alternative upper designs in shoes might have on ground reaction force measures of performance. The second review and study evaluate methods of predicting ground reaction forces without the use of a force platform. A method of using effective forces and ways of improving its accuracy are evaluated in depth.

An Investigation On The Influences Of Radial Head Hemiarthroplasty Stem Fixation Techniques On Articular Mechanics, Jakub Szmit

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Radial head hemiarthroplasty design has been extensively studied with a focus on utilizing the geometrical characteristics of the native radial dish as a guide of implant placement and design. Although implant design has been studied, optimal radial head implant fixation technique remains unknown. This thesis focused on the effect of stem fit on radiocapitellar contact mechanics, using both finite element and experimental bench-top approaches. Additionally, investigation into the impact of varus/valgus malalignment of the radial head in both the native state and following hemiarthroplasty was conducted. It was found that loose fitting a smooth stem axisymmetric radial head implant through …

A Computational Investigation Into Acromial Fractures After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, Jason Lockhart

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Acromial fractures are a debilitating complication following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The purpose of this work is to (1) improve the current state of FE bone stress estimates after RTSA and to investigate the effects of (2) plane of elevation, (3) hand loads, and (4) baseplate screw position on scapular spine stress. The FE method used was validated against an in-vitro strain gauge based experiment and found to be accurate in the prediction of stress increases and decreases after RTSA. The coronal plane of elevation was found to increase scapular spine stress compared to more central planes of elevation. …

Smartphone-Tape Method For Calculating Body Segment Inertial Parameters For Analysis Of Pitching Arm Kinetics, Jay Sterner

Master's Theses

The objectives of this study were to (1) develop a non-invasive method (referred to as Smart Photo-Tape) to calculate participant-specific upper arm, forearm, and hand segment inertial properties (SIPs) (e.g. mass, center of mass, and radii of gyration) and (2) use those Smart Photo-Tape properties in inverse dynamics (ID) analyses to calculate injury-related pitching arm kinetics. Five 20- to 23- year-old baseball pitchers were photographed holding a baseball and analyzed using the Smart Photo-Tape method to obtain 3-D inertial properties for their upper arm, forearm, and hand. The upper arm and forearm segments were modelled as stacked elliptic cylinders and …

Use Of Body Composition Imaging To Calculate 3-D Inertial Parameters For Inverse Dynamic Analysis Of Youth Pitching Arm Kinetics, Dalton James Jennings

Master's Theses

The objectives of this study were to 1) calculate participant-specific segment inertial parameters using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data (referred to as full DXA-driven parameters) and compare the pitching arm kinetic predictions using full DXA-driven inverse dynamics vs scaled, DXA mass-driven (using DXA masses but scaled centers of mass and radii of gyration), and DXA scaled inverse dynamics(ID) (using the full DXA-driven inertial parameters averaged across all participants), 2) examine associations between full DXA-driven kinetics and body mass index (BMI) and 3) examine associations between full DXA-driven kinetics and segment mass index (SMI). Eighteen 10- to 11- year-olds pitched …

Effects On Initial Fixation Of Cementless Tibial Trays In Total Knee Arthroplasty, Brooke Fritts Thompson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bone mineral density (BMD), among other factors, largely effect the initial stability of the cementless tibial tray component in a total knee replacement (TKR), where increased motion at the tray-bone interface hinders bony ingrowth. With a lack of bony ingrowth, the cementless implant will not experience long-term success. Understanding which factors influence initial stability yields insight into surgical technique considerations and help inform a surgeon’s implant choice. The objective of this study was to evaluate factors influencing the initial stability of cementless tibial trays using a 6-degree of freedom (6-DOF) robotic joint simulator, the AMTI VIVO, and combined loading scenarios …

Atv Dynamics And Pediatric Rider Safety, James T. Auxier Ii

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

It has been observed through numerous academic and governmental agency studies that pediatric all-terrain vehicle ridership carries significant risk of injury and death. While no doubt valuable to safety, the post-hoc approach employed in these studies does little to explain the why and how behind the risk factors. Furthermore, there has been no prolonged, widespread, organized, and concerted effort to reconstruct and catalog the details and causes of the large (20,000+) number of ATV-related injuries that occur each year as has been done for road-based motor vehicle accidents. This dissertation takes the opposite approach from a meta-analysis and instead examines …

Automated And Standardized Tools For Realistic, Generic Musculoskeletal Model Development, Trevor Rees Moon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Human movement is an instinctive yet challenging task that involves complex interactions between the neuromusculoskeletal system and its interaction with the surrounding environment. One key obstacle in the understanding of human locomotion is the availability and validity of experimental data or computational models. Corresponding measurements describing the relationships of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems and their dynamics are highly variable. Likewise, computational models and musculoskeletal models in particular are vitally dependent on these measurements to define model behavior and mechanics. These measurements are often sparse and disparate due to unsystematic data collection containing variable methodologies and reporting conventions. To date, …

Tracking Center Of Mass With Limited Inertial Measurement Units, Connor Nathaniel Morrow

Dissertations and Theses

Wearable motion tracking systems pose an opportunity to study and correct human balance and posture during movement. Currently, these observations are either being conducted in laboratories with the use of camera systems and markers placed on the body, or through the use of suits containing large numbers (15-20) of inertial measurement units. However, to aid with rehabilitation of individuals with impaired balance, there needs to be an option to collect these observations outside of clinics and without incurring much cost from the user. I have focused on three inertial measurement units, one placed on each shank and one placed on …

How Infant Positioning Impacts Hip Motion And The Associated Implications For Babies With Hip Dysplasia, Lauren Buchele

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) refers to a group of disorders, ranging from slight instability (Grades 1-3) to a severe dislocation (Grade 4) of the femoral head from the acetabulum [1]. In order to treat DDH in infants, a reduction procedure and the use of a lower body harness to secure the hip joint as the bones and ligaments re-form properly is typically prescribed. The Pavlik Harness is currently the “gold-standard” orthopedic device used to place hips in proper positioning. However, little research has been reported on the biomechanical affects during use of these device types.

Although the Pavlik …

Biomechanics Of Lower Limb During The Golf Swing Using Opensim Modeling, Andrew B. Butler

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to investigate the biomechanics of the lower-limb using an inverse dynamics model. Experimental data, recorded by an integrated Motion Analysis – Force Plate System in the UTRGV Biomechanics Laboratory, is used to determine ground reaction forces and marker trajectories. OpenSim, a graphical musculoskeletal and computational platform, is used to model the body in three dimensions. The human body is modeled as a 12-segment linkage, consisting of 23 degrees-of-freedom and 92 muscles. The experimental data for the Biomechanics Laboratory is imported in OpenSim. Then, joint angles, generalized coordinates & accelerations of lower-limb segments, muscle forces, …