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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Ligament Model Fidelity In Finite Element Analysis Of The Human Lumbar Spine, Mitchell Scott Hortin May 2015

Ligament Model Fidelity In Finite Element Analysis Of The Human Lumbar Spine, Mitchell Scott Hortin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to quantify the effects of increasing spinal ligament fidelity on the mechanics of the human lumbar spine using finite element analysis (FEA). In support of this goal, a material characterization study was completed to provide anisotropic, nonlinear material parameters for the human anterior longitudinal ligament. (ALL). Cadaveric samples of the human ALL were tested using a punch test technique. Multi- axial force-deformation data were gathered and fit to a commonly used transversely isotropic material model using an FEA system identification routine. The resulting material parameters produced a curve that correlated well with the experimental …


Advancing Biomechanical Research Through A Camelid Model Of The Human Lumbar Spine, Dean K. Stolworthy Mar 2015

Advancing Biomechanical Research Through A Camelid Model Of The Human Lumbar Spine, Dean K. Stolworthy

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing incidence of disc degeneration and its correlation with lower back pain is an alarming trend in modern society. The research of intervertebral disc degeneration and low back pain would greatly benefit from additional methods to study its etiology and possible treatment methods. A large animal model that maintains the biological and mechanical environment that is most similar to the human lumbar spine could provide substantial improvements in understanding and resolving the problem of intervertebral disc related low back pain.This dissertation presents my doctoral work of investigating the potential for the camelid cervical spine to serve as a suitable …


The Effects Of Fatigue On Lower Extremity Kinetics And Kinematics In Subjects With Known Ankle Instability, Lindsay E. Clayton Jan 2015

The Effects Of Fatigue On Lower Extremity Kinetics And Kinematics In Subjects With Known Ankle Instability, Lindsay E. Clayton

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to evaluate biomechanical differences between healthy subjects and those with ankle instability during the gradual onset of lower extremity fatigue from a landing activity. An understanding of these differences is needed in order to prevent future injury to or further debilitation in individuals with ankle instability. A functional fatiguing activity was designed to focus fatigue on the quadriceps muscles, as those are the muscles most frequently fatigued during sport. Measures were taken throughout the progression of fatigue with a force plate and a motion tracking system and included vertical ground reaction force and lower …