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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Development Of A Device For Whole Body Stimulation Of The Otoliths, Jon Edward Weimer
Development Of A Device For Whole Body Stimulation Of The Otoliths, Jon Edward Weimer
Theses
Over the past few decades, research has been conducted to explore the effects of microgravity on human musculature, As seen in astronauts upon their return to Earth after prolonged spaceflight, extensive muscle atrophy due to adaptation to conditions of microgravity many times decreases a person's ability to walk or even stand, With an understanding of the anatomical mechanisms that provide postural control, the proper stimulation, resulting in a reduction in spasticity, could be provided by simulating these conditions of microgravity.
In order to simulate microgravity, a device has been developed that is capable of providing whole body stimulation of the …
Finger Joint Impedance Control Applications To Investigate Spasticity, David Naisby Paglia
Finger Joint Impedance Control Applications To Investigate Spasticity, David Naisby Paglia
Theses
In order to investigate how spasticity disrupts the capabilities of the human body, a better understanding of how joint impedance control operates in healthy individuals is necessary. In this investigation, a second order rotary torque model was implemented to investigate the impedances at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the index finger. The model was fit to approximately 25 milliseconds of force and displacement data to determine the mechanical impedances at the finger tip. Ranges of damping and stiffness were optimized over a range of mean finger tip force (0-12 N) for extension. The equilibrium-point hypothesis was examined when compared to …
Inverse Dynamic Modeling For Characterization Of Spasticity, Katharine Markel Swift
Inverse Dynamic Modeling For Characterization Of Spasticity, Katharine Markel Swift
Theses
Spasticity affects subjects with cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. The need to develop a deeper understanding of spasticity is driven by the existing limited understanding and the lack of satisfactory interventions for this disabling phenomenon.
An inverse model is implemented to describe the motion in the pendulum knee drop test. Inverse kinematic modeling is implemented to investigate the pathophysiology of spasticity.
Using the equilibrium point hypothesis as a conceptual framework to explain disabled and non-disabled neuromuscular control, it has been demonstrated that the equilibrium point of the passive knee is dynamic and exhibits a pseudo-exponential trajectory …
A Computational Model Of Spasticity Based On A Decoupling Of The Alpha And Gamma Efferents, Bruno A. Mantilla
A Computational Model Of Spasticity Based On A Decoupling Of The Alpha And Gamma Efferents, Bruno A. Mantilla
Theses
It is generally accepted that spasticity results from changes in the excitability of the stretch reflex. This change lowers the threshold of the motoneurons of the spinal cord where the integration of a signal from velocity/position sensors is processed and then fed back to the contracting muscle (alphaextrafusal and gamma-intrafusal fibers). The stretch reflex depends on the initial length of the muscle, the stretch velocity and voluntary activity. The exact sequence of the triggering events remains unknown, is poorly understood and as a result is controversial. The clinical classification scales are mainly subjective and by definition, inaccurate.
This computational model …