scholarly journals Preliminary investigation of residual limb plantarflexion and dorsiflexion muscle activity during treadmill walking for trans-tibial amputees

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Silver-Thorn ◽  
Thomas Current ◽  
Benjamin Kuhse

Background:Novel powered prosthetic ankles currently incorporate finite state control, using kinematic and kinetic sensors to differentiate stance and swing phases/sub-phases and control joint impedance and position or torque. For more intuitive control, myoelectric control of the ankle using the remnant residual limb dorsiflexors and plantarflexors, perhaps in concert with kinetic and kinematic sensors, may be possible.Objective:The specific research objective was to assess the feasibility of using myoelectric control of future active or powered prosthetic ankle joints for trans-tibial amputees.Study Design:The project involved human subject trials to determine whether current techniques of myoelectric control of upper extremity prostheses might be readily adapted for lower extremity prosthetic control.Methods:Gait analysis was conducted for three unilateral trans-tibial amputee subjects during ambulation on an instrumented split belt treadmill. Data included ankle plantarflexor and dorsiflexor activity for the residual limb, as well as lower limb kinematics and ground reaction forces and moments of both the sound and prosthetic limbs.Results:These data indicate that: 1) trans-tibial amputees retain some independent ankle plantarflexor and dorsiflexor muscle activity of their residual limb; 2) it is possible to position surface electromyographic electrodes within a trans-tibial socket that maintain contact during ambulation; 3) both the plantarflexors and dorsiflexors of the residual limb are active during gait; 4) plantarflexor and dorsiflexor activity is consistent during multiple gait cycles; and 5) with minimal training, trans-tibial amputees may be able to activate their plantarflexors during push-off.Conclusions:These observations demonstrate the potential for future myoelectric control of active prosthetic ankles.Clinical relevanceThis study demonstrated the feasibility of applying upper extremity prosthetic myoelectric signal acquisition, processing and control techniques to future myoelectric control of active prosthetic ankles for trans-tibial amputees.

Author(s):  
James A. Dawley ◽  
Andrew M. Romanazzi ◽  
Kevin B. Fite

Control of prosthetic limbs using myoelectric muscle potentials from the wearer’s residual limb enables direct control of artificial limb behavior. The typical approach entails the integration of surface electromyogram (sEMG) electrodes within the inner wall of the socket interface, located to target specific superficial muscles in the amputee’s residual limb. While myoelectric upper-limb control is commonplace in prosthetic practice, its use in lower-extremity devices has been slow to follow suit. Various research efforts have studied approaches to implementing myoelectric control of artificial leg behavior [1–4], but the need for myoelectric control in lower-limb prostheses has been limited by the lack of commercial prototypes with the capability of net power generation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian S. Baum ◽  
Hiroaki Hobara ◽  
Yoon Hyuk Kim ◽  
Jae Kun Shim

Individuals with lower extremity amputation must adapt the mechanical interactions between the feet and ground to account for musculoskeletal function loss. However, it is currently unknown how individuals with amputation modulate three-dimensional ground reaction forces (GRFs) when running. This study aimed to understand how running with running-specific prostheses influences three-dimensional support forces from the ground. Eight individuals with unilateral transtibial amputations and 8 control subjects ran overground at 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 m/s. Ten force plates measured GRFs at 1000 Hz. Peak and average GRFs and impulses in each plane were compared between limbs and groups. Prosthetic limbs generated reduced vertical impulses, braking forces and impulses, and mediolateral forces while generating similar propulsive impulses compared with intact and control limbs. Intact limbs generated greater peak and average vertical forces and average braking forces than control subjects’ limbs. These data indicate that the nonamputated limb experiences elevated mechanical loading compared with prosthetic and control limbs. This may place individuals with amputation at greater risk of acute injury or joint degeneration in their intact limb. Individuals with amputation adapted to running-specific prosthesis force production limitations by generating longer periods of positive impulse thus producing propulsive impulses equivalent to intact and control limbs.


2021 ◽  
pp. 074880682110310
Author(s):  
Angelo Cuzalina ◽  
Pasquale G. Tolomeo

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of cool atmospheric plasma (Renuvion/J-plasma) in promoting skin tightening and soft tissue contouring following liposuction of the upper extremities. The study was a retrospective review of upper extremity liposuction with associated Renuvion therapy performed by the same surgeon. Patients were made aware of Renuvion therapy to assist with skin laxity and offered adjunctive treatment following liposuction. While a majority of patients elected to have Renuvion therapy performed bilaterally, a small subset of patients elected for unilateral treatment. This subset of patients pursued delayed treatment on the control side. The inclusion criteria for the study included patients with moderate fat excess of the upper extremity with associated mild to moderate cutaneous laxity. Exclusion criteria for the study included severe medical comorbidities, body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2 and those below the age of 30. The study included 5 female patients between the ages of 46 to 52. The method of treatment was liposuction of the bilateral upper extremities with removal of equal proportions of fat. The recipient site for Renuvion treatment was randomly selected by the study coordinator; the surgeon and clinical staff remained blinded to the selection. Following treatment, the patients were evaluated at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively to assess surgical outcomes subjectively. The surgeon and clinical staff were unblinded at the final visit. Patients were evaluated based on subjective criteria and photographic evaluation at each postoperative visit. At the 1-week visit, no significant differences were noted in all subjects. At the 6-week visit, two patients demonstrated improved results to the treatment site when compared with the control site. At the 6-month visit, four out of the five patients demonstrated a significant improvement in contour and laxity at the treatment site when compared with the control site. One patient demonstrated equal results on both treatment and control sites with no major abnormalities. Following the final evaluation, the patients underwent a secondary procedure to the control site with Renuvion to obtain similar results as the recipient site. One patient demonstrated equal results on both test and control sites with no major abnormalities. The use of plasma energy via Renuvion in conjunction with liposuction has demonstrated esthetic results with proposed long-term benefits. The plasma energy device, as an adjuvant therapy, may be beneficial in cases where liposuction alone may not address tissue laxity concerns. Additional studies with a larger sample size, objective criteria, and extended follow-ups are necessary to statistically analyze the results and determine its significance.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1537
Author(s):  
Florin Covaciu ◽  
Adrian Pisla ◽  
Anca-Elena Iordan

The traditional systems used in the physiotherapy rehabilitation process are evolving towards more advanced systems that use virtual reality (VR) environments so that the patient in the rehabilitation process can perform various exercises in an interactive way, thus improving the patient’s motivation and reducing the therapist’s work. The paper presents a VR simulator for an intelligent robotic system of physiotherapeutic rehabilitation of the ankle of a person who has had a stroke. This simulator can interact with a real human subject by attaching a sensor that contains a gyroscope and accelerometer to identify the position and acceleration of foot movement on three axes. An electromyography (EMG) sensor is also attached to the patient’s leg muscles to measure muscle activity because a patient who is in a worse condition has weaker muscle activity. The data collected from the sensors are taken by an intelligent module that uses machine learning to create new levels of exercise and control of the robotic rehabilitation structure of the virtual environment. Starting from these objectives, the virtual reality simulator created will have a low dependence on the therapist, this being the main improvement over other simulators already created for this purpose.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saaveethya Sivakumar ◽  
Alpha Agape Gopalai ◽  
King Hann Lim ◽  
Darwin Gouwanda ◽  
Sunita Chauhan

AbstractThis paper presents a wavelet neural network (WNN) based method to reduce reliance on wearable kinematic sensors in gait analysis. Wearable kinematic sensors hinder real-time outdoor gait monitoring applications due to drawbacks caused by multiple sensor placements and sensor offset errors. The proposed WNN method uses vertical Ground Reaction Forces (vGRFs) measured from foot kinetic sensors as inputs to estimate ankle, knee, and hip joint angles. Salient vGRF inputs are extracted from primary gait event intervals. These selected gait inputs facilitate future integration with smart insoles for real-time outdoor gait studies. The proposed concept potentially reduces the number of body-mounted kinematics sensors used in gait analysis applications, hence leading to a simplified sensor placement and control circuitry without deteriorating the overall performance.


2014 ◽  
Vol 556-562 ◽  
pp. 1454-1459
Author(s):  
Dong Sheng You

The use of CNC machine tools signal acquisition, two-way transmission of the temperature sensor data, the ladder design and macro program guide and other methods on the implementation of a temperature sensing system of smart lubrication function. It is not only low-end CNC machine tools can compensate for deficiencies in equipment protection features and maintenance-free function, but also enhance the diversity of processing. Ultimately by analyzing the different lubrication mode, the relationship between the lubricating oil pressure and temperature and other factors, to draw the function in the lubrication in a stabilizing effect on oil pressure and control bearings and nut seat temperature. It is simple and practical, has important theoretical significance and great value.


Author(s):  
Haerim Bak ◽  
Clive D’Souza ◽  
Gwanseob Shin

Physical demands of household carpet vacuuming and associated risks for musculoskeletal problems have received little attention although the level of muscle exertions is often assumed to be similar to that of occupational vacuuming. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the level of muscle activities of the upper extremity during carpeted floor vacuuming with household upright vacuum cleaners. Eighteen participants conducted four different carpet vacuuming tasks with two different cleaner models. Electromyography data from seven upper extremity muscles were collected. Median muscle activity ranged from 4.5% to 47.5% of the maximum voluntary contraction capacity for female participants and from 2.7% to 23.6% for male participants. Normalized muscle activity levels were significantly higher in women compared to men across tasks and muscle groups. Study results suggest that home vacuuming with upright vacuum cleaners is physically intensive work, especially for female users who are less physically capable.


Author(s):  
Jeanne Massingill, LMT, MLD, CST, KT, NMT ◽  
Cara Jorgensen, LMT ◽  
Jacqueline Dolata, MBA ◽  
Ashwini R. Sehgal, MD

Background: Chronic localized pain and decreased upper extremity mobility commonly occur following breast cancer surgery and may persist despite use of pain medication and physical therapy.Purpose: We sought to determine the value of myofascial massage to address these pain and mobility limitations.Setting: The study took place at a clinical massage spa in the U.S. Midwest. The research was overseen by MetroHealth Medical Center’s Institutional Review Board and Case Center for Reducing Health Disparities research staff.Participants: 21 women with persistent pain and mobility limitations 3–18 months following breast surgery.Research Design: We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial where intervention patients received myofascial massages and control patients received relaxation massages.Intervention: Intervention participants received 16 myofascial massage sessions over eight weeks that focused on the affected breast, chest, and shoulder areas. Control participants received 16 relaxation massage sessions over eight weeks that avoided the affected breast, chest, and shoulder areas. Participants completed a validated questionnaire at the beginning and end of the study that asked about pain, mobility, and quality of life.Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures include change in self-reported pain, self-reported mobility, and three quality-of-life questions.Results: At baseline, intervention and control participants were similar in demographic and medical characteristics, pain and mobility ratings, and quality of life. Compared to control participants, intervention participants had more favorable changes in pain (-10.7 vs. +0.4, p < .001), mobility (-14.5 vs. -0.8, p < .001), and general health (+29.5 vs. -2.5, p = .002) after eight weeks. All intervention and control participants reported that receiving massage treatments was a positive experience.Conclusions: Myofascial massage is a promising treatment to address chronic pain and mobility limitations following breast cancer surgery. Further work in several areas is needed to confirm and expand on our study findings.


Author(s):  
Osman Ulkir ◽  
Gazi Akgun ◽  
Ersin Toptas ◽  
Erkan Kaplanoglu

This paper presents a novel myoelectric controlled active hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (A-HKAFO) designed to assist lower limb disorders. The proposed orthosis device2 consists of a polypropylene shell and a metal hinge joint, is designed to help patients during gait rehabilitation after neurological injury, and assist people who have difficulty walking3 due to obesity, sports injuries. The system also can use4 for studying human gait biomechanics5. A myoelectric control law strategy is proposed using a finite state machine (FSM) method. The algorithm is activated by users’ intend to forward or backward stepping6. The electromyogram (EMG) signals from lower limb7 and device motion data were8 used for the control of A-HKAFO. In order to determine the last location of the user after movement, physical feedback is utilized from the mechanical system.


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