scholarly journals Individual Adjustment of Contraction Parameters for Effective Swing Assist Using a Pneumatic Artificial Muscle in the Elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 4308
Author(s):  
Haruki Toda ◽  
Tsubasa Maruyama ◽  
Yuichi Kurita ◽  
Mitsunori Tada
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Artificial Muscle ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Pneumatic Artificial Muscle ◽  
Gait Performance ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Contraction Duration ◽  
The Right ◽  
Hip Flexion ◽  
Individual Adjustment

Leg swing during walking is controlled by hip and knee flexion motions. This study examined the effect of swing assist using a pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) driver system on hip and knee motions and gait performance in the elderly. The participants consisted of 10 healthy elderly individuals. Two PAMs were attached to each participant’s left hip joint, and a pressure sensor was inserted under the right heel as the trigger. PAM contraction parameters could be controlled through a smartphone, i.e., the delay from trigger to contraction and the contraction duration. These parameters were randomly changed to 0, 100, or 200 ms for the delay and 100, 200, or 300 ms for the contraction. Four combination patterns of delay and contraction duration were observed as the parameter settings for maximizing the hip flexion angle. During walking with the PAM assistance, the hip and knee flexion angles in the swing phase and hip angular excursion of the elderly were significantly increased without altering the gait performance. The findings show that our PAM driver system can realize effective swing assist through changing temporal parameter settings for the PAM contraction in the elderly.

scholarly journals Optimal Swing Support During Walking Using Wireless Pneumatic Artificial Muscle Driver

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 379-385
Author(s):  
Haruki Toda ◽  
Mitsunori Tada ◽  
Tsubasa Maruyama ◽  
Yuichi Kurita ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hip Joint ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Optimal Parameter ◽  
Artificial Muscle ◽  
Pneumatic Artificial Muscle ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Right

This study evaluates the effect of swing support during walking using a wireless pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) driver on hip and knee flexion angles. This driver can control two contraction parameters of the PAM: delay of contraction from the trigger and duration of contraction through a smartphone. Eleven healthy young individuals participated in this study. We asked the participants to walk with two PAMs attached to the left hip joint and a pressure sensor placed under the right heel to trigger the contraction. During the experiment, the contraction parameters were randomly changed: 0, 100, or 200 ms for the delay and 0, 100, 200, or 300 ms for the duration. The experimental results revealed significant differences in the hip and knee flexion angles, hip joint angular excursion, and stride length among the conditions. In addition, the optimal parameter differed among the subjects. It was confirmed that this individual variation was related to the walking speed of the subject, without PAM assistance.

Flexible Sensor for McKibben Pneumatic Artificial Muscle Actuator

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 731-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinji Kuriyama ◽  
◽  
Ming Ding ◽  
Yuichi Kurita ◽  
Jun Ueda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Muscle ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Axial Displacement ◽  
Artificial Muscles ◽  
Pneumatic Artificial Muscle ◽  
Flexible Sensor ◽  
Pneumatic Artificial Muscles ◽  
Circumferential Displacement ◽  
Mckibben Actuators ◽  
Power Assistance

The demand for flexible, lightweight McKibben pneumatic artificial muscles (McKibben actuators) has been increasing for power assistance equipment used for assisting and rehabilitating the elderly. To accurately control this equipment, the length of the actuator should be measured. However, the equipment becomes heavier and less flexible when a rigid sensor, such as a potentiometer or an encoder, is used. The sensor should be flexible in order to take advantage of the favorable properties of the McKibben actuator. The aim of this study is to measure the length of the actuator without loss of its advantages. We propose a method of estimating the length from the circumferential displacement, which can be measured by a sensor made of electroconductive, flexible rubber. Higher accuracy is obtained by measuring the circumferential displacement than by measuring the axial displacement using this sensor. The sensor’s flexibility enables us to accurately control the actuator without any loss of flexibility or increase in weight. Furthermore, the sensor does not require the attachment of any rigid fixtures. The accuracy of the estimate is successfully evaluated and the usefulness of the proposed method is verified through its application to a multi-link arm driven by the McKibben actuator.

scholarly journals Analysis of agreement of assessment tools of range of motion in the elderly

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Deise Aparecida de Almeida Pires-Oliveira ◽  
Rosemari Queiroz Freitas ◽  
Abdallah Achour Júnior ◽  
Laís Campos de Oliveira ◽  
Raphael Gonçalves de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Excellent Agreement ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
Hip Flexion

Background: Considering the growth of the elderly population and the typical declines in the aging process on physical capacities such as flexibility, it is necessary to understand how different assessment instruments are able to measure joint range of motion. Objective: To verify the agreement between the goniometer and fleximeter instruments in the evaluation of the range of motion of the hip, knee and ankle joints of elderly women. Methods: The study evaluated a total of 138 elderly women, mean age of 70 years (± 5.49). The goniometer and the fleximeter were used to verify the range of motion of the hip flexion, knee flexion and ankle dorsi- and plantar‐flexion. For the analysis were used the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plot, with confidence intervals of 95%. Results: The ICC values showed excellent agreement between the instruments, while the Bland-Altman plots presented a low risk of bias for all the regions evaluated (hip flexion: ICC= 0.99, bias= 1.19; knee flexion: ICC= 0.99, bias= -0.16; ankle dorsiflexion: ICC= 0.91, bias= -0.60; ankle plantar-flexion: ICC= 0.96; bias= -0.81). Conclusion: The results showed an excellent agreement between the data provided by the goniometer and fleximeter instruments on the evaluation of the range of motion of the hip flexion, knee flexion and ankle dorsi- and plantar-flexion, indicating that both provide similar results in the elderly.

scholarly journals Influence of Hip-Flexion Angle on Hamstrings Isokinetic Activity in Sprinters

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 390-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenny Guex ◽  
Boris Gojanovic ◽  
Grégoire P. Millet
Keyword(s):  
Root Mean Square ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
National Level ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Muscular Contraction ◽  
Flexion Angle ◽  
Mean Square ◽  
Resistance Training Program ◽  
The Right ◽  
Hip Flexion

Context: Hamstrings strains are common and debilitating injuries in many sports. Most hamstrings exercises are performed at an inadequately low hip-flexion angle because this angle surpasses 70° at the end of the sprinting leg's swing phase, when most injuries occur. Objective: To evaluate the influence of various hip-flexion angles on peak torques of knee flexors in isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions and on the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients and Other Participants Ten national-level sprinters (5 men, 5 women; age = 21.2 ± 3.6 years, height = 175 ± 6 cm, mass = 63.8 ± 9.9 kg). Intervention(s): For each hip position (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion), participants used the right leg to perform (1) 5 seconds of maximal isometric hamstrings contraction at 45° of knee flexion, (2) 5 maximal concentric knee flexion-extensions at 60° per second, (3) 5 maximal eccentric knee flexion-extensions at 60° per second, and (4) 5 maximal eccentric knee flexion-extensions at 150° per second. Main Outcome Measure(s): Hamstrings and quadriceps peak torque, hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio, lateral and medial hamstrings root mean square. Results: We found no difference in quadriceps peak torque for any condition across all hip-flexion angles, whereas hamstrings peak torque was lower at 0° of hip flexion than at any other angle (P < .001) and greater at 90° of hip flexion than at 30° and 60° (P < .05), especially in eccentric conditions. As hip flexion increased, the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio increased. No difference in lateral or medial hamstrings root mean square was found for any condition across all hip-flexion angles (P > .05). Conclusions: Hip-flexion angle influenced hamstrings peak torque in all muscular contraction types; as hip flexion increased, hamstrings peak torque increased. Researchers should investigate further whether an eccentric resistance training program at sprint-specific hip-flexion angles (70° to 80°) could help prevent hamstrings injuries in sprinters. Moreover, hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio assessment should be standardized at 80° of hip flexion.

Legal Update: North Dakota Supreme Court: Third Edition of Guides is “Most Current”

1999 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-7
Author(s):  
James J. Mangraviti
Keyword(s):  
Internal Rotation ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Fourth Edition ◽  
Hip Motion ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
Hip Flexion ◽  
Hip Rotation ◽  
Hip Extension

Abstract The accurate measurement of hip motion is critical when one rates impairments of this joint, makes an initial diagnosis, assesses progression over time, and evaluates treatment outcome. The hip permits all motions typical of a ball-and-socket joint. The hip sacrifices some motion but gains stability and strength. Figures 52 to 54 in AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides), Fourth Edition, illustrate techniques for measuring hip flexion, loss of extension, abduction, adduction, and external and internal rotation. Figure 53 in the AMA Guides, Fourth Edition, illustrates neutral, abducted, and adducted positions of the hip and proper alignment of the goniometer arms, and Figure 52 illustrates use of a goniometer to measure flexion of the right hip. In terms of impairment rating, hip extension (at least any beyond neutral) is irrelevant, and the AMA Guides contains no figures describing its measurement. Figure 54, Measuring Internal and External Hip Rotation, demonstrates proper positioning and measurement techniques for rotary movements of this joint. The difference between measured and actual hip rotation probably is minimal and is irrelevant for impairment rating. The normal internal rotation varies from 30° to 40°, and the external rotation ranges from 40° to 60°.

Nachhaltigkeit in Wald und Gesellschaft trotz «Überalterung» und «Unterjüngung» (Essay)

2013 ◽  
Vol 164 (8) ◽  
pp. 236-239
Author(s):  
Werner Schärer
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Technical Progress ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Civil Society Organisations ◽  
Care For The Elderly ◽  
Economic Reasoning ◽  
The Right ◽  
Implementation Programme ◽  
Effective Distribution

Sustainability in forest and society despite “overmaturity” and “lack of regeneration” (essay) This essay compares efforts to move towards sustainability in the forests with those in the care for the elderly in Switzerland, and tries to draw conclusions which may promote sustainability. It is wrong, for forests and human populations, to talk of “overmaturity”, as this assumes the primacy of economic reasoning. To guarantee sustainability, the balance between all aspects is crucial. To attain true sustainability, we need binding guidelines and the “right” scale of implementation programme. Civil society organisations have been working for decades – often longer than the state itself – to improve sustainability. In many different areas, good cooperation and effective distribution of tasks between these institutions can be observed. This is important, among other things, because the ever greater speed of technical progress may overwhelm the adaptive capacity of both forests and people, which would influence sustainability in a negative way.

A Pneumatic Artificial Muscle Bionic Kangaroo Leg Suspension

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-366
Author(s):  
Yong Song ◽  
Shichuang Liu ◽  
Jiangxuan Che ◽  
Jinyi Lian ◽  
Zhanlong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strong Shock ◽  
Artificial Muscle ◽  
Suspension System ◽  
Vehicle Body ◽  
Vehicle Suspension ◽  
Pneumatic Artificial Muscle ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Road Excitation ◽  
Vehicle Suspension System ◽  
Suspension Structure

Background: Vehicles generally travel on different road conditions, and withstand strong shock and vibration. In order to reduce or isolate the strong shock and vibration, it is necessary to propose and develop a high-performance vehicle suspension system. Objective: This study aims to report a pneumatic artificial muscle bionic kangaroo leg suspension to improve the comfort performance of vehicle suspension system. Methods: In summarizing the existing vehicle suspension systems and analyzing their advantages and disadvantages, this paper introduces a new patent of vehicle suspension system based on the excellent damping and buffering performance of kangaroo leg, A Pneumatic Artificial Muscle Bionic Kangaroo Leg Suspension. According to the biomimetic principle, the pneumatic artificial muscles bionic kangaroo leg suspension with equal bone ratio is constructed on the basis of the kangaroo leg crural index, and two working modes (passive and active modes) are designed for the suspension. Moreover, the working principle of the suspension system is introduced, and the rod system equations for the suspension structure are built up. The characteristic simulation model of this bionic suspension is established in Adams, and the vertical performance is analysed. Results: It is found that the largest deformation happens in the bionic heel spring and the largest angle change occurs in the bionic ankle joint under impulse road excitation, which is similar to the dynamic characteristics of kangaroo leg. Furthermore, the dynamic displacement and the acceleration of the vehicle body are both sharply reduced. Conclusion: The simulation results show that the comfort performance of this bionic suspension is excellent under the impulse road excitation, which indicates the bionic suspension structure is feasible and reasonable to be applied to vehicle suspensions.

scholarly journals Assessment of Functions of the Autonomic Nervous System in the Elderly with Different Comorbid Factors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushma S. ◽  
Medha Y Rao ◽  
Shaikh Mohammed Aslam
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Deep Breathing ◽  
Isometric Handgrip ◽  
Male Predominance ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Deep Breathing Test

Abstract Background Studies in healthy elderly patients have shown the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction (AD) in the range of 20 to 30%. However, there is paucity in data pertaining to AD in the elderly in the Indian context. Objective To assess the prevalence of AD in the elderly irrespective of their comorbidity status. Methods A total of 141 elderly patients with or without comorbidities/symptoms of AD were included. Demographic and clinical details of the patients were recorded. Autonomic function tests (AFTs) such as deep breathing test, Valsalva ratio, orthostatic heart rate (OHR), isometric handgrip test, and orthostatic blood pressure were performed based on Ewing’s battery of tests. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and the accuracy of AFTs were evaluated. Results Most patients (n = 85) were aged between 60 and 69 years, with a male predominance (58.87%). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities. Postural hypotension was the most common symptom of AD. With advancing age, symptoms of AD manifested significantly more. Overall, 73.8% of patients had AD, of whom 45.4% had early AD. Number of AD symptoms, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and comorbid factors (diabetes and hypertension) were significantly associated with the results of AFTs (p < 0.05). AFTs were highly significant with respect to the results obtained (p < 0.001). Deep breathing test, abnormal in majority of study patients, has a sensitivity of 93.3% and OHR has a specificity of 81.1% to determine AD. Conclusion The study concludes that age itself is an independent predictor of AD, which increases in severity if associated with comorbidities.

scholarly journals Effects of Balance Shoes on Balance and Postural Stability in the Elderly: A Crossover, Controlled, Randomized Single-Blind Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Nicolas Amiez ◽  
Carole Cometti ◽  
Éric Mouillon ◽  
Marie José Teisseire ◽  
Pascal Chenut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Limits Of Stability ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Falling Risk ◽  
Familiarization Period ◽  
Healthy Elderly People ◽  
Single Blind

The risk of falling increases with age. Individuals wearing unadapted shoes present an aggravating risk factor. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of specifically designed balance shoes on balance and postural stability in healthy elderly people compared to that of their usual shoes. In total, 21 healthy individuals aged 65–84 years (76.0 ± 8.0 years) performed balance tests (bipedal with open or closed eyes, unipedal with open eyes, limits of stability, and step cadence) while wearing their (i) personal shoes or (ii) balance shoes (Axis Comfort Development©). Three test sessions were conducted with personal and balance shoes. The first served as the baseline, and the other two were performed after a familiarization period of several days with the personal or balance shoes. The perception of balance shoe efficiency was documented using a questionnaire. The balance shoes significantly improved bipedal balance with closed eyes. Moreover, the familiarization period significantly improved unipedal balance with open eyes. Most subjects felt safer and stabler using balance shoes. The investigated specifically designed balance shoes were effective in elderly individuals in improving postural balance compared to personal shoes. The balance shoes could, therefore, reduce the falling risk in healthy elderly people.

scholarly journals Elderly’s preferences towards rehabilitation robot appearance using electroencephalogram signal

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinxin Sun ◽  
Wenkui Jin
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Rehabilitation Robots ◽  
Subjective Evaluations ◽  
Analysis Experiment ◽  
Prefrontal Region ◽  
Important Means ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Robot Appearance ◽  
The Right

AbstractRehabilitation robots are becoming an important means of assisted living for the elderly, and the appearance of rehabilitation robots directly affects the willingness of the elderly to interact with the robots. Much of the current research on robot appearance preferences relies solely on subjective evaluations, which are relatively cheap, but do not reach deep into the brain to get an accurate grasp of how humans respond to robot appearance. Using electroencephalogram signal and questionnaire survey, we studied the preference of the elderly for abstract and figurative robots. The experimental materials are derived from the pictures of 10 robots in the market. The electroencephalogram signal are collected by BrainVision Recorder and processed by BrainVision Analyzer, as well as SPSS statistical analysis. Experiment shows that the peak of figurative robot pictures is higher and the fluctuation is more intense from 350 ms to 600 ms in the central region and the right half of parietal region. While the peak of abstract robot pictures is higher and the fluctuation is more intense in the prefrontal region, and the difference between abstract robot and figurative robot is not obvious in the occipital region. Based on the electroencephalogram signal and experimental results, it provides the possibility for objective preference evaluation of the elderly to the robot designed features.

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