PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECT OF UPADHATU AND ITS CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS W. S. R. TO SNAYU

Updhatus are important physiological units and are derived from Dhatus and resemble Dhatus in terms of structure, function and nature. Dhatus are the seven basic fundamental principles that support the basic structure which hold the bodily elements together and the functioning of the body. Meda dhatu is fourth among seven dhatus. During the process of metabolism and formation of Meda Dhatu, ligaments (snayu) are formed as metabolic byproducts (upadhatu). Snayu is the most important structure of the human body which helps to maintain the weight carrying capacity of the joint and plays a crucial role during the movement of the joint. The Snayu is much similar to the ligament. Any injury to the ligament is known as a sprain. Sprain is most common in sportsmen and hard workers. Common ligamental injuries are to the knee, ankle, wrist, thumb, neck or back ligament with ankle injury being the most commonly occurring injury. So, the complete knowledge of snayu very essential to prevent such injuries and certain disease conditions. Keywords: Updhatu, Meda Dhatu, Snayu

The Influence of Different Weight Carrying Methods On Human Gait and Balance During Obstacle Negotiation

In this study, the influence of different external weight distribution on human gait and balance during obstacle negotiation maneuvers different age groups was investigated. Eight healthy participants performed different walking tasks on a force plate embedded walkway with different loading while their gait performance was evaluated. Results demonstrated that older adults showed significantly deteriorated gait performance and increased variability during the obstacle crossing phase. In addition, weight distribution also affected human gait performance significantly. Results of the current study provide useful data for new approaches to design improvements which will enhance human performance and prevent falling injuries.

Mechanical and Finite Element Analysis of an Innovative Orthopedic Implant Designed to Increase the Weight Carrying Ability of the Femur and Reduce Frictional Forces on an Amputee’s Stump

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that: “A properly designed implant that harnesses the principle of the incompressibility of fluids can improve the weight carrying ability of an amputee’s residual femur and reduce the frictional forces at the stump external socket interface.” The hypothesis was tested both mechanically on an Amputee Simulation Device (ASD) and through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) modeling software. With the implant attached to the femur, the FEA and ASD demonstrated that the femur carried 90% and 93% respectively of the force of walking. Without the implant, the FEA model and ASD femur carried only 35% and 77%, respectively, of the force of walking. Statistical calculations reveal three (3) degrees of separation (99% probability of non-random significant difference) between with and without implant data points. FEA modeling demonstrates that the normal contact forces and shear forces are pushed the distal weight-bearing area of the amputee stump, relieving the lateral stump of frictional forces. The ASD mechanical and FEA modeling data validate each other with both systems supporting the hypotheses with confidence intervals of three degrees of separation between with implant and without implant models.

Wheelchair-Portable Patient Lift

A patient lift is an assistive device for patients who lack sufficient strength or muscle control to be transferred between a wheelchair and a toilet or other places. Patient lifts of two kinds are commonly used: overhead lifts and mobile lifts. Nevertheless, because of its size and weight, carrying even a mobile lift with a wheelchair is difficult when leaving home. This study examined a novel portable patient lift that is small and light, sufficient to be carried using a wheelchair in a folded state. It is compact, light, and portable because it has no actuator. Moreover, its operation is simple. It is useful not only at home or in a nursing home but on any flat surface during daily excursions and activities, even in a conventional lavatory. A caregiver can transfer a user with a small force because this lift has a sliding mechanism that brings the fulcrum closer to the patient's center of mass. Experimental results underscore the effectiveness of the proposed patient lift.

Analysis of Instability Induced by Weight Carrying during Occupational Activities

In order to work in proper conditions, the human body should be avoiding repeated physical actions in awkward positions, forceful exertions, vibrations, etc., as musculoskeletal disorders are the most encountered health issues during work activities. Loss of balance during physical activities can be the trigger for additional muscular strains and also the cause of many accidents or other unpleasant events. The present paper aims at studying a group of young, healthy and active people in order to highlight the conditions that may produce loss of balance leading to additional muscle strain and the manner they influence upon their stability.