Reducing the sensation of electrical stimulation with dry electrodes by using an array of constant current sources
The application of electrical current to stimulate nerves for functional and therapeutic purposes is well established [1,2]. Electrodes play a major role in the success of stimulation since the efficacy of intervention, avoidance of tissue injury and the associated discomfort are all determined by the stimulation waveform and type of electrode used [2]. Surface electrodes are the most commonly used electrode types in typical functional electrical stimulation (FES) application for correction of foot drop caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 27, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Cassandra D Solomons, Martin Slovak, Ben Heller, Anthony T. Barker Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
Validation of an alignment method using motion tracking system for in-vitro orientation of cadaveric hip joints with reduced set of anatomical landmarks
In-vitro investigations have been crucial in the progression of our understanding of hip joint pathologies and biomechanics. Hip joint pathologies such as dysplasia and femoroacetabular impingement [1] as well as factors contributing to osteoporotic hip fracture risk are often investigated using cadaveric specimens [2 –6]. In-vitro models are also used to investigate surgical procedures and techniques [7], soft tissues [8], implants and joint replacements [9]. The quality and reliability of the experimental data depends on both a relevant model of the in-vivo condition and the accurate realization of this model in the ex...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 25, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Suzan Bsat, Ifaz Haider, Andrew Speirs, Paul Beaul é, Hanspeter Frei Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
Functional testing on engineered cartilage to identify the role played by shearing
Damaged or degenerated cartilage tissue cannot heal by itself owing to a limited inner nutrient supply. Fibrosis of regenerated cartilage makes current therapeutic approaches such as mosaicplasty or microfracture ineffective [1 –3] in the long run. Tissue-engineered (TE) cartilage remains an alternative but promising approach to small- and medium-sized cartilage defects. Therefore, the mechanical properties of TE cartilage have become major obstacles to its clinical application [4–6]. Studies have shown that extracellu lar matrix (ECM) components such as collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are strongly correlated wi...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 24, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Ling Wang, Hao Shen, Jichang Nie, Dichen Li, Hongbin Fan, Zhongmin Jin, Chaozong Liu Source Type: research
Deviations in frequency and mode of vibration in whole-body vibration training devices with long-term and regular use
Whole body vibration training (WBVT) has frequently been the subject of scientific research in recent times and has been practically applied in mass sports, competitive sports, and therapy [1 –4]. The intensity of WBVT is regulated by the duration of each training session, the frequency, the amplitude, and the body position, as well as the exercises performed using the device [5–7]. One of the most important research aims regarding the use of WBVT has been identifying the ideal compo sition of these exercise parameters and the appropriate mode of vibration for each application [7–9]. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 16, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Tobias S. Kaeding, Sanam Moghaddamnia, Momme K ück, Lothar Stein Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
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Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 9, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Source Type: research
Measurement of physical activity in the pre- and early post-operative period after total knee arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis using a Fitbit Flex device
The aim of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) as a treatment for Osteoarthritis (OA) is the restoration of function, a reduction in pain, satisfaction with surgical outcome and restoration of a healthy lifestyle [1]. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 6, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Joshua Twiggs, Lucy Salmon, Elizabeth Kolos, Emily Bogue, Brad Miles, Justin Roe Source Type: research
In vivo tibiofemoral skeletal kinematics and cartilage contact arthrokinematics during decline walking after isolated meniscectomy
Meniscectomy —the surgical removal of a portion or the entirety of an injured meniscus—is one of the most frequently performed orthopedic procedures [1]. It is known, however, to have deleterious consequences such as degenerative joint changes and accelerated onset of osteoarthritis (OA) [2,3]. Accurate asse ssment of the effects of meniscectomy on joint motion and contact congruity is an initial but critical step in understanding how patho-mechanics instigates the development of OA [4]. Data resulting from such assessment would also serve as baselines for evaluating the efficacy of alternative repair s trategies and p...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 6, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Liying Zheng, Robert Carey, Eric Thorhauer, Scott Tashman, Christopher Harner, Xudong Zhang Source Type: research
Estimated landmark calibration of biomechanical models for inverse kinematics
Inverse kinematics is emerging as the optimal method in movement analysis to fit a multi-segment biomechanical model to experimental marker positions. A key part of this process is calibrating the model to the dimensions of the individual being analysed which requires scaling of the model, pose estimation and localisation of tracking markers within the relevant segment coordinate systems. The aim of this study is to propose a generic technique for this process and test a specific application to the OpenSim model Gait2392. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 6, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Ursula Trinler, Richard Baker Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
Arduino control of a pulsatile flow rig
In-vitro experiments are a useful tool in hemodynamics research, offering a wide range of applicable experimental techniques, combined with good accuracy and reproducibility. To simulate physiologically realistic pulsatile flow, a dedicated pumping system is used in these experiments. This can either be a mock loop representing the full circulatory system [8,9], or a pump that reproduces a waveform measured locally in-vivo [4 –7,12]. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 3, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: S. Drost, B.J. de Kruif, D. Newport Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
Study of main and cross-over effects on pressure relief among body mass index (BMI), body position and supporting material properties
Pressure ulcers form where bone causes the greatest force on the skin and tissue and squeezes them against an outside surface. This may be where bony parts of the body press against other body parts, a mattress, or a chair [1]. Wheelchair users or some patients with disabilities are at a high risk of developing pressure ulcers because of their limited mobility. Long-term lying or sitting with high interfacial pressure can result in pressure ulcers. Thus, different types of mattresses or cushions are designed to prevent pressure ulcers by increasing the contact area or reducing the interfacial pressure. (Source: Medical Eng...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 3, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Chi-leung Hui, Qilong Feng, M.S. Wong, Sau-fun Ng, Yummy Y.M. LIN Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
CT image segmentation methods for bone used in medical additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing (AM), also referred to as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is becoming increasingly popular in medicine [1] since it offers the possibility to personalize patient care [2]. The use of AM anatomical models results in more precise treatment planning, better communication [3,4], and improved training and education [5,6]. Furthermore, AM can be used for the fabrication of drill guides [7], saw guides [8], and patient-specific implants [9]. To date, medical AM is most commonly used in branches of surgery involving the musculoskeletal system, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, traumatology, and orthop...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 30, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Maureen van Eijnatten, Roelof van Dijk, Johannes Dobbe, Geert Streekstra, Juha Koivisto, Jan Wolff Source Type: research
The effects of cutting parameters on cutting forces and heat generation when drilling animal bone and biomechanical test materials
The number of orthopaedic operations has been steadily increasing over the last few years. According to statistical data provided by the National Joint Registry in their 12th annual report [1], 226,871 operations were performed in the United Kingdom in 2014 alone, marking this year with a 9.3% increase compared to 2013. Academic and industrial research has been responding to this trend, by developing more effective surgical devices and efficient procedures, making the field of orthopaedics a major area of research. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 28, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Akos Cseke, Robert Heinemann Source Type: research
Trapeziometacarpal joint contact varies between men and women during three isometric functional tasks
The TMC joint is susceptible to OA, and women are two to six times more likely to develop TMC OA compared to men [1 –3]. Mechanical factors such as contact forces and contact area are likely to be important contributors to the onset, progression, and sex-disparity of TMC OA [4–6]. Prior studies hypothesised that the smaller wrists of women would experience higher stress than men during activities of daily liv ing that require similar overall contact forces, such as pinch, grasp, and jar twist, due to smaller contact areas [6–9]. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 26, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Marco T.Y. Schneider, Ju Zhang, Joseph J. Crisco, Arnold-Peter C. Weiss, Amy L. Ladd, Kumar Mithraratne, Poul Nielsen, Thor Besier Source Type: research
Hemodynamic assessment of extra-cardiac tricuspid valves using particle image velocimetry
extra-cardiac tricuspid valve (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 25, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Munirah Ismail, Foad Kabinejadian, Yen Ngoc Nguyen, Edgar Tay Lik Wui, Sangho Kim, Hwa Liang Leo Source Type: research
Prediction of ground reaction forces for Parkinson's disease patients using a kinect-driven musculoskeletal gait analysis model
Parkinson's disease (PD) currently affects 10 million people worldwide including one million Americans, and the number of newly diagnosed cases is on the rise [1]. The particular reduction in mobility experienced by patients with PD is commonly characterized by rigidity and gait impairments [2 –4], which causes significant loss of independence and increased incidences of falls. These gait impairments results from the progressive loss of dopamine producing cells in the substantia nigra compacta of the basal ganglia [5,6]. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 25, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Moataz Eltoukhy, Christopher Kuenze, Michael S. Andersen, Jeonghoon Oh, Joseph Signorile Source Type: research
