Motorized adaptive compression system for enhancing venous return: A feasibility study on healthy individuals
Compression therapy, which refers to the benefits gained from exertion of external pressure to the body, has grown in different medical and non-medical fields. It provides a means to control, treat, and prevent a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to, orthostatic intolerance [1,2], hemorrhage [3,4], burn scars [5,6], post-surgical operation [7 –9], athletic enhancement [10–12], and aviation and post-spaceflight complications [13–15]. In addition to the foregoing, chronic venous disease (CVD) of the lower extremities is one of the most common indications for compression therapy [16]. (Source: Medical En...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 25, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Mahan Rahimi, Andrew P. Blaber, Carlo Menon Source Type: research
Editorial Board
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Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 24, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Source Type: research
In-vivo viscous properties of the heel pad by stress-relaxation experiment based on a spherical indentation
The cushioning material properties of the plantar soft tissue determine the energy dissipation that occurs in the collision between the foot and the ground during human locomotion [1,2]. Clarifying the viscous properties of the plantar soft tissue is therefore crucial for improving our understanding of the dynamic interaction of the foot with the ground during efficient locomotion [3], producing improved footwear products and orthoses [4,5], and studying therapeutic footwear interventions [6]. Quantification of the viscoelastic material properties of the plantar soft tissue is particularly important for developing computat...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 24, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Ryo Suzuki, Kohta Ito, Taeyong Lee, Naomichi Ogihara Source Type: research
Non-contact and through-clothing measurement of the heart rate using ultrasound vibrocardiography
Monitoring the heart rate (HR) and its variability is of major importance for medical practice, and presents other safety-oriented applications such as the detection of driver fatigue [1,2]. To measure this vital sign, several conventional methods are used inside and outside the clinical environment: electrocardiography (ECG) or photoplethysmography. These methods provide clinically-relevant measurements but are limited by the need of physical contact. Indeed, physical contact with the skin can cause discomfort to the subject leading to potential physical and psychological burden, and can be inappropriate for specific grou...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 17, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Nathan Jeger-Madiot, J érôme Gateau, Mathias Fink, Ros-Kiri Ing Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
Force estimation in fatigue condition using a muscle-twitch model during isometric finger contraction
Surface electromyography (sEMG) is the science of recording and interpreting the electrical activity of the muscle fibers active during contraction [1]. Such signals have been widely used to estimate muscle force because they can be measured noninvasively and simply. Force estimation of human muscles with sEMG has been widely studied for the fingers [2], wrist [3], and elbow [4]. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 17, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Youngjin Na, Sangjoon J. Kim, Jung Kim Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
Modelling of thrombin generation under flow in realistic left anterior descending geometries
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the formation of plaques in the interior of the coronary vessel walls. This condition often leads to thrombus related complications that make CAD the leading cause of mortality worldwide [1]. Thrombus formation in coronary artery is believed to be triggered by the rupture of an atheromatous plaque and subsequent exposure of tissue factor (TF) and collagen. The triggering is followed by a series of biochemical reactions that result in the activation of fibrin by thrombin and the formation of the clot that narrows or blocks the flow in the coronary artery. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 16, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Konstantinos P. Papadopoulos, Grigoris T. Gerotziafas, Manolis Gavaises Source Type: research
A comparative surface topographical analysis of explanted total knee replacement prostheses: Oxidised zirconium vs cobalt chromium femoral components
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) offers improved mobility and pain relief for many people suffering with the debilitating disease of osteoarthritis [1 –4]. In the longer-term, wear of the polyethylene (PE) component and PE wear-debris associated problems continue to limit TKR longevity. The 2016 Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) [1] and the National Joint Registry (NJR) Annual Report for England, Wa les, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man [3] both cite aseptic loosening as the main reason for TKR revision at 10 years and beyond. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - October 14, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Emma Kennard, Susan C. Scholes, Raghavendra Sidaginamale, Rajkumar Gangadharan, David J. Weir, James Holland, David Deehan, Thomas J. Joyce Source Type: research
Special Issue “Micro and Nano Flows 2016 (MNF2016) – Biomedical Stream”
The 5th in the series of Micro and Nano Flows conferences, MNF2016, was held at the Politecnico di Milano, Italy, from 10 –14 September, 2016. The conference series provides a forum for scientists and engineers working in the area of small-scale flows, both in the biomedical and thermofluids engineering fields, to enable presentation of recent research findings as well as discussion of remaining issues to aid improve d understanding and future progress. The MNF2016 Conference attracted in excess of 160 delegates with representation from all five continents. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - September 19, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Gabriele Dubini, Carola S. K önig, Alberto Redaelli Tags: Editorial Source Type: research
Editorial Board
(Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - September 19, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Source Type: research
Identification of the period of stability in a balance test after stepping up using a simplified cumulative sum
The European population has been predicted to age over the coming decades, with an estimated 30% of the population aged over 65 years by 2050. The increase for people aged over 80 years for the same time period is even more rapid, rising to almost 11% of the European population [1]. Although such figures are positive in terms of a greater life expectancy, living longer also increases the risk of many diseases, which in turn leads to increased healthcare costs for the older population. In addition to the increased incidence of chronic pathologies associated with ageing, older people are also at risk of falls [2-6]. (Source:...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - September 18, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Doha Safieddine, Aly Chkeir, Cyrille Herlem, Delphine Bera, Mich èle Collart, Jean-Luc Novella, Moustapha Dramé, David J. Hewson, Jacques Duchêne Source Type: research
A combined kinematic and kinetic analysis at the residuum/socket interface of a knee-disarticulation amputee
A prosthetic socket is an essential part of any lower limb prosthesis, which is custom-made and provides attachment between the rest of the prosthesis and the residuum of a lower limb amputee. The critical interface, formed by the residuum and the socket, is well recognised to play an important role in amputee comfort, residuum tissue health and overall rehabilitation outcomes [1,2]. Consequently, the biomechanical understanding of this interface has attracted significant interest [3]. In the past 60 years, a number of studies have sought to assess the kinematics and kinetics at this interface. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - September 16, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Jinghua Tang, Michael McGrath, Nick Hale, Liudi Jiang, Dan Bader, Piotr Laszczak, David Moser, Saeed Zahedi Source Type: research
Iterative approach for 3D reconstruction of the femur from un-calibrated 2D radiographic images
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent developmental disorders caused by non-progressive disturbances occurring in the immature brain of a developing fetus or infant. Increased femoral anteversion and coxa valga are common proximal femoral conditions in patients with CP. Clinicians often use three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images to accurately measure the femoral anteversion when planning femoral derotation osteotomy [1,2]. However, the high radiation dose of CT remains a concern, especially for children, who are more vulnerable to radiation compared to adults. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - September 16, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Kibeom Youn, Moon Soek Park, Jehee Lee Tags: Technical note Source Type: research
Shifts in the relationship between motor unit recruitment thresholds versus derecruitment thresholds during fatigue
For several different skeletal muscles, the statistical relationship between motor unit recruitment thresholds and derecruitment thresholds has been shown to be positive and linear [1 –3]. This has been documented at very low force levels [2], as well for motor units recruited during a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) [1]. Studies have typically reported that motor units are derecruited at higher force levels than which they were recruited [1–4]. This implies that the same absolute force may be produced during derecruitment versus recruitment, but with fewer active motor units. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - September 14, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Matt S. Stock, Jacob A. Mota Source Type: research
A model of blood supply to the brain via the carotid arteries: Effects of obstructive vs. sclerotic changes
Stroke resulting from ischemic episodes or thrombotic events within the brain remains a leading cause of death in North America [1]. The common carotid artery (CCA), carotid sinus, and internal carotid artery (ICA), which form a major supply route for blood to the brain [2], are therefore the subject of much clinical concern [3,4]. Both carotid atherosclerosis and arterial compliance are related to risk factors associated with the occurrence of stroke [5 –7]. A considerable body of theoretical and experimental work has been aimed at studying the nature of hemodynamic disruptions that may occur as a result of disease with...
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - September 13, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: O. Onaizah, T.L. Poepping, M. Zamir Source Type: research
Intra- and inter-session reliability of traditional and entropy-based variables describing stance on a wobble board
Stability assessment during dynamic conditions is widely used for the evaluation of age- and health-related differences between various experimental groups during stance. While there are a lot of studies documenting differences even in static conditions, some of the studies showed opposite results supporting the inclination to dynamic evaluation. A number of such studies reported the inability to differentiate between physically well-matched groups when using traditional measurement conditions during quiet stance. (Source: Medical Engineering and Physics)
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - September 12, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Lucia Bizovska, Miroslav Janura, Zdenek Svoboda, Martin Cerny, Jana Krohova, Maros Smondrk Source Type: research
