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Aghayee R, Khani M, Ostovarpour F, Shanbehbazari MSA, Shafiei M, Gharibi M, Mohammadhosseini B, Shokri B. Plasma pyrolysis feasibility study of Spent Caustic waste to hydrogen production. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2024; 22:197-208. [PMID: 38887774 PMCID: PMC11180047 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-023-00886-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Spent caustic is a used industrial caustic whose chemical content puts it in the special waste category. The disposal of this waste and the production of value-added products from it has attracted the attention of researchers not only to solve environmental problems but also to take advantage of its byproducts. This research has experimentally proved the transferred thermal plasma technology as a practical method feasible for the disposal of spent caustic. In this study, the applied voltage, electrical current, and feed rate are variable parameters, and others are kept constant. GC analysis showed H2 as the main product, which is environmentally beneficial. The percentage of hydrogen production of approximately 74% is a promising result, considering the difficulty of achieving such a high percentage of hydrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Aghayee
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti, University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, 19839-63113 Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Khani
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti, University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, 19839-63113 Iran
| | - Farzaneh Ostovarpour
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti, University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, 19839-63113 Iran
| | | | - Mojtaba Shafiei
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti, University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, 19839-63113 Iran
| | - Mahtab Gharibi
- Petrochemical Research and Technology Company, National Petrochemical Company, No. 27, Sarv Alley, Shirazi-C, P.O. Box 14358-84711, Mollasadra, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Babak Shokri
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti, University, G.C., Evin, Tehran, 19839-63113 Iran
- Department of Physics, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C. Evin, 19839-63113 Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
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Shakourisalim M, Martinez KB, Golabchi A, Tavakoli M, Rouhani H. Estimation of lower back muscle force in a lifting task using wearable IMUs. J Biomech 2024; 167:112077. [PMID: 38599020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Low back pain is commonly reported in occupational settings due to factors such as heavy lifting and poor ergonomic practices, often resulting in significant healthcare expenses and lowered productivity. Assessment tools for human motion and ergonomic risk at the workplace are still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess lower back muscle and joint reaction forces in laboratory conditions using wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) during weight lifting, a frequently high-risk workplace task. Ten able-bodied participants were instructed to lift a 28 lbs. box while surface electromyography sensors, IMUs, and a camera-based motion capture system recorded their muscle activity and body motion. The data recorded by IMUs and motion capture system were used to estimate lower back muscle and joint reaction forces via musculoskeletal modeling. Lower back muscle patterns matched well with electromyography recordings. The normalized mean absolute differences between muscle forces estimated based on measurements of IMUs and cameras were less than 25 %, and the statistical parametric mapping results indicated no significant difference between the forces estimated by both systems. However, abrupt changes in motion, such as lifting initiation, led to significant differences (p < 0.05) between the muscle forces. Furthermore, the maximum L5-S1 joint reaction force estimated using IMU data was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those estimated by cameras during weight lifting and lowering. The study showed how kinematic errors from IMUs propagated through the musculoskeletal model and affected the estimations of muscle forces and joint reaction forces. Our findings showed the potential of IMUs for in-field ergonomic risk evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shakourisalim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Karla Beltran Martinez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Ali Golabchi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada; EWI Works International Inc., Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mahdi Tavakoli
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Hossein Rouhani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada; Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, AB T5G 0B7, Canada.
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Alemi MM, Banks JJ, Lynch AC, Allaire BT, Bouxsein ML, Anderson DE. EMG Validation of a Subject-Specific Thoracolumbar Spine Musculoskeletal Model During Dynamic Activities in Older Adults. Ann Biomed Eng 2023; 51:2313-2322. [PMID: 37353715 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03273-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal models can uniquely estimate in vivo demands and injury risk. In this study, we aimed to compare muscle activations from subject-specific thoracolumbar spine OpenSim models with recorded muscle activity from electromyography (EMG) during five dynamic tasks. Specifically, 11 older adults (mean = 65 years, SD = 9) lifted a crate weighted to 10% of their body mass in axial rotation, 2-handed sagittal lift, 1-handed sagittal lift, and lateral bending, and simulated a window opening task. EMG measurements of back and abdominal muscles were directly compared to equivalent model-predicted activity for temporal similarity via maximum absolute normalized cross-correlation (MANCC) coefficients and for magnitude differences via root-mean-square errors (RMSE), across all combinations of participants, dynamic tasks, and muscle groups. We found that across most of the tasks the model reasonably predicted temporal behavior of back extensor muscles (median MANCC = 0.92 ± 0.07) but moderate temporal similarity was observed for abdominal muscles (median MANCC = 0.60 ± 0.20). Activation magnitude was comparable to previous modeling studies, and median RMSE was 0.18 ± 0.08 for back extensor muscles. Overall, these results indicate that our thoracolumbar spine model can be used to estimate subject-specific in vivo muscular activations for these dynamic lifting tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdi Alemi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, RN119, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Jacob J Banks
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew C Lynch
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brett T Allaire
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary L Bouxsein
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis E Anderson
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Meszaros-Beller L, Hammer M, Schmitt S, Pivonka P. Effect of neglecting passive spinal structures: a quantitative investigation using the forward-dynamics and inverse-dynamics musculoskeletal approach. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1135531. [PMID: 37324394 PMCID: PMC10264677 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1135531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Inverse-dynamics (ID) analysis is an approach widely used for studying spine biomechanics and the estimation of muscle forces. Despite the increasing structural complexity of spine models, ID analysis results substantially rely on accurate kinematic data that most of the current technologies are not capable to provide. For this reason, the model complexity is drastically reduced by assuming three degrees of freedom spherical joints and generic kinematic coupling constraints. Moreover, the majority of current ID spine models neglect the contribution of passive structures. The aim of this ID analysis study was to determine the impact of modelled passive structures (i.e., ligaments and intervertebral discs) on remaining joint forces and torques that muscles must balance in the functional spinal unit. Methods: For this purpose, an existing generic spine model developed for the use in the demoa software environment was transferred into the musculoskeletal modelling platform OpenSim. The thoracolumbar spine model previously used in forward-dynamics (FD) simulations provided a full kinematic description of a flexion-extension movement. By using the obtained in silico kinematics, ID analysis was performed. The individual contribution of passive elements to the generalised net joint forces and torques was evaluated in a step-wise approach increasing the model complexity by adding individual biological structures of the spine. Results: The implementation of intervertebral discs and ligaments has significantly reduced compressive loading and anterior torque that is attributed to the acting net muscle forces by -200% and -75%, respectively. The ID model kinematics and kinetics were cross-validated against the FD simulation results. Conclusion: This study clearly shows the importance of incorporating passive spinal structures on the accurate computation of remaining joint loads. Furthermore, for the first time, a generic spine model was used and cross-validated in two different musculoskeletal modelling platforms, i.e., demoa and OpenSim, respectively. In future, a comparison of neuromuscular control strategies for spinal movement can be investigated using both approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Meszaros-Beller
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Modelling and Simulation of Biomechanical Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Maria Hammer
- Institute for Modelling and Simulation of Biomechanical Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science (SC SimTech), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Syn Schmitt
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Modelling and Simulation of Biomechanical Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science (SC SimTech), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Pivonka
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Lerchl T, Nispel K, Baum T, Bodden J, Senner V, Kirschke JS. Multibody Models of the Thoracolumbar Spine: A Review on Applications, Limitations, and Challenges. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020202. [PMID: 36829696 PMCID: PMC9952620 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerical models of the musculoskeletal system as investigative tools are an integral part of biomechanical and clinical research. While finite element modeling is primarily suitable for the examination of deformation states and internal stresses in flexible bodies, multibody modeling is based on the assumption of rigid bodies, that are connected via joints and flexible elements. This simplification allows the consideration of biomechanical systems from a holistic perspective and thus takes into account multiple influencing factors of mechanical loads. Being the source of major health issues worldwide, the human spine is subject to a variety of studies using these models to investigate and understand healthy and pathological biomechanics of the upper body. In this review, we summarize the current state-of-the-art literature on multibody models of the thoracolumbar spine and identify limitations and challenges related to current modeling approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Lerchl
- Sport Equipment and Sport Materials, School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-289-15365
| | - Kati Nispel
- Sport Equipment and Sport Materials, School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Baum
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Jannis Bodden
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Veit Senner
- Sport Equipment and Sport Materials, School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Jan S. Kirschke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
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Meszaros-Beller L, Hammer M, Riede JM, Pivonka P, Little JP, Schmitt S. Effects of geometric individualisation of a human spine model on load sharing: neuro-musculoskeletal simulation reveals significant differences in ligament and muscle contribution. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:669-694. [PMID: 36602716 PMCID: PMC10097810 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01673-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In spine research, two possibilities to generate models exist: generic (population-based) models representing the average human and subject-specific representations of individuals. Despite the increasing interest in subject specificity, individualisation of spine models remains challenging. Neuro-musculoskeletal (NMS) models enable the analysis and prediction of dynamic motions by incorporating active muscles attaching to bones that are connected using articulating joints under the assumption of rigid body dynamics. In this study, we used forward-dynamic simulations to compare a generic NMS multibody model of the thoracolumbar spine including fully articulated vertebrae, detailed musculature, passive ligaments and linear intervertebral disc (IVD) models with an individualised model to assess the contribution of individual biological structures. Individualisation was achieved by integrating skeletal geometry from computed tomography and custom-selected muscle and ligament paths. Both models underwent a gravitational settling process and a forward flexion-to-extension movement. The model-specific load distribution in an equilibrated upright position and local stiffness in the L4/5 functional spinal unit (FSU) is compared. Load sharing between occurring internal forces generated by individual biological structures and their contribution to the FSU stiffness was computed. The main finding of our simulations is an apparent shift in load sharing with individualisation from an equally distributed element contribution of IVD, ligaments and muscles in the generic spine model to a predominant muscle contribution in the individualised model depending on the analysed spine level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Meszaros-Beller
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Institute for Modelling and Simulation of Biomechanical Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Maria Hammer
- Institute for Modelling and Simulation of Biomechanical Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science (SC SimTech), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Julia M Riede
- Institute for Modelling and Simulation of Biomechanical Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Pivonka
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - J Paige Little
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Syn Schmitt
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. .,Institute for Modelling and Simulation of Biomechanical Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany. .,Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science (SC SimTech), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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7
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Knapik GG, Mendel E, Bourekas E, Marras WS. Computational lumbar spine models: A literature review. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2022; 100:105816. [PMID: 36435080 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2022.105816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computational spine models of various types have been employed to understand spine function, assess the risk that different activities pose to the spine, and evaluate techniques to prevent injury. The areas in which these models are applied has expanded greatly, potentially beyond the appropriate scope of each, given their capabilities. A comprehensive understanding of the components of these models provides insight into their current capabilities and limitations. METHODS The objective of this review was to provide a critical assessment of the different characteristics of model elements employed across the spectrum of lumbar spine modeling and in newer combined methodologies to help better evaluate existing studies and delineate areas for future research and refinement. FINDINGS A total of 155 studies met selection criteria and were included in this review. Most current studies use either highly detailed Finite Element models or simpler Musculoskeletal models driven with in vivo data. Many models feature significant geometric or loading simplifications that limit their realism and validity. Frequently, studies only create a single model and thus can't account for the impact of subject variability. The lack of model representation for certain subject cohorts leaves significant gaps in spine knowledge. Combining features from both types of modeling could result in more accurate and predictive models. INTERPRETATION Development of integrated models combining elements from different model types in a framework that enables the evaluation of larger populations of subjects could address existing voids and enable more realistic representation of the biomechanics of the lumbar spine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory G Knapik
- Spine Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 210 Baker Systems, 1971 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Ehud Mendel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Eric Bourekas
- Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - William S Marras
- Spine Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 210 Baker Systems, 1971 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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8
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Wang C, Li X, Guo Y, Du W, Guo H, Chen W. The Kinematic and Kinetic Responses of the Trunk and Lower Extremity Joints during Walking with and without the Spinal Orthosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116952. [PMID: 35682535 PMCID: PMC9180275 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Spinal orthoses are an effective option for restoring the spine to its original position and controlling poor posture. However, the effects of poor posture and spinal orthoses on the kinematics and kinetics of trunk and lower extremity joints remain unclear. A six-camera Vicon motion capture system and two AMTI force plates were employed to collect gait parameters, including joint angle (spine, thorax, hip, knee, and ankle), range of motion (ROM), and ground reaction forces (GRFs). Furthermore, joint moments and joint reaction forces (JRFs) were calculated using a full-body musculoskeletal model in OpenSim. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA (p < 0.05) was used to compare significant differences among three trial conditions. These three conditions were walking in a normal posture, poor posture, and spinal orthosis. The results showed that spine ROM in the coronal and transverse plane was significantly lower when walking with a spinal orthosis compared to walking in normal and poor posture (p < 0.05). Compared to normal posture, the lumbar moments and back compressive forces were significantly increased when walking in poor posture (p < 0.05). However, when walking with a spinal orthosis, there was a significant decrease in trunk moments and reaction forces compared to walking in poor posture (p < 0.05). Individuals with poor posture could potentially induce instability and disorders, as evidenced by an increase in trunk moments and JRF compared to the normal posture. Spinal orthosis not only restricts spine ROM but also reduces the load on the spine and thus increases balance and stability.
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Li JM, Molinaro DD, King AS, Mazumdar A, Young AJ. Design and Validation of a Cable-Driven Asymmetric Back Exosuit. IEEE T ROBOT 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/tro.2021.3112280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jared M. Li
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dean D. Molinaro
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew S. King
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anirban Mazumdar
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aaron J. Young
- Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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10
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Banks JJ, Umberger BR, Caldwell GE. EMG optimization in OpenSim: A model for estimating lower back kinetics in gait. Med Eng Phys 2022; 103:103790. [PMID: 35500997 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2022.103790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Participant-specific musculoskeletal models are needed to accurately estimate lower back internal kinetic demands and injury risk. In this study we developed the framework for incorporating an electromyography optimization (EMGopt) approach within OpenSim (https://simtk.org/projects/emg_opt_tool) and evaluated lower back demands estimated from the model during gait. Kinematic, external kinetic, and EMG data were recorded from six participants as they performed walking and carrying tasks on a treadmill. For evaluation, predicted lumbar vertebral joint forces were compared to those from a generic static optimization approach (SOpt) and to previous studies. Further, model-estimated muscle activations were compared to recorded EMG, and model sensitivity to day-to-day EMG variability was evaluated. Results showed the vertebral joint forces from the model were qualitatively similar in pattern and magnitude to literature reports. Compared to SOpt, the EMGopt approach predicted larger joint loads (p<.01) with muscle activations better matching individual participant EMG patterns. L5/S1 vertebral joint forces from EMGopt were sensitive to the expected variability of recorded EMG, but the magnitude of these differences (±4%) did not impact between-task comparisons. Despite limitations inherent to such models, the proposed musculoskeletal model and EMGopt approach appears well-suited for evaluating internal lower back demands during gait tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Banks
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Kinesiology, 110 Totman Building, 30 Eastman Lane, Amherst, MA 01003, United States; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, 330 Brookline Avenue, RN 115, Boston, MA 02215, United States; Harvard Medical School, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Brian R Umberger
- University of Michigan, School of Kinesiology, 830 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Graham E Caldwell
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Kinesiology, 110 Totman Building, 30 Eastman Lane, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
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11
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Effect of Assistance Using a Bilateral Robotic Knee Exoskeleton on Tibiofemoral Force Using a Neuromuscular Model. Ann Biomed Eng 2022; 50:716-727. [PMID: 35344119 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-02950-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Tibiofemoral compression forces present during locomotion can result in high stress and risk damage to the knee. Powered assistance using a knee exoskeleton may reduce the knee load by reducing the work required by the muscles. However, the exact effect of assistance on the tibiofemoral force is unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of knee extension assistance during the early stance phase on the tibiofemoral force. Nine able-bodied adults walked on an inclined treadmill with a bilateral knee exoskeleton with assistance and with no assistance. Using an EMG-informed neuromusculoskeletal model, muscle forces were estimated, then utilized to estimate the tibiofemoral contact force. Results showed a 28% reduction in the knee moment, which resulted in approximately a 15% decrease in knee extensor muscle activation and a 20% reduction in subsequent muscle force, leading to a significant 10% reduction in peak and 9% reduction in average tibiofemoral contact force during the early stance phase (p < 0.05). The results indicate the tibiofemoral force is highly dependent on the knee kinetics and quadricep muscle activation due to their influence on knee extensor muscle forces, the primary contributor to the knee load.
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12
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Silvestros P, Pizzolato C, Lloyd DG, Preatoni E, Gill HS, Cazzola D. Electromyography-Assisted Neuromusculoskeletal Models Can Estimate Physiological Muscle Activations and Joint Moments Across the Neck Before Impacts. J Biomech Eng 2022; 144:1120603. [PMID: 34557891 DOI: 10.1115/1.4052555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of neck muscle activation strategies before sporting impacts is crucial for investigating mechanisms of severe spinal injuries. However, measurement of muscle activations during impacts is experimentally challenging and computational estimations are not often guided by experimental measurements. We investigated neck muscle activations before impacts with the use of electromyography (EMG)-assisted neuromusculoskeletal models. Kinematics and EMG recordings from four major neck muscles of a rugby player were experimentally measured during rugby activities. A subject-specific musculoskeletal model was created with muscle parameters informed from MRI measurements. The model was used in the calibrated EMG-informed neuromusculoskeletal modeling toolbox and three neural solutions were compared: (i) static optimization (SO), (ii) EMG-assisted (EMGa), and (iii) MRI-informed EMG-assisted (EMGaMRI). EMGaMRI and EMGa significantly (p < 0.01) outperformed SO when tracking cervical spine net joint moments from inverse dynamics in flexion/extension (RMSE = 0.95, 1.14, and 2.32 N·m) but not in lateral bending (RMSE = 1.07, 2.07, and 0.84 N·m). EMG-assisted solutions generated physiological muscle activation patterns and maintained experimental cocontractions significantly (p < 0.01) outperforming SO, which was characterized by saturation and nonphysiological "on-off" patterns. This study showed for the first time that physiological neck muscle activations and cervical spine net joint moments can be estimated without assumed a priori objective criteria before impacts. Future studies could use this technique to provide detailed initial loading conditions for theoretical simulations of neck injury during impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Silvestros
- Department for Health, Centre for Analysis of Motion and Entertainment Research and Application (CAMERA), University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Claudio Pizzolato
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE), Menzies Health Institute Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - David G Lloyd
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE), Menzies Health Institute Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Ezio Preatoni
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Harinderjit S Gill
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Dario Cazzola
- Department for Health, Centre for Analysis of Motion and Entertainment Research and Application (CAMERA), University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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Scherpereel KL, Bolus NB, Jeong HK, Inan OT, Young AJ. Estimating Knee Joint Load Using Acoustic Emissions During Ambulation. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 49:1000-1011. [PMID: 33037511 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02641-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying joint load in activities of daily life could lead to improvements in mobility for numerous people; however, current methods for assessing joint load are unsuitable for ubiquitous settings. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that joint acoustic emissions contain information to estimate this internal joint load in a potentially wearable implementation. Eleven healthy, able-bodied individuals performed ambulation tasks under varying speed, incline, and loading conditions while joint acoustic emissions and essential gait measures-electromyography, ground reaction forces, and motion capture trajectories-were collected. The gait measures were synthesized using a neuromuscular model to estimate internal joint contact force which was the target variable for subject-specific machine learning models (XGBoost) trained based on spectral, temporal, cepstral, and amplitude-based features of the joint acoustic emissions. The model using joint acoustic emissions significantly outperformed (p < 0.05) the best estimate without the sounds, the subject-specific average load (MAE = 0.31 ± 0.12 BW), for both seen (MAE = 0.08 ± 0.01 BW) and unseen (MAE = 0.21 ± 0.05 BW) conditions. This demonstrates that joint acoustic emissions contain information that correlates to internal joint contact force and that information is consistent such that unique cases can be estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keaton L Scherpereel
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Nicholas B Bolus
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Hyeon Ki Jeong
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Omer T Inan
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Aaron J Young
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
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