Lumbar loading during lifting: a comparative study of three measurement techniques.

Low back loading during occupational lifting is thought to be an important causative factor in the development of low back pain. In order to regulate spinal loading in the workplace, it is necessary to measure it accurately. Various methods have been developed to do this, but each has its own limitations, and none can be considered a "gold standard". The purpose of the current study was to compare the results of three contrasting techniques in order to gain insight into possible sources of error to which each is susceptible. The three techniques were a linked segment model (LSM), an electromyographic (EMG)-based model, and a neural network (NN) that used both EMG and inertial sensing techniques. All three techniques were applied simultaneously to calculate spinal loading when eight volunteers performed a total of eight lifts in a laboratory setting. Averaged results showed that, in comparison with the LSM, the EMG technique calculated a 25.5+/-33.4% higher peak torque and the NN technique a 17.3+/-10.5% lower peak torque. Differences between the techniques varied with lifting speed and method of lifting, and could be attributed to differences in anthropometric assumptions, antagonistic muscle activity, damping of transient force peaks by body tissues, and, specific to the NN, underestimation of trunk flexion. The results of the current study urge to reconsider the validity of other models by independent comparisons.     

Three-dimensional dynamic simulation of total knee replacement motion during a step-up task.

A three-dimensional dynamic model of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articulations was developed to predict the motions of knee implants during a step-up activity. Patterns of muscle activity, initial joint angles and velocities, and kinematics of the hip and tinkle were measured experimentally and used as inputs to the simulation. Prosthetic knee kinematics were determined by integration of dynamic equations of motion subject to forces generated by muscles, ligaments, and contact at both the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articulations. The modeling of contacts between implants did not rely upon explicit constraint equations; thus, changes in the number of contact points were allowed without modification to the model formulation. The simulation reproduced experimentally measured flexion-extension angle of the knee (within one standard deviation), but translations at the tibiofemoral articulations were larger during the simulated step-up task than those reported for patients with total knee replacements.     

The kinematics of the scapulae and spine during a lifting task

Simultaneous motion of the scapula and humerus is widely accepted as a feature of normal upper limb movement, however this has usually been investigated under conditions in which purposeful, functional tasks were not considered. The aim of this study was to investigate the synchrony and coordination of the constituent 3D movements of the shoulder girdle and trunk, during a functional activity. 45 healthy women, aged between 20 and 80 years, performed a simple lifting task, moving a loaded box from a shelf at waist level to one at shoulder level and then reversed the movement, during which the linear and angular motions of the scapulae, upper and lower thoracic spine and upper limbs were monitored and analysed using cross-correlation techniques. Results indicated a close and consistent set of coordinated movement patterns, which suggest biomechanical invariance in the responses of the structures adjacent to the upper limb during such a lifting task. These scapulohumeral relationships were, however, more constant and phase-locked when there was a specific purpose to the movement than during periods in which the arm was lowered without load. There were no age-related differences in any movement responses.     

Motor variability during a repetitive lifting task is impaired by wearing a passive back-support exoskeleton

PurposeEvaluate whether wearing a passive back-support exoskeleton during repetitive lifting impairs motor variability of erector spinae muscle and spine movement and whether this association is influenced by lifting style.Scope: Thirty-six healthy males performed ten lifts in four randomized conditions with exoskeleton (without, with) and lifting style (squat, stoop) as dependent variables. One lifting cycle contained four phases: bending/straighten without/with load. Erector spinae muscular activity, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were measured with surface electromyography and gravimetric position sensors, respectively. Absolute and relative cycle-to-cycle variability were calculated. The effects of exoskeleton and exoskeleton × lifting style were assessed on outcomes during the complete lifting cycle and its four phases.ResultsFor the complete lifting cycle, muscular variability and thoracic kyphosis variability decreased whereas lumbar lordosis variability increased with exoskeleton. For lifting phases, effects of exoskeleton were mixed. Absolute and relative muscular variability showed a significant interaction effect for the phase straighten with load; variability decreased with exoskeleton during squat lifting.ConclusionUsing the exoskeleton impaired several motor variability parameters during lifting, supporting previous findings that exoskeletons may limit freedom of movement. The impact of this result on longer-term development of muscular fatigue or musculoskeletal disorders cannot yet be estimated.     

Characterizing the balance-dexterity task as a concurrent bipedal task to investigate trunk control during dynamic balance

The purpose of the study was to characterize the Balance-Dexterity Task as a means to investigate a concurrent bipedal lower-extremity task and trunk control during dynamic balance. The task combines aspects of single-limb balance and the lower-extremity dexterity test by asking participants to stand on one limb while compressing an unstable spring with the contralateral limb to an individualized target force. Nineteen non-disabled participants completed the study, and performance measures for the demands of each limb – balance and dexterous force control – as well as kinematic and electromyographic measures of trunk control were collected. Given five practice trials, participants achieved compression forces ranging from 100 to 139 N (mean 121.2 ± 12.3 N), representing 14.4–23.0% of body weight (mean 18.7 ± 2.4%), which were then presented as target forces during test trials. Dexterous force control coefficient of variation and average magnitude of the center of pressure (COP) resultant velocity were associated such that greater variability in force control was accompanied by greater COP velocity (R = 0.598, p = 0.007). Trunk coupling, quantified as the coefficient of determination (R²) of a frontal plane thorax and pelvis angle-angle plot, varied independently of any measure of balance or dexterous force control. The Balance-Dexterity Task is a continuous, dynamic balance task where bipedal coordination and trunk coupling can be concurrently observed and studied.     

Role of heel lifting in standing balance recovery: A simulation study

Although lifting the heels has frequently been observed during balance recovery, the function of this movement has generally been overlooked. The present study aimed to investigate the functional role of heel lifting during regaining balance from a perturbed state. Computer simulation was employed to objectively examine the effect of allowing/constraining heel lifting on balance performance. The human model consisted of 3 rigid body segments connected by frictionless joints. Movements were driven by joint torques depending on current joint angle, angular velocity, and activation level. Starting from forward-inclined and static straight-body postures, the optimization goal was to recover balance effectively (so that ground projection of the mass center returned to the inside of the base of support) and efficiently by adjusting ankle and hip joint activation levels. Allowing/constraining heel lifting resulted in virtually identical movements when balance was mildly perturbed at the smallest lean angle (8°). At larger lean angles (8.5° and 9°), heel lifting assisted balance recovery more evidently with larger joint movements. Partial and altered timings of ankle/hip torque activation due to constraining heel lifting reduced linear and angular momentum generation for avoiding forward falling, and resulted in hindered balancing performance.     

Electromyographic assessment of trunk muscle activation amplitudes during a simulated lifting task using pattern recognition techniques

This study sought to determine the patterns of neuromuscular response from 24-trunk muscle sites during a symmetrical lift and replace task. Surface electromyograms (EMG) and kinematic variables were recorded from 29 healthy subjects. Pattern recognition techniques were used to examine how activation amplitude patterns changed with the different physical demands of the task (reach, phase of movement). The results indicated that there was very little trunk and pelvis motion during the task. Three principal patterns accounted for 95% of the total variation suggesting that the measured data had a simple underlying structure of variance. ANOVA results revealed significant differences in principal pattern scores. These differences captured subtle changes in muscle recruitment strategies that most likely reflect different stability and biomechanical demands. More balanced activations (bracing) between the abdominal and back sites were observed during the lighter demands, whereas differential recruitment among the back extensor sites was more predominant in the more demanding conditions. A pattern recognition technique offers a novel method to examine the relationships among a large number of muscles and test how different work characteristics change the relationships among the muscle sites.     

Effect of body weight support variation on muscle activities during robot assisted gait: a dynamic simulation study

Background and Objectives: While body weight support (BWS) intonation is vital during conventional gait training of neurologically challenged subjects, it is important to evaluate its effect during robot assisted gait training. In the present research we have studied the effect of BWS intonation on muscle activities during robotic gait training using dynamic simulations. Methods: Two dimensional (2-D) musculoskeletal model of human gait was developed conjointly with another 2-D model of a robotic orthosis capable of actuating hip, knee and ankle joints simultaneously. The musculoskeletal model consists of eight major muscle groups namely; soleus (SOL), gastrocnemius (GAS), tibialis anterior (TA), hamstrings (HAM), vasti (VAS), gluteus maximus (GLU), uniarticular hip flexors (iliopsoas, IP), and Rectus Femoris (RF). BWS was provided at levels of 0, 20, 40 and 60% during the simulations. In order to obtain a feasible set of muscle activities during subsequent gait cycles, an inverse dynamics algorithm along with a quadratic minimization algorithm was implemented. Results: The dynamic parameters of the robot assisted human gait such as joint angle trajectories, ground contact force (GCF), human limb joint torques and robot induced torques at different levels of BWS were derived. The patterns of muscle activities at variable BWS were derived and analysed. For most part of the gait cycle (GC) the muscle activation patterns are quite similar for all levels of BWS as is apparent from the mean of muscle activities for the complete GC. Conclusions: Effect of BWS variation during robot assisted gait on muscle activities was studied by developing dynamic simulation. It is expected that the proposed dynamic simulation approach will provide important inferences and information about the muscle function variations consequent upon a change in BWS during robot assisted gait. This information shall be quite important while investigating the influence of BWS intonation on neuromuscular parameters of interest during robotic gait training.     

Spatial distribution of erector spinae activity is related to task-specific pain-related fear during a repetitive object lifting task

Fear-avoidance beliefs, particularly the fear of lifting with a flexed spine, are associated with reduced spinal motion during object lifting. Low back pain patients thereby also showed potentially clinically relevant changes in the spatial distribution of back muscle activity, but it remains unknown whether such associations are also present in pain-free individuals. This cross-sectional observational study investigated the relationship between fear-avoidance beliefs and the spatial distribution of lumbar paraspinal muscle activity in pain-free individuals during a repetitive lifting task. Thirty participants completed two pain-related fear questionnaires and performed 25 repetitions of lifting a 5 kg-box from a lower to an upper shelf and back, while multi-channel electromyographic signals were recorded bilaterally from the lumbar erector spinae muscles. Changes in spatial distribution were defined as the differences in vertical position of the weighted centroids of muscle activity (centroid shift) between the first and last few repetitions. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between centroid shift and fear-avoidance belief scores. Fear of lifting an object with a flexed spine was negatively associated with erector spinae activity centroid shift (R² adj. = 0.1832; p = 0.045), which might be an expression of behavioral alterations to prevent the back from possible harm.     

Modeling and dynamic simulation of a two-stage pre-denitrification MBBR system under increasing organic loading rates

Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - Biofilm-based wastewater treatment systems have become attractive due to their numerous advantages when compared to other suspended growth processes....     

The development of an EMG-assisted model to assess spine loading during whole-body free-dynamic lifting

Low back disorders (LBDs) are the most common and costly occupationally-related compensable conditions facing employers today. Over the years several biomechanical assessment models have been developed that intended to assess the load profile imposed upon the spine during lifting and, thus, intended to facilitate the control of LBD risk in the workplace. Many of these biomechanical models have evolved based upon assumptions about how the trunk musculature respond to loads imposed upon the body during lifting. However, few of these models have been able to accurately predict the co-contraction of the trunk musculature which has been shown to have a major influence on the development of spinal loads. Thus, our understanding of how the spine is loaded under realistic dynamic lifting conditions has been deficient. A biologically-assisted or EMG-assisted model has been developed in our laboratory over the past 15 years which endeavours to overcome these traditional problems. The model has been assessed in the sagittal, coronal, and torsional planes of the body. The model development and performance will be reviewed as well as the benefits for controlling occupationally-related LBDs.     

The effect of an on-body personal lift assist device (PLAD) on fatigue during a repetitive lifting task

Occupations demanding frequent and heavy lifting are associated with an increased risk of injury. A personal lift assist device (PLAD) was designed to assist human muscles through the use of elastic elements. This study was designed to determine if the PLAD could reduce the level of general and local back muscle fatigue during a cyclical lifting task. Electromyography of two erector spinae sites (T9 and L3) was recorded during a 45-min lifting session at six lifts/lowers per minute in which male participants (n = 10) lifted a box scaled to represent 20% of their maximum back extensor strength. The PLAD device reduced the severity of muscular fatigue at both muscle sites. RMS amplitude increased minimally (22% and 26%) compared to the no-PLAD condition (104% and 88%). Minimal median frequency decreases (0.33% and 0.41%) were observed in the PLAD condition compared to drops of 12% and 20% in the no-PLAD condition. The PLAD had an additional benefit of minimizing pre–post changes in muscular strength and endurance. The PLAD also resulted in a significantly lower rate of perceived exertion across the lifting session. It was concluded that the PLAD was effective at decreasing the level of back muscular fatigue.     

Mechanical demands on the lower back in patients with non-chronic low back pain during a symmetric lowering and lifting task

There is limited information in the literature related to the lower back loading in patients with LBP, particularly those with non-chronic LBP. Toward addressing such a research gap, a case-control study was conducted to explore the differences in lower back mechanical loads between a group of females (n = 19) with non-chronic, non-specific LBP and a group of asymptomatic females (n = 19). The differences in lower back mechanical loads were determined when participants completed one symmetric lowering and lifting of a 4.5 kg load at their preferred cadence. The axial, shearing, and moment components of task demand at the time of peak moment component as well as measures of peak trunk kinematics were analyzed. Patient vs. asymptomatic group performed the task with smaller peak thoracic rotation and peak lumbar flexion. While no differences in the moment component of task demand on the lower back between the patients and controls were found, the shearing (40–50 age group) and axial components of task demand were, respectively, larger and smaller in patients vs. controls. Whether alterations in lower back loads in patients with non-chronic LBP are in response to pain or preceded the pain, the long-term exposure to abnormal lower back mechanics may adversely affect spinal structure and increase the likelihood of further injury or pain. Therefore, the underlying reason(s) as well as the potential consequence(s) of such altered lower back mechanics in patients with non-chronic LBP should to be further investigated.     

Detecting and quantifying global instability during a dynamic task using kinetic and kinematic gait parameters

ObjectivesInstability during gait can be identified in many different ways. Recent studies have suggested utilizing spatiotemporal parameters to detect instability during gait. Detecting instability using kinetic and kinematic gait parameters has not yet been examined fully. In addition, these studies have not yet identified measures that are capable of assessing the magnitude of instability. The objective of the present study was to identify kinetic and kinematic gait parameters that can best identify instability and quantify its magnitude.MethodsTen healthy men underwent successive gait analysis testing under three controlled settings: (1) Stage 0 instability (control setting), (2) Stage 1 instability and (3) Stage 2 instability. The levels of instability were precisely applied with the use of a controlled perturbation device (AposTherapy System). Differences between all stages and between stages were identified using Friedman and Wilcoxon tests.ResultsStride-to-stride variability (STSV) in kinetic and kinematic measures increased significantly between stages 0 and 1 or between stages 0 and 2 for almost all parameters (all P<0.05). A significant increase between stage 0 and both stages 1 and 2 was found for knee flexion moment, knee varus moment, knee flexion angle and hip adduction angle. The increase between stages 1 and 2 was variable. Only the knee varus moment parameter showed a significant increase in STSV between stages 1 and 2 (P=0.026).ConclusionsAlmost all kinetic and kinematic gait parameters are sensitive to changes in global instability in a dynamic task. The most sensitive are parameters measured at the knee. Of these, STSV in knee varus moment can be used to quantify the magnitude of dynamic instability.     

The effect of attentional focus on local dynamic stability during a repetitive spine flexion task

The association between low back pain and spine movement control suggests that it is important to reliably quantify movement behavior. One method to characterize spine movement behavior is to measure the local dynamic stability (LDS) of spine movement during a repetitive flexion task in which a participant is asked to touch multiple targets repetitively. Within the literature, it has been well established that an individual’s focus of attention (FOA) can modulate their neuromuscular control and affect task performance. The goal of this project was to examine the unknown effect of FOA on LDS measurements and timing error during a repetitive spine flexion task that is commonly used to assess movement control. Fourteen healthy adults (7 male) were instructed to touch two targets (shoulder height and knee height) to the beat of a metronome (4 s/cycle) for 35 consecutive cycles. They completed this task under internal (focus on trunk movement) and external (focus on targets) FOA conditions. Motion capture data of the trunk and sacrum were collected at 120 Hz. The lumbar spine angle was defined as the orientation of the trunk relative to the pelvis. The local divergence exponent (λ_max) was calculated from the sum of squares of the 3-dimensional spine angle. Timing error was calculated as the time difference between target touches and metronome beats. Changing an individual’s FOA had no effect on λ_max calculations or timing error. Although clear task instructions are important, it is not essential to control for FOA during this movement assessment protocol.     

羊草种群生物量分配动态模拟

基于4种密度羊草种群的温室模拟试验,分析了羊草种群地上生物量与地下生物量的动态变化．结果表明：羊草种群的地上生物量与地下生物量随生长期呈增加的趋势,且随密度的增加而增加,但不同密度间羊草地上生物量与地下生物量的相对生长速率没有显著差异;不同密度羊草种群的根冠比随生长进程而增加,但差异不显著,表明环境因子是影响羊草种群根冠比变化的主导因素;单株羊草及羊草种群的地上生物量和地下生物量间存在显著的幂函数关系,但幂函数指数与系数随羊草密度的变化而变化,表明资源竞争引起的微环境差异导致了羊草种群根冠比的动态变化,可为定量研究光合产物分配提供参考．     

Phase behavior and dynamic heterogeneities in lipids: a coarse-grained simulation study of DPPC-DPPE mixtures

The coarse-grained Marrink-model for biomembrane simulation is used to study mixtures of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE) at various concentrations and temperatures. At high temperatures close to ideal mixing is observed. In the low temperature ordered phase dynamic heterogeneities are identified under some conditions. These are correlated with heterogeneities in the local order and define local neighborhoods.     

Calcium dynamics in a bergmann glial cell during metabotropic activation: a simulation study

A mathematical model of calcium dynamics in a Bergmann cell of the cerebellum is proposed. The model adequately describes the experimentally observed behavior of the prototype, including the shape and time-scale of Ca²⁺ responses to single and repetitive metabotropic stimuli and the changes of Ca²⁺ transients caused by inhibition of Ca²⁺ uptake into the store. By means of the model, the role of calcium pumps in regulating the cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration is studied. It is found that the store dimension evaluated by stimulation has the order of magnitude of tens of nanometers, and the Ca²⁺ concentration in the store is about 10 μM.