64 research outputs found

    Authentic alignment : toward an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) informed model of the learning environment in health professions education

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    It is well established that the goals of education can only be achieved through the constructive alignment of instruction, learning and assessment. There is a gap in research interpreting the lived experiences of stakeholders within the UK learning environment toward understanding the real impact – authenticity – of curricular alignment. This investigation uses a critical realist framework to explore the emergent quality of authenticity as a function of alignment.This project deals broadly with alignment of anatomy pedagogy within UK undergraduate medical education. The thread of alignment is woven through four aims: 1) to understand the alignment of anatomy within the medical curriculum via the relationships of its stakeholders; 2) to explore the apparent complexity of the learning environment (LE); 3) to generate a critical evaluation of the methodology, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as an approach appropriate for realist research in the complex fields of medical and health professions education; 4) to propose a functional, authentic model of the learning environment.Findings indicate that the complexity and uncertainty inherent in the LE can be reflected in spatiotemporal models. Findings meet the thesis aims, suggesting: 1) the alignment of anatomy within the medical curriculum is complex and forms a multiplicity of perspectives; 2) this complexity is ripe for phenomenological exploration; 3) IPA is particularly suitable for realist research exploring complexity in HPE; 4) Authentic Alignment theory offers a spatiotemporal model of the complex HPE learning environment:the T-icosa

    A contact-implicit direct trajectory optimization scheme for the study of legged maneuverability

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    For legged robots to move safely in unpredictable environments, they need to be manoeuvrable, but transient motions such as acceleration, deceleration and turning have been the subject of little research compared to constant-speed gait. They are difficult to study for two reasons: firstly, the way they are executed is highly sensitive to factors such as morphology and traction, and secondly, they can potentially be dangerous, especially when executed rapidly, or from high speeds. These challenges make it an ideal topic for study by simulation, as this allows all variables to be precisely controlled, and puts no human, animal or robotic subjects at risk. Trajectory optimization is a promising method for simulating these manoeuvres, because it allows complete motion trajectories to be generated when neither the input actuation nor the output motion is known. Furthermore, it produces solutions that optimize a given objective, such as minimizing the distance required to stop, or the effort exerted by the actuators throughout the motion. It has consequently become a popular technique for high-level motion planning in robotics, and for studying locomotion in biomechanics. In this dissertation, we present a novel approach to studying motion with trajectory optimization, by viewing it more as “trajectory generation” – a means of generating large quantities of synthetic data that can illuminate the differences between successful and unsuccessful motion strategies when studied in aggregate. One distinctive feature of this approach is the focus on whole-body models, which capture the specific morphology of the subject, rather than the highly-simplified “template” models that are typically used. Another is the use of “contact-implicit” methods, which allow an appropriate footfall sequence to be discovered, rather than requiring that it be defined upfront. Although contact-implicit methods are not novel, they are not widely-used, as they are computationally demanding, and unnecessary when studying comparatively-predictable constant speed locomotion. The second section of this dissertation describes innovations in the formulation of these trajectory optimization problems as nonlinear programming problems (NLPs). This “direct” approach allows these problems to be solved by general-purpose, open-source algorithms, making it accessible to scientists without the specialized applied mathematics knowledge required to solve NLPs. The design of the NLP has a significant impact on the accuracy of the result, the quality of the solution (with respect to the final value of the objective function), and the time required to solve the proble

    Evaluating footwear “in the wild”: Examining wrap and lace trail shoe closures during trail running

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    Trail running participation has grown over the last two decades. As a result, there have been an increasing number of studies examining the sport. Despite these increases, there is a lack of understanding regarding the effects of footwear on trail running biomechanics in ecologically valid conditions. The purpose of our study was to evaluate how a Wrap vs. Lace closure (on the same shoe) impacts running biomechanics on a trail. Thirty subjects ran a trail loop in each shoe while wearing a global positioning system (GPS) watch, heart rate monitor, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and plantar pressure insoles. The Wrap closure reduced peak foot eversion velocity (measured via IMU), which has been associated with fit. The Wrap closure also increased heel contact area, which is also associated with fit. This increase may be associated with the subjective preference for the Wrap. Lastly, runners had a small but significant increase in running speed in the Wrap shoe with no differences in heart rate nor subjective exertion. In total, the Wrap closure fit better than the Lace closure on a variety of terrain. This study demonstrates the feasibility of detecting meaningful biomechanical differences between footwear features in the wild using statistical tools and study design. Evaluating footwear in ecologically valid environments often creates additional variance in the data. This variance should not be treated as noise; instead, it is critical to capture this additional variance and challenges of ecologically valid terrain if we hope to use biomechanics to impact the development of new products

    Methodological considerations for the assessment of postural stability and lower limb bilateral asymmetry

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    Purpose: There are currently no agreed methods for the assessment of postural stability using centre of pressure (CoP) analysis of quiet standing nor assessment of lower limb bilateral asymmetry measured during a countermovement jump (CMJ). Much of the existing literature surrounding both of these biomechanical assessments are varied and inconclusive in the determination of a criterion methodology. There is also a dearth of information regarding the reliability of both measures or expected outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was twofold. Firstly, to assess the methodology and reliability of postural stability measures obtained from a force-platform. Secondly, to investigate the methodology and reliability of measuring lower limb bilateral asymmetry using a dual-force-platform set-up. Methodology: Using a repeated measures design of test-retest reliability, postural stability and CMJ performance was assessed for male (n = 10, age = 32.7 ± 9.5 yrs., height = 1.797 ± 0.060 m, mass = 88.2 ± 14.4 kg) and female (n = 9, age = 32.4 ± 8.7 yrs., height = 1.662 ± 0.055 m, mass = 70.8 ± 13.5 kg) recreationally active individuals divided into three populations, female-only (FEM), male-only (MALE) and combined (ALL). For postural stability measurement, path length (Lp), sway area (As) and mean velocity (Vm) were reported from 8 trials for six epochs derived from 100 s of quiet standing. Four trials of each condition, were conducted on each of the two separate testing days. Reliability of bilateral CMJ performance was assessed from ten maximal CMJ trials using five kinetic and two temporal neuromuscular variables: peak force (Fmax), impulse due to eccentric and concentric contraction (Jecc and Jcon), peak instantaneous mechanical power (PPO), take-off velocity (Vto), percentage of jump duration that changeover from eccentric to concentric phases occurs (tecN) and percentage of jump duration that peak force occurs (tFmaxN). Lower limb bilateral asymmetry was then calculated for Fmax, Jecc, Jcon and tFmaxN using two SIs; sided, left leg vs right leg (LvsR) and un-sided, higher vs lower limb value (HvsL) to give asymmetry irrespective of limb side. Differences between conditions and SI methods were identified using paired-samples t-tests and test-retest reliability was assessed using ICC and Bland and Altman (B&A) plot analysis. Postural Stability Results: Lp and Vm were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the EC condition for all epochs. As demonstrated differences between the two conditions, however, not always significant; in all cases of significance, As was greater in the EC condition. Absolute ICC values for Lp and Vm were indicative of excellent reliability (>0.90) however, 95% CI ranged from poor (0.75) to excellent across conditions and epochs. B&A plot analysis showed As was the most variable. In general, results showed that EC had the higher test-retest reliability, however differences between ICC values and the magnitude of the bias and LOA between conditions were small. It was not clear which epoch provided the most, or least, reliable results for Lp or Vm. For As, the 1st 30 s had the most variability, while for all variables, 90 s was one of the most reliable epochs. Cumulative moving average analysis showed a trend toward increased precision as number of repetitions increased for all epochs. Bilateral Asymmetry Results: Kinematic variables derived from analysis of a CMJ resulted in high test-retest reliability and agreement (ICC > 0.9) for Fmax, Jecc, Jcon, PPO, Vto and tecN. LvsR and HvsL methods of SI calculation were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) for 3/4 variables. Fmax (ALL: LvsR - 0.72 ± 6.96%, HvsL 6.22 ± 3.89%), Jecc (ALL: LvsR 4.99 ± 23.47%, HvsL 25.29 ± 12.33%), Jcon (ALL: LvsR -6.93 ± 26.87%, HvsL 25.47 ± 13.80%), tFmaxN (ALL: LvsR -2.10 ± 7.87%, HvsL 5.67 ± 6.83%). Overall, the absolute ICCs of Jecc and tFmaxN ranged from poor to excellent, while Fmax and Jcon showed better agreement, although 95% CI ranges and magnitude of B&A LOAs were still large, particularly in LvsR (e.g., Fmax, ALL LvsR: Bias = 32%, LOA = 352%). B&A plot analysis demonstrated far smaller bias and LOA in HvsL than LvsR for all variables and populations. In both postural stability and bilateral asymmetry, there was no substantial differences noted between the reliability of FEM and MALE populations. For both cases, greater reliability could be seen for the majority of variables when FEM and MALE were combined in the ALL population. Conclusions: Lp and Vm had better reliability and lower variability than As. As is not recommended as a reliable postural stability performance parameter. There was a significant difference between visual conditions, indicating the impact of visual acuity on human postural control. Both EO and EC showed good reliability for all epochs, although B&A plots revealed variability in the data that should be considered in future research. Although EC appeared to be the slightly more reliable condition, it cannot be recommended over EO as they are representative of different requirements of human postural control. Bilateral CMJ performance showed good test-retest reliability, however, normalised temporal variables should be used with caution; tFmaxN was the least reliable variable. LvsR and HvsL methods of SI calculation were significantly different and have the ability to quantify very different inherent characteristics of bilateral CMJ performance. Results identify the importance of determining a suitable set of reference values and the consideration of the directionality of asymmetries on an individual basis. In a bilateral CMJ, the differences in the force generating capacity between limbs does not necessarily determine the variation in the magnitude of VGRF generated during the jump. Instead, variations in VGRF symmetry should be considered to represent bilateral variations in limb loading that stem from differing jumping and compensatory strategies adopted by individuals

    Authentic Alignment: Toward an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) informed model of the learning environment in health professions education

    Get PDF
    It is well established that the goals of education can only be achieved through the constructive alignment of instruction, learning and assessment. There is a gap in research interpreting the lived experiences of stakeholders within the UK learning environment toward understanding the real impact – authenticity – of curricular alignment. This investigation uses a critical realist framework to explore the emergent quality of authenticity as a function of alignment. This project deals broadly with alignment of anatomy pedagogy within UK undergraduate medical education. The thread of alignment is woven through four aims: 1) to understand the alignment of anatomy within the medical curriculum via the relationships of its stakeholders; 2) to explore the apparent complexity of the learning environment (LE); 3) to generate a critical evaluation of the methodology, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as an approach appropriate for realist research in the complex fields of medical and health professions education; 4) to propose a functional, authentic model of the learning environment. Findings indicate that the complexity and uncertainty inherent in the LE can be reflected in spatiotemporal models. Findings meet the thesis aims, suggesting: 1) the alignment of anatomy within the medical curriculum is complex and forms a multiplicity of perspectives; 2) this complexity is ripe for phenomenological exploration; 3) IPA is particularly suitable for realist research exploring complexity in HPE; 4) Authentic Alignment theory offers a spatiotemporal model of the complex HPE learning environment: the T-icosa

    Musculoskeletal Models in a Clinical Perspective

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    This book includes a selection of papers showing the potential of the dynamic modelling approach to treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system. The state-of-the-art is presented in a review article and in a perspective paper, and several examples of application in different clinical problems are provided

    Human Enhancement Technologies and Our Merger with Machines

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    A cross-disciplinary approach is offered to consider the challenge of emerging technologies designed to enhance human bodies and minds. Perspectives from philosophy, ethics, law, and policy are applied to a wide variety of enhancements, including integration of technology within human bodies, as well as genetic, biological, and pharmacological modifications. Humans may be permanently or temporarily enhanced with artificial parts by manipulating (or reprogramming) human DNA and through other enhancement techniques (and combinations thereof). We are on the cusp of significantly modifying (and perhaps improving) the human ecosystem. This evolution necessitates a continuing effort to re-evaluate current laws and, if appropriate, to modify such laws or develop new laws that address enhancement technology. A legal, ethical, and policy response to current and future human enhancements should strive to protect the rights of all involved and to recognize the responsibilities of humans to other conscious and living beings, regardless of what they look like or what abilities they have (or lack). A potential ethical approach is outlined in which rights and responsibilities should be respected even if enhanced humans are perceived by non-enhanced (or less-enhanced) humans as “no longer human” at all

    Intelligent Sensors for Human Motion Analysis

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    The book, "Intelligent Sensors for Human Motion Analysis," contains 17 articles published in the Special Issue of the Sensors journal. These articles deal with many aspects related to the analysis of human movement. New techniques and methods for pose estimation, gait recognition, and fall detection have been proposed and verified. Some of them will trigger further research, and some may become the backbone of commercial systems
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