Visualization of interindividual differences in spinal dynamics in the presence of intraindividual variabilities

Surface topography systems enable the capture of spinal dynamic movement. A visualization of possible unique movement patterns appears to be difficult due to large intraclass and small inter-class variabilities. Therefore, we investigated a visualization approach using Siamese neural networks (SNN) and checked, if the identification of individuals is possible based on dynamic spinal data. The presented visualization approach seems promising in visualizing subjects in the presence of intraindividual variability between different gait cycles as well as day-to-day variability. Overall, the results indicate a possible existence of a personal spinal ‘fingerprint’. The work forms the basis for an objective comparison of subjects and the transfer of the method to clinical use cases

Non-invasive technologies for detecting asymmetric muscle fatigue

Early detection of unilateral muscle fatigue and muscular imbalances is important to prevent injury. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of near-infrared thermography (IRT) and raster-stereography (RS) in detecting asymmetries. After unilateral trunk muscle fatigue, IRT detected changes in the skin surface temperature only immediately after exercise, while RS data showed no statistically significant changes.Die frühzeitige Erkennung von einseitiger Muskelermüdung und muskulären Ungleichgewichten ist wichtig, um Verletzungen vorzubeugen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, das Potenzial der Nahinfrarot-Thermografie (IRT) und der Rasterstereografie (RS) bei der Erkennung von Asymmetrien zu bewerten. Nach einseitiger Ermüdung der Rumpfmuskulatur wurden mit der IRT Veränderungen der Hautoberflächentemperatur nur unmittelbar nach der Belastung festgestellt, während die RS-Daten keine statistisch signifikanten Veränderungen zeigten

Non-invasive technologies for detecting asymmetric muscle fatigue

Early detection of unilateral muscle fatigue and muscular imbalances is important to prevent injury. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of near-infrared thermography (IRT) and raster-stereography (RS) in detecting asymmetries. After unilateral trunk muscle fatigue, IRT detected changes in the skin surface temperature only immediately after exercise, while RS data showed no statistically significant changes.Die frühzeitige Erkennung von einseitiger Muskelermüdung und muskulären Ungleichgewichten ist wichtig, um Verletzungen vorzubeugen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, das Potenzial der Nahinfrarot-Thermografie (IRT) und der Rasterstereografie (RS) bei der Erkennung von Asymmetrien zu bewerten. Nach einseitiger Ermüdung der Rumpfmuskulatur wurden mit der IRT Veränderungen der Hautoberflächentemperatur nur unmittelbar nach der Belastung festgestellt, während die RS-Daten keine statistisch signifikanten Veränderungen zeigten

Practical studies on bike fitting - A biomechanical and physiological analysis under the influence of fatigue

Bike fitting can have a major impact on the performance of cyclists and can reduce the risk of non-traumatic injuries. This study shows significant changes in lower body biomechanics of road cyclists during and after fatigue and therefore expands the research from a more practical view. These findings support the expansion of future research using sensor-based analyses of road cycling (e.g., IMUs, oxygen saturation).Die Einstellung des Fahrrads kann einen großen Einfluss auf die Leistung von Radfahrern haben und das Risiko nichttraumatischer Verletzungen verringern. Diese Studie zeigt signifikante Veränderungen in der Biomechanik des Unterkörpers von Rennradfahrern während und nach der Ermüdung und erweitert damit die Forschung aus einer eher praktischen Sicht. Diese Ergebnisse unterstützen die Ausweitung zukünftiger Forschung unter Verwendung sensorbasierter Analysen des Straßenradsports (z. B. IMUs, Sauerstoffsättigung)

Non-invasive technologies for detecting asymmetric muscle fatigue

Early detection of unilateral muscle fatigue and muscular imbalances is important to prevent injury. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of near-infrared thermography (IRT) and raster-stereography (RS) in detecting asymmetries. After unilateral trunk muscle fatigue, IRT detected changes in the skin surface temperature only immediately after exercise, while RS data showed no statistically significant changes.Die frühzeitige Erkennung von einseitiger Muskelermüdung und muskulären Ungleichgewichten ist wichtig, um Verletzungen vorzubeugen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, das Potenzial der Nahinfrarot-Thermografie (IRT) und der Rasterstereografie (RS) bei der Erkennung von Asymmetrien zu bewerten. Nach einseitiger Ermüdung der Rumpfmuskulatur wurden mit der IRT Veränderungen der Hautoberflächentemperatur nur unmittelbar nach der Belastung festgestellt, während die RS-Daten keine statistisch signifikanten Veränderungen zeigten

Effects of Unilateral Muscle Fatigue on Thermographic Skin Surface Temperature of Back and Abdominal Muscles—A Pilot Study

The present study aimed to assess the effects of asymmetric muscle fatigue on the skin surface temperature of abdominal and back muscles. The study was based on a pre-post/follow-up design with one group and included a total of 41 subjects (22 male, 19 female; age, 22.63 ± 3.91; weight, 71.89 ± 12.97 kg; height, 173.36 ± 9.95). All the participants were asked to perform side bends in sets of 20 repetitions on a Roman chair until complete exhaustion. The pre-, post- and follow-up test (24 h after) skin surface temperatures were recorded with infrared thermography. Subjective muscle soreness and muscle fatigue were analyzed using two questionnaires. The results of the post hoc tests showed that skin temperature was statistically significantly lower in the post-tests than in the pre- and follow-up tests, but no meaningful differences existed between the pre- and follow-up tests. Asymmetric side differences were found in the post-test for the upper and lower areas of the back. Differences were also noted for the front in both the upper and lower areas. No thermographic side asymmetries were found at the pre- or follow-up measurement for either the back or the front. Our results support the potential of using thermographic skin surface temperature to monitor exercise and recovery in athletes, as well as its use in rehabilitational exercise selection

Effects of Unilateral Muscle Fatigue on Thermographic Skin Surface Temperature of Back and Abdominal Muscles—A Pilot Study

The present study aimed to assess the effects of asymmetric muscle fatigue on the skin surface temperature of abdominal and back muscles. The study was based on a pre-post/follow-up design with one group and included a total of 41 subjects (22 male, 19 female; age, 22.63 ± 3.91; weight, 71.89 ± 12.97 kg; height, 173.36 ± 9.95). All the participants were asked to perform side bends in sets of 20 repetitions on a Roman chair until complete exhaustion. The pre-, post- and follow-up test (24 h after) skin surface temperatures were recorded with infrared thermography. Subjective muscle soreness and muscle fatigue were analyzed using two questionnaires. The results of the post hoc tests showed that skin temperature was statistically significantly lower in the post-tests than in the pre- and follow-up tests, but no meaningful differences existed between the pre- and follow-up tests. Asymmetric side differences were found in the post-test for the upper and lower areas of the back. Differences were also noted for the front in both the upper and lower areas. No thermographic side asymmetries were found at the pre- or follow-up measurement for either the back or the front. Our results support the potential of using thermographic skin surface temperature to monitor exercise and recovery in athletes, as well as its use in rehabilitational exercise selection

Impact of Fatigue on Ergonomic Risk Scores and Foot Kinetics: A Field Study Employing Inertial and In-Shoe Plantar Pressure Measurement Devices

(1) Background: Occupational fatigue is a primary factor leading to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Kinematic and kinetic experimental studies have been able to identify indicators of WRMSD, but research addressing real-world workplace scenarios is lacking. Hence, the authors of this study aimed to assess the influence of physical strain on the Borg CR-10 body map, ergonomic risk scores, and foot pressure in a real-world setting. (2) Methods: Twenty-four participants (seventeen men and seven women) were included in this field study. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) (n = 24) and in-shoe plantar pressure measurements (n = 18) captured the workload of production and office workers at the beginning of their work shift and three hours later, working without any break. In addition to the two 12 min motion capture processes, a Borg CR-10 body map and fatigue visual analog scale (VAS) were applied twice. Kinematic and kinetic data were processed using MATLAB and SPSS software, resulting in scores representing the relative distribution of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Computer-Assisted Recording and Long-Term Analysis of Musculoskeletal Load (CUELA), and in-shoe plantar pressure. (3) Results: Significant differences were observed between the two measurement times of physical exertion and fatigue, but not for ergonomic risk scores. Contrary to the hypothesis of the authors, there were no significant differences between the in-shoe plantar pressures. Significant differences were observed between the dominant and non-dominant sides for all kinetic variables. (4) Conclusions: The posture scores of RULA and CUELA and in-shoe plantar pressure side differences were a valuable basis for adapting one-sided requirements in the work process of the workers. Traditional observational methods must be adapted more sensitively to detect kinematic deviations at work. The results of this field study enhance our knowledge about the use and benefits of sensors for ergonomic risk assessments and interventions

Practical studies on bike fitting - A biomechanical and physiological analysis under the influence of fatigue

Bike fitting can have a major impact on the performance of cyclists and can reduce the risk of non-traumatic injuries. This study shows significant changes in lower body biomechanics of road cyclists during and after fatigue and therefore expands the research from a more practical view. These findings support the expansion of future research using sensor-based analyses of road cycling (e.g., IMUs, oxygen saturation).Die Einstellung des Fahrrads kann einen großen Einfluss auf die Leistung von Radfahrern haben und das Risiko nichttraumatischer Verletzungen verringern. Diese Studie zeigt signifikante Veränderungen in der Biomechanik des Unterkörpers von Rennradfahrern während und nach der Ermüdung und erweitert damit die Forschung aus einer eher praktischen Sicht. Diese Ergebnisse unterstützen die Ausweitung zukünftiger Forschung unter Verwendung sensorbasierter Analysen des Straßenradsports (z. B. IMUs, Sauerstoffsättigung)

Practical studies on bike fitting - A biomechanical and physiological analysis under the influence of fatigue

Bike fitting can have a major impact on the performance of cyclists and can reduce the risk of non-traumatic injuries. This study shows significant changes in lower body biomechanics of road cyclists during and after fatigue and therefore expands the research from a more practical view. These findings support the expansion of future research using sensor-based analyses of road cycling (e.g., IMUs, oxygen saturation).Die Einstellung des Fahrrads kann einen großen Einfluss auf die Leistung von Radfahrern haben und das Risiko nichttraumatischer Verletzungen verringern. Diese Studie zeigt signifikante Veränderungen in der Biomechanik des Unterkörpers von Rennradfahrern während und nach der Ermüdung und erweitert damit die Forschung aus einer eher praktischen Sicht. Diese Ergebnisse unterstützen die Ausweitung zukünftiger Forschung unter Verwendung sensorbasierter Analysen des Straßenradsports (z. B. IMUs, Sauerstoffsättigung)