Selective Laser Sintering of Passive Dynamic Ankle-Foot Orthoses

Passive dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFO’s) are used to improve gait performance in those with various neuromuscular disorders. An important design characteristic of passive dynamic AFOs is the storage and release of elastic energy within its structure to help satisfy the energetic demands of walking. Thus, minimizing energy dissipation through internal friction is a fundamental criterion for selecting the appropriate AFO material. This study compared the mechanical damping of a carbon-fiber AFO to three geometrically identical AFO’s fabricated using selective laser sintering with different materials. Mechanical damping characteristics ranked the materials as Nylon 11 (best), followed by DuraformTM PA and DuraformTM GF (worst).Mechanical Engineerin

Age-related differences in adaptation during childhood: The influences of muscular power production and segmental energy flow caused by muscles

Acquisition of skillfulness is not only characterized by a task-appropriate application of muscular forces but also by the ability to adapt performance to changing task demands. Previous research suggests that there is a different developmental schedule for adaptation at the kinematic compared to the neuro-muscular level. The purpose of this study was to determine how age-related differences in neuro-muscular organization affect the mechanical construction of pedaling at different levels of the task. By quantifying the flow of segmental energy caused by muscles, we determined the muscular synergies that construct the movement outcome across movement speeds. Younger children (5-7 years; n = 11), older children (8-10 years; n = 8), and adults (22-31 years; n = 8) rode a stationary ergometer at five discrete cadences (60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 rpm) at 10% of their individually predicted peak power output. Using a forward dynamics simulation, we determined the muscular contributions to crank power, as well as muscular power delivered to the crank directly and indirectly (through energy absorption and transfer) during the downstroke and the upstroke of the crank cycle. We found significant age × cadence interactions for (1) peak muscular power at the hip joint [Wilks' Lambda = 0.441, F(8,42) = 2.65, p = 0.019] indicating that at high movement speeds children produced less peak power at the hip than adults, (2) muscular power delivered to the crank during the downstroke and the upstroke of the crank cycle [Wilks' Lambda = 0.399, F(8,42) = 3.07, p = 0.009] indicating that children delivered a greater proportion of the power to the crank during the upstroke when compared to adults, (3) hip power contribution to limb power [Wilks' Lambda = 0.454, F(8,42) = 2.54, p = 0.023] indicating a cadence-dependence of age-related differences in the muscular synergy between hip extensors and plantarflexors. The results demonstrate that in spite of a successful performance, children construct the task of pedaling differently when compared to adults, especially when they are pushed to their performance limits. The weaker synergy between hip extensors and plantarflexors suggests that a lack of inter-muscular coordination, rather than muscular power production per se, is a factor that limits children's performance ranges

The Influence of Orthotic Devices and Vastus Medialis Strength and Timing on Patellofemoral Loads During Running

Objective. To use a musculoskeletal model and simulation of running to examine: (1) the influence of two commonly prescribed treatments for patellofemoral pain (vastus medialis oblique strengthening and orthoses) and (2) the functional significance of timing differences between vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis on lateral patellofemoral joint loads. Design. A three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of the lower extremity was used to simulate running at 4 m/s. Background. Repetitive and excessive joint loading is often associated with overuse injuries that require clinical treatments to reduce pain and restore function. Affecting one in four runners, patellofemoral pain is one of the most common injuries in running. Although conservative treatments have been reported to successfully treat patellofemoral pain, the effectiveness is often based on subjective or empirical data, which have generated disagreement on the most effective treatment. Methods. Nine subject specific running simulations were generated and experiments were performed by applying the treatments and timing differences to the nominal simulations. Results. Both treatments significantly reduced the average patellofemoral joint load and the vastus medialis strengthening also significantly reduced the peak patellofemoral joint load. In addition, when the vastus medialis oblique timing was delayed and advanced relative to the vastus lateralis timing, a significant increase and decrease in the joint load was observed, respectively, during the loading response. Conclusions. Increasing vastus medialis oblique strength yielded more consistent results across subjects than the orthosis in reducing patellofemoral joint loads during running. The effect of orthoses was highly variable and sensitive to the individual subject\u27s running mechanics. Vastus medialis oblique activation timing is an important determinant of lateral patellofemoral joint loading during the impact phase. Relevance.These findings indicate that a reduction in patellofemoral pain may be achieved through techniques that selectively increase the vastus medialis oblique strength. Therefore, future studies should be directed towards identifying such techniques. Additionally, the functional significance of timing differences between the vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis is an important consideration in patellofemoral pain treatment and orthoses may be beneficial for some patients depending on their running mechanics

The Influence of Foot Positioning on Ankle Sprains

The goal of this study was to examine the influence of changes in foot positioning at touch-down on ankle sprain occurrence. Muscle model driven computer simulations of 10 subjects performing the landing phase of a side-shuffle movement were performed. The relative subtalar joint and talocural joint angles at touchdown were varied, and each subject-specific simulation was exposed to a set of perturbed floor conditions. The touchdown subtalar joint angle was not found to have a considerable influence on sprain occurrence, while increased touchdown plantar flexion caused increased ankle sprain occurrences. Increased touchdown plantar flexion may be the mechanism which causes ankles with a history of ankle sprains to have an increased susceptibility to subsequent sprains. This finding may also reveal a mechanism by which taping of a sprained ankle or the application of an ankle brace leads to decreased ankle sprain susceptibility

Fabrication of Ankle-Foot Orthoses using Selective Laser Sintering Technology

Passive dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are often prescribed to improve gait performance for those with various neuromuscular disorders. Designs and materials used for AFOs range from simple polypropylene braces to advanced custom carbon fiber dynamic AFOs that passively store and release mechanical energy during gait. AFO designs vary in the shape and length of the foot component as well as the stiffness and length of the tibial component, depending on the desired functional outcomes. However, the current fabrication technology is not ideally suited for refined customization of AFO characteristics to optimize performance, or for rapid lowcost, high volume manufacturing and global distribution. A promising engineering solution for producing customized dynamic AFOs is the application of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), which is a versatile manufacturing technology that provides advantages over traditional methods and has already been successfully used to fabricate prosthetic sockets for lower limb amputees (e.g., Faustini et al., 2006). Thus, the primary objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of using an SLSbased design, analysis and manufacturing framework to produce subject-specific passive dynamic AFOs in a cost-effective manner

An Investigation of Bilateral Symmetry During Manual Wheelchair Propulsion

Studies of manual wheelchair propulsion often assume bilateral symmetry to simplify data collection, processing and analysis. However, the validity of this assumption is unclear. Most investigations of wheelchair propulsion symmetry have been limited by a relatively small sample size and a focus on a single propulsion condition (e.g., level propulsion at self-selected speed). The purpose of this study was to evaluate bilateral symmetry during manual wheelchair propulsion in a large group of subjects across different propulsion conditions. Three-dimensional kinematics and handrim kinetics along with spatiotemporal variables were collected and processed from 80 subjects with paraplegia while propelling their wheelchairs on a stationary ergometer during three different conditions: level propulsion at their self-selected speed (free), level propulsion at their fastest comfortable speed (fast), and propulsion on an 8% grade at their level, self-selected speed (graded). All kinematic variables had significant side-to-side differences, primarily in the graded condition. Push angle was the only spatiotemporal variable with a significant side-to-side difference, and only during the graded condition. No kinetic variables had significant side-to-side differences. The magnitudes of the kinematic differences were low, with only one difference exceeding five degrees. With differences of such small magnitude, the bilateral symmetry assumption appears to be reasonable during manual wheelchair propulsion in subjects without significant upper-extremity pain or impairment. However, larger asymmetries may exist in individuals with secondary injuries and pain in their upper extremity and different etiologies of their neurological impairment

Tracer studies in the coffee plant (Coffea arabica L.)

Due to the great importance of coffee to the Brazilian economy, a good deal of the work carried out in the "Laboratório de Isótopos", E. E. A. "Luiz de Queiroz", Piracicaba, S. Paulo, Brazil, was dedicated to the study of some problems involving that plant. The first one was designed to verify a few aspects of the control of zinc deficiency which is common in many types of soils in Brazil. An experiment conducted in nutrient solution showed that the leaf absorption of the radiozinc was eight times as high as the root uptake; the lower surface of the leaves is particularly suited for this kind of absorption. Among the heavy metal micronutrients, only iron did not affect the absorption of the radiozinc; manganese, copper, and molybdenum brought about a decrease of fifty per cent in total uptake. In another pot experiment in which two soils typical of the coffee growing regions were used, namely, a sandy soil called "arenito de Bauru" and a heavy one, "terra roxa", only O.l and 0.2 per cent of the activity supplied to the roots was recovered", respectively. This indicates that under field conditions the farmer should not attempt to correct zinc deficiency by applying zinc salts to the soil: leaf sprays should be used wherever necessary. In order to find out the most suitable way to supply phosphatic fertilizers to the coffee plant, under normal farm conditions, an experiment with tagged superphosphate was carried out with the following methods of distribution of this material: (1) topdressed in a circular area around the trees; (2) placed in the bottom of a 15 cm deep furrow made around the plant; (3) placed in a semicircular furrow, as in the previous treatment; (4) sprayed directly to the leaves. It was verified that in the first case, circa 10 per cent of the phosphorus in the leaves came from the superphosphate; for the other treatments, the results ware, respectively: 2.4, 1.7, and 38.0 per cent. It is interesting to mention that the first and the last methods of distribution were those less used by the farmers; now they are being introduced in many coffee plantations. In a previous trial it was demonstrated that urea sprays were an adequate way to correct nitrogen deficiency under field conditions. An experiment was then set up in which urea-C14 was used to study the metabolism of this fertilizer in coffee leaves. In was verified that in a 9 hours period circa 95 per cent of the urea supplied to the leaves had been absorbed. The distribution of the nitrogen of the urea was followed by standard chemical procedures. On the other hand the fate of the carbonic moiety was studied with the aid of the radiochromatographic technique. Thus, the incorporation of C14 in aminoacids, sugars and organic acids was ascertained. Data obtained in this work gave a definite support to the idea that in coffee leaves, as in a few other higher plants, a mechanism similar to the urea cycle of animals does exist

Disponibilidade de fósforo e correlações entre formas e quantidades absorvidas pelo feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) em solos do estado de São Paulo

The experiment was carried out in greenhouse in order to find responses by bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to four rates of P application on five soils of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, namely:a. sandy quartz (Entisol); b. red yellow podzolic, Lara variation (Ultisol); c. red-ocre latosol (Oxisol); d. red yellow podzolic, Piracicaba, variation (Ultisol); e. terra roxa estruturada (Alfisol). According to the data, the following conclusions were drawn: - There was a significant response to P added. - The efficient utilization of P was low. - These was a very good correlation (r=0.94**) between the soluble P extracted by means of the Mehlich and IAC methods and Dry Vegetal Matter (DVM) and the P in this DVM. - Both extractants for organic P gave good correlation with DVM and P in this DVM (r= 0.69*).Procurou-se, em casa de vegetação, com o feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) respostas a quatro níveis de fósforo aplicado em cinco solos do Estado de São Paulo, a saber: Areia Quartzosa, ordem Entissol; Podzólico Vermelho Amarelo (2), ordem Ultissol; Latossolo Roxo, ordem Oxissol e Terra Roxa Estruturada, ordem Alfissol. Fizeram-se as correlações pertinentes e as seguintes conclusões foram tiradas: 1. Houve resposta significativa ao fósforo adicionado aos solos; 2. A utilização efetiva do fósforo pela leguminosa foi baixa; 3. As melhores correlações correlações do P solúvel com a matéria vegetal seca (MVA) e o P total na MVS foram obtidas com os extratores H2SO4 0,05 N (método do IAC) e H2SO4 0,025 N + HCl 0,05 N (método de Mehlich (r=0,94**), e 4. Os dois extratores usados para o P orgânico deram correlações similares com a MVS e o P total nesta MVS (r=0,69**)

Técnica de réplica de carbono para o estudo da superfície de fôlhas de plantas ao microscópio eletrônico

A technique is described for the production of carbon negative replicas for electron microscopy, which has revealed the same type of ultraestructure observed by other authors, on leaf surfaces of the Brassica oleracea. The procedure follows: 1) deposition of a carbon film over the surface of the leaf to be studied; 2) the carbon film is then backed with Zapon Acquanite "A" lacquer as intermediate replica, whichmis applied full strenght over the specimen surface and dried before a heat lamp; 3) the carbon-zapon composite film can be stripped from the leaf with no dificulty whatsoever, and is them metal shadowed; 4) the composite film is placed, carbon side down, on a specimen screen and this placed upon a course wiremesh back in a petri-dish. Amyl acetate as solvent for the zapon is added until it just wets the support screen and the dish is covered. Thus the zapon is dissolved by the condensed amyl acetate vapors. The method has, also, allowed to observe that in the Coffea arabica leaf surfaces the characteristics ultrastructure does not present the microprojections found on the Brassica oleracea.O presente trabalho apresenta um método de réplica de superfície para o estudo da estrutura das fôlhas de vegetais ao microscípio eletrônico. O método permitiu a observação do mesmo tipo de estrutura observada por outros autores na superfície das fôlhas de couve (Brassica oleracea). O método permitiu observar que nas superfícies das fôlhas de café (Coffea arabica) a ultraestrutura característica e pràticamente desprovida do tipo de ornamentação encontrado nas fôlhas de couve

Topology Optimization and Freeform Fabrication Framework for Developing Prosthetic Feet

Abstract The ability to easily design and manufacture prosthetic feet with novel design characteristics has great potential to improve amputee rehabilitation and care. This study presents a framework using topology optimization methods to develop new prosthetic feet to be manufactured using selective laser sintering. As an example application, the framework was used to generate a prosthetic foot that minimizes material usage while trying to replicate the stiffness characteristics of a commercially available carbon fiber foot. The solution was validated using finite element methods to verify the foot's loading response, and a prototype was manufactured. The result was a novel foot design that with future design modification has the potential to improve amputee gait by providing energy storage and return and reducing prosthetic weight. Introduction A recent study estimated that in 2005 approximately 1.6 million persons in the U.S. were living with limb loss (~40% major lower limb amputations) and that this total will more than double to 3.6 million by 205