The research described in this thesis examined age- and strength training-related changes in Achilles tendon stiffness and plantarflexor force production in prepubertal children. The measurement of both Achilles tendon stiffness and muscular force production requires in vivo moment arm lengths to be known. Currently, this is possible only by using expensive and time-consuming medical imaging methodologies. Therefore, the predictability of the Achilles tendon moment arm from surface anthropometric measurements was assessed in the first experimental study (Chapter 3). The results demonstrated that a combination of foot length and the distance between the calcaneal tuberosity and 1st metatarsal head could explain 49% of the variability in Achilles tendon moment arm length in 5 – 12 year-old children. This was considered to be unacceptable for further use, thus an ultrasound-based method was decided upon for obtaining moment arm length in subsequent experimental studies. In the second and third experimental studies (Chapters 4 and 5), age-related changes in tendon mechanical and structural properties were documented and their relationship with changes in force production ability were examined in prepubertal children (5 – 12 years) and adult men and women. In Chapter 4, Achilles tendon stiffness was shown to increase with age through to adulthood, and that changes in tendon stiffness were strongly and independently associated with body mass (R2 = 0.58) and peak force production capacity (R2 = 0.51),which may provide the tendon with an increasing mechanical stimulus for growth and microadaptation. These increases in tendon stiffness were associated with a greater increase in tendon CSA (~105%) than that found for tendon length (~60%), in addition to an increase in Young’s modulus (~139%), suggesting that gross increases in tendon size as well as changes in its microstructure underpinned the increase in stiffness. In Chapter 5, the relationships between Achilles tendon stiffness and both electro-mechanical delay (EMD) and rate of force development (RFD) were determined during maximal isometric plantarflexion contractions. Moderate correlations were found between tendon stiffness and both EMD (r = -0.66) and RFD (r = 0.58). RFD was significantly better predicted when muscle activation (estimated as the rate of EMG rise) was included in a regression model. These data clearly show that increases in tendon stiffness with age through to adulthood are associated with decreases in EMD and increases in RFD, and that the rate of muscle activation has an additional influence on RFD during growth. Given that 1) Achilles tendon stiffness was lower in children than adults, 2) this lower stiffness was associated with a longer EMD and slower RFD, and 3) that strength training in adults had previously been shown to increase tendon stiffness and RFD, the adaptability of the developing Achilles tendon to a resistance training programme, and consequence of the potential changes on force production capacity were examined in the final experimental study (Chapter 6). Significant increases in Achilles tendon stiffness and Young’s modulus were found after 10 weeks of twice-weekly plantarflexor strength training in 8-9 year-old boys and girls, which demonstrates that the larger muscle force production provided a sufficient stimulus for tendon microadaptation. The training also resulted in a decrease in EMD, which was moderately correlated with the change in tendon stiffness (r = 55), but no change in RFD. Thus, the increasing tendon stiffness with training was associated with a decreasing EMD, but had no detectable effect on RFD. This would likely have a significant effect on the performance of tasks requiring rapid muscle force production. Together, the results of the present series of investigations demonstrate that the tendon loading experienced from both normal ageing and overloading (strength training) can increase tendon stiffness in children, and that these changes have a detectable effect on rapid force production.

O estudo das forças que envolvem a articulação do joelho depende da determinação de alguns parâmetros biomecânicos. Muitas vezes alguns dos parâmetros utilizados são obtidos por meio da literatura. A distância perpendicular é um parâmetro freqüentemente utilizado de dados provenientes da literatura, pois sua determinação está associada a uma grande dificuldade metodológica. Muitos autores utilizam medidas em cadáveres ou medidas em imagens radiográficas estáticas, geralmente apresentam seus resultados na forma de gráficos e/ou tabelas. Entretanto, ambas fogem da situação onde são utilizadas, in vivo e dinâmica. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a linha de ação e a distância perpendicular das estruturas que cruzam a articulação do joelho. Especificamente, desenvolver equações de regressão para estimar a linha de ação e a distância perpendicular destas estruturas, utilizando variáveis antropométricas tais como: massa, estatura e tamanho da tíbia, como variáveis explicativas nos modelos de regressão. Foram determinadas as linhas de ação e a distância perpendicular das seguintes estruturas: o ligamento patelar, o tendão do quadríceps femoral, o tendão do semimembranoso, o tendão do semitendinoso, o tendão do bíceps femoral, o tendão proximal do gastrocnêmio, o ligamento cruzado anterior e o ligamento cruzado posterior. Além das estruturas mensuradas foi calculada a distância perpendicular efetiva do mecanismo extensor do joelho. As medidas foram realizadas em imagens radiográficas dinâmicas, por meio de videofluoroscopia, em vinte e um (21) indivíduos saudáveis executando três repetições do exercício de extensão de joelho em cadeia cinética aberta, sem carga aplicada à tíbia. Foi utilizado o método automático "stepwise" para seleção das melhores variáveis explicativas para cada equação de regressão. Por meio de modelos de regressão linear foi possível estimar as linhas de ação e as distâncias perpendiculares das estruturas que cruzam a articulação do joelho, assim como estimar a distância perpendicular efetiva do mecanismo extensor do joelho. Além do ângulo de flexão, foi possível utilizar variáveis antropométricas como variáveis explicativas do modelo de regressão. / The study of forces involving the knee joint depends on the determination of some biomechanical parameters. Often some of the parameters used are obtained through literature. The moment arm is a parameter frequently used data in the literature, it is difficult to determine. Many authors use measures in cadavers or measures in radiographic images from static to determine its values and its results as graphs and / or as the regression equations. Meanwhile, both fleeing the situation where they are used, in vivo and dynamic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate the line of action and moment arm structures that cross the knee joint. Specifically, the regression equations developed to estimate the line of action and moment arm of these structures. Using anthropometric variables, such as weight, height and length of the tibia as explanatory variables in the regression models. There were certain lines of action and moment arm of the following structures, the patellar ligament, the femoral quadriceps tendon, the tendon semimembranoso, the semitendinosus tendon, the femoral biceps tendon, the tendon proximal the gastrocnemius, the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament. In addition to the structures was estimated measured the effective moment arm mechanism of the knee extensor. To define the centre of rotation was the method used snapshot, to measure the moment arm geometric method was used. The measures were taken in radiographic images dynamic, through videofluoroscopic, and one in twenty (21) healthy individuals running three repetitions of the exercise of the extension of knee in open kinetic chain, no load applied to the tibia. It was the method used automatic "stepwise" to select the best explanatory variables for each regression equation. Through linear regression models were unable to estimate the lines of action and the moment arm structures that cross the knee joint, and estimate the moment arm effective mechanism of the knee extensor. Besides the angle of bending, it was possible to use anthropometric variables as explanatory variables in the regression model.

O estudo das forças que envolvem a articulação do joelho depende da determinação de alguns parâmetros biomecânicos. Muitas vezes alguns dos parâmetros utilizados são obtidos por meio da literatura. A distância perpendicular é um parâmetro freqüentemente utilizado de dados provenientes da literatura, pois sua determinação está associada a uma grande dificuldade metodológica. Muitos autores utilizam medidas em cadáveres ou medidas em imagens radiográficas estáticas, geralmente apresentam seus resultados na forma de gráficos e/ou tabelas. Entretanto, ambas fogem da situação onde são utilizadas, in vivo e dinâmica. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a linha de ação e a distância perpendicular das estruturas que cruzam a articulação do joelho. Especificamente, desenvolver equações de regressão para estimar a linha de ação e a distância perpendicular destas estruturas, utilizando variáveis antropométricas tais como: massa, estatura e tamanho da tíbia, como variáveis explicativas nos modelos de regressão. Foram determinadas as linhas de ação e a distância perpendicular das seguintes estruturas: o ligamento patelar, o tendão do quadríceps femoral, o tendão do semimembranoso, o tendão do semitendinoso, o tendão do bíceps femoral, o tendão proximal do gastrocnêmio, o ligamento cruzado anterior e o ligamento cruzado posterior. Além das estruturas mensuradas foi calculada a distância perpendicular efetiva do mecanismo extensor do joelho. As medidas foram realizadas em imagens radiográficas dinâmicas, por meio de videofluoroscopia, em vinte e um (21) indivíduos saudáveis executando três repetições do exercício de extensão de joelho em cadeia cinética aberta, sem carga aplicada à tíbia. Foi utilizado o método automático "stepwise" para seleção das melhores variáveis explicativas para cada equação de regressão. Por meio de modelos de regressão linear foi possível estimar as linhas de ação e as distâncias perpendiculares das estruturas que cruzam a articulação do joelho, assim como estimar a distância perpendicular efetiva do mecanismo extensor do joelho. Além do ângulo de flexão, foi possível utilizar variáveis antropométricas como variáveis explicativas do modelo de regressão. / The study of forces involving the knee joint depends on the determination of some biomechanical parameters. Often some of the parameters used are obtained through literature. The moment arm is a parameter frequently used data in the literature, it is difficult to determine. Many authors use measures in cadavers or measures in radiographic images from static to determine its values and its results as graphs and / or as the regression equations. Meanwhile, both fleeing the situation where they are used, in vivo and dynamic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate the line of action and moment arm structures that cross the knee joint. Specifically, the regression equations developed to estimate the line of action and moment arm of these structures. Using anthropometric variables, such as weight, height and length of the tibia as explanatory variables in the regression models. There were certain lines of action and moment arm of the following structures, the patellar ligament, the femoral quadriceps tendon, the tendon semimembranoso, the semitendinosus tendon, the femoral biceps tendon, the tendon proximal the gastrocnemius, the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament. In addition to the structures was estimated measured the effective moment arm mechanism of the knee extensor. To define the centre of rotation was the method used snapshot, to measure the moment arm geometric method was used. The measures were taken in radiographic images dynamic, through videofluoroscopic, and one in twenty (21) healthy individuals running three repetitions of the exercise of the extension of knee in open kinetic chain, no load applied to the tibia. It was the method used automatic "stepwise" to select the best explanatory variables for each regression equation. Through linear regression models were unable to estimate the lines of action and the moment arm structures that cross the knee joint, and estimate the moment arm effective mechanism of the knee extensor. Besides the angle of bending, it was possible to use anthropometric variables as explanatory variables in the regression model.

O estudo das forças que envolvem a articulação do joelho depende da determinação de alguns parâmetros biomecânicos. Muitas vezes alguns dos parâmetros utilizados são obtidos por meio da literatura. A distância perpendicular é um parâmetro freqüentemente utilizado de dados provenientes da literatura, pois sua determinação está associada a uma grande dificuldade metodológica. Muitos autores utilizam medidas em cadáveres ou medidas em imagens radiográficas estáticas, geralmente apresentam seus resultados na forma de gráficos e/ou tabelas. Entretanto, ambas fogem da situação onde são utilizadas, in vivo e dinâmica. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a linha de ação e a distância perpendicular das estruturas que cruzam a articulação do joelho. Especificamente, desenvolver equações de regressão para estimar a linha de ação e a distância perpendicular destas estruturas, utilizando variáveis antropométricas tais como: massa, estatura e tamanho da tíbia, como variáveis explicativas nos modelos de regressão. Foram determinadas as linhas de ação e a distância perpendicular das seguintes estruturas: o ligamento patelar, o tendão do quadríceps femoral, o tendão do semimembranoso, o tendão do semitendinoso, o tendão do bíceps femoral, o tendão proximal do gastrocnêmio, o ligamento cruzado anterior e o ligamento cruzado posterior. Além das estruturas mensuradas foi calculada a distância perpendicular efetiva do mecanismo extensor do joelho. As medidas foram realizadas em imagens radiográficas dinâmicas, por meio de videofluoroscopia, em vinte e um (21) indivíduos saudáveis executando três repetições do exercício de extensão de joelho em cadeia cinética aberta, sem carga aplicada à tíbia. Foi utilizado o método automático "stepwise" para seleção das melhores variáveis explicativas para cada equação de regressão. Por meio de modelos de regressão linear foi possível estimar as linhas de ação e as distâncias perpendiculares das estruturas que cruzam a articulação do joelho, assim como estimar a distância perpendicular efetiva do mecanismo extensor do joelho. Além do ângulo de flexão, foi possível utilizar variáveis antropométricas como variáveis explicativas do modelo de regressão. / The study of forces involving the knee joint depends on the determination of some biomechanical parameters. Often some of the parameters used are obtained through literature. The moment arm is a parameter frequently used data in the literature, it is difficult to determine. Many authors use measures in cadavers or measures in radiographic images from static to determine its values and its results as graphs and / or as the regression equations. Meanwhile, both fleeing the situation where they are used, in vivo and dynamic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate the line of action and moment arm structures that cross the knee joint. Specifically, the regression equations developed to estimate the line of action and moment arm of these structures. Using anthropometric variables, such as weight, height and length of the tibia as explanatory variables in the regression models. There were certain lines of action and moment arm of the following structures, the patellar ligament, the femoral quadriceps tendon, the tendon semimembranoso, the semitendinosus tendon, the femoral biceps tendon, the tendon proximal the gastrocnemius, the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament. In addition to the structures was estimated measured the effective moment arm mechanism of the knee extensor. To define the centre of rotation was the method used snapshot, to measure the moment arm geometric method was used. The measures were taken in radiographic images dynamic, through videofluoroscopic, and one in twenty (21) healthy individuals running three repetitions of the exercise of the extension of knee in open kinetic chain, no load applied to the tibia. It was the method used automatic "stepwise" to select the best explanatory variables for each regression equation. Through linear regression models were unable to estimate the lines of action and the moment arm structures that cross the knee joint, and estimate the moment arm effective mechanism of the knee extensor. Besides the angle of bending, it was possible to use anthropometric variables as explanatory variables in the regression model.

The tibialis anterior (TA) muscle plays a vital role in human movement such as walking and running. Overuse of TA during these movements leads to an increased susceptibility of injuries e.g. chronic exertional compartment syndrome. TA activation has been shown to be affected by increases in exercise, age, and the external environment (i.e. incline and footwear). Because activation parameters of TA change with condition, it leads to the interpretation that force changes occur too. However,activation is only an approximate indicator of force output of a muscle. Therefore, the overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the parameters affecting accurate measure of TA force, leading to development of a subject-specific EMG-driven model, which takes into consideration specific methodological issues. The first study investigated the reasons why the tendon excursion and geometric method differ so vastly in terms of estimation of TA moment arm. Tendon length changes during the tendon excursion method, and location of the TA line of action and irregularities between talus and foot rotations during the geometric method, were found to affect the accuracy of TA moment arm measurement. A novel, more valid, method was proposed. The second study investigated the errors associated with methods used to account for plantar flexor antagonist co-contraction. A new approach was presented and shown to be, at worse, equivalent to current methods, but allows for accounting throughout the complete range of motion. The final study utilised the outputs from studies one and two to directly measure TA force in vivo. This was used to develop, and validate, an EMG-driven TA force model. Less error was found in the accuracy of estimating TA force when the contractile component length changes were modelled using the ankle, as opposed to the muscle. Overall, these findings increase our understanding of not only the mechanics associated with TA and the ankle, but also improves our ability to accurately monitor these.

abstract: Multi-touch tablets and smart phones are now widely used in both workplace and consumer settings. Interacting with these devices requires hand and arm movements that are potentially complex and poorly understood. Experimental studies have revealed differences in performance that could potentially be associated with injury risk. However, underlying causes for performance differences are often difficult to identify. For example, many patterns of muscle activity can potentially result in similar behavioral output. Muscle activity is one factor contributing to forces in tissues that could contribute to injury. However, experimental measurements of muscle activity and force for humans are extremely challenging. Models of the musculoskeletal system can be used to make specific estimates of neuromuscular coordination and musculoskeletal forces. However, existing models cannot easily be used to describe complex, multi-finger gestures such as those used for multi-touch human computer interaction (HCI) tasks. We therefore seek to develop a dynamic musculoskeletal simulation capable of estimating internal musculoskeletal loading during multi-touch tasks involving multi digits of the hand, and use the simulation to better understand complex multi-touch and gestural movements, and potentially guide the design of technologies the reduce injury risk. To accomplish these, we focused on three specific tasks. First, we aimed at determining the optimal index finger muscle attachment points within the context of the established, validated OpenSim arm model using measured moment arm data taken from the literature. Second, we aimed at deriving moment arm values from experimentally-measured muscle attachments and using these values to determine muscle-tendon paths for both extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of middle, ring and little fingers. Finally, we aimed at exploring differences in hand muscle activation patterns during zooming and rotating tasks on the tablet computer in twelve subjects. Towards this end, our musculoskeletal hand model will help better address the neuromuscular coordination, safe gesture performance and internal loadings for multi-touch applications. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Mechanical Engineering 2014

The computational musculoskeletal models that are used to study muscle moment-generating capacities of persons with movement disorders and planning treatment options must be accurate, and take into account the inter-individual variability of musculoskeletal geometry. In Paper I the methods of creating the subject-specific musculoskeletal model of the lower extremities from magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were developed. The subject-specific model was used to analyze hip, knee and ankle muscle moment arms (MALs) and muscle-tendon lengths (MTLs) during gait in a subject with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP), and to evaluate the accuracy of widespread and commonly-used scaled generic model. It was found that the scaled generic model delivered accurate values for changes in MTLs in most muscles. However, the scaled generic and the subject-specific lower extremity musculoskeletal models showed substantial differences in MALs calculated during gait. In Paper II subject-specific musculoskeletal models of nine subjects with unilateral CP were created to study muscles volumes, MTLs and MALs; and to examine the accuracy of MALs calculated by the scaled generic models. It was shown that the scaled generic model significantly underestimated hip MALs discrepancies between the affected and the non-affected sides of the lower extremities. However, it significantly overestimated hip adduction/abduction of gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fascia latae and biceps femoris long head; and hip flexion of adductor longus and rectus femoris in the affected and the non-affected sides. It was also found that muscle volumes and hip abduction MALs in gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, hip flexion MALs in iliacus and hip rotation in gluteus maximus were smaller in the affected side of lower extremities. MTLs in the affected and the non-affected sides throughout the range of hip motion were similar. This thesis suggests the need for the subject-specific musculoskeletal models that can account for variability of muscle attachments and musculoskeletal geometry of persons with movement disorders. Based on inaccuracies of the scaled generic model reported here, the generic models that are used to guide treatment decisions must be tested, and interpreted with care. / QC 20110901

Ce travail de thèse porte sur l’étude de la cinématique 3D du rachis cervical supérieur ainsi que<p>sur l’analyse des bras de levier des muscles sous-occipitaux postérieurs, par le développement<p>de différentes méthodes contribuant à la modélisation anatomique du mouvement.<p>La première partie de ce travail s’oriente vers l’étude des mouvements de flexion extension, de<p>rotation axiale et de flexion latérale ainsi que des axes qui y sont rapportés. Pour ce faire, deux<p>protocoles ont été développés sur préparations anatomiques, l’un visant à analyser les<p>mouvements discrets à partir de différentes attitudes du rachis cervical supérieur et l’autre<p>s’intéressant aux mouvements instantanés. Ceux-ci ont permis de mettre en évidence une<p>orientation et une position de l’axe hélicoïdal dépendantes du mouvement, du segment étudié<p>et de sa position spatiale.<p>En deuxième intention, nous nous sommes intéressés aux propriétés biomécaniques musculaires<p>de cette région, et en particulier à l’étude des bras de levier. Deux méthodes de calcul<p>distinctes ont été utilisées, montrant chacune des résultats différents d’un point de vue<p>quantitatif mais relativement similaires au niveau qualitatif.<p>Pour terminer, nous avons exploité ces méthodes afin d’apprécier leur faisabilité dans le cadre<p>d’une évaluation fonctionnelle in vivo. Il en ressort une concordance de résultats cinématiques<p>par rapport aux études susmentionnées, permettant d’entrevoir des perspectives cliniques<p>encourageantes.<p>Par ailleurs, la modélisation musculo-squelettique 3D pourrait également contribuer à la<p>compréhension du dysfonctionnement cinématique du rachis cervical supérieur./ <p><p>This thesis concerns 3D kinematics analysis of the upper cervical spine (UCS) and computation of the posterior suboccipital muscle moment arms as well the development of different methods contributing to anatomical modeling and motion representation. The first part of this work is focused on the kinematics of flexion extension, axial rotation and lateral bending of the UCS. Two protocols were developed and applied in anatomical specimens, one to analyze discrete movements in different attitudes of upper cervical spine and the second concerned instantaneous motions. In addition to usual range of motion data, orientation and position of helical axes was computed for each motion type and UCS joint segment.<p>In the second part, we were interested in posterior suboccipital muscle biomechanical properties, particularly in the study of moment arms. Two different calculation methods were used, each showing different results from a quantitative point of view but quite similar in quality. Finally, we used these methods to assess their feasibility for in vivo functional assessment. The latter showed a concordance of kinematic results compared to the above studies, offering insight and clinical perspectives. In addition, musculoskeletal modelling 3D could also contribute to understanding of the kinematic features of upper cervical spine disorders.<p> / Doctorat en Sciences biomédicales et pharmaceutiques / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished