Osteoporose ist eine Krankheit, die weltweit Millionen Menschen betrifft und in Anbetracht der überalternden Gesellschaft in Zukunft weiter an Relevanz gewinnen wird. Dass sich eine Ganzkörpervibration vorteilhaft auf Osteoporose auswirken kann, wurde schon in vorausgegangenen Studien belegt (Rubin et al. 2001b; Flieger et al. 1998; Oxlund et al. 2003; Sehmisch et al. 2009; Stuermer et al. 2010a; Stuermer et al. 2010b). Jedoch konnte bisher keine Klarheit über die optimale Anwendung (Dauer, Häufigkeit, Frequenz, Ausrichtung, Amplitude) gewonnen werden. Die bisherigen Versuche unterschieden sich lediglich in den verwendeten Frequenzen und der Therapiedauer.  Um die unterschiedlichen Einflüsse von vertikaler und horizontaler Vibration auf die osteoporotische Frakturheilung zu untersuchen, wurde in der vorliegenden Arbeit ein Tierversuch mit 90 weiblichen Ratten durchgeführt. 15 wurden scheinoperiert und 75 wurden ovarektomiert. Innerhalb einer Latenzzeit von 8 Wochen entwickelten die ovarektomierten Versuchstiere eine Osteoporose. Im Folgenden wurden alle Tiere an der Tibiametaphyse standardisiert osteotomiert und mittels Plattenosteosynthese versorgt. Es wurden sechs Versuchsgruppen gebildet: Vier Gruppen wurden einer horizontalen bzw. vertikalen Ganzkörpervibration mit 35 Hz oder 70 Hz ausgesetzt (35Hz vert, 70Hz vert, 35Hz horiz und 70Hz horiz). Die übrigen zwei Gruppen erhielten keine Ganzkörpervibration, wobei eine Gruppe aus nicht ovarektomierten (SHAM) und die andere Gruppe aus Tieren nach Ovarektomie bestand (OVX). Die Ganzkörpervibration wurde zweimal täglich über einen Zeitraum von vier Wochen mit einer Amplitude von 0,5 mm durchgeführt. Nach Beendigung dieses Zeitraumes wurden die Tiere per Dekapitation getötet und die Tibiae entnommen. Anschließend wurden ein biomechanischer Test, eine μCT-Untersuchung, eine mikroradiographische Untersuchung sowie eine polychrome Sequenzmarkierung durchgeführt. Die ersten beiden Untersuchungen konnten am präparierten Knochen vorgenommen werden. Die letzteren erfolgten nach Einbettung der Knochen in Methylmetacrylat und der Anfertigung von ca. 120 µm dicken histologischen Schnitten. Der biomechanische Test zeigte keine signifikante Veränderung der Elastizität oder der Streckgrenze in allen Gruppen zueinander. Die biomechanischen Eigenschaften des Kallus konnten nur tendenziell bei den hohen Frequenzen von 70 Hz vertikal und 70 Hz horizontal verbessert werden. In der μCT-Untersuchung konnte weder durch horizontale noch durch vertikale Ganzkörpervibration ein signifikanter positiver Einfluss auf die Frakturheilung im Vergleich zur osteoporotischen Kontrollgruppe nachgewiesen werden. Es zeigten sich jedoch positive Tendenzen durch die horizontale Vibration bei 70 Hz. Die mikroradiographische Untersuchung ergab einen positiven Einfluss der vertikalen und der horizontalen WBV bei 70 Hz. Die horizontale Vibration bei 70 Hz konnte im Vergleich zur osteoporotischen Kontrollgruppe die Kortikalisdicke distal ventral, den Knochendurchmesser proximal, die Kallusdicke ventral, die Knochendichte des ventralen und die des endostalen Kallus verbessern.  In der polychromen Sequenzmarkierung konnte insgesamt durch die WBV eine Verschlechterung der frühen und eine Verbesserung der mittleren und späten osteoporotischen Frakturheilung gezeigt werden. In der frühen Phase wirkten sich ventral sowie endostal alle Frequenzen nachteilig aus. In der mittleren Phase war die horizontale Vibration bei 70 Hz in Bezug auf die dorsale Kallusfläche signifikant vorteilhaft gegenüber der osteoporotischen Kontrollgruppe. In der späten Phase erreichte die Gruppe mit horizontaler 35 Hz-Therapie in Bezug auf die ventrale Kallusfläche gegenüber der osteoporotischen Gruppe und der Gruppe mit vertikaler 35 Hz-Therapie signifikante Steigerungen. Dorsal zeigten beide horizontalen Frequenzen signifikant größere Kallusflächen als die Gruppe mit vertikaler 35 Hz-Therapie.  In der Zusammenschau aller durchgeführten Untersuchungen dieser Arbeit kristallisierte sich die horizontale Ganzkörpervibration bei 70 Hz als die vorteilhafteste Frequenz heraus, um die osteoporotische Frakturheilung an der Tibiametaphyse positiv zu beeinflussen.

No description available.

Orientador: Ivan Felismino Charas dos Santos / Abstract: The "TheraPlate" triplanar vibrating platform is an equipment that generates sinusoidal mechanical vibrations that spread throughout the body, increasing regional blood flow and bone mineral density; and neuromuscular stimulation. Since there is no study on the acute affects of this platform on cardiorespiratory parameters in healthy dogs of different age groups, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the triplanar vibrating platform "TheraPlate" in the cardiovascular and respiratory parameters. Seven young and seven elderly dogs, of medium size, breed and varied sex, and similar body structure were used. The dogs were submitted to the single session of the TheraPlate triplanar vibrating platform at the frequency of 30 Hz for 5 minutes, followed by increasing the frequency to 50 Hz for 5 minutes and ending at the 30 Hz frequency for 5 minutes without rest. The electrocardiogram was evaluated at different times; Doppler echocardiography; carotid artery doppler; systolic blood pressure; hemogasometry; heart and respiratory rate; rectal body temperature; blood count; biochemistry, cardiac marker, and glycemia were evaluated in diffetent moments. Statistical analyses were performed using the Shapiro-Wilks test, the fit of the mixed model and the Mann-Whitney test. For all analyses, a significant difference was considered when the p-value was less than 0.05. The morphometric data of young and elderly dogs were similar and classified with a body proportion below 1. Para... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Resumo: A plataforma vibratória triplanar é um equipamento que gera vibrações mecânicas sinusoidais que se propagaram por todo corpo, aumentando o fluxo sanguíneo regional e densidade mineral óssea; e estimulação neuromuscular. Visto que não existe nenhum estudo sobre os efeitos agudos da plataforma vibratória triplanar nos parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios em cães hígidos de difrentes faixas etárias, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da mesma nos parâmetros cardiovasculares e respiratórios. Foram utilizados sete cães jovens e sete cães idosos, de porte médio, de raça e sexo variado, e estrutura corpórea similar. Os cães foram submetidos à sessão única da plataforma vibratória triplanar (TheraPlate), na frequência de 30 Hz por 5 minutos, seguidos de aumento da frequência para 50 Hz por 5 minutos e terminando na frequência de 30 Hz por 5 minutos, sem descanso. Foi avaliado, em diferentes momentos, o eletrocardiograma; ecodopplercardiograma; dopplerfluxometria; pressão arterial sistólica; hemogasometria; frequência cardíaca e respiratória; temperatura corporal retal; hemograma; bioquímica sérica, marcador cardíaco e glicemia. As análises estatísticas foram utilizadas o teste Shapiro-Wilks, o ajuste do modelo misto e o teste Mann- Whitney. Para todas as análises foi considerada diferença significativa quando o p-valor foi menor que 0,05. Os dados morfométricos dos cães jovens e idosos foram similares e classificados com a proporção corporal abaixo de 1. Os parâmetros... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Mestre

This PhD dissertation experimentally characterized the vibration amplitude, frequency, and energy associated with ambulance travel and defined the relationship of the vibration to safety, comfort and care of ambulance patients. Average vertical vibration amplitudes of .46 to 2.55 m/sec2 were recorded in the patient compartment of four ambulances over four road surfaces at three speed settings. Power spectrum analysis of the data revealed that the vibration energy and resulting vertical acceleration forces were concentrated in the .1 to 6 Hz range. Relationships between the measured ambulance vibration and the impact of whole body vibration on human physiology and performance were quantified. It was found that the accelerations measured in the ambulances were in excess of what is considered to be a normal human comfort level. Furthermore, the vibration measured was in a spectrum which could present physical impediments to optimum task performance for the on-board medical team. Phase portrait analysis combined with the power spectrum data revealed the presence of nonlinearities, stochastic fluctuations and time delays inherent in the data. The ambulance vibration data was then used to create a unique analytical model and library of forcing functions corresponding to the vehicles, road surfaces and vehicle speeds that were tested. Using the example of a vibration absorbing force plate fit over an existing ambulance floor, it was demonstrated how the model and forcing functions could be used to develop a control law equation to select parameters for active control of vibration to produce sustainable regions of patient safety, comfort and care.

Pilotos agrícolas atuam em condições de trabalho que podem acometê-los de doenças e contribuir para ocorrência de acidentes de trabalho. Nesse contexto, estudos têm direcionado seus esforços para compreender os efeitos de diversos fatores no desempenho do piloto, na saúde e/ou na segurança de voo. Exemplos típicos incluem, principalmente, a exposição aos defensivos agrícolas, seguido da exposição ao ruído ambiental e condições térmicas desfavoráveis, bem como a distribuição das responsabilidades entre os profissionais envolvidos. Outros problemas relacionados ao trabalho de pilotos agrícolas, como a operação em áreas improvisadas e o efeito dessa condição de trabalho na exposição às vibrações não é explorado. Além disso, observa-se que as queixas de dores na coluna são comuns entre os profissionais e, em função das condições de trabalho, é possível que estes tenham um risco aumentado de problemas na coluna vertebral. O objetivo dessa tese é de explorar a exposição dos pilotos agrícolas à Vibração de Corpo Inteiro (VCI) e identificar os efeitos desta na saúde, principalmente, no que diz respeito aos sintomas musculoesqueléticos da coluna vertebral. A metodologia compreendeu três etapas que incluem: uma pesquisa de campo orientada ao entendimento das condições de trabalho dos pilotos agrícolas, principalmente sobre os fatores capazes de influenciar na exposição ocupacional à VCI e na ocorrência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos; a coleta e análise de dados sobre a exposição ocupacional dos pilotos agrícolas à VCI; e, a coleta e análise de dados sobre os sintomas musculoesqueléticos da coluna vertebral. Como resultados da pesquisa de campo, são apresentados dados sobre a rugosidade da superfície das áreas de pouso, perfil de exposição à VCI e prevalência de sintomas musculoesqueléticos em pilotos agrícolas. Os fatores significativos identificados como na exposição dos pilotos agrícolas à VCI foram o modelo de aeronave usada, as condições de rugosidade superficial das áreas de pouso, bem como as etapas do voo. Com relação à saúde da coluna vertebral dos pilotos, apenas a exposição ocupacional à VCI se apresentou como significativa. Dada a complexidade das relações de trabalho no contexto da aviação agrícola, com o envolvimento de diferentes tipos de trabalhadores, são incluídos três tipos de soluções para prevenir a ocorrência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos em pilotos agrícolas: a manutenção frequente das áreas de pouso, de responsabilidade dos produtores rurais; a gestão do tempo de exposição diário, de responsabilidade dos gestores operacionais e de segurança operacional; e, alterações no projeto de aeronaves, seja na interface com o piloto, para atenuar a transmissibilidade das vibrações oriundas da aeronave, ou, nos sistemas de amortecimento, capazes de isolar a fonte das vibrações, impedindo sua propagação. / Agricultural pilots work in conditions that can affect them and contribute to the occurrence of work-related accidents. In this context, earlier studies have focused their efforts on the understanding of the effects of many factors on pilot performance, health and/or flight safety. Typical examples include exposure to pesticides, exposure to environmental noise and unfavorable thermal conditions, as well as the distribution of responsibilities among the professionals involved with the aerial application. Other problems related to the work of agricultural pilots, such as operation on improvised runways and the effect of this working condition on exposure to vibrations is not explored. In addition, it is noted that complaints of pain in the spine are common among professionals and, depending on working conditions, they may have an increased risk of spinal problems. The objective of this thesis is to explore the exposure of agricultural pilots to Whole-Body Vibrations (WBV) and to identify the effects of this on health, especially regarding to musculoskeletal symptoms of the spine. The methodology consisted of three stages: a field research aimed at understanding the working conditions of agricultural pilots, mainly on the factors capable of influencing the occupational exposure to WBV and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders; The data collection and analysis about occupational exposure of agricultural pilots to WBV; and, the data collection and analysis about musculoskeletal symptoms of the spine. As results of the field research, data are presented on surface roughness of landing fields, exposure to WBV and prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in agricultural pilots. The significant factors identified as in the exposure of the agricultural pilots to the WBV were the aircraft model used, the surface roughness conditions of the landing areas, as well as the flight stages. Regarding the health of the spine of the pilots, only the occupational exposure to the WBV was presented as significant. Given the complexity of labor relations in the context of agricultural aviation with the involvement of different types of workers, three types of solutions are included to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in agricultural pilots: frequent maintenance of landing areas, farmers; The management of the daily exposure time, the responsibility of the operational managers and operational safety; And changes in aircraft design, either at the interface with the pilot, to mitigate the transmissibility of vibrations from the aircraft, or, in damping systems, capable of isolating the source from vibrations, preventing their propagation.

No description available.

The development of sensor-based technologies has opened up avenues for a dialogue between the body and digital spaces, uncovering new possibilities for cross-disciplinary projects and engagements that demand new methods compatible with the ethos of embodied practices, which, in turn, require new approaches and tools. This research seeks to address this need by examining the quantifiability and visual properties of embodied emotion through a multi-layered study of human movement and gesture. It is an elaboration of scientific and artistic research methods, intended to answer the following principal question and related sub-questions: How can emotions, expressed via whole-body movement be visually documented and archived as a reference framework to stimulate the use and studies of expressive gesture in digital environments? As a consequence the following sub-questions become relevant for this research: The first, ontological in its nature; what is expressed emotion? And the second, methodological; how can bodily expressed emotions be visualised and quantified? To answer these questions, the research is divided into three parts. Drawing on phenomenological interpretative inquiry and heuristic methodology, whole-body emotive expressions are documented and analysed from multiple perspectives: body, expressiveness, time, space volume and their correlations. The first part contains information related to video data collection and the database design. The second part describes silhouette extractions of whole body emotive expressions and an online survey where the visual perception of visual data is measured. The third part of the research contains visual and quantitative data analysis providing the basis for visualisation of the four archetypal emotions: anger, fear, joy and sadness and their relationships. In this process, a multi-method approach was adopted combining both qualitative and quantitative methods adopted from sociology and cognitive science. The contextual review, where virtual embodiment and interactivity are explored build on the aesthetics of performance within new technology, highlighting the adaptability of the methods used in performance art to the field of game design. The results of this research and contribution to knowledge reside within both the ontological and methodological approaches used within this study. The ontological resides within the development of two reference frameworks: a correlation table defined as the Periodic Table of Movements (PTM) and a PTM database. The PTM database is a synthesis of embodied emotion data derived from multiple visual representations such as colour, shape, space, volume, time and intensity, whereas the relationship between expressions is visualised in the PTM correlation table. Within the context of an educational framework, the database also provides visual concepts of emotion as epistemic objects for analysis and experimentation. It is a starting point for future cross-disciplinary studies and research on emotions in the context of embodiment and digital technology. The novel methodology of this research contributes to a number of fields with new methods and models of enquiry, grounded within a hermeneutical interpretation driven by artistic development. This exploration opens up a holistic approach to future studies and research grounded in a multimodal attitude to knowledge acquisition.

<p>Главни циљ овог истраживања је био утврдити да ли и како експериментални рад применом три различите методе тренинга снаге утиче на ниво снаге, морфолошке карактеристике и телесни састав посматраног узорка.<br />Узорак испитаника је чинио 75 здравих адолесцената студената Факултета спорта и физичког васпитања у Новом Саду узраста 20 &plusmn;0.5 година. У петонедељни експериментални програм је укључено 45 студената насумично подељених у три експерименталне групе. Прва експериментална Е1 група (n=15) је упражњавала комплексни тренинг, друга експериментална група Е2 (n=15) је упражњавала неуромишићну електростимулацију, а трећа експериментална Е3 група (n=15) је упражњавала вибрациони тренинг. Четврта група од 30 студената је упражњавала уобичајен програм практичних предавања на Факултету спорта и физичког васпитања, и користила се као контролна група (К).<br />Разлике између група на иницијалном мерењу тестиране су применом мултиваријатне и униваријатне анализе варијансе за све примењене варијабле. За утврђивање ефекта примењеног третмана примењен је т тест, мултиваријатна анализа коваријансе за цео систем примењених варијабли, а за поједине варијабле униваријатна анализа коваријансе. На основу резултата мултиваријатне анализе варијансе за целокупан систем моторичких варијабли уочена је статистичка значајност од F = 2,85 P = 0,01.<br />У варијаблама вертикалне скочности испитаници Е1 групе остварили напредак који је статистички значајан, у варијаблама: скок из получучња (0,01), скок кроз получучањ (0,02). Такође је уочен напредак код испитаника Е2 групе: скок из получучња (0,00), скок кроз получучањ (0,00), просечна висина узастопних скокова кроз получучањ (0,01), просечна сила скокова кроз получучањ (0,01). Није забележен напредак у варијаблама вертикалне скочности код испитаника Е3 групе. У варијаблама трчања на 30 m све три групе су оствариле статистички значајан напредак. на рачун стартног убрзања напредак су оствариле Е1 и Е3 група, док је Е2 група свој напредак остварила у фази постизања максималне брзине трчања. У морфолошким и варијаблама телесног састава нису уочене статистички значајне промене настале применом различитих метода тренинга снаге (P=0,09; F = 1,488). Закључак овог истраживања је да би унутар комплексног тренинга било пожељно имплементирати и друга два истраживана метода у циљу постизања максималних резултата у развоју ексползивне снаге.</p> / <p>Glavni cilj ovog istraživanja je bio utvrditi da li i kako eksperimentalni rad primenom tri različite metode treninga snage utiče na nivo snage, morfološke karakteristike i telesni sastav posmatranog uzorka.<br />Uzorak ispitanika je činio 75 zdravih adolescenata studenata Fakulteta sporta i fizičkog vaspitanja u Novom Sadu uzrasta 20 &plusmn;0.5 godina. U petonedeljni eksperimentalni program je uključeno 45 studenata nasumično podeljenih u tri eksperimentalne grupe. Prva eksperimentalna E1 grupa (n=15) je upražnjavala kompleksni trening, druga eksperimentalna grupa E2 (n=15) je upražnjavala neuromišićnu elektrostimulaciju, a treća eksperimentalna E3 grupa (n=15) je upražnjavala vibracioni trening. Četvrta grupa od 30 studenata je upražnjavala uobičajen program praktičnih predavanja na Fakultetu sporta i fizičkog vaspitanja, i koristila se kao kontrolna grupa (K).<br />Razlike između grupa na inicijalnom merenju testirane su primenom multivarijatne i univarijatne analize varijanse za sve primenjene varijable. Za utvrđivanje efekta primenjenog tretmana primenjen je t test, multivarijatna analiza kovarijanse za ceo sistem primenjenih varijabli, a za pojedine varijable univarijatna analiza kovarijanse. Na osnovu rezultata multivarijatne analize varijanse za celokupan sistem motoričkih varijabli uočena je statistička značajnost od F = 2,85 P = 0,01.<br />U varijablama vertikalne skočnosti ispitanici E1 grupe ostvarili napredak koji je statistički značajan, u varijablama: skok iz polučučnja (0,01), skok kroz polučučanj (0,02). Takođe je uočen napredak kod ispitanika E2 grupe: skok iz polučučnja (0,00), skok kroz polučučanj (0,00), prosečna visina uzastopnih skokova kroz polučučanj (0,01), prosečna sila skokova kroz polučučanj (0,01). Nije zabeležen napredak u varijablama vertikalne skočnosti kod ispitanika E3 grupe. U varijablama trčanja na 30 m sve tri grupe su ostvarile statistički značajan napredak. na račun startnog ubrzanja napredak su ostvarile E1 i E3 grupa, dok je E2 grupa svoj napredak ostvarila u fazi postizanja maksimalne brzine trčanja. U morfološkim i varijablama telesnog sastava nisu uočene statistički značajne promene nastale primenom različitih metoda treninga snage (P=0,09; F = 1,488). Zaključak ovog istraživanja je da bi unutar kompleksnog treninga bilo poželjno implementirati i druga dva istraživana metoda u cilju postizanja maksimalnih rezultata u razvoju ekspolzivne snage.</p> / <p>The main aim of this study was to determine whether and how the experimental treatment using three different methods of strength training affects the power level, the morphological characteristics and body composition of the research sample.<br />The sample was consisted of 75 healthy adolescents, students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education in Novi Sad, aged 20 &plusmn; 0.5 years. The five-week experimental program involved 45 students randomly assigned in three experimental groups during five weeks period.&nbsp; The first experimental E1 group (n = 15) performed complex training, the second experimental group E2 (n = 15) performed neuromuscular electrostimulation, and the third experimental E3 group (n = 15) performed whole body vibration training. The fourth group of 30 students practiced the usual program of practical lectures at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, and it was used as a control group (K).<br />Baseline differences between groups were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analysis of variance. Effects of experimental protocols were assessed using t test, multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance. Results of multivariate analysis of covariance revealed statistically significant differences in observed sample (P=0,01).<br />The variables of vertical jumping subjects from E1 groups made statistically significant progress in: squat jump (0.01), countermovement jump (0.02). It was also observed statistically significant improvement in E2 group subjects: squat jump (0.00), countermovement jump (0.00), countinuous jump with bent legs (0.01), the average force - countinuous jump with bent legs (0.01). There has been no progress in the variables of vertical jumping test in E3 group subjects. The variables running at 30 m all three groups showed statistically significant improvement. On account of the starting acceleration, progress was achieved in E1 and E3 group, while E2 group achieved progress in phase of maximal speed. Analysis of morphological characteristics and body composition showed no statistically significant changes after implemented experimental protocol (P=0,09; F = 1,488).&nbsp; Conclusion of this research leads to notice that for achieving maximal results in muscle power development, into complex training method should be implemented other two investigated experimental methods.</p>

<p>The main objective of radiation therapy is to obtain the highest possible probability of tumor cure while minimizing adverse reactions in healthy tissues. A crucial step in the treatment process is to determine the location and extent of the primary tumor and its loco regional lymphatic spread in relation to adjacent radiosensitive anatomical structures and organs at risk. These volumes must also be accurately delineated with respect to external anatomic reference points, preferably on surrounding bony structures. At the same time, it is essential to have the best possible physical and radiobiological knowledge about the radiation responsiveness of the target tissues and organs at risk in order to achieve a more accurate optimization of the treatment outcome.</p><p>A computerized whole body Atlas has therefore been developed to serve as a dynamic database, with systematically integrated knowledge, comprising all necessary physical and radiobiological information about common target volumes and normal tissues. The Atlas also contains a database of segmented organs and a lymph node topography, which was based on the Visible Human dataset, to form standard reference geometry of organ systems. The reference knowledgebase and the standard organ dataset can be utilized for Atlas-based image processing and analysis in radiation therapy planning and for biological optimization of the treatment outcome. Atlas-based segmentation procedures were utilized to transform the reference organ dataset of the Atlas into the geometry of individual patients. The anatomic organs and target volumes of the database can be converted by elastic transformation into those of the individual patient for final treatment planning. Furthermore, a database of reference treatment plans was started by implementing state-of-the-art biologically based radiation therapy planning techniques such as conformal, intensity modulated, and radiobiologically optimized treatment planning.</p><p>The computerized Atlas can be viewed as a central framework that contains different forms of optimal treatment plans linked to all the essential information needed in treatment planning, which can be adapted to a given patient, in order to speed up treatment plan convergence. The Atlas also offers a platform to synthesize the results of imaging studies through its advanced geometric transformation and segmentation procedures. The whole body Atlas is anticipated to become a physical and biological knowledgebase that can facilitate, speed up and increase the accuracy in radiation therapy planning and treatment optimization.</p>

The main objective of radiation therapy is to obtain the highest possible probability of tumor cure while minimizing adverse reactions in healthy tissues. A crucial step in the treatment process is to determine the location and extent of the primary tumor and its loco regional lymphatic spread in relation to adjacent radiosensitive anatomical structures and organs at risk. These volumes must also be accurately delineated with respect to external anatomic reference points, preferably on surrounding bony structures. At the same time, it is essential to have the best possible physical and radiobiological knowledge about the radiation responsiveness of the target tissues and organs at risk in order to achieve a more accurate optimization of the treatment outcome. A computerized whole body Atlas has therefore been developed to serve as a dynamic database, with systematically integrated knowledge, comprising all necessary physical and radiobiological information about common target volumes and normal tissues. The Atlas also contains a database of segmented organs and a lymph node topography, which was based on the Visible Human dataset, to form standard reference geometry of organ systems. The reference knowledgebase and the standard organ dataset can be utilized for Atlas-based image processing and analysis in radiation therapy planning and for biological optimization of the treatment outcome. Atlas-based segmentation procedures were utilized to transform the reference organ dataset of the Atlas into the geometry of individual patients. The anatomic organs and target volumes of the database can be converted by elastic transformation into those of the individual patient for final treatment planning. Furthermore, a database of reference treatment plans was started by implementing state-of-the-art biologically based radiation therapy planning techniques such as conformal, intensity modulated, and radiobiologically optimized treatment planning. The computerized Atlas can be viewed as a central framework that contains different forms of optimal treatment plans linked to all the essential information needed in treatment planning, which can be adapted to a given patient, in order to speed up treatment plan convergence. The Atlas also offers a platform to synthesize the results of imaging studies through its advanced geometric transformation and segmentation procedures. The whole body Atlas is anticipated to become a physical and biological knowledgebase that can facilitate, speed up and increase the accuracy in radiation therapy planning and treatment optimization.