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Total 79 records

    Distributed Optimal Control via Central Pattern Generator with Application to Biped Locomotion

    , M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Yazdani Jahromi, Masoud (Author) ; Salarieh, Hassan (Supervisor) ; Saadat Foumani, Mahmood (Supervisor)
    Abstract
    Human walking is widely recognized as one of the most adaptable and robust forms of locomotion in nature, with intricate neural and biomechanical systems interacting to support this complex behavior. It is proposed that these systems are organized in a hierarchical structure, with the lower level comprising a complex distributed system consisting of muscles and the spinal cord, and the higher level being the brain cortex. The higher level is responsible for training and monitoring the output of the lower level, and intervening when the lower system fails to stabilize the system. To control the lower level, one popular model that has emerged is the central pattern generator (CPG). It is... 

    Control of Exoskeletal System in Coordination with Upper Extremity System

    , M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Ghassemi, Mohammad (Author) ; Jahed, Mehran (Supervisor)
    Abstract
    With technological advances in fabrication and control of prosthesis and assistive devices the importance of such systems has increased drastically. On the other hand the appropriate coupling of these devices, especially the exoskeletal systems with the upper or lower extremities is of immense importance as it is an integral part of the control system. In particular, the control strategy and its ability to adapt the exoskeletal system with the existing and physiological functionality of the user, is an integral part of the system requirement. In the controller implementation, a number of methods are proposed including using the excitation signal, similar to the existing neuromuscular system.... 

    Modeling Neuromuscular Control System of Human Arm for Trajectory Tracking Using an Optimal Controller

    , M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Asghari, Mehran (Author) ; Behzadipour, Saeed (Supervisor) ; Narimani, Roya (Co-Advisor)
    Abstract
    The behavior movement of human is fundamentally concerned with the relationship between the central nervous system of motor control، and musculoskeletal system of a human. Optimal control was employed to relate these structures together. Movement is one of the important part of human life، CNS is important because it has the fundamental role in the movement. Investigators believe that CNS is learned by iteration movements from childhood and finally it chooses the movement that makes a cost function minimum value of itself. Researching for CNS modeling grows in recent years on the different part of human body. Because upper body have less difficulty in movements، it is more useful for CNS... 

    A Musculoskeletal Model of the Hand and Forearm to Simulate the Rehabilitation Process of Stroke Survivors

    , M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Hosseininejad, Sepide (Author) ; Farahmand, Farzam (Supervisor) ; Saadat Foumani, Mahmoud (Supervisor) ; Forough, Bijan (Supervisor)
    Abstract
    Spasticity is a common phenomenon following stroke, which causes increase in muscle resistance to imposed movements. Most of the clinical measurements used by physiotherapists to evaluate spasticity are qualitative. Consequently, the reported results are subjective. The objective of this study was to develop a musculoskeletal model of the upper limb to simulate spasticity of muscles activating in wrist flexion-extension. Subjects in two groups of normal and stroke survivors participated in this study. Six normal subjects and three hemiplegia patients were exercised by the robotic instrument. Simultaneously, the resistive moment, the wrist joint position and the EMG of muscles were recorded.... 

    Design and Analysis of an Unwearable Robot for Ankle Rehabilitation

    , M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Setareh Kokab, Hamid Reza (Author) ; Farahmand, Farzam (Supervisor)
    Abstract
    Some of the most usual problems in rehabilitation are ankle joint disabilities which are caused by stroke or damages like ankle twist and disrupt the movement activities. So rehabilitation of this joint which has important role in daily activities like walking is of high importance.
    The aim of this research is design of an unwearable robot for rehabilitation of ankle. After the study of several different mechanisms, this robot was designed based on a 2 DOF mechanism named “Agile Eye”. Based on the mechanism and parametrical analysis, final design of this robot was drafted using optimization method. Next, the musculoskeletal model of lower limb was created in MATLAB and by using this... 

    Mechanical Design of an Anthropometric Lower Extremity Exoskeletal System

    , M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Safavi, Sahba (Author) ; Meghdari, Ali (Supervisor)
    Abstract
    The main scope of this research is to develop an anthropometric lower extremity exoskeleal system in a virtual environment for augmentation purposes. The main challenge in the process of doing this research is to employ the biomechanical analysis of the human locomotion to provide the necessary background information for the design of devices that closely mimic the dynamics of the operator's motion. In this case, the appropriate degrees-of-freedom and associated range of motions for each joint should be determined. In addition, the kind of necessary actuators and measurement systems should be selected based on the muscle torque consumption analysis provided by a musculoskeletal model,... 

    Manufacturing of Polymeric Biodegradable Nanocomposites for Musculoskeletal Fixation Devices

    , M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Amiri Moghaddam, Sadegh (Author) ; Ramezani Saadatabadi, Ahmad (Supervisor) ; Emami Meibodi, Mohammad Kazem (Co-Advisor)
    Abstract
    Fixation devices and implants are the most applied devices in orthopedic operation and dentistry. Interference screw is one of these devices that is made by biodegradable nanocomposite polymeric materials in this project. The purpose of this project is designing interference screw, applicable to body, and doing related tests since in vivo tests. For this purpose, hand injection molding, was designed to prepare screws in laboratory scale, first. For making samples, poly(D,L) lacticacid, nano hydroxyapatite as reinforce and polyethylene glycol as plasticizer were used. These samples were made by combination of solvent casting and melt processing methods. Adding nano hydroxyapatite and... 

    Effects of Shoe with Flexible Sole on Kinematics and Dynamics of Vertebral Column During Drop Vertical Jump

    , M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Mohammadi, Mohammad Mahdi (Author) ; Nourani, Amir (Supervisor)
    Abstract
    Disorders of the lumbar spine are prevalent within the realm of musculoskeletal issues, emphasizing the importance of investigating contributing factors. This research focuses on assessing how flexible footwear influences the kinematics and dynamics of the vertebral column during drop vertical jump. The study involves mechanical tests on various footwear types, including simple, flexible and re entrant shoes with differing levels of rigidity. Bending tests were performed on simple and flexible shoes with hardness of 50 Asker C and flexible shoes with hardness of 40 Asker C. Additionally, compression tests were carried out on all soles at two different angles. The Bending tests revealed that,... 

    Introducing a suitable Controller for Rowing Activity in Patients with Spinal CordInjuries using FES

    , M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Zarei, Mohammad (Author) ; Jahed, Mehran (Supervisor)
    Abstract
    Disconnections in neural paths from the central nervous system to the muscles or vice versa cause different neuropathies, thus paralysis in different limbs may occur. As a result of the lack of muscular activity and the decrease in blood perfusion in paralyzed limbs, problems like osteoporosis, increase in the risk of breaking, decline in muscle size, cardiovascular diseases, renal dysfunction, bedsores, etc may happen. In order to induce movement in paralyzed limbs, thus preventingmentioned problems, rowing exercise through Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) may be utilized. In FES, electrical Stimulation using current stimulating pulses is applied to contracting and relaxing muscles,... 

    Using sensitivity analysis and gradual evaluation of ignition delay error to produce accurate low-cost skeletal mechanisms for oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels under high-temperature conditions

    , Article Energy and Fuels ; Volume 31, Issue 10 , 2017 , Pages 11234-11252 ; 08870624 (ISSN) Shakeri, A ; Mazaheri, K ; Owliya, M ; Sharif University of Technology
    Abstract
    Three-dimensional thermo-hydrodynamic analysis of gas turbine combustion chambers is of great importance in the power generation industry to achieve higher efficiency and reduced emissions. However, it is prohibitive to use a comprehensive full-detailed mechanism in their simulation algorithms because of the huge CPU time and memory space requirements. Many reduction approaches are available in the literature to remedy this problem. Here a new approach is presented to reduce large detailed or skeletal mechanisms of oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels to a low-cost skeletal mechanism. The method involves an integrated procedure including a Sensitivity Analysis (SA) and a procedure of Gradual... 

    Trunk musculoskeletal response in maximum voluntary exertions: a combined measurement-modeling investigation

    , Article Journal of Biomechanics ; 2017 ; 00219290 (ISSN) Ghezelbash, F ; El Ouaaid, Z ; Shirazi Adl, A ; Plamondon, A ; Arjmand, N ; Sharif University of Technology
    Abstract
    Maximum voluntary exertion (MVE) tasks quantify trunk strength and maximal muscle electromyography (EMG) activities with both clinical and biomechanical implications. The aims here are to evaluate the performance of an existing trunk musculoskeletal model, estimate maximum muscle stresses and spinal forces, and explore likely differences between males and females in maximum voluntary exertions. We, therefore, measured trunk strength and EMG activities of 19 healthy right-handed subjects (9 females and 10 males) in flexion, extension, lateral and axial directions. MVEs for all subjects were then simulated in a subject-specific trunk musculoskeletal model, and estimated muscle activities were... 

    Trunk musculoskeletal response in maximum voluntary exertions: a combined measurement-modeling investigation

    , Article Journal of Biomechanics ; Volume 70 , March , 2018 , Pages 124-133 ; 00219290 (ISSN) Ghezelbash, F ; El Ouaaid, Z ; Shirazi Adl, A ; Plamondon, A ; Arjmand, N ; Sharif University of Technology
    Elsevier Ltd  2018
    Abstract
    Maximum voluntary exertion (MVE) tasks quantify trunk strength and maximal muscle electromyography (EMG) activities with both clinical and biomechanical implications. The aims here are to evaluate the performance of an existing trunk musculoskeletal model, estimate maximum muscle stresses and spinal forces, and explore likely differences between males and females in maximum voluntary exertions. We, therefore, measured trunk strength and EMG activities of 19 healthy right-handed subjects (9 females and 10 males) in flexion, extension, lateral and axial directions. MVEs for all subjects were then simulated in a subject-specific trunk musculoskeletal model, and estimated muscle activities were... 

    Trunk muscles strength and endurance in chronic low back pain patients with and without clinical instability

    , Article Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation ; Volume 25, Issue 2 , 2012 , Pages 123-129 ; 10538127 (ISSN) Davarian, S ; Maroufi, N ; Ebrahimi, I ; Farahmand, F ; Parnianpour, M ; Sharif University of Technology
    2012
    Abstract
    Objectives: Previous research has shown inconsistent findings regarding muscle endurance in chronic low back pain (CLBP). Questions also remain about muscle endurance in patients with clinical instability. The aim of this study was to investigate trunk muscles strength and endurance in CLBP patients with and without clinical instability. Methods: 32 CLBP patients (15 with and 17 without clinical instability) and 39 matched healthy subjects participated in this study. The standing extension test was performed to assess the strength and endurance of the lumbar extensors while recording their electromyographic activity. The patients' disability was evaluated using the Oswestry and Roland-Morris... 

    Trunk muscle fatigue and its implications in EMG-assisted biomechanical modeling

    , Article International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics ; Volume 43, Issue 5 , 2013 , Pages 425-429 ; 01698141 (ISSN) Haddad, O ; Mirka, G.A ; Sharif University of Technology
    2013
    Abstract
    Muscle fatigue affects the underlying EMG-force relationship on which EMG-assisted biomechanical models rely. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of short duration muscle fatigue on the muscle gain value. Participants performed controlled, isometric trunk extension exertions at 10, 20, and 30 degrees of trunk flexion and controlled isokinetic trunk extension exertions at 5 and 15°/sec on five separate days. Fatigue of the lumbar extensors was generated by moderate-intensity, trunk extension exertions. Participants performed controlled test contractions at defined intervals throughout the fatiguing bout and the EMG activities of trunk muscles were collected. These EMG data were... 

    The effect of parameters of equilibrium-based 3-D biomechanical models on extracted muscle synergies during isometric lumbar exertion

    , Article Journal of Biomechanics ; Volume 49, Issue 6 , 2016 , Pages 967-973 ; 00219290 (ISSN) Eskandari, A. H ; Sedaghat Nejad, E ; Rashedi, E ; Sedighi, A ; Arjmand, N ; Parnianpour, M ; Sharif University of Technology
    Elsevier Ltd 
    Abstract
    A hallmark of more advanced models is their higher details of trunk muscles represented by a larger number of muscles. The question is if in reality we control these muscles individually as independent agents or we control groups of them called "synergy". To address this, we employed a 3-D biomechanical model of the spine with 18 trunk muscles that satisfied equilibrium conditions at L4/5, with different cost functions. The solutions of several 2-D and 3-D tasks were arranged in a data matrix and the synergies were computed by using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithms. Variance accounted for (VAF) was used to evaluate the number of synergies that emerged by the analysis, which... 

    Subject-specific biomechanics of trunk: musculoskeletal scaling, internal loads and intradiscal pressure estimation

    , Article Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology ; Volume 15, Issue 6 , 2016 , Pages 1699-1712 ; 16177959 (ISSN) Ghezelbash, F ; Shirazi Adl, A ; Arjmand, N ; El Ouaaid, Z ; Plamondon, A ; Sharif University of Technology
    Springer Verlag 
    Abstract
    Development of a subject-specific computational musculoskeletal trunk model (accounting for age, sex, body weight and body height), estimation of muscle forces and internal loads as well as subsequent validation by comparison with measured intradiscal pressure in various lifting tasks are novel, important and challenging. The objective of the present study is twofold. First, it aims to update and personalize the passive and active structures in an existing musculoskeletal kinematics-driven finite element model. The scaling scheme used an existing imaging database and biomechanical principles to adjust muscle geometries/cross-sectional-areas and passive joint geometry/properties in accordance... 

    Subject-specific and function-specific applicability of a hand-forearm musculoskeletal model

    , Article Biomedical Engineering - Applications, Basis and Communications ; Volume 27, Issue 6 , 2015 ; 10162372 (ISSN) Hosseininejad, S ; Farahmand, F ; Fateh, H. R ; Forogh, B ; Sharif University of Technology
    World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte Ltd  2015
    Abstract
    There is ambiguity on the quantitative validity of the predictions revealed by musculoskeletal models for muscle forces. This study investigated the consistency between the predictions of a musculoskeletal model of the upper limb and the experimental data for a number of different subjects and functional tasks. Six normal subjects performed isokinetic eccentric or isotonic concentric contraction tests of the wrist muscles in well controlled conditions, using a robotic apparatus, and the net joint torque and angular velocities, as well as the surface electromyograms (EMG) signals of the muscles, were recorded. The experiments were then simulated using a parametric musculoskeletal model of... 

    Subject-specific 2D/3D image registration and kinematics-driven musculoskeletal model of the spine

    , Article Journal of Biomechanics ; Volume 57 , 2017 , Pages 18-26 ; 00219290 (ISSN) Eskandari, A. H ; Arjmand, N ; Shirazi Adl, A ; Farahmand, F ; Sharif University of Technology
    Abstract
    An essential input to the musculoskeletal (MS) trunk models that estimate muscle and spine forces is kinematics of the thorax, pelvis, and lumbar vertebrae. While thorax and pelvis kinematics are usually measured via skin motion capture devices (with inherent errors on the proper identification of the underlying bony landmarks and the relative skin-sensor-bone movements), those of the intervening lumbar vertebrae are commonly approximated at fixed proportions based on the thorax-pelvis kinematics. This study proposes an image-based kinematics measurement approach to drive subject-specific (musculature, geometry, mass, and center of masses) MS models. Kinematics of the thorax, pelvis, and... 

    Stacked hourglass network with a multi-level attention mechanism: where to Look for intervertebral disc labeling

    , Article 12th International Workshop on Machine Learning in Medical Imaging, MLMI 2021, held in conjunction with 24th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention, MICCAI 2021, 27 September 2021 through 27 September 2021 ; Volume 12966 LNCS , 2021 , Pages 406-415 ; 03029743 (ISSN); 9783030875886 (ISBN) Azad, R ; Rouhier, L ; Cohen Adad, J ; Sharif University of Technology
    Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH  2021
    Abstract
    Labeling vertebral discs from MRI scans is important for the proper diagnosis of spinal related diseases, including multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, degenerative cervical myelopathy and cancer. Automatic labeling of the vertebral discs in MRI data is a difficult task because of the similarity between discs and bone area, the variability in the geometry of the spine and surrounding tissues across individuals, and the variability across scans (manufacturers, pulse sequence, image contrast, resolution and artefacts). In previous studies, vertebral disc labeling is often done after a disc detection step and mostly fails when the localization algorithm misses discs or has false... 

    Stable handspring maneuvers with passive flight phases: Results from an inverted pendulum-like template

    , Article International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics ; Volume 128 , 2021 ; 00207462 (ISSN) Tehrani Safa, A ; Nouriani, A ; Alasty, A ; Sharif University of Technology
    Elsevier Ltd  2021
    Abstract
    Inverted pendulum (IP) has been broadly used to model locomotor systems. In this paper, we demonstrate that an IP-like model could simulate stable periodic handspring maneuvers with passive flight phases. The model is a 2-D symmetric rigid body which is merely controlled during the contact phase. To benefit from an open-loop sensorless strategy, the control policy is implemented only by an unvaried torque input. The system's dynamics is an example of nonlinear impulsive systems studied and analyzed by the Poincaré section method. The numerical results reveal that the stable periodic solutions are sufficiently robust for a broad range of the parameter space. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd