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Purpose: Upper-body exercise performed in a cold environment may increase cardiovascular strain, which could be detrimental to patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study compared cardiovascular responses of CAD patients during graded upper-body dynamic and static exercise in cold and neutral environments. Methods: 20 patients with stable CAD performed 30 min of progressive dynamic (light, moderate, and heavy rating of perceived exertion) and static (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% of maximal voluntary contraction) upper body exercise in cold (− 15 °C) and neutral (+ 22 °C) environments. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and electrocardiographic (ECG) responses were recorded and rate pressure product (RPP) calculated. Results: Dynamic-graded upper-body exercise in the cold increased HR by 2.3–4.8% (p = 0.002–0.040), MAP by 3.9–5.9% (p = 0.038–0.454) and RPP by 18.1–24.4% (p = 0.002–0.020) when compared to the neutral environment. Static graded upper-body exercise in the cold resulted in higher MAP (6.3–9.1%; p = 0.000–0.014), lower HR (4.1–7.2%; p = 0.009–0.033), but unaltered RPP compared to a neutral environment. Heavy dynamic exercise resulted in ST depression that was not related to temperature. Otherwise, ECG was largely unaltered during exercise in either thermal condition. Conclusions: Dynamic- and static-graded upper-body exercise in the cold involves higher cardiovascular strain compared with a neutral environment among patients with stable CAD. However, no marked changes in electric cardiac function were observed. The results support the use of upper-body exercise in the cold in patients with stable CAD. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration NCT02855905 August 2016.

This study was designed to assess systemic cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses to incremental arm cycling with concurrent electrical myostimulation (EMS). Eleven participants (24 ± 3 yrs; 182 ± 10 cm; 86 ± 16.8 kg) performed two incremental tests involving arm cycling until volitional exhaustion was reached with and without EMS of upper-body muscles. The peak power output was 10.1% lower during arm cycling with (128 ± 30 W) than without EMS (141 ± 25 W, p = 0.01; d = 0.47). In addition, the heart rate (2-9%), oxygen uptake (7-15%), blood lactate concentration (8-46%) and ratings of perceived exertion (4-14%) while performing submaximal arm cycling with EMS were all higher with than without EMS (all p < 0.05). Upon exhaustion, the heart rate, oxygen uptake, lactate concentration, and ratings of perceived exertion did not differ between the two conditions (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, arm cycling with EMS induced more pronounced cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses, especially during submaximal arm cycling. This form of exercise with stimulation might be beneficial for a variety of athletes competing in sports involving considerable generation of work by the upper body (e.g., kayaking, cross-country skiing, swimming, rowing and various parasports).

This study was designed to assess systemic cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses to incremental arm cycling with concurrent electrical myostimulation (EMS). Eleven participants (24 ± 3 yrs; 182 ± 10 cm; 86 ± 16.8 kg) performed two incremental tests involving arm cycling until volitional exhaustion was reached with and without EMS of upper-body muscles. The peak power output was 10.1% lower during arm cycling with (128 ± 30 W) than without EMS (141 ± 25 W, p = 0.01; d = 0.47). In addition, the heart rate (2-9%), oxygen uptake (7-15%), blood lactate concentration (8-46%) and ratings of perceived exertion (4-14%) while performing submaximal arm cycling with EMS were all higher with than without EMS (all p < 0.05). Upon exhaustion, the heart rate, oxygen uptake, lactate concentration, and ratings of perceived exertion did not differ between the two conditions (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, arm cycling with EMS induced more pronounced cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses, especially during submaximal arm cycling. This form of exercise with stimulation might be beneficial for a variety of athletes competing in sports involving considerable generation of work by the upper body (e.g., kayaking, cross-country skiing, swimming, rowing and various parasports).

This study was designed to assess systemic cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses to incremental arm cycling with concurrent electrical myostimulation (EMS). Eleven participants (24 ± 3 yrs; 182 ± 10 cm; 86 ± 16.8 kg) performed two incremental tests involving arm cycling until volitional exhaustion was reached with and without EMS of upper-body muscles. The peak power output was 10.1% lower during arm cycling with (128 ± 30 W) than without EMS (141 ± 25 W, p = 0.01; d = 0.47). In addition, the heart rate (2-9%), oxygen uptake (7-15%), blood lactate concentration (8-46%) and ratings of perceived exertion (4-14%) while performing submaximal arm cycling with EMS were all higher with than without EMS (all p < 0.05). Upon exhaustion, the heart rate, oxygen uptake, lactate concentration, and ratings of perceived exertion did not differ between the two conditions (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, arm cycling with EMS induced more pronounced cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses, especially during submaximal arm cycling. This form of exercise with stimulation might be beneficial for a variety of athletes competing in sports involving considerable generation of work by the upper body (e.g., kayaking, cross-country skiing, swimming, rowing and various parasports).

This study was designed to assess systemic cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses to incremental arm cycling with concurrent electrical myostimulation (EMS). Eleven participants (24 ± 3 yrs; 182 ± 10 cm; 86 ± 16.8 kg) performed two incremental tests involving arm cycling until volitional exhaustion was reached with and without EMS of upper-body muscles. The peak power output was 10.1% lower during arm cycling with (128 ± 30 W) than without EMS (141 ± 25 W, p = 0.01; d = 0.47). In addition, the heart rate (2-9%), oxygen uptake (7-15%), blood lactate concentration (8-46%) and ratings of perceived exertion (4-14%) while performing submaximal arm cycling with EMS were all higher with than without EMS (all p < 0.05). Upon exhaustion, the heart rate, oxygen uptake, lactate concentration, and ratings of perceived exertion did not differ between the two conditions (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, arm cycling with EMS induced more pronounced cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses, especially during submaximal arm cycling. This form of exercise with stimulation might be beneficial for a variety of athletes competing in sports involving considerable generation of work by the upper body (e.g., kayaking, cross-country skiing, swimming, rowing and various parasports).

This study was designed to assess systemic cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses to incremental arm cycling with concurrent electrical myostimulation (EMS). Eleven participants (24 ± 3 yrs; 182 ± 10 cm; 86 ± 16.8 kg) performed two incremental tests involving arm cycling until volitional exhaustion was reached with and without EMS of upper-body muscles. The peak power output was 10.1% lower during arm cycling with (128 ± 30 W) than without EMS (141 ± 25 W, p = 0.01; d = 0.47). In addition, the heart rate (2-9%), oxygen uptake (7-15%), blood lactate concentration (8-46%) and ratings of perceived exertion (4-14%) while performing submaximal arm cycling with EMS were all higher with than without EMS (all p < 0.05). Upon exhaustion, the heart rate, oxygen uptake, lactate concentration, and ratings of perceived exertion did not differ between the two conditions (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, arm cycling with EMS induced more pronounced cardio-respiratory, metabolic and perceived responses, especially during submaximal arm cycling. This form of exercise with stimulation might be beneficial for a variety of athletes competing in sports involving considerable generation of work by the upper body (e.g., kayaking, cross-country skiing, swimming, rowing and various parasports).

This paper presents the design of a modular full-body assistive exoskeleton (FB-AXO) for older adults which was developed with funding under the AAL funded AXO-SUIT project. Processes used to formulate a prioritized set of functional and design requirements via close-end-user involvement are outlined and used in realizing the exoskeleton. Design of the resulting mechanics and electronics details for the lower and upper-body subsystems (LB-AXO and (UB-AXO)) are described. Innovative designs of shoulder and spine mechanisms are presented. TheFB-AXO system comprises 27 degrees of freedom, of which 17 are passive and 10 active. The exoskeleton assists full-body motions such as walking, standing, bending, as well as performing lifting and carrying tasks to assist older users performing tasks of daily living., Papers presented at IFToMM Symposium on Mechanism Design for Robotics, 11-13 August 2018, Udine, ItalyFunding:- EU AAL Programme- Innovation Fund Denmark- Agentschap Innoveren Ondernemen- Enterprise Ireland

Concurrent training (CT) is defined as the development of both endurance and strength within the same exercise program. CT has been studied for decades, but the results has been diverse. However, very few have studied the effects of CT on the upper body musculature. Hence, this review set out to investigate the effects of combined strength and endurance training (ET) of the upper body on muscle hypertrophy, muscle strength and endurance variables. PubMed was searched with relevant search terms with varying combinations, such as concurrent training, combined strength and endurance training. After scanning the literature, a total of eight articles were included. The results suggest that muscle strength, exercise economy and time to exhaustion can effectively be improved by CT of the upper body. The effect of CT on upper body musculature were unclear. Some of the articles included suggests a decrease in whole body lean mass, which might simply be due to insufficient loading of the lower body musculature. In order to maintain muscle mass during a CT protocol, endurance athletes should aim to perform ST which targets muscles active during ET. However, the limited empiric literature available on CT of the upper body makes a conclusion hard to draw. This review shows that CT of the upper body is yet an unexplored and researchers should further investigate the effects of CT for the musculature of the upper body alone. If we gain more knowledge of the effects from concurrent training of the upper body, it could have several implications, both clinically and in a sport setting.

The development of interactive rehabilitation technologies which rely on wearable-sensing for upper body rehabilitation is attracting increasing research interest. This paper reviews related research with the aim: 1) To inventory and classify interactive wearable systems for movement and posture monitoring during upper body rehabilitation, regarding the sensing technology, system measurements and feedback conditions; 2) To gauge the wearability of the wearable systems; 3) To inventory the availability of clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of related technologies. Method A systematic literature search was conducted in the following search engines: PubMed, ACM, Scopus and IEEE (January 2010–April 2016). Results Forty-five papers were included and discussed in a new cuboid taxonomy which consists of 3 dimensions: sensing technology, feedback modalities and system measurements. Wearable sensor systems were developed for persons in: 1) Neuro-rehabilitation: stroke (n = 21), spinal cord injury (n = 1), cerebral palsy (n = 2), Alzheimer (n = 1); 2) Musculoskeletal impairment: ligament rehabilitation (n = 1), arthritis (n = 1), frozen shoulder (n = 1), bones trauma (n = 1); 3) Others: chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (n = 1), chronic pain rehabilitation (n = 1) and other general rehabilitation (n = 14). Accelerometers and inertial measurement units (IMU) are the most frequently used technologies (84% of the papers). They are mostly used in multiple sensor configurations to measure upper limb kinematics and/or trunk posture. Sensors are placed mostly on the trunk, upper arm, the forearm, the wrist, and the finger. Typically sensors are attachable rather than embedded in wearable devices and garments; although studies that embed and integrate sensors are increasing in the last 4 years. 16 studies applied knowledge of result (KR) feedback, 14 studies applied knowledge of performance (KP) feedback and 15 studie

Concurrent training (CT) is defined as the development of both endurance and strength within the same exercise program. CT has been studied for decades, but the results has been diverse. However, very few have studied the effects of CT on the upper body musculature. Hence, this review set out to investigate the effects of combined strength and endurance training (ET) of the upper body on muscle hypertrophy, muscle strength and endurance variables. PubMed was searched with relevant search terms with varying combinations, such as concurrent training, combined strength and endurance training. After scanning the literature, a total of eight articles were included. The results suggest that muscle strength, exercise economy and time to exhaustion can effectively be improved by CT of the upper body. The effect of CT on upper body musculature were unclear. Some of the articles included suggests a decrease in whole body lean mass, which might simply be due to insufficient loading of the lower body musculature. In order to maintain muscle mass during a CT protocol, endurance athletes should aim to perform ST which targets muscles active during ET. However, the limited empiric literature available on CT of the upper body makes a conclusion hard to draw. This review shows that CT of the upper body is yet an unexplored and researchers should further investigate the effects of CT for the musculature of the upper body alone. If we gain more knowledge of the effects from concurrent training of the upper body, it could have several implications, both clinically and in a sport setting.

The development of interactive rehabilitation technologies which rely on wearable-sensing for upper body rehabilitation is attracting increasing research interest. This paper reviews related research with the aim: 1) To inventory and classify interactive wearable systems for movement and posture monitoring during upper body rehabilitation, regarding the sensing technology, system measurements and feedback conditions; 2) To gauge the wearability of the wearable systems; 3) To inventory the availability of clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of related technologies. Method A systematic literature search was conducted in the following search engines: PubMed, ACM, Scopus and IEEE (January 2010–April 2016). Results Forty-five papers were included and discussed in a new cuboid taxonomy which consists of 3 dimensions: sensing technology, feedback modalities and system measurements. Wearable sensor systems were developed for persons in: 1) Neuro-rehabilitation: stroke (n = 21), spinal cord injury (n = 1), cerebral palsy (n = 2), Alzheimer (n = 1); 2) Musculoskeletal impairment: ligament rehabilitation (n = 1), arthritis (n = 1), frozen shoulder (n = 1), bones trauma (n = 1); 3) Others: chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (n = 1), chronic pain rehabilitation (n = 1) and other general rehabilitation (n = 14). Accelerometers and inertial measurement units (IMU) are the most frequently used technologies (84% of the papers). They are mostly used in multiple sensor configurations to measure upper limb kinematics and/or trunk posture. Sensors are placed mostly on the trunk, upper arm, the forearm, the wrist, and the finger. Typically sensors are attachable rather than embedded in wearable devices and garments; although studies that embed and integrate sensors are increasing in the last 4 years. 16 studies applied knowledge of result (KR) feedback, 14 studies applied knowledge of performance (KP) feedback and 15 studie

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the differences in adaptation of arm and leg muscles to sprint training, over a period of 11 days 16 untrained men performed six sessions of 4-6 x 30-s all-out sprints (SIT) with the legs and arms, separately, with a 1-h interval of recovery. Limb-specific VO(2)peak, sprint performance (two 30-s Wingate tests with 4-min recovery), muscle efficiency and time-trial performance (TT, 5-min all-out) were assessed and biopsies from the m. vastus lateralis and m. triceps brachii taken before and after training. VO(2)peak and Wmax increased 3-11% after training, with a more pronounced change in the arms (P < 0.05). Gross efficiency improved for the arms (+8.8%, P < 0.05), but not the legs (-0.6%). Wingate peak and mean power outputs improved similarly for the arms and legs, as did TT performance. After training, VO2 during the two Wingate tests was increased by 52 and 6% for the arms and legs, respectively (P < 0.001). In the case of the arms, VO2 was higher during the first than second Wingate test (64 vs. 44%, P < 0.05). During the TT, relative exercise intensity, HR, VO2, VCO2, V-E, and V-t were all lower during arm-cranking than leg-pedaling, and oxidation of fat was minimal, remaining so after training. Despite the higher relative intensity, fat oxidation was 70% greater during leg-pedaling (P = 0.017). The aerobic energy contribution in the legs was larger than for the arms during the Wingate tests, although VO2 for the arms was enhanced more by training, reducing the O-2 deficit after SIT. The levels of muscle glycogen, as well as the myosin heavy chain composition were unchanged in both cases, while the activities of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase and citrate synthase were elevated only in the legs and capillarization enhanced in both limbs. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the variables that predict TT performance differ for the arms and legs. The primary mechanism of adaptation to SIT by both the ar

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the differences in adaptation of arm and leg muscles to sprint training, over a period of 11 days 16 untrained men performed six sessions of 4-6 x 30-s all-out sprints (SIT) with the legs and arms, separately, with a 1-h interval of recovery. Limb-specific VO(2)peak, sprint performance (two 30-s Wingate tests with 4-min recovery), muscle efficiency and time-trial performance (TT, 5-min all-out) were assessed and biopsies from the m. vastus lateralis and m. triceps brachii taken before and after training. VO(2)peak and Wmax increased 3-11% after training, with a more pronounced change in the arms (P < 0.05). Gross efficiency improved for the arms (+8.8%, P < 0.05), but not the legs (-0.6%). Wingate peak and mean power outputs improved similarly for the arms and legs, as did TT performance. After training, VO2 during the two Wingate tests was increased by 52 and 6% for the arms and legs, respectively (P < 0.001). In the case of the arms, VO2 was higher during the first than second Wingate test (64 vs. 44%, P < 0.05). During the TT, relative exercise intensity, HR, VO2, VCO2, V-E, and V-t were all lower during arm-cranking than leg-pedaling, and oxidation of fat was minimal, remaining so after training. Despite the higher relative intensity, fat oxidation was 70% greater during leg-pedaling (P = 0.017). The aerobic energy contribution in the legs was larger than for the arms during the Wingate tests, although VO2 for the arms was enhanced more by training, reducing the O-2 deficit after SIT. The levels of muscle glycogen, as well as the myosin heavy chain composition were unchanged in both cases, while the activities of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase and citrate synthase were elevated only in the legs and capillarization enhanced in both limbs. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the variables that predict TT performance differ for the arms and legs. The primary mechanism of adaptation to SIT by both the ar

In this paper, the design and implementation of a spectacle based obstacle detection system is described. The usage of spectacle based obstacle detection system would help the visually impaired person to scan the surrounding especially at the upper body level from having head level collision. Four pieces of distance measurement sensors is proposed in the travel aid in order to detect the obstacle in each direction including front, down, left and right. If the distance measurement sensor detects an obstacle, the warning system will be activated and a warning signal on the location of the obstacle will be given to the user. The warning devices designed and implemented in the system are audio and vibration warning system. The usage of both warning devices can be switched on either as a single headphone audio or a vibration warning device depending on users' preference and environment. For example, if the user is joining a crowded environment such as market or bus terminal, they are recommended to change and use only the vibration warning device, whereby their stereo hearing sense will be used to capture the sound around them. An evaluation on the developed electronic spectacle was also done in order to produce an effective, reliable and light wearable device.

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the differences in adaptation of arm and leg muscles to sprint training, over a period of 11 days 16 untrained men performed six sessions of 4-6 x 30-s all-out sprints (SIT) with the legs and arms, separately, with a 1-h interval of recovery. Limb-specific VO(2)peak, sprint performance (two 30-s Wingate tests with 4-min recovery), muscle efficiency and time-trial performance (TT, 5-min all-out) were assessed and biopsies from the m. vastus lateralis and m. triceps brachii taken before and after training. VO(2)peak and Wmax increased 3-11% after training, with a more pronounced change in the arms (P < 0.05). Gross efficiency improved for the arms (+8.8%, P < 0.05), but not the legs (-0.6%). Wingate peak and mean power outputs improved similarly for the arms and legs, as did TT performance. After training, VO2 during the two Wingate tests was increased by 52 and 6% for the arms and legs, respectively (P < 0.001). In the case of the arms, VO2 was higher during the first than second Wingate test (64 vs. 44%, P < 0.05). During the TT, relative exercise intensity, HR, VO2, VCO2, V-E, and V-t were all lower during arm-cranking than leg-pedaling, and oxidation of fat was minimal, remaining so after training. Despite the higher relative intensity, fat oxidation was 70% greater during leg-pedaling (P = 0.017). The aerobic energy contribution in the legs was larger than for the arms during the Wingate tests, although VO2 for the arms was enhanced more by training, reducing the O-2 deficit after SIT. The levels of muscle glycogen, as well as the myosin heavy chain composition were unchanged in both cases, while the activities of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase and citrate synthase were elevated only in the legs and capillarization enhanced in both limbs. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the variables that predict TT performance differ for the arms and legs. The primary mechanism of adaptation to SIT by both the ar

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the differences in adaptation of arm and leg muscles to sprint training, over a period of 11 days 16 untrained men performed six sessions of 4-6 x 30-s all-out sprints (SIT) with the legs and arms, separately, with a 1-h interval of recovery. Limb-specific VO(2)peak, sprint performance (two 30-s Wingate tests with 4-min recovery), muscle efficiency and time-trial performance (TT, 5-min all-out) were assessed and biopsies from the m. vastus lateralis and m. triceps brachii taken before and after training. VO(2)peak and Wmax increased 3-11% after training, with a more pronounced change in the arms (P < 0.05). Gross efficiency improved for the arms (+8.8%, P < 0.05), but not the legs (-0.6%). Wingate peak and mean power outputs improved similarly for the arms and legs, as did TT performance. After training, VO2 during the two Wingate tests was increased by 52 and 6% for the arms and legs, respectively (P < 0.001). In the case of the arms, VO2 was higher during the first than second Wingate test (64 vs. 44%, P < 0.05). During the TT, relative exercise intensity, HR, VO2, VCO2, V-E, and V-t were all lower during arm-cranking than leg-pedaling, and oxidation of fat was minimal, remaining so after training. Despite the higher relative intensity, fat oxidation was 70% greater during leg-pedaling (P = 0.017). The aerobic energy contribution in the legs was larger than for the arms during the Wingate tests, although VO2 for the arms was enhanced more by training, reducing the O-2 deficit after SIT. The levels of muscle glycogen, as well as the myosin heavy chain composition were unchanged in both cases, while the activities of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase and citrate synthase were elevated only in the legs and capillarization enhanced in both limbs. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the variables that predict TT performance differ for the arms and legs. The primary mechanism of adaptation to SIT by both the ar

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the differences in adaptation of arm and leg muscles to sprint training, over a period of 11 days 16 untrained men performed six sessions of 4-6 x 30-s all-out sprints (SIT) with the legs and arms, separately, with a 1-h interval of recovery. Limb-specific VO(2)peak, sprint performance (two 30-s Wingate tests with 4-min recovery), muscle efficiency and time-trial performance (TT, 5-min all-out) were assessed and biopsies from the m. vastus lateralis and m. triceps brachii taken before and after training. VO(2)peak and Wmax increased 3-11% after training, with a more pronounced change in the arms (P < 0.05). Gross efficiency improved for the arms (+8.8%, P < 0.05), but not the legs (-0.6%). Wingate peak and mean power outputs improved similarly for the arms and legs, as did TT performance. After training, VO2 during the two Wingate tests was increased by 52 and 6% for the arms and legs, respectively (P < 0.001). In the case of the arms, VO2 was higher during the first than second Wingate test (64 vs. 44%, P < 0.05). During the TT, relative exercise intensity, HR, VO2, VCO2, V-E, and V-t were all lower during arm-cranking than leg-pedaling, and oxidation of fat was minimal, remaining so after training. Despite the higher relative intensity, fat oxidation was 70% greater during leg-pedaling (P = 0.017). The aerobic energy contribution in the legs was larger than for the arms during the Wingate tests, although VO2 for the arms was enhanced more by training, reducing the O-2 deficit after SIT. The levels of muscle glycogen, as well as the myosin heavy chain composition were unchanged in both cases, while the activities of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase and citrate synthase were elevated only in the legs and capillarization enhanced in both limbs. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the variables that predict TT performance differ for the arms and legs. The primary mechanism of adaptation to SIT by both the ar

Knowledge of the state of balance of the moving human is essential for the design of fall detection algorithms and wearable robotic controllers for balance assistance. Still, there is no known general method to make an online estimation of the state of balance of the walking human, with the limited and local sensor measurements that are usually available. Previous work has failed to address such an estimation for human walking rather than standing or biped walking, with only an upper body Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and by incorporating the major human balance strategies, to adequately predict the interaction between the human and the robot. In this study, a state estimation technique is introduced: the applied observer is an Additive Unscented Kalman Filter (Additive UKF), and the model consists of a spring-loaded inverted pendulum and articulated upper body, with virtual pivot point (VPP) control and foot placement based on the extrapolated center of mass (XCoM); the Virtual Pendulum Model. The following is described: the dynamic model and observer design, a sensitivity analysis with simulation data, and observer performance with data from a human walking experiment on a treadmill. Proper tuning and limited errors in model parameters, particularly foot contact detection, resulted in promising estimates. With further research toward improved parameter estimation and higher efficiency for online implementation, this method could be useful for the prediction of human movement., Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, BioMechanical Engineering

Knowledge of the state of balance of the moving human is essential for the design of fall detection algorithms and wearable robotic controllers for balance assistance. Still, there is no known general method to make an online estimation of the state of balance of the walking human, with the limited and local sensor measurements that are usually available. Previous work has failed to address such an estimation for human walking rather than standing or biped walking, with only an upper body Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and by incorporating the major human balance strategies, to adequately predict the interaction between the human and the robot. In this study, a state estimation technique is introduced: the applied observer is an Additive Unscented Kalman Filter (Additive UKF), and the model consists of a spring-loaded inverted pendulum and articulated upper body, with virtual pivot point (VPP) control and foot placement based on the extrapolated center of mass (XCoM); the Virtual Pendulum Model. The following is described: the dynamic model and observer design, a sensitivity analysis with simulation data, and observer performance with data from a human walking experiment on a treadmill. Proper tuning and limited errors in model parameters, particularly foot contact detection, resulted in promising estimates. With further research toward improved parameter estimation and higher efficiency for online implementation, this method could be useful for the prediction of human movement., Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, BioMechanical Engineering

Owing to the human engineering activities, the phenomenon that new landslide happen on the upper part of the old sliding body can be found everywhere. This kind of slope consisting of two sliding bodies, which are upper body and lower body, is named as double-sliding-body slope. Its stability is usually analyzed according to two slopes. However, the effect of new landslide movement on the stability of entire slope system is not taken into account. In this paper, sliding effect of upper body is analyzed, and the formula considering sliding effect of upper body is derived based on Sarma method for analysis of entire slope. Theoretical analysis and a case history indicate that the spasmodic motion of upper body has bad effect on the lower body stability; Sliding along the top face of lower body, the effect on the lower body is disadvantageous during starting instant. Nevertheless, the bad effect will disappear and transform as the advantageous effect as descending of the slope gradient and sliding acceleration. For the slope controlling, the sliding effect of upper body should be considered in the stability analysis of double-sliding-body slope, thus it will help us recognizing and mastering or forecasting the evaluative trend of double-siding-body slope. Further reliable scientific basis can be provided in order to make effective controlling measures., 特集 : 「資源、新エネルギー、環境、防災研究国際セミナー」

Explosive upper-body movements, with which the load is not thrown (non-ballistic), may comprise a phase during which forces are produced in opposition to the motion of the load. Thirty men completed three test sessions (free weight, ballistic, and pneumatic), each consisting of a one-repetition maximum (1-RM) and four explosive repetitions of a bench press at six loads (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90% 1-RM). The end of the lifting phase for the non-ballistic conditions (free weight and pneumatic) was defined by: the point of peak barbell displacement and the point at which the vertical force became negative (positive work). When analysed by peak displacement, the ballistic condition elicited significantly greater mean velocity, force, and power at loads of 15-60% 1-RM compared with the free weight condition. When the period of negative work was removed, the mean free weight velocity, force, and power at loads below 60% 1-RM increased. Consequently, the only differences between the free weight and ballistic conditions were found at loads of 15% and 30% 1-RM. Including a period of negative work may underestimate all kinematic and kinetic variables dependent on the time to, or position of, the end of the lifting phase, for non-ballistic efforts.

PURPOSE: In the classical style of cross-country skiing, the double-poling (DP) technique, which is regarded as an upper-body exercise, is used on the flatter parts of a course. Limited biomechanical and physiological data are available about DP compared with other cross-country skiing techniques. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the possible role of the lower body during DP. METHODS: Eleven elite cross-country skiers performed two incremental tests using DP roller skiing at 1 degree inclination on a treadmill with or without locking the knee and ankle joints (DPLOCKED and DPFREE). Maximal and peak oxygen uptake (VO2max and VO2peak) during classic diagonal skiing and DP, respectively, were measured. In addition, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and maximal DP velocity (Vmax) were determined. Pole-ground reaction forces and joint angles (elbow, hip, knee, and ankle) were analyzed. RESULTS: The skiers obtained 7.7% higher VO2peak, 9.4% higher Vmax, and 11.7% longer time to exhaustion during DPFREE compared with DPLOCKED (all P < 0.05). There was a higher heart rate and blood lactate concentration in DPLOCKED at submaximal stages (all P < 0.05), with no difference in oxygen consumption. At 85% Vmax, corresponding to approximately 81% VO2peak FREE, the differences in physiological variables were accompanied by a 13.6% higher poling frequency, a 4.9% shorter poling phase, 13.3% shorter recovery phase, and 10.9% lower relative pole force in DPLOCKED (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Movements of the knee and ankle joints are an integrative part in the skillful use of the DP technique, and restriction of the motion in these joints markedly affects both biomechanical and physiological variables, impairing DP performance.

Physical description: 1 VHS video; 1/2 in.; col.; sd.; mono; 5 mins; standard playback sp. This is the demonstration video of the Masters Thesis: 'Immersive Articulation of the Human Upper Body in a Virtual Environment., Includes AD-A286 926.

This study compared power outputs (PO) from both the upper body (UB) and lower body (LB) Wingate tests of anaerobic power between biathletes and control subjects. Ten biathletes (B) selected by the British Ski Federation for potential assignment to the British team and 13 control (C) subjects cranked or pedaled the same Bodyguard ergometer at maximal RPMs for 30s against resistances of 2.94 and 4.41 J/rev/kg body weight (BW), respectively. The data shows that significant differences exist in the anaerobic performance of aerobically trained athletes compared with subjects who are not highly trained and that these differences are reflected in the musculature of the UB as well as the legs. Keywords: anaerobic power, Wingate test, biathlete, aerobic power, exercise, reprints.

Dhahbi, W., Chaabene, H., Chaouachi, A., Padulo, J., Behm, D. G., Cochrane, J., ... & Chamari, K. (2018). Kinetic analysis of push-up exercises: a systematic review with practical recommendations. Sports biomechanics. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2018.1512149

Dhahbi, W., Chaouachi, A., Dhahbi, A. B., Cochrane, J., Chèze, L., Burnett, A., & Chamari, K. (2016). Variation of Plyometric Push-Ups Affects Force Application Kinetics and Perception of Intensity. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 12(2), 190 - 197. Available here