Diana Cotoros

Complex Systems for Human Body Biomechanical Behavior Modeling

In this paper, we will explore the way we are able to obtain some information about human body behavior during gait or stability actions using video and tracking capture and transpose these data on a virtual model for the simulation process. In the first part of the paper we presented some considerations about the problems developed by human body modeling and its interactions with the environment. In the final part we presented some recordings of the human body movements during the gait process and the model built to analyze biomechanical behavior of the human body.

Influence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Induced by Vibratory Actions upon Fingers Mobility

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a kind of neuropathy developed due to irritated tendons that may affect the passageway made of ligaments and bones, located at the wrist (base of palm). People affected by CTS develop symptoms such as pain in the carpal area, sometimes reflected along the entire arm, swelling, difficulties in finger motions, reduced range of motion due to pressure upon the median nerve. The present paper performs a case study upon a female subject affected by CTS. The subject is investigated and then guided to perform some exercises using the software attached to the used equipment (sensory gloves), over a controlled period of time with rehabilitation purposes.

Thermographic analysis of hand structure when subjected to controlled effort

Some theoretical and experimental considerations upon motions developed at hand and wrist levels, for a sample of human subjects without previous pathologies are presented in this paper. Thus, aspects related to the anthropometry of the system wrist-hand-fingers are presented in the first part of the paper, for different categories of subjects out of which the examples used to apply the proposed methodology are selected. The analysis structures required for recording and thermographic evaluation of the hand structure when subjected to controlled effort are presented in the second part of the paper. The third part of the paper is dedicated to the presentation and processing of results and conclusions concerning the thermographic behavior and manifestation of the assembly consisting of wrist-hand-fingers during controlled induced motions.

Oscillatory Movements Analysis at Knee Level

Some theoretical and experimental considerations upon the biomechanics of oscillatory flexion-extension movements developed at knee level of human subjects, without previous detected pathologies are presented in this paper. Thus, the first part of the paper is referring to the analysis of aspects related to the locomotion system biomechanics concerning the flexion-extension movement at knee level and also to the setting of various samples of subjects out of which the examples for the proposed methodology application will be selected. In the second part of the paper, the analysis structures required for the recording and assessment of oscillatory movements biomechanics at knee level are developed and presented. In the third part, the results and conclusions regarding the behavior and performance limits of movements at knee level are presented and processed.

Some Mechanical Characteristics Of Materials For Dental Prosthetics.

The paper presents some researches concerning the mechanical properties of composite materials used for prosthetic dental elements. After a short introduction concerning the general strains and loads that usually apply upon prosthetic works, the authors present the virtual model of a molar tooth subjected to the most common actions, using finite element method. Then the results are further shown by means of experimental methods and finally the conclusion concerning the possible use of fibre reinforced composite materials are presented.

Some Considerations Concerning The Modelling Of The Human Body Locomotor Rehabilitation System.

In this paper the research team presents some aspects concerning the modelling of a kineto – therapeutic system for human body rehabilitation, when a locomotor disfunctionality occurred. Thus, in the first part of the paper, we analyzed theoretical aspects connected to the human body biomechanics but also to the bipedal stability. In the second part of the paper, we present the rehabilitation system model, designed to be used upon a wide range of anthropometrical dimensions. In the last part of the paper we presented the results obtained using the modelling methodologies.

Influence of Sound Physical Characteristics on Some Human Physiological Parameters

The influence of certain types of sounds as health hazards for human beings is a constant preoccupation for researchers during the last decades. Not only it is likely to inflict auditory effects but it is proven to produce other physiological as well as psychological effects upon people subjected to noise. Of course, not all types of sounds are damaging for health, their influence is strongly related to their physical characteristics like: frequency, intensity or harmony. Each change in these physical characteristics may produce different effects upon human health that can be monitored by help of several physiological parameters. As many researchers focused upon the auditory effects and psychological issues under the influence of noise, our team headed towards a less investigated aspect related to the risk of cardio-vascular diseases for persons subjected to unhealthy types of sounds, a risk which was mentioned in a thematic issue of the European Commission in 2015 and also some influences regarding posture control.

Analysis of Acoustic Response and Treatment of a Rehabilitated Lecture Room

Lecture room acoustics plays an utmost important role in the educational process, as all attendees should be able to listen in the best conditions to the information delivered by the teaching person. Many universities have old lecture rooms, some of them recently rehabilitated or renovated without taking into consideration the acoustic properties of the room. As many students sitting at the farther end of the room complain of problems regarding the lecture acoustics, the team selected one of the renovated lecture rooms in order to analyze the acoustic response in all locations and propose solutions for acoustic treatment.

Effect of shoulder-elbow position upon the force applied by hand

Several situations require the reliability of hand grasp in different relative positions of the shoulder-elbow system, like handling control elements of working equipment, sporting devices for athletes or rehabilitation supports for temporary or permanently lower limbs impaired people. Therefore the paper presents an experimental method of determining the variation of both anatomical and physiological forces applied by hand, in different positions of the shoulder-elbow system, in static conditions. The experiment was performed upon 145 female subjects and 40 male subjects, aged 20–25, all right-handed, with no previous neurological or muscular diseases, using four different positions of the shoulder-elbow system. Results were statistically analyzed based upon the recording sheets filled in during the tests.

Statistical analysis of forces developed by fingers

As fingers represent the main executive instrument that assisted human evolution by performing various activities, starting with work and fight for survival, the flawless functioning of their grip and motion capacity should be a major preoccupation for researchers in biomechanics and ergonomics areas. More and more robotics becomes involved in rehabilitation issues requiring accurate information regarding the real values of the forces exerted by fingers during various activities. The paper aims therefore at providing a thorough statistical analysis of the experimental results determined on a sample of healthy active subjects in order to achieve a useful tool in designing rehabilitation devices and more ergonomic equipments.