Mihaela Baritz

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.

Microscopic Analyze of Insoles Composite Structures Behavior under Water Immersion, Temperature Variation and Saline

A number of issues related to composite structure analysis of variants of insoles, commonly used for getting comfortable wearing or improvement of posture deficiencies are presented in this research paper. In the first part of a paper some variants of biomechanical system consisting of composite structures - namely foot and insoles variants undergo analysis are presented and analyzed. This study aims to determine how these insoles react to the effect of temperature and humidity parameters during different time period. In the second part of the paper the experimental system and how to choose the group of samples analyzed are presented. The results and conclusions obtained from this study and the establishing the structural changes, evidenced by microscopic analysis are analyzed in the final part of the paper.

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.

Research on the Influence of Progressive Plantar Supporters on the Stability in Biped Position

This paper presents a new method to evaluate the progressive plantar supporters on the stability for human subjects; the procedure could be applied as further researches for humanoid robots. The research subject is a male person, 25 years, 65 kg weight, tested on stability in orthostatic position, using a Kistler force plate, when the subject wears plantar supporters with progressive conformation. Stability parameters evolution were followed, in terms of body center of mass (COM) displacement in sagittal and lateral plane, for different phases of progressive plantar supporters while testing. It was found that for medium conformation of supports the subjects stability in bipedal position was the best. The next studies will be focused to establish if the results on plantar base body stability could be valid even for humanoid robots, which must assess different domestic or industrial activities.

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.

Low Cost Adaptive Plantar Supporters for Soil Vibration Absorption

The paper describes a research stage concerning developing a solution for soil vibration absorption. The reason is to protect the human body from vibration having major negative effects in time, like low limbs numbness, atrophy of tissues and/or blood and lymphatic veins and arteries, loss of stability etc. A new method for adaptive plantar supporter prototyping was proposed and developed. It was applied and tested for two persons with plantar diseases, working in vibration conditions. It was proved that wearing such of special plantar supporters with vibration absorption and plantar conformation corrective role, would have a major positive influence on the body, in terms of vibration absorption and stability increasing.

Analysis of Temperature Variations in the Hand-Finger Assembly as a Result of Exposure to Vibration of Tools

Following the use and manipulation of vibratory tools, the human operator is exposed to a series of influences that can alter the anatomical structure of the hand-finger assembly (HFA) or trigger or aggravate certain pathological manifestations. An analysis of temperature and hand temperature variations is important from the perspective of personalized determination of behavior and maneuverability under these external actions. In the first part of the paper are reviewed several aspects related to the structure of the hand and the forms of manifestation of the effect of the vibrations on them. In the second part of the paper the experimental system is presented and the investigative procedure is developed. In the final part of the paper we analyze the results obtained from two subjects investigated by the projected procedure.