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Biomedical subjects

D A Hobson

Publications and source records attributed to D A Hobson.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Comparative effects of posture on pressure and shear at the body-seat interface.

This study considers the effects of seated posture and body orientation on the pressure-distribution and surface shear (tangential) forces acting at the body-seat interface. Nine postures typically assumed by wheel-chair users were studied. Comparisons were made within and between two study groups, made up of 12 subjects with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and 10 nondisabled subjects. Both interface pressure and the surface shear were measured simultaneously in each of nine reproducible, seated postures. The same seat cushion was used for all trials. The Oxford Pressure Monitor, a pneumatic cell device, was used to measure and record the interface pressures. Instrumentation for measuring and recording the surface shear force was constructed specifically for the study. Analysis consisted of statistically comparing changes in pressure values and shear forces derived from eight sitting postures with reference to values recorded in a defined neutral sitting posture. The pressure-distribution findings suggest that in the postures studied SCI subjects have maximum pressures that are higher than nondisabled subjects in all postures, ranging from 6% to 46% depending on the posture. Maximum pressures can be reduced by postural changes: forward flexion to 50 degrees, -9%; backrest recline to 120 degrees, -12%; and, full body tilt, -11%. On average, the SCI group members have peak pressure gradients (PPG) that are 1.5 to 2.5 greater than the nondisabled group. The maximum reduction in PPG occurred at backrest recline of 120 degrees, -18%. Tangential shear force acts at the body-seat interface in all nine postures studied. Extrapolation of results suggests that full-body tilt to approximately 25 degrees reduces the surface shear force to near zero. In contrast, a backrest-only recline of 20 degrees causes a 25% increase in the surface shear force. These results suggest that caution must be taken when using nondisabled subjects as surrogates for people with SCI because of the inherent differences between the groups. Also, researchers and clinicians should recognize that posture and body orientation in space are additional variables that can have a profound effect on the interaction between a seated person and his or her supporting surface.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Seated lumbar/pelvic alignment. A comparison between spinal cord-injured and noninjured groups.

It has been postulated that loss of voluntary trunk stability, combined with the posture imposed by the configuration of the wheelchair seat, biomechanically necessitates that a person with diminished trunk control assume an abnormal sitting posture. This posture is characterized by a long, "C"-shaped kyphotic thoracolumbar spine, an extended cervical spine, a flattened lumbar spine, and a posteriorly tilted pelvis. If lateral trunk deformities are present, trunk imbalance and pelvic deformities in the coronal (frontal) plane can exist. This study has investigated the spinal/pelvic postural alignment of a limited sample of seated spinal cord-injured people and compared the results to a similar sample of able-bodied individuals seated in the same standardized positions. The results suggests that there are distinct differences in the spinal/pelvic alignment between the two study groups. These differences and the movements that take place in the pelvic structures during active wheelchair sitting have implications relative to pressure sore prevention and postural management.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1988

Mechanical and anatomic hip flexion angles on seating children with cerebral palsy.

This study measured anatomic hip flexion angles (AHFAs) at specific and known mechanical hip flexion angles (MHFAs) (ie, seat-to-back angles) in order to determine the relationship between the two in the seated position. Six able-bodied children and 12 children with cerebral palsy were placed in eight different MHFA positions while AHFA was simultaneously measured. It was found that, although related, the hip flexion angle and the angle between the backrest and seat surface are not equal in most seated positions. The difference between AHFA and MHFA was greater in the children with cerebral palsy than in the able-bodied. The hip flexion angle of the child in the seated position should not be described as the angle between the backrest and seat surface or the angle of inclination of the backrest.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1976

Mobility aids for the paraplegic child.

Paraplegic children derive many benefits from upright bracing during their growing years. Physiological advantages include the prevention of joint contractures, decreased osteoporosis, prevention of urinary tract infections, increased cardiopulmonary tolerance, and the development of trunk and head control. The quality of life is enhanced because the child has increased self-esteem and participates in group activities with greater independence. Two new devices, the stand-up wheelchair and the shuttlebug, have been employed with success in the Winnipeg Child Paraplegic Program.

Braces↗
PubMed1976

Electromyographic temporal analysis of gait: normal human locomotion.

The telemetered electromyographic (EMG) activity of pretibial muscles (tibialis anterior), triceps surae (lateral gastrocnemius), medial hamstring group and quadriceps (vastus lateralis) of 20 normal subjects was examined during locomotion. The ages of the subjects ranged from 8 to 72 years (mean, 37 years). A microswitch shoe was used to correlate the EMG activity with eight specific components of the gait cycle. Tibialis anterior showed two peaks of activity, the first at the swing-stance transition, the second at the stance-swing transition. Gastrocnemius showed a single peak of activity recorded during push-off. The medial hamstring showed its greatest activity during deceleration in the swing phase. Vastus lateralis demonstrated peak activity at the transition from swing to stance. The mean cadence was 106 steps per minute. Swing phase occupied 39.6% and stance phase 60.4% of the gait cycle.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Special devices as aids in the management of child self-mutilation in the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

The Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a rare inborn error of purine metabolism associated with hyperuricacidemia, mental retardation, and an insatiable urge for self-mutilation, especially of the extremities. Insensitivity to pain and severe muscle spasms create very difficult management problems, especially for children being cared for at home. Fortunately this syndrome is rare (1 per 380,000 live births). Four known patients are under treatment in Manitoba, of which two brothers are the subject of this study. In general, the medical management of these patients has been unsuccessful, especially in controlling self-mutilation. It therefore was decided to manage these children by the use of mechanical aids. Through the utilization of custom-designed seating devices control of the self-mutilation has been obtained, reducing the burden of family care. It is now possible for the children to attend regular school on a half-day basis. They are also able to engage in community activities without the fear that a mishap will occur when not under the vigilance of the immediate family.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

A voluntarily controlled electrohydraulic above-knee prosthesis.

Most above-knee amputees to date are using prostheses employing either constant friction or some type of programed hydraulic damping which the wearer has no control over and which limits his gait speeds. A new system was designed and tested in which voluntary control of a lower-limb prosthesis is derived from the EMG signals of residual thigh muscles in the stump. These signals, after suitable conditioning, open or close solenoid valves, which form a closed hydraulic loop around the damping cylinder in the knee joint. Thus, the amputee is able to voluntarily vary the resistance to knee flexion, from free swing to full lock, by operating valves controlling the resistance to flow around a hydraulic cylinder. The main advantages of this system are a variable and more aesthetic gait, stability over uneven terrain, and because the lock prevents only knee flexion, the amputee can rise on his prosthesis and so use a passive appendage as an active element of his skeleton. The results of this project demonstrate that the concept of an EMG voluntarily controlled hydraulic prosthesis is viable; however, continuing effort is required to make this system lighter, more compact, and cosmetically acceptable.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1974

The role of special devices in the management of the handicapped child.

With continued improvements in neonatal care many infants with severe neuromuscular disease are now being salvaged. To achieve independence in ambulation as well as in activities of daily living, such children often require considerable assistance from many allied disciplines. Because each handicapped child is unique in his particular requirements, specially designed and manufactured aids are often indicated. A multidiscipline Special Devices Clinic has been established to fulfil this need.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1973

The vacuum splint: an aid in emergency splinting of fractures.

The vacuum splint has been shown to be a simple, safe and effective method of emergency splinting of fractured extremities. The splint is simply constructed from clear vinyl sheeting and contains 2-mm. expanded polystyrene balls. Evacuation of air causes the splint to become rigid, thereby providing stability and immobilization of the limb. The splint is radiolucent, containing no obstructive metal components that would interfere with the radiographic appearance of the injured limb. The ease of application of this splint makes it especially effective for the emergency splinting of fractures in children.

Arm Injuries↗