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Biomedical subjects

D A Winter

Publications and source records attributed to D A Winter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Detection of motor unit action potentials with surface electrodes: influence of electrode size and spacing.

A model of the motor unit action potential was developed to investigate the amplitude and frequency spectrum contributions of motor units, located at various depths within muscle, to the surface detected electromyographic (EMG) signal. A dipole representation of the transmembrane current in a three-dimensional muscle volume was used to estimate detected individual muscle fiber action potentials. The effects of anisotropic muscle conductance, innervation zone location, propagation velocity, fiber length, electrode area, and electrode configuration were included in the fiber action potential model. A motor unit action potential was assumed to be the sum of the individual muscle fiber action potentials. A computational procedure, based on the notion of isopotential layers, was developed which substantially reduced the calculation time required to estimate motor unit action potentials. The simulations indicated that: 1) only those motor units with muscle fibers located within 10-12 mm of the electrodes would contribute significant signal energy to the surface EMG, 2) variation in surface area of electrodes has little effect on the detection depth of motor unit action potentials, 3) increased interelectrode spacing moderately increases detection depth, and 4) the frequency content of action potentials decreases steeply with increased electrode-motor unit territory distance.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1992

Foot trajectory in human gait: a precise and multifactorial motor control task.

The trajectory of the heel and toe during the swing phase of human gait were analyzed on young adults. The magnitude and variability of minimum toe clearance and heel-contact velocity were documented on 10 repeat walking trials on 11 subjects. The energetics that controlled step length resulted from a separate study of 55 walking trials conducted on subjects walking at slow, natural, and fast cadences. A sensitivity analysis of the toe clearance and heel-contact velocity measures revealed the individual changes at each joint in the link-segment chain that could be responsible for changes in those measures. Toe clearance was very small (1.29 cm) and had low variability (about 4 mm). Heel-contact velocity was negligible vertically and small (0.87 m/s) horizontally. Six joints in the link-segment chain could, with very small changes (+/- 0.86 degrees - +/- 3.3 degrees), independently account for toe clearance variability. Only one muscle group in the chain (swing-phase hamstring muscles) could be responsible for altering the heel-contact velocity prior to heel contact. Four mechanical power phases in gait (ankle push-off, hip pull-off, knee extensor eccentric power at push-off, and knee flexor eccentric power prior to heel contact) could alter step length and cadence. These analyses demonstrate that the safe trajectory of the foot during swing is a precise endpoint control task that is under the multisegment motor control of both the stance and swing limbs.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Talocrural and talocalcaneal joint kinematics and kinetics during the stance phase of walking.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the kinematics and kinetics of the joints between the leg and calcaneus during the stance phase of walking. The talocrural and talocalcaneal joints were each assumed to act as monocentric single degree of freedom hinge joints. Motion at one joint was defined by the relative rotation of a point on the opposing joint. The results, based upon the gait of three subjects, showed that the hinge joint assumption may be reasonable. A discrepancy in the kinematics was shown between the talocrural joint rotation and its commonly assumed sagittal plane representation, especially during initial flatfoot. This discrepancy is due to the fact that the sagittal plane rotation is created by the combined rotations of the talocrural and talocalcaneal joints. The talocalcaneal joint showed a peak 25-30 Nm supinatory moment at 80% of stance. The talocrural joint moment was qualitatively similar to the commonly measured sagittal plane moment, but the present results show that the sagittal plane moment overpredicted the true moment by 6-22% due to the two-dimensional assumption.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

A comparison of three muscle pennation assumptions and their effect on isometric and isotonic force.

Three different pennation angle assumptions are compared to experimental data from Huijing and Woittiez (Neth. J. Zool. 34, 21-32, 1984) that relate fibre length to angle of pennation changes. The assumptions tested are: (1) neglecting pennation; (2) assuming a fixed pennation; and (3) assuming a constant muscle volume and thickness resulting in pennation angle being dependent on fibre length. Each assumption is compared by transforming fibre force/length and force/velocity characteristics to muscle properties. In general, the fixed pennation assumption provides the worst estimate of muscle force output with a peak error of 0.31 Fo during isometric contractions at small muscle lengths. A better estimate of muscle force output was provided by neglecting pennation entirely. The assumption that the pennation angle changed with fibre length maintained an error of less than 0.05 Fo for most lengths and velocities tested and provided the best estimate of muscle force output.

Elasticity↗
PubMed1991

Time domain analysis of oxygen uptake during pseudorandom binary sequence exercise tests.

Pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) exercise tests involve repeated switching between two work rates (WR) according to a computer-generated pattern. This paper presents an approach to analysis of O2 uptake (VO2) in the time domain. First, the autocorrelation function (ACF) of the input WR was recognized to be a triangular-shaped pulse that can be taken to be equivalent to a ramp increase followed by a ramp decrease in WR. Then the cross-correlation function of the input (WR) and the output (VO2) was treated as if it were the response to a triangular-shaped pulse. The cross-correlation function was analyzed by fitting a linear summation of the ramp form of a two-component exponential function to this triangular pulse. VO2 responses of eight subjects were obtained from two different PRBS tests, as well as step changes in WR. The first PRBS test consisted of 15 units, each 30 s in duration. Its ACF had a base width of 60 s. The ramp increase-ramp decrease model fit the data throughout the range of response. The second PRBS test had 63 units, each 5 s in duration; thus its ACF base width was 10 s. Again, the ramp model fit adequately. The data from the second PRBS test could be fit by the impulse form of the two-component exponential equation, although the fit in the first 30 s tended to be poorer. The time constants of VO2 dynamics estimated from step and PRBS tests were not significantly different. PRBS tests can be analyzed in the time domain, and the indicators of system dynamics reflect physiological properties similar to those investigated during step changes in WR.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Postural dynamics in the standing human.

The purpose of this study was to develop a mathematical model of the linkage dynamics in upright standing, and to use this model to study output principles for postural control. The standing human was modelled in the sagittal plane as a three-segment linkage. Mechanical disturbances were simulated as forces which could be applied at various points in this linkage. An iterative approach was used to find joint torque combinations which would restore balance within 80 ms of these mechanical disturbances. The model predicted that a specific proportional relationship was necessary between the hip, knee and ankle torques in order for balance to be restored. This proportional relationship was shown to be a function of the model structure, but independent of the location, direction and amplitude of the disturbance. These predictions were tested experimentally. A disturbance apparatus was designed to apply an impulsive force to the subjects. The joint torque responses of the subjects were in quantitative agreement with the predictions of the model. The results suggest that a fixed relationship between joint torques may be required to restore balance, and this fixed relationship may make the task of postural control simpler for the nervous system.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed1990

Postural dynamics of walking in humans.

The dynamics of postural control in human biped locomotion were studied using (1) a model, and (2) experimentally applied impulsive force disturbances. The model was planar, and contained five rigid segments, articulating at frictionless pin joints. The model was used to identify joint torque combinations which would successfully correct for an impulsive force disturbance applied at different points in the walking cycle. The simulation results suggested that (1) early responses (within 80 ms) can be effective in compensating for impulsive disturbances, (2) the same strategies which successfully counteract similar disturbances during quiet standing are also effective in certain phases of the walking cycle, (3) modifications in the response strategies are needed to accommodate differences in the dynamics over the stride cycle, and (4) the swing leg is ineffective in compensating for disturbances in the short term. These model predictions were tested experimentally. Subject responses to an impulsive force disturbance applied during walking were studied. The electromyographic results generally support the model predictions.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed1990

Fetal uterine position affects copulation and scent marking by adult male gerbils.

Those male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) that as fetuses resided in uterine locations adjacent to no females, when adult, scent marked more frequently, mounted estrous females with shorter latencies, and ejaculated after fewer intromissions than did those male gerbils that as fetuses resided in uterine locations adjacent to two females. Both the scent-marking frequencies and copulatory patterns of adult males were positively correlated with three indices of their circulating levels of testosterone: ventral gland size, anogenital distance, and relative testes weights. Also, those males that scent marked relatively frequently copulated more reliably than did those males that scent marked relatively infrequently.

Androgens↗
PubMed1990

Biomechanical walking pattern changes in the fit and healthy elderly.

A descriptive study of the biomechanical variables of the walking patterns of the fit and healthy elderly compared with those of young adults revealed several significant differences. The walking patterns of 15 elderly subjects, selected for their active life style and screened for any gait- or balance-related pathological conditions, were analyzed. Kinematic and kinetic data for a minimum of 10 repeat walking trials were collected using a video digitizing system and a force platform. Basic kinematic analyses and an inverse dynamics model yielded data based on the following variables: temporal and cadence measures, heal and toe trajectories, joint kinematics, joint moments of force, and joint mechanical power generation and absorption. Significant differences between these elderly subjects and a database of young adults revealed the following: the same cadence but a shorter step length, an increased double-support stance period, decreased push-off power, a more flat-footed landing, and a reduction in their "index of dynamic balance." All of these differences, except reduction in index of dynamic balance, indicate adaptation by the elderly toward a safer, more stable gait pattern. The reduction in index of dynamic balance suggests deterioration in the efficiency of the balance control system during gait. Because of these significant differences attributable to age alone, it is apparent that a separate gait database is needed in order to pinpoint falling disorders of the elderly.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Investigation of VO2 kinetics in humans with pseudorandom binary sequence work rate change.

The dynamic response of oxygen uptake (VO2) was investigated with two different cycle ergometer tests in which the work rate changed as a pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS). One sequence had 15 units, each of 30-s duration for a total of 450 s (PRBS1). The second had 63 units, each of 5-s duration for a total of 315 s (PRBS2). The useful range of frequencies available for investigation of the dynamic characteristics of the VO2 response as described by their bandwidth were 0.002-0.013 Hz for PRBS1 and 0.003-0.089 Hz for PRBS2. Eight subjects each completed both PRBS tests. Data from four or five consecutive sequences were ensemble averaged to reduce the biological noise. A Fourier analysis was then conducted, with the range of frequencies investigated spanning those of the bandwidth for PRBS2. This was up to the 28th harmonic. For PRBS1, the VO2 response could be adequately reconstructed by including Fourier coefficients only up to the 5th harmonic. In contrast, for PRBS2, there was still a clear pattern in the residuals at the 5th harmonic. The data were not adequately reconstructed until higher-frequency components up to the 28th harmonic were included. Evidence for this came from analysis of the mean square error. The mean square error at the 28th harmonic was reduced to 83 +/- 8% of the mean square error at the 5th harmonic for PRBS1 and to 31 +/- 3% for PRBS2 (P less than 0.0001). These data obtained by Fourier analysis and reconstructed for comparison with the original VO2 response indicate the presence of a high-frequency component that was not apparent when a test with a smaller bandwidth was used as the work rate forcing.

Exercise↗
PubMed1990

Interferon and 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase activities in serum and blood mononuclear leukocytes of cattle after injection of bovine interferon-alpha 1.

Cell extracts that were prepared from blood mononuclear leukocytes from 66 samples obtained from 6 clinically normal calves contained mean 2',5'-oligoadenylate (2',5'-oligo[A]) synthetase activity sufficient to synthesize 186 +/- 82 pmol of 2',5'-oligo(A)/h/10(6) cells. Calves had no measurable serum interferon (IFN) activity. Five calves were given IM injections of 10(4), 10(5), 5 x 10(5), 10(6), and 10(7) U of bovine IFN-alpha 1/kg of body weight at 2-week intervals. Five dosing sequences were used with a 5 x 5 Latin square design so that each calf received each dose once. Activity of 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase increased at 24 hours in response to all dosages of IFN and then declined following first-order kinetics, with an apparent half-life (t1/2) of 2.1 +/- 0.5 days. The area under the concentration-time curve for 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase increased with dose of IFN more rapidly than did peak response. Serum IFN that was measured at 1-day intervals following administration of IFN was consistently measurable only at dosages above 10(6) U of IFN/kg. The t1/2 for circulating IFN was 12.4 +/- 1.0 hours. Over all dosages, increases in 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase activity were measurable for 3.5 days longer than were increases in IFN following IM injection of IFN. None of the calves developed detectable anti-IFN antibodies.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗
PubMed1990

Assessment of balance control in humans.

Balance and posture of the body is essential to most human locomotion. Because humans are bipeds with about 2/3 of their mass located 2/3 of body height from the ground the control system is critical. In the elderly balance control degenerates. Falls represent a major health problem and the fear of falls is the major deterrent to daily mobility. Many measures have evolved to assess balance, varying from crude balance tasks to sophisticated perturbations. This paper summarizes the balance control task as it relates to standing and walking and details current assessment techniques and equipment. Additional information is provided by the authors to demonstrate from an electromyographical and biomechanical perspective the mechanisms and characteristics of the postural control system in both standing and walking.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1990

Internal forces of chronic running injury sites.

A model of the lower extremity was created and analyzed to estimate the magnitude of the loads at common injury sites during running and the proportions due to muscle and ground reaction forces. The range of peak loads, normalized to subject body weight (BW), estimated from five running trials were: (1) Achilles tendon force: 6.1-8.2 BW; (2) ankle bone-on-bone--compressive force: 10.3-14.1 BW; shear force: -0.4- -0.7 BW; (3) lower leg--compressive force: 10.3-14.1 BW; shear force: -0.4- -0.7 BW; bending moment: -85- -117 N.m; (4) patellar tendon force: 4.7-6.9 BW; (5) patello-femoral joint compressive force: 7.0-11.1 BW; (6) plantar fascia force: 1.3-2.9 BW. All peak loads were associated with mid-stance and push-off when muscle activity was maximal. The impact force at heel contact was estimated to have no effect on the peak force seen at the chronic injury sites. The plantarflexor muscles were shown to provide an anti-shear mechanism at the ankle and an anti-shear, anti-bending mechanism within the lower leg. Simple sensitivity analyses were performed on the models to display possible variability in the peak load estimates.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1989

Bilateral electromyographical analysis of the lower limbs during walking in normal adults.

Electromyographic (EMG) data were collected simultaneously from multiple muscles of both legs. EMG signals were normalized using the mean signal obtained by applying the same hanging weight (isometric torque) to each muscle in a muscle pair. Comparative analyses between sides were carried out for individual subjects as well as for 10 subjects grouped by dominance (all dominant side data averaged and compared with averaged non-dominant side data). We concluded the following: (1) the assumption of symmetry is not valid for individual subjects, (2) there is some evidence to suggest that the plantar-flexor EMG is related to dominance, and (3) pooled subject data conceal bilateral differences in individual subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Performance assessment of the Terry Fox jogging prosthesis for above-knee amputees.

The Terry Fox jogging (TFJ) prosthesis was developed at Chedoke-McMaster Hospital to alleviate the asymmetric jogging pattern experienced by above-knee amputees when attempting to jog with conventional walking prostheses. This prosthesis features a spring-loaded, telescoping shank designed to eliminate any vaulting action and control the trunk motion during stance. The spring is intended to attenuate the impact forces and release its stored energy at push-off to provide momentum transfer to the jogger. This prosthesis was comprehensively assessed in the gait laboratory, by evaluating the kinematics, energy and power flow patterns of an above-knee amputee jogger wearing the TFJ prosthesis. Included in the assessment is the ability of the prosthesis to satisfy a set of relevant design criteria that have been established from non-amputee jogging patterns. An increased swing phase time for the prosthetic limb and the need to have the knee hyperextended throughout the stance phase contributed to an asymmetric jogging style. The telescoping action did lower the amputee's centre of mass, thereby reducing the vaulting effect. However, the spring only imparted a lifting action to the jogger and the ground reaction forces were double those of a non-amputee jogger. These findings clearly indicate a need to redesign the TFJ prosthesis and are being incorporated in the design of a new physiological jogging prosthesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

A three-dimensional musculoskeletal model for gait analysis. Anatomical variability estimates.

Three-dimensional coordinates defining the origin and insertion of 40 muscle units, and bony landmarks for osteometric scaling were identified on dry bone specimens. Interspecimen coordinate differences along the anterior-posterior axis of the pelvis and the long bone axes of the pelvis, femur and leg were reduced by scaling but landmark differences along the other axes were not. The coordinates were mapped to living subjects using close-range photogrammetry to locate superficial reference markers. The error of predicting the positions of internal coordinates was assessed by comparing joint centre locations calculated from local axes defining the orientation of segments superior and inferior to a joint. A difference was attributed to: anatomical variability not accounted for by scaling; errors in identifying and placing reference landmarks; the accuracy of locating markers using photogrammetry and error introduced by marker oscillation during movement. Anatomical differences between specimens are one source of error in defining a musculoskeletal model but larger errors are introduced when such models are mapped to living subjects.

Anthropometry↗