Control of Trunk Muscle Synergies to Maintain the Equilibrium and Stability of the Spine

, M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Eskandari Shahrabi, Amir Hossein (Author) ; Parnianpour, Mohammad (Supervisor) ; Asghari, Mohsen (Supervisor)

Abstract

Selection of muscle activation pattern to reach a specific goal by considering the complexities of neuromuscular system and the way it overcomes these complications, are of researchers’ space interest in motor control. One proposed solution for resolving these complexities is the concept of simple module (synergies) that suggests the combination of them leads to more complex activities. In the present work, the existence and arrangement of synergies in the lumbar spine have been studied. For this purpose, a model with 18- muscles at level of L4-L5 under utilized in the static condition. In order to obtain the muscular and stability synergies, a biomechanical model predicting muscle...

The Effects of Body Weight on Spinal Loads

, M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Haji Hosseinali, Majid (Author) ; Farahmand, Farzam (Supervisor) ; Narimani, Roya (Co-Advisor)

Abstract

Using biomechanical models is one of the most effective ways to analyze and assessment of spinal loads in occupational and daily activities. In spite of many advances in the spine modeling, personal factors especially body weight are ignored in most studies. Epidemiological studies show that high body weight is a very strong risk factor of low back pain (LBP) and disc degeneration. There are only few studies that evaluate the relationship between spinal loads and body weight. The goal of this study is analyzing the effect of body weight on spinal load. A detailed musculoskeletal model of lumbar spine with 18 degree of freedom and 76 muscles was developed. This model consists of two parts...

Design of a Novel Cable Driven Robotic System for Simulation of in vivo Loading of Cadaveric Lumbar Spine with Robustness-adaptive Controller for in vitro Spine Testing

, M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Bakhshandeh Nejad, Peyman (Author) ; Parnianpour, Mohammad (Supervisor) ; Arjmand, Navid (Supervisor)

Abstract

In this project we plan to propose a mechanism for controlling the profile of vertebra displacment and intera-discal pressure in in-vitro tests. Spineis the one of the most important members of the human musculoskeletal system. Health and stability of the spine help the people to moves on two legs. So any problems with this organ, causing movement problems and pain. For the treatment of spinal diseases, several methods such as surgery, insertion of implants and stabilizing were used. To ensure the accuracy of these methods, laboratory examination is essential. One of the ways to test these interventions, the implementation of in vitro tests on samples obtained from the bodies of the spine....

Effect of Translational Degrees of Freedom of Intervertebral Joints on Prediction of Spinal Load and Muscle Forces in AnyBody Modeling System

, M.Sc. Thesis Sharif University of Technology Nikpour, Hassan (Author) ; Arjmand, Navid (Supervisor) ; Parnianpour, Mohammad (Co-Advisor)

Abstract

Biomechanical models are indispensable tools in predictions of muscle forces and joint loads towards design of prevention and treatment programs. In most of these models intervertebral joints are modeled as hinge joints thus neglecting the existing translational degrees of freedom (DOFs). This simplification can alter the results of the model as changes in model kinematics affect the prediction of the joint and muscle forces. The current study aims to evaluate the likely effect of this simplification on the predictions of the musculoskeletal model of AnyBody Modeling System (AMS) for muscle forces and spinal loads. Clinical application of this study is in assessing the limitation of...