ORCID

0000-0001-5704-7115

Keywords

Musculoskeletal Modeling, Transtibial Amputation, Ankle Foot Orthosis, Sexual Dimorphism, Blood Flow Restriction, Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Models are tools humans use to understand and assess the world around them. The field of biomechanics is one well suited to modeling pursuits. Physiological systems are complex, and modeling may serve as an appropriate method in understanding them. Recently, technologies enabling the collection of biomechanical data have improved greatly and continue to expand. This dissertation serves as an anthology of various attempts to collect and interpret biomechanical data with modeling.

The first study: Electromyographic, ultrasound, and knee torque data was collected from both legs of an individual with a unilateral transtibial amputation. These data were used to generate a model to show the differences in muscle contribution between the affected and intact sides.

The second study: Walking data is collected from four healthy individuals wearing an ankle foot orthosis. Musculoskeletal modeling is used to represent the non-linear ankle torque contributions of the device.

The third study: A generic musculoskeletal model was generated using body segment property data collected from women. This model and a popularly used model which is based primarily on male body segment data were used to represent gait in both two male and two female subjects. Additionally, custom modifications to hip joint center locations were made to both models. The effects of both model sourcing and hip joint center readjustment are assessed.

The fourth study: Multimodal data are collected from six individuals with multiple sclerosis and fourteen controls both before and after a cycling fatigue treatment. This is repeated with and without the application of blood flow restriction during the cycling treatment. The data is analyzed to assess changes in muscular recruitment and coordination.

Each of these studies implement modeling methods to answer fundamental questions about human biomechanics. Each study attempts to strike a balance between implementing practically reproducible methods and delivering meaningful and accurate results.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Choi, Hwan

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0029530

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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