Tensegrity Principle Research Articles

Tensegrity and manual therapy practice: a qualitative study

BackgroundTensegrity has been proposed as a unifying mechanism between structures at cellular, connective tissue and whole body level. Originating in the fields of sculpture and architecture, tensegrity has recently received increasing attention from practitioners and researchers of manual therapy. Notwithstanding this, evidence regarding the role of the tensegrity principle to manual therapy practice is lacking. ObjectiveThis qualitative study explored the conception of tensegrity amongst manual therapy practitioners and how knowledge of the physical principle of tensegrity may influence manual therapy practitioners' clinical decision-making. MethodsEight semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from manual therapy, fascia research and/or manual therapy education fields, and analysed using grounded theory methods. ResultsData from this study indicates that tensegrity may inform clinical decision-making in manual therapy. A theory has been constructed that may help to explain aspects of manual therapy practitioners' approaches to tensegrity. Four such approaches to tensegrity were identified and elaborated on. ConclusionThis study suggests that apart from being of importance as a scientific model in the fields of architecture, engineering and biology, tensegrity may also be useful to the practice of manual therapy. Here, tensegrity may serve as a theoretical underpinning of previously conceived clinical models and subjective clinical experience, and may also inform decision-making processes by providing a biomechanical model of the human body.

The interphase mammalian chromosome as a structural system based on tensegrity

Each mammalian chromosome is constituted by a DNA fiber of macroscopic length that needs to be fitted in a microscopic nucleus. The DNA fiber is subjected at physiological temperature to random thermal bending and looping that must be constrained so as achieve structural stability thus avoiding spontaneous rupturing of the fiber. Standard textbooks assume that chromatin proteins are primarily responsible for the packaging of DNA and so of its protection against spontaneous breakage. Yet the dynamic nature of the interactions between chromatin proteins and DNA is unlikely to provide the necessary long-term structural stability for the chromosomal DNA. On the other hand, longstanding evidence indicates that stable interactions between DNA and constituents of a nuclear compartment commonly known as the nuclear matrix organize the chromosomal DNA as a series of topologically constrained, supercoiled loops during interphase. This results in a primary level of DNA condensation and packaging within the nucleus, as well as in protection against spontaneous DNA breakage, independently of chromatin proteins which nevertheless increase and dynamically modulate the degree of DNA packaging and its role in the regulation of DNA function. Thus current evidence, presented hereunder, supports a model for the organization of the interphase chromosome as resilient system that satisfies the principles of structural tensegrity.

Kinetic Structures of Cyclic Knots and Links as further Development of Tensegrity Principle

The paper explores knots and links of resilient filaments and their connection with tensegrity structures. “Classical” tensegrity of compressed struts and stretched tendons derives from basic principle of woven structures and X modules, which correspond with contacting crossings of resilient knots and links.Vertical and horizontal bending of X modules and joining together their free ends make it possible to substitute tensegrity systems of separated compressed and stretched elements with a complex resilient bended structures with pure compression in the contact points of their crossings. Such structures topologically equivalent to complicated cyclic knots and links and can transform in space taking on the shapes of different surfaces.

The effectiveness of massage based on the tensegrity principle compared with classical abdominal massage performed on patients with constipation

Purpose of the researchThe purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of massage based on the tensegrity principle and classical abdominal massage performed on patients with constipation. Materials and methodsThe study group consisted of 29 subjects with a pre-existing diagnosis of constipation based on the Rome III criteria. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group was made up of 15 patients who underwent tensegrity massage (average age: 59.8 years), and the second was made up of 14 patients who were given classical abdominal massage (average age: 55.7 years). The study consisted of six massage sessions in both groups, with two sessions per week performed over 21 days. The assessment was based on a patient questionnaire, the Rome III questionnaire and a diary of bowel movements. The results were analyzed before therapy, after one week of therapy and after the third (final) week of therapy. ResultsChanges in the number of defecations were compared between the two groups; the biggest changes occurred in the first and third week of therapy (P<0.01, calculated by the Mann–Whitey test). As a result of the therapy, tension during defecation dropped from 60% to 20% in Group I, and from 42.8% to 35.7% in Group II. The influence of the applied therapy was evaluated positively by 80% of the tensegrity massage group and 29% of the classical abdominal massage group. ConclusionsMassage based on the tensegrity principle may have a greater positive influence on the quality and quantity of bowel movements than classical abdominal massage.

Evaluation of sustainability and energy optimization of existing buildings: the development of new technologies for Zero Energy buildings

The aim of this research is to exploit the structural paradigm “tensegrity” at the level of secondary structures, in order to respond to the natural environment by changing their mechanical and HVAC properties. According to standards of European and Italian Laws, rating systems LEED and operating principles of tensegrity, technological, functional and prestational parameters are defined in order to design innovative Smart Facade System. A tensegrity plate – designed for a particular study case - will be developed, assembled and tested by different dynamic simulation programs to evaluate potentially the effects of applying this envelope technology.

Design of an Experimental Tensegrity Pedestrian Bridge

This paper presents the design of an experimental tensegrity pedestrian bridge. The structure is designed as a permanent three-span bridge with spans of 105 m. The bridge has two entrance ramps, three ground supports and one water support. The main structure of the bridge is designed as a light transparent structure based on the tensegrity principle using membranes.

Mechanical forces as information: an integrated approach to plant and animal development.

Mechanical forces such as tension and compression act throughout growth and development of multicellular organisms. These forces not only affect the size and shape of the cells and tissues but are capable of modifying the expression of genes and the localization of molecular components within the cell, in the plasma membrane, and in the plant cell wall. The magnitude and direction of these physical forces change with cellular and tissue properties such as elasticity. Thus, mechanical forces and the mesoscopic fields that emerge from their local action constitute important sources of positional information. Moreover, physical and biochemical processes interact in non-linear ways during tissue and organ growth in plants and animals. In this review we discuss how such mechanical forces are generated, transmitted, and sensed in these two lineages of multicellular organisms to yield long-range positional information. In order to do so we first outline a potentially common basis for studying patterning and mechanosensing that relies on the structural principle of tensegrity, and discuss how tensegral structures might arise in plants and animals. We then provide some examples of morphogenesis in which mechanical forces appear to act as positional information during development, offering a possible explanation for ubiquitous processes, such as the formation of periodic structures. Such examples, we argue, can be interpreted in terms of tensegral phenomena. Finally, we discuss the hypothesis of mechanically isotropic points as a potentially generic mechanism for the localization and maintenance of stem-cell niches in multicellular organisms. This comparative approach aims to help uncovering generic mechanisms of morphogenesis and thus reach a better understanding of the evolution and development of multicellular phenotypes, focusing on the role of physical forces in these processes.

Biotensegrity of the Extracellular Matrix: Physiology, Dynamic Mechanical Balance, and Implications in Oncology and Mechanotherapy

Cells have the capacity to convert mechanical stimuli into chemical changes. This process is based on the tensegrity principle, a mechanism of tensional integrity. To date, this principle has been demonstrated to act in physiological processes such as mechanotransduction and mechanosensing at different scales (from cell sensing through integrins to molecular mechanical interventions or even localized massage). The process involves intra- and extracellular components, including the participation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and microtubules that act as compression structures, and actin filaments which act as tension structures. The nucleus itself has its own tensegrity system which is implicated in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Despite present advances, only the tip of the iceberg has so far been uncovered regarding the role of ECM compounds in influencing biotensegrity in pathological processes. Groups of cells, together with the surrounding ground substance, are subject to different and specific forces that certainly influence biological processes. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the role of ECM elements in determining biotensegrity in malignant processes and describe their implication in therapeutic response, resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, and subsequent tumor progression. Original data based on the study of neuroblastic tumors will be provided.

Comparison of Massage Based on the Tensegrity Principle and Classic Massage in Treating Chronic Shoulder Pain

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of classic massage to massage based on the tensegrity principle for patients with chronic idiopathic shoulder pain. MethodsThirty subjects with chronic shoulder pain symptoms were divided into 2 groups, 15 subjects received classic (Swedish) massage to tissues surrounding the glenohumeral joint and 15 subjects received the massage using techniques based on the tensegrity principle. The tensegrity principle is based on directing treatment to the painful area and the tissues (muscles, fascia, and ligaments) that structurally support the painful area, thus treating tissues that have direct and indirect influence on the motion segment. Both treatment groups received 10 sessions over 2 weeks, each session lasted 20 minutes. The McGill Pain Questionnaire and glenohumeral ranges of motion were measured immediately before the first massage session, on the day the therapy ended 2 weeks after therapy started, and 1 month after the last massage. ResultsSubjects receiving massage based on the tensegrity principle demonstrated statistically significance improvement in the passive and active ranges of flexion and abduction of the glenohumeral joint. Pain decreased in both massage groups. ConclusionsThis study showed increases in passive and active ranges of motion for flexion and abduction in patients who had massage based on the tensegrity principle. For pain outcomes, both classic and tensegrity massage groups demonstrated improvement.

Biotensegrity: A Unifying Theory of Biological Architecture With Applications to Osteopathic Practice, Education, and Research—A Review and Analysis

Since its inception, osteopathic medicine has sought to identify the mechanical causes of disease and to understand the body's structure-function relationship. Research conducted during the past 25 years has demonstrated that the architectural principles of tensegrity can be applied to biological organisms (termed biotensegrity) and that these principles can demonstrate the mechanical structure-function relationship at all size scales in the human body. Further, biotensegrity at the cellular level allows the cell to mechanically sense its environment and convert mechanical signals into biochemical changes. When applied to the principles of osteopathic medicine, biotensegrity provides a conceptual understanding of the hierarchical organization of the human body and explains the body's ability to adapt to change. Further, biotensegrity explains how mechanical forces applied during osteopathic manipulative treatment could lead to effects at the cellular level, providing a platform for future research on the mechanisms of action of osteopathic manipulative treatment.

Innovative Families of Double-Layer Tensegrity Grids: Quastruts and Sixstruts

AbstractDouble-layer tensegrity grids (DLTGs) are spatial reticulated systems based on tensegrity principles, which have been studied in detail over recent years. The most important investigations have been carried out focusing on a short list of tensegrity grids. This paper explains, using real examples, how to use Rot-Umbela manipulations, a unique technique developed for generating innovative typologies of tensegrity structures. It is applied to two already existing tensegrity grids to obtain two new DLTGs. Their analysis permits us to identify, inside these novel grids, the modules that compose them, which were unknown until now. A brief description of these components and some information about their static analysis, for example states of self-stress and internal mechanisms, is provided. These novel modules belong to a family, all of them with similar characteristics in terms of geometry and topology, and can be used to generate a wide catalog of DLTGs. Some examples of new grids are presented, descr...

Is there any coexistence of sacroiliac joints dysfunction with dysfunctions of occipito-atlanto-axial complex? Part II: The biomechanical aspect

Abstract Introduction As the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) join two kinematic chains, the pelvis and the vertebral column, their functional disorders cause secondary changes in the musculoskeletal system. Other reasons concerning a connection between its distant parts are tensegrity principles that govern tension distribution in tendons, muscles, fasciae and ligaments. Our hypothesis was that due to a biomechanical connection between SIJ and cervico-cephalic joints (CCJ), dysfunctions in the SIJ can determine dysfunctions in the CCJ. Aim The aim of this study was to assess various types of SIJ dysfunctions (ilio-sacral and sacro-iliac) and their possible coexistence with CCJ dysfunctions. Materials and methods The study group comprised 80 patients with low back pain, 40 of whom were diagnosed with SIJ dysfunctions. The examination of the suboccipital region by Kaltenborn and Evjenth was conducted by a researcher who was unaware of the results of the pelvis examination. StatGraphics Centurion XV was employed for data analysis. Results and discussion CCJ dysfunctions were detected in almost all subjects. There was a statistically significant difference in mobility and in gliding of the C0–C1 segment between both groups. The restricted mobility on the left side of the C0–C1 segment was statistically significant. The detected abnormal stability on the right side of the C1 motion segment in the study group did not correlate with the side of the SIJ dysfunction. Conclusions There was no dominant dysfunction of the SIJ. The prevalence of dysfunctions of the upper cervical motion segments was high in the study group. There was a tendency towards larger numbers of dysfunctions concerning the right CCJ than the left one observed in patients with SIJ dysfunctions.

Clinical, Biomechanical, and Physiological Translational Interpretations of Human Resting Myofascial Tone or Tension

Myofascial tissues generate integrated webs and networks of passive and active tensional forces that provide stabilizing support and that control movement in the body. Passive [central nervous system (CNS)-independent] resting myofascial tension is present in the body and provides a low-level stabilizing component to help maintain balanced postures. This property was recently called "human resting myofascial tone" (HRMT). The HRMT model evolved from electromyography (EMG) research in the 1950s that showed lumbar muscles usually to be EMG-silent in relaxed gravity-neutral upright postures. Biomechanical, clinical, and physiological studies were reviewed to interpret the passive stiffness properties of HRMT that help to stabilize various relaxed functions such as quiet balanced standing. Biomechanical analyses and experimental studies of the lumbar multifidus were reviewed to interpret its passive stiffness properties. The lumbar multifidus was illustrated as the major core stabilizing muscle of the spine, serving an important passive biomechanical role in the body. Research into muscle physiology suggests that passive resting tension (CNS-independent) is generated in sarcomeres by the molecular elasticity of low-level cycling cross-bridges between the actomyosin filaments. In turn, tension is complexly transmitted to intimately enveloping fascial matrix fibrils and other molecular elements in connective tissue, which, collectively, constitute the myofascial unit. Postural myofascial tonus varies with age and sex. Also, individuals in the population are proposed to vary in a polymorphism of postural HRMT. A few people are expected to have outlier degrees of innate postural hypotonicity or hypertonicity. Such biomechanical variations likely predispose to greater risk of related musculoskeletal disorders, a situation that deserves greater attention in clinical practice and research. Axial myofascial hypertonicity was hypothesized to predispose to ankylosing spondylitis. This often-progressive deforming condition of vertebrae and sacroiliac joints is characterized by stiffness features and particular localization of bony lesions at entheseal sites. Such unique features imply concentrations and transmissions of excessive force, leading to tissue micro-injury and maladaptive repair reactions. The HRMT model is now expanded and translated for clinical relevance to therapists. Its passive role in helping to maintain balanced postures is supported by biomechanical principles of myofascial elasticity, tension, stress, stiffness, and tensegrity. Further research is needed to determine the molecular basis of HRMT in sarcomeres, the transmission of tension by the enveloping fascial elements, and the means by which the myofascia helps to maintain efficient passive postural balance in the body. Significant deficiencies or excesses of postural HRMT may predispose to symptomatic or pathologic musculoskeletal disorders whose mechanisms are currently unexplained.

Application of the Tensegrity Principles on Tensile Textile Constructions

The purpose of this document is to study the application of Tensegrity principles on tensile textile constructions, which is one of points of the PhD Thesis that the author is writing under the tutorship of Prof. Josep Ignasi Llorens and Prof. Ramon Sastre, professors at the Polytechnic University of Catalunia. This work studies the basic concept of Tensegrity unit, its classification according a previous researcher (Anthony Pugh) and the author's contribution, focused on new generations of forms. Through the geometry and computer software, another typology and a constructive simple method is developed, bearing in mind, some aspects as important as system pretension to find its balance. The objective principal is to contribute in a particular way to the application of the tensegrity in architectural spaces, in this case sports spaces through a new proposal that generates an external ring in tensegrity with a central dome, free of any interior support, by formfinding a diamond membrane pattern with discontinuous struts in a double layer that find their equilibrium through the tension of the membrane. In the following examples one can observe that traditional tensegrity tendons are replaced by membranes Fig 1, which is the main contribution of this work that finds geometry and its constructive method of the different prototypes with the help of software like AutoCAD and WinTess (a software development by Ramon Sastre), which verifies the structural equilibrium.

Composite profiles and membranes tensegrity panels

ABSTRACT The development of the “non standard” architecture, mainly based on curved surfaces using rigid frames combined with cladding panels, emphasizes on new needs. A lightweight innovative solution has been developed to provide adaptable flat or curved cladding panels fixed on the supporting structure, with thermal insulation and possible prefabrication. The panels are realized with an association of tensile membranes and a woven structure of prestressed composite profiles. They are designed on the principle of tensegrity and provide both properties of flexibility and rigidity. Mechanical studies have been performed to determine the relationships between the panel shape and its initial stresses (“form control” and “force control” strategies) and a FEM analysis allows identifying the behavior in association with experimental testing on a prototype system. In parallel, thermal studies have been initiated to evaluate the performance of this double membrane panel.

Tensegrity-guided self assembly: from molecules to living cells

One of the wonders of life is that all cells undergo continual turnover, and sustain their structure and function through continuous molecular self assembly. However, this dynamic renewal process is commonly viewed from the ‘bottom-up’, by focusing on the properties and interaction functions of individual molecular components. In reality, all cells form from other cells using preexisting structures, such as the cytoskeleton, as orienting scaffolds that guide replication and formation of new cellular components. In this article, we take a ‘top-down’ approach and describe how living cells may use hierarchical tensegrity principles to stabilize the shape and structure of their internal subcomponents at multiple size scales. We also explain how use of this form of architecture that depends on tensional prestress for shape stability could provide a mechanism to focus mechanical forces on the molecular components that comprise these structures, and thereby control their biochemical activities and self assembly behavior in living cells. In this manner, self assembly of load-bearing structures in cells proceeds in particular patterns that precisely match the forces they need to bear. This also explains how cells seamlessly integrate structure and function at all size scales, a process that is fundamental to all living materials.

Protocollo di lavoro in esiti di frattura di polso: dopo approccio chirurgico e in senso conservativo

Treatment indications for wrist fracture are both surgical and conservative. Medical and rehabilitative treatment should be diversified according to fracture type, possible complications and the patient’s clinical history. The protocol for rehabilitation includes active and passive mobilization of the involved joint, recovery of muscular trophism, physical therapy for preventing inflammation and occupational therapy for recovering correct function of the upper limb and the hand in everyday activities. Recovering muscle elasticity and fluidity according to the principle of tensegrity of the muscles themselves may be especially useful.

Conformational flexibility facilitates self-assembly of complex DNA nanostructures

Molecular self-assembly is a promising approach to the preparation of nanostructures. DNA, in particular, shows great potential to be a superb molecular system. Synthetic DNA molecules have been programmed to assemble into a wide range of nanostructures. It is generally believed that rigidities of DNA nanomotifs (tiles) are essential for programmable self-assembly of well defined nanostructures. Recently, we have shown that adequate conformational flexibility could be exploited for assembling 3D objects, including tetrahedra, dodecahedra, and buckyballs, out of DNA three-point star motifs. In the current study, we have integrated tensegrity principle into this concept to assemble well defined, complex nanostructures in both 2D and 3D. A symmetric five-point-star motif (tile) has been designed to assemble into icosahedra or large nanocages depending on the concentration and flexibility of the DNA tiles. In both cases, the DNA tiles exhibit significant flexibilities and undergo substantial conformational changes, either symmetrically bending out of the plane or asymmetrically bending in the plane. In contrast to the complicated natures of the assembled structures, the approach presented here is simple and only requires three different component DNA strands. These results demonstrate that conformational flexibility could be explored to generate complex DNA nanostructures. The basic concept might be further extended to other biomacromolecular systems, such as RNA and proteins.

Tensegrity principle in massage demonstrated by electro- and mechanomyography

Based on a tensegrity principle, direct or indirect connections between fascia or muscles which stretch the aponeurosis or intermuscular septum may allow the transfer of tension over long distances, without loss of muscle force produced during rest and activity. The present study aimed to test an effect of massage on electrical (EMG) and mechanical (MMG) activities of a muscle lying distant, but indirectly connected to, the massaged muscle. Thirty-three healthy men participated in the study. To record the activity of the middle deltoid muscle the brachioradialis was massaged, and for the tensor fasciae latae-the peroneal muscles were massaged. An EMG/MMG hybrid probe was used to detect EMG and MMG signals from the middle deltoid and tensor fasciae latae muscles. The EMG amplitude increased during massage in the tensor fasciae lata only, while the MMG amplitude increased significantly in both muscles. It was concluded that there was an electrical as well as a mechanical response of muscle connected indirectly by structural elements with the muscle being massaged indicating an application for the tensegrity principle in massage therapy. It also has a practical importance, because it provides a means for a physiotherapist to influence adverse muscle tension by massaging another distant muscle.

Functional morphology of Tethya species (Porifera): 2. Three-dimensional morphometrics on spicules and skeleton superstructures of T. minuta

The biomechanics of body contraction in Porifera is almost unknown, although sponge contraction has been observed already in ancient times. Some members of the genus Tethya represent the most contractile poriferan species. All of them show a highly ordered skeleton layout. Based on three main spicule types, functional units are assembled, termed skeleton superstructures here. Using synchrotron radiation based x-ray microtomography and quantitative image analysis with specially developed particle and structure recognition algorithms allowed us to perform spatial allocation and 3D-morphometric characterizations of single spicules and skeleton superstructures in T. minuta. We found and analyzed three skeleton superstructures in the investigated specimen: (1) 85 megasclere bundles, (2) a megaster sphere, composed by 16,646 oxyasters and (3) a pinacoderm–tylaster layer composed by micrasters. All three skeleton superstructures represent composite materials of siliceous spicules and extracellular matrix. From structure recognition we developed an abstracted mathematical model of the bundles and the sphere. In addition, we analyzed the megaster network interrelation topology and found a baso-apical linear symmetry axis for the megaster density inside the sphere. Based on our results, we propose a hypothetical biomechanical contraction model for T. minuta and T. wilhelma, in which the skeleton superstructures restrain physical stress generated by contraction in the tissue. While skeletal structures within the genus Tethya have been explained using R. Buckminster Fullers principle of tensegrity by other authors, we prefer material science based biomechanical approaches, to understand skeletal superstructures by referring to their composite material properties.