Velcro Straps Research Articles

A Wearable Gait-Analysis Device for Idiopathic Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH) Monitoring.

Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a progressive neurologic disorder (fluid build-up in the brain) that affects 0.2-5% of the UK population aged over 65. Mobility problems, dementia and urinary incontinence are symptoms of iNPH but often these are not properly evaluated, and patients receive the wrong diagnosis. Here, we describe the development and testing of a wearable device that records and analyses a patient's gait. The movement patterns, expressed as quantitative data, allow clinicians to improve the non-invasive diagnosis of iNPH as well as monitor the management of patients undergoing treatment. The wearable sensor system comprises a miniature electronic unit that attaches to one ankle of the patient via a simple Velcro strap. The unit monitors acceleration along three axes with a sample rate of 60 Hz and transmits the data via a Bluetooth communication link to a tablet or smart phone running the Android and the iOS operating systems. The software package extracts statistics based on stride length, stride height, distance walked and speed. Analysis confirmed that the system achieved an average accuracy of at least 98% for gait tests conducted over distances 9 m. Using this device will improve the diagnostic process and management of iNPH and the treatment and management of this condition.

Development of elbow rehabilitation device with iterative learning control and internet of things

In this study, we present a novel approach for rehabilitation devices through the design of an active elbow joint orthosis, inspired by the fundamental principles of robotic exoskeletons. The device not only enables home-based usage but also facilitates the transmission of exercise data from patients to physiotherapists via the Internet of Things (IoT) device. This approach offers the possibility of increased therapy sessions for each patient while allowing physiotherapists access to data for real-time or subsequent analyses, thereby establishing a database. This permits a single physiotherapist to manage multiple patients more effectively. The developed mobile application within this research incorporates a distinct entry interface for both patients and physiotherapists. Maximum force and position values generated during each exercise period are displayed within the application. The device enables active exercise with a single degree of freedom at the elbow joint and is equipped with force sensors to ensure safety against potential high-shear forces. Furthermore, it can be worn on the upper extremity using adjustable Velcro straps to accommodate users with varying arm circumferences. Specifically, this system amalgamates two primary components: a microcontroller operating control algorithms and IoT technology, and a smartphone application containing interfaces for physiotherapists and users undergoing therapy. The control design of the device employs a P-Type Iterative Learning Control (ILC) due to periodic exercise movements, reducing the error norm by approximately 20% during each exercise period (excluding the initial period). The controller consistently diminishes error values with each iteration, ultimately converging to zero. Throughout an exercise lasting around 3 minutes, the average error norm is recorded as 0.229⁰. In essence, this study presents a pioneering approach that sets itself apart from other research by minimizing shear forces and errors through a specialized controller, all while enabling remote, home-based rehabilitation under expert supervision.

Design for Assembly: Wrist Orthosis Design Concepts Proposals

This study investigates the integration of modern engineering techniques, including 3D scanning and additive manufacturing, in the design and production of wrist orthoses. The research aims to enhance orthotic devices by proposing three innovative fastening methods - Velcro straps, screws, and magnets - designed for use with 3D-printed orthoses. The study outlines the entire process from patient hand scanning to the final orthosis creation, emphasizing the precision and customization afforded by these advanced technologies. The proposed designs are intended to improve the comfort, effectiveness, and usability of orthoses for patients with musculoskeletal dysfunctions. The findings demonstrate the potential for significant advancements in personalized medical devices, offering new avenues for rehabilitation and patient care.

PSXI-7 Sensing of Defecation and Urination Events Through Carbon Dioxide Monitoring

Abstract The continued success of livestock production in grazing systems depends on the ability to manage lands sustainably. Non-point-source emissions, particularly defecation/urination events (DUE), are a major cause of soil degradation, runoff into water sources, and nutrient management issues. Monitoring of these emissions from livestock through wearable sensing could support more precision management, but is complicated by the need for individualized sensors, variable signal strength across topographies, and unreliable data transmission in remote locations. The objective of this study was to explore opportunities to use CO2 sensing as an indicator of DUE from cattle on pasture using data obtained from an open-source sensor. The use of tail sensors was implemented to monitor the DUE of horses at various times of the day, ranging from 8 am to 5 pm. The tail sensors were developed using a neoprene base attached to velcro straps that were placed around the tailhead. The sensors themselves were equipped with a SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus microprocessor connected to a SparkFun CO2 sensor and a lithium ion rechargeable battery that was charged via micro USB (SparkFun Electronics, Niwot, CO). Sensors were placed on 4 horses for 6 hours each collection period and data collection occurred over 9 days. Horses were observed in real time and DUE were recorded at the time of occurrence. Data were collected from the sensors via a Dragino LoRa gateway and a mobile hotspot for wireless connection. Data analysis relied on visual data exploration and targeted assessment of associations using random forest regression, support vector machines, and extreme gradient boosting. The visual data exploration revealed that DUE occurred in much lower frequency than non-events, and so random oversampling and undersampling were used for each classification approach to attempt to improve accuracy. Although CO2 peaks often corresponded to DUE, they also frequently occurred in the absence of DUE. All classification algorithms showed poor accuracies (0.50 to 0.51), which were only marginally improved by over- (< 0.51) and undersampling (< 0.69). This preliminary assessment revealed considerable noise in sensing CO2 emissions in production settings, which may preclude usefulness in DUE sensing.

Cycling knee brace design analysis using 3D virtual clothing program to assess clothing pressure distribution and variance

This study analyzed the functional design by investigating the distribution of clothing pressure of cycling knee brace using a three-dimensional virtual clothing program. Based on the average body size of Korean men in their 40 s, clothing pressure in wearing and cycling condition were collected on five knee brace products. According to the results, bonding fabric products had a high possibility of increasing inconvenience, as they had a higher clothing pressure at all measurement points and soared in motion application. It could be adjusted differently depending on the location by mixing materials or using details, so the design with thick pile fabric or velcro strap fastening added more pressure to the lower part of the knee. The length and circumference size also affected the clothing pressure. The design with tight upper and lower circumference pressured excessively the legs and rolled up and clumped together, while the one with loose lower circumference lacked the sufficient strength to support the knees. Also, the design with a curved outline due to the difference in the length of the front and back, increased the clothing pressure on the lower thigh or the upper calf. Therefore, the functional design of cycling knee braces requires comprehensive consideration of material thickness and structure, detailed size of length and circumference, fastening details, to reduce the pressure at the center and top of the knee and to support the lower part with proper pressure, as reflecting the pressure on the body location that come into contact during the motion.

A Bioinspired Robot Growing like Plant Roots

Plants are usually considered static organisms, but they can perform a wide range of movements that can be a source of inspiration for robots. The roots’ growing motion is the most noteworthy since they are excellent diggers that can move in unstructured environments and navigate past barriers. Furthermore, root growth has a high energy efficiency since it penetrates the soil at its tip, adding new material without displacing the already grown portion, minimizing the energy dissipation due to friction and lowering the inertia. A robot inspired by the growth of roots could be used in search and rescue or environmental monitoring. The design of a soft robot inspired by root growth is presented in this article. The robot body consists of a cylindrical plastic membrane folded inside itself. The robot body is inflated, and its tip is everted, expanding its length as air is blown from the base. Velcro straps are placed on the membrane’s exterior surface to keep it folded. The head is positioned inside the tip, which houses the mechanism that controls the growth direction. It consists of housing for two balloons that are selectively inflated, and their expansion applies pressure on the exterior surface, opening the Velcro straps and determining the growth direction. The robot was constructed, and a kinematic model of its motion in the plane was created and compared with experimental data. The error in predicting the turning angle is only 5%, and the resulting predicted position differs on average by 55 mm on a total length of 850 mm.

Coercion in the ambulance setting.

Patients who resist medical assistance can undo the safety straps on the ambulance stretcher. Ambulance personnel have been known to make use of blankets, bandages and Velcro straps to restrain patients in transit. This study aims to establish how often this type of coercion is used. In 2021, approximately 400 ambulance service personnel in the county of Innlandet were invited by email to take part in an online survey about the use of coercion vis-à-vis patients who resist medical assistance. We received 85 responses, and 62 respondents (72.9%) stated that they had used coercion. Of these, 38 (44.7%) had restrained the arms/legs of patients using blankets, bandages or Velcro straps in order to keep them safe while in transit. A total of 36 respondents (42.4%) had observed other personnel travelling in an ambulance without a fastened seatbelt in order to maintain patient safety during transit. The results clearly show that ambulance personnel regularly use coercion when patients who resist their help are transported by ambulance. There is a need to discuss how such ambulance services can be provided in a safe, secure and caring way.

Prescription practices for rigid ankle-foot orthoses among UK orthotists.

The purpose of this study was to investigate rigid ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) prescription practices for adult men among UK orthotists. A cross-sectional study using a survey was distributed online to UK orthotists by the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists to its members and through social media and orthotic networks. The survey was completed between November 1, 2020, and November 29, 2020. Descriptive statistics of survey results include information related to the material used, the thickness of the material, positive cast rectification, AFO reinforcement, footplate design, padding, strapping system, and height of AFO. One hundred participants completed the survey, which equates to a response rate of 30.5% of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists members targeted. A clear consensus emerged on the design of a bespoke rigid AFO for the hypothetical patient in this study, which is detailed as follows: 1) 4.5 mm copolymer polypropylene, 2) no additional reinforcement, 3) full-length footplate with mediolateral trimlines terminating behind the metatarsal heads, 4) 3-point correction with parallel sides, 5) padded VELCRO straps with D-rings at the calf and heel, 6) no forefoot or other additional strapping, 7) 3-mm PORON (international Ltd) padding at the malleoli, and 8) AFO height that finishes 2 cm below the fibular head. This study has highlighted a consensus on AFO prescription/design among UK orthotists surveyed, based on the hypothetical patient described in this study.

Dynamic Muscle Fatigue and Potentiation in Human Plantar Flexors

Activation history can enhance or impair subsequent contractile responses. Following a brief high‐intensity voluntary contraction, the contractile response for the same submaximal input stimulus will be enhanced (post‐activation potentiation; PAP). However, prolonged voluntary activation can impair contractile responses due to neuromuscular fatigue. Because both effects are dependent on immediate prior activation, a co‐existence between these two competing processes is observed. Specifically, submaximal frequencies are enhanced (PAP) while maximal frequencies are simultaneously depressed (fatigue). Due to preferential enhancement of low frequency activation, PAP can mitigate the effects of prolonged low‐frequency force depression (PLFFD), ‐ a long‐lasting reduction of force evoked at low‐frequencies following fatiguing exercise. Usually, this relationship has been evaluated using isometric contractions. The purpose was to assess the relationship between PAP, muscle fatigue and recovery during and following an isotonic (dynamic) fatiguing protocol through which power (force and velocity) are assessed. It is hypothesized that PAP will attenuate PLFFD during the fatiguing protocol and throughout 30 minutes of recovery.The plantar flexors of 5 healthy young adult males (n=4) and females (n=1) to date have been tested while lying prone in a Cybex dynamometer. The ankle was at 90° and knee joint at 180° (straight leg). Inelastic large Velcro straps firmly secured the hips, shoulders and thighs to the dynamometer. Participants performed isotonic plantar flexion contractions over a 20° range of motion (90° to 110°) of the ankle joint with a load of 20% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) until peak power was reduced by 20%, 50% and 75% of baseline values. At these intervals of power loss, electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa was done to record unloaded power responses at 10 Hz and 50 Hz. Following task failure (75% power loss), recovery was assessed immediately and at 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes. For these, voluntary contractions (10 concentric at 20% MVC) were done to induce PAP. Evoked unloaded dynamic measurements were done prior to and following the 10 concentric contractions to assess any effect of PAP.PLFFD is a preferential loss of low frequency force assessed by comparing a stimulated force ratio between responses at 10 Hz to 50 Hz. During dynamic contractions we used a peak power 10:50 Hz ratio to incorporate the factor of velocity. During fatigue the peak power 10:50 Hz ratio was enhanced by ~35% at 20% power loss, by ~15% at 50% power loss, and minimally enhanced (~9%) at task failure (75% power loss). During recovery this ratio was enhanced follow the potentiating contractions compared to non‐potentiated; task failure (~3%), 3 min (~26%), 5 min (~45%), 10 min (~20%), 20 min (~25%) and 30 min (~38%).These results indicate that during dynamic muscle fatigue and recovery, PAP may mitigate PLFFD to varying degrees.

Velcro Straps as A Convenient Alternative to Fasten Plaster of Paris Splints.

Velcro Straps as A Convenient Alternative to Fasten Plaster of Paris Splints.

Design and Development of Modular Arm Cast Using Additive Manufacturing

The plaster cast and fiberglass cast are the popular elbow dislocation treatment method for immobilization. These are relatively heavy, non-removable, and poorly ventilated, hence might create skin diseases, irritation under the cast and joint injury, if not cast properly. It takes long preparation time and cannot be adjusted after casting, which may lead to improper healing in case if the bone gets little shift insidethe cast. In this work, the orthopedics arm cast prototype is designed and fabricated by using additive manufacturing with ABS material. The core concept of the model is the elbow support and modular rings with a specific width added to achieve a specific support length. After properly positioning the patient’s arm the pressure on the arm can be adjustsed by the small clamps with velcro straps. This has advantages over conventional cast that it provide cast adjustments, proper ventilation, washable, and reusable.

Using old meshy cage cover to make a rat fixating device for acupuncture study

Binding-fixation is the most commonly used method for acupuncture research in rats, but its resulted stronger stress response may affect the experimental outcomes. Hence, we developed a practical fixing device using the abandoned meshy cage covers, bolts, hooks, and loop fasteners. It includes two straps, two ropes, a small jacket with a self-locking Velcro strap and a meshy cage cover with a piece of fixed Velcro which may be placed on a rectangular storage box. Rats can be fixed in a recumbent position or a prone position. Outcomes showed that it is not only convenient and cheaper but also has a higher successful rate of fixation and a longer fixation time for completing an experiment.

Tibial Acceleration Measured from Wearable Sensors Is Associated with Loading Rates in Injured Runners.

The loadrate of the vertical ground reaction force at impact has been associated with a variety of running injuries. Peak tibial shocks occur during the early stance phase and has been shown to be correlated to the loadrates in healthy runners using a rearfoot strike pattern. As a result, tibial accelerometry has been used as a surrogate for loadrates. However, these correlations have not been assessed in injured runners nor in runners with differing footstrike patterns. To examine the relationship between tibial acceleration and loadrates in injured runners who are habitual rearfoot (RFS), midfoot (MFS), and forefoot (FFS) strikers. Tibial acceleration was expected to be positively associated with loadrates across all footstrike patterns. Cross-sectional cohort. Academic medical center with biomechanics laboratory. One hundred sixty-nine injured runners (age 38.7 ± 13.1 years, 127 RFS, 17 MFS, 25 FFS). Each participant completed a biomechanical assessment for injury including evaluation on a force treadmill with a triaxial accelerometer fastened by a Velcro strap to the distal medial tibia. Peak vertical and resultant tibial acceleration (VTA, RTA) were measured from the accelerometer. Vertical average and instantaneous loadrates (VALR, VILR) and the resultant instantaneous loadrate (RILR) were determined from the force data. The relationship between tibial acceleration and loadrates measured using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Loadrates were each associated with VTA (r = 0.66-0.82, P < .001) and RTA (r = 0.41-0.68, P < .05) across all footstrike groups with the exception of association of VILR to RTA in the FFS group. The strength in correlations was lowest between RTA and loadrates for the FFS runners (r = 0.41-0.47, P < .05). Vertical tibial acceleration is the stronger surrogate for loadrates in injured runners across differing footstrike patterns.

Wrestle while you learn: EMG as a teaching tool for undergraduate skeletal muscle physiology teaching.

Wrestle while you learn: EMG as a teaching tool for undergraduate skeletal muscle physiology teaching.

Sonographic comparison of transcutaneous stimulation versus percutaneus stimulation of the tibialis anterior: a pilot study

Abstract Background and Aims Previous studies have evaluated electrostimulation of the tibialis anterior muscle via ultrasound. However, to the best of our knowledge, to date, no study has compared percutaneous stimulation compared to transcutaneous stimulation. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the influence of percutaneous stimulation versus transcutaneous stimulation on the angle and muscle width of the proximal motor point of the tibialis anterior among healthy individuals using ultrasound. Material and Methods A longitudinal prospective study. The study variables were muscle thickness and pennation angle, measured using ultrasound. A sample of 4 healthy individuals with a mean age of 35.25 years ( ± 2.17), mean height of 1.70m ( ± 0.03) and weight of 67.35kg ( ± 6.32), participated in this study. Stimulation was performed on the tibialis anterior of the dominant leg of each individual (n = 4). The subjects were seated in a vertical position. For position 1, the knee of the dominant leg remained completely extended and the ankle was fixed in a neutral position with an orthosis comprised of Velcro straps which immobilized the ankle and forefoot joints. For position 2, the knee remained flexed 90 degrees with the foot fixed in the orthosis and supported on the floor. The proximal motor point of the tibialis anterior muscle was located. A biphasic symmetric pulse current was used with the maximum tolerated intensity. Transcutaneous stimulation was performed via a small circular electrode, and for percutaneous stimulation a filiform acupuncture needle was used. To capture the ultrasound images, the probe was placed on a system with an articulated mechanical arm and a clamp that enabled the possibility of adjusting the height and/or angle and the position marked on the skin. Normality was contrasted using the Shapiro-Wilk test and sphericity was tested using the Mauchly's test. Analysis of variance was performed (ANOVA) for repeated measures. Results The comparison of both techniques in position 1 did not show significant differences between the transcutaneous technique versus the percutaneous technique neither for the angle (F = 2.07; p-valor = 0.18), nor for the width (F =0.28; p-value = 0.60). In the case of position 2, significant differences were not found between the transcutaneous technique versus the percutaneous technique, neither for the angle (F = 0.28; p-value = 0.606) nor for the weight (F =0.11; p-value = 0.75). Conclusions The comparison of transcutaneous stimulation versus percutaneous stimulation in the proximal motor point of the tibialis anterior does not seem to show statistically significant differences for muscle width nor pennation angle.

Walkie-Talkies, Wandering, and Sonic Intimacy

Walkie-Talkies, Wandering, and Sonic Intimacy

Fabrication of a custom brachytherapy appliance

This article reviews the prosthodontic and laboratory steps in the fabrication of a custom brachytherapy appliance. This technique is described through the treatment of a patient with recurrent orbital rhabdomyosarcoma. After a non–eyelid-sparing orbital exenteration of a 7-year-old boy, an impression of the orbital defect was captured to fabricate a custom brachytherapy appliance with mock catheters. One week later, the prosthesis was placed in the orbit, and the device was loaded with radiation catheters to deliver targeted radiation. The prosthesis was secured with Velcro straps fitted into slots made in the prosthesis and wrapped around the back of the patient’s head. Brachytherapy appliances have been used to provide effective therapy for patients receiving care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Mechanical Testing of a Novel Fastening Device to Improve Scoliosis Bracing Biomechanics for Treating Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Velcro fastening straps are commonly used to secure a scoliosis brace around the upper body and apply corrective forces to the spine. However, strap loosening and tension loss have been reported that reduce spinal correction and treatment efficacy. A novel fastening device, or controlled tension unit (CTU), was designed to overcome these limitations. A scoliosis analog model (SAM) was used to biomechanically compare the CTU fasteners and posterior Velcro straps on a conventional brace (CB) as well as on a modified brace (MB) that included a dynamic cantilever apical pad section. Brace configurations tested were (1) CB with posterior Velcro straps, (2) CB with posterior CTU fasteners, (3) MB with posterior Velcro straps, and (4) MB with posterior CTU fasteners. MB configurations were tested with 0 N, 35.6 N, and 71.2 N CTU fasteners applied across the apical pad flap. Three-dimensional forces and moments were measured at both ends of the SAM. The CTU fasteners provided the same corrective spinal loads as Velcro straps when tensioned to the same level on the CB configuration and can be used as an alternative fastening system. Dynamically loading the apical flap increased the distractive forces applied to the spine without affecting tension in the fastening straps.

Fashionable wrist band using highly conductive fabric for electrocardiogram signal monitoring

In this paper, a flexible and wearable fabric-based and highly conductive wrist band with portable electrocardiogram (ECG) equipment is presented for the long-term monitoring of ECG signals. The impedance properties, skin irritation, and sensitivity are then investigated using the proposed wrist band. The wrist band was constructed using conductive fabric, a Velcro strap, a metal snap, and a nickel connector. The entire polyester fabric surface was coated with nickel, copper, and gold. The sheet resistance of the conductive fabric is 0.06 Ω/sq. It is appropriate to use a dry fabric electrode for long-term monitoring purposes, rather than a gel-based Ag/AgCl electrode. The proposed system does not require additional active electrodes, and a single-layer standard printed circuit board (PCB) was developed to allow for portable ECG signal acquisition. We measured the impedance as per the frequency change and compared the outcomes with those of Ag/AgCl electrodes. Subsequently, we measured the ECG signal and investigated the possible artifacts caused by motion. The skin-electrode impedance of the wrist band was measured and compared to the Ag/AgCl electrodes, where we found a lower impedance for the wrist band electrodes. In addition, the power spectrum of the biopotential signals obtained from the wrist band electrodes are evaluated and compared to those obtained with Ag/AgCl electrodes for estimating signal quality. The experimental results show that the proposed electrode can successfully acquire an ECG signal from the wrist when the subject is resting and fewer motion artifacts are shown when the subject moves, rendering the proposed electrode comparable with the traditional disposable and gelled Ag/AgCl electrodes.

Ferromagnetic Metal Side-Rails on Air-Hover HDR Patient Transport Table Can Cause Severe Skin Burns to Patients During MR Simulation for Brachytherapy

The air-hover system (Zephyr®, Diacor Inc) used for high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR BT) is designed for patient transfer between the HDR procedure suite and CT or MR simulation room. A recent case illustrated that the MR-conditional, ferromagnetic metal side-rails of the Zephyr system caused severe skin burns during our 3 Tesla MR simulation scan. Proposed solutions are presented to avoid potential patient skin burns when using a device with ferromagnetic metal side-rails or other components even if MR conditional. Institutional MR-guided, HDR BT program for cervical cancer consists of titanium Fletcher-Suit-Delclos tandem-and-ovoids (Varian Medical System, Inc.) implants under ultrasound guidance. Orthogonal X-rays before 3D simulation images and an AP X-ray after simulation scan were performed to validate applicator displacements during patient transfer between HDR and 3D image scan rooms. Our institutional MR scanning protocol for HDR BT includes 3D isotropically reconstructed T2- and T1-weighted MR, along with 2D sagittal T2-weighted MR (IJROBP 80;3:947-955;2011). The Zephyr system was implemented in August, 2014 after two cases of staff injury following patient transfer involving obese patients. A Zephyr arm support system was implemented in October, 2016 to facilitate intravenous access by anesthesiology staff. The Zephyr arm support system consists of two arm supports and two ferromagnetic metal side-rails. The ferromagnetic metal of these side-rails is a stainless steel alloy. In-house velcro straps are used to secure the arms and legs during transfer when using the Zephyr system. After 65 uneventful patient simulation scans a severe skin burn occurred on one patient’s arm which was in contact with the metal side rail during the 3T MR simulation scan (25 - 30 minutes duration) performed under anesthesia. The skin burn was initially identified as a third-degree burn by our institutional burn unit wound assessment team. This skin burn case was reported to institutional patient-safety-network (PSN). The vendor was immediately notified. A multi-disciplinary team of radiation therapists, MR-certified therapists, nurses, physicians, anesthesia team and medical physicists was created to evaluate and improve the clinical workflow and Zephyr system. New glass-fiber embedded polycarbonate side-rails were developed and built that should mitigate any risk of inductive heating. The glass-fiber embedded polycarbonate has tensile strength of 16,000 psi, along with impact strength of 2.06 f.-lbs per inch which meet the specifications of American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM: D3935 and D6098). Glass-fiber embedded polycarbonate side-rails that are MR-safe were developed and installed on an air-hover based HDR patient transfer system. This should eliminate the root cause of potential skin burns associated with ferromagnetic MR-compatible side rails in patients receiving MR scans for MRI-guided HDR brachytherapy.