Vertical Force Research Articles

Biomechanical variations in patients with flatfoot deformity: Impact of gender, age, and BMI on foot kinetics and kinematics

BackgroundFlatfoot is considered by the collapse of the foot arch, altered biomechanics and impacting functional abilities. The biomechanical gait alteration of foot kinematics and kinetics in individuals with flatfoot, based on gender, age and Body mass index (BMI) in each cohort is unclear. This study explores how gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) impact distinct foot biomechanical characteristics, including ankle joint angle (Jc°), Ground force reaction angle (GFR°), Achilles tendon force (T), Ankle joint force (Jc) and vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) during the gait stance phase, in flatfoot versus normal-foot individuals on Indian Population. MethodA foot pressure test and sagittal plane motion analysis were performed on 142 individuals with normal-foot arches and 102 with flatfoot, stratified by gender, age, and BMI. Calculations of the magnitude and direction of forces in ankle joint equilibrants relied on inverse dynamic analysis, vertical ground force reaction and mapping motion data of the gait stance phases. ResultIn the midstance phase, females with high BMI (HBMI) in the middle and older age group (p = 0.029 and p = 0.014), and males with HBMI in the older age group (p = 0.039) demonstrate significantly higher VGRF. Females and males with HBMI in middle and older age groups, along with males with normal BMI in the older age cohort, show positive and negative ranges of GFR°, indicating gait instability. In the push-off phase, females with HBMI in a middle-aged group exhibit significantly lower TandJc (p = 0.023 and p = 0.026) respectively. ConclusionThe biomechanical issues in individuals with flatfoot, while accounting for the influence of gender, age and BMI, are crucial for tailored interventions and precise solutions to biomechanical issues, thereby enhancing foot function and reducing discomfort.

Jump Roping High-Intensity Interval Training Enhances Vascular Function in Adults with Overweight/Obesity

A few studies have shown that body-weight- and laboratory-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) effectively improves endothelial function. However, the effect of HIIT in the form of jump roping that significantly increases vertical ground reaction force on endothelial function remains unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week jump roping exercise programme on vascular function in adults with overweight/obesity. Twenty young adults with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to the exercise or control group. The exercise group performed 12 intervals jump roping HIIT – 1 minute at 85%–95% maximal heart rate (HRmax) and 1 minute at 50%–70% HRmax – for 12 weeks (five sessions per week). The control group was asked to maintain the usual lifestyle pattern throughout the study period. The outcome measures were per cent flow-mediated dilation (%FMD), baseline artery diameter (FMDbase), peak artery diameter (FMDpeak), mean blood flow velocity (MBFV) and per cent body fat (%BF). Results revealed that there was a significant group × time interaction for %FMD, FMDpeak and MBFV after the intervention (all P <0.05). There was no significant group × time interaction for the other variables. There were no significant changes in the outcome variables between pre- and post-intervention and between the groups (all P >0.05), except for %FMD. In conclusion, jump roping HIIT increased %FMD, FMDpeak and MBFV, indicating the cardiovascular-protective effects of this approach in adults with overweight/obesity.

Classification of Parkinson's disease severity using gait stance signals in a spatiotemporal deep learning classifier.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative nervous system disorder involving motor disturbances. Motor alterations affect the gait according to the progression of PD and can be used by experts in movement disorders to rate the severity of the disease. However, this rating depends on the expertise of the clinical specialist. Therefore, the diagnosis may be inaccurate, particularly in the early stages of PD where abnormal gait patterns can result from normal aging or other medical conditions. Consequently, several classification systems have been developed to enhance PD diagnosis. In this paper, a PD gait severity classification algorithm was developed using vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) signals. The VGRF records used are from a public database that includes 93 PD patients and 72 healthy controls adults. The work presented here focuses on modeling each foot's gait stance phase signals using a modified convolutional long deep neural network (CLDNN) architecture. Subsequently, the results of each model are combined to predict PD severity. The classifier performance was evaluated using ten-fold cross-validation. The best-weighted accuracies obtained were 99.296(0.128)% and 99.343(0.182)%, with the Hoehn-Yahr and UPDRS scales, respectively, outperforming previous results presented in the literature. The classifier proposed here can effectively differentiate gait patterns of different PD severity levels based on gait signals of the stance phase.

Effect of fatigue on knee biomechanics during the sidestep cutting manoeuvre: A modelling approach

ABSTRACT Loading both lateral and medial compartments is crucial to understanding the effect of muscle fatigue during sidestep cutting. The present study investigated the changes in tibiofemoral contact forces in the medial and lateral compartments and the muscle force contributions during the sidestep-cutting manoeuvre after a handball-specific fatigue protocol. Twenty female handball athletes performed three trials of the sidestep-cutting manoeuvre before (baseline) and after the fatigue protocol. Motion capture and ground reaction forces were measured, and the data were processed in OpenSim. The variables were compared using statistical parametric mapping (SPM), with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed a decreased knee flexion angle during fatigue in the early stance phase. In addition, the post-fatigue analysis demonstrated significantly reduced forces in vasti muscles. Similarly, during fatigue, the SPM analysis showed decreased tibiofemoral contact forces in the vertical and anterior directions. Vertical force applied to both medial and lateral condyles demonstrated a significant reduction after the fatigue protocol. These results indicated that forces applied to the tibiofemoral joint were reduced following the fatigue protocol compared to the baseline values. However, no consistent evidence exists that fatigue increases the risk of knee injuries.

Heat transfer evaluation of (CaTe+SiC) hybrid nanofluid flow based RT42 HC (Rubitherm) phase change material: Cooling photovoltaic panels application

This paper inspects the combined effects of heat and mass transfers in a hybridized Williamson viscous nanofluid composed of cadmium telluride (CdTe) and silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles in RT42 (Rubitherm) as base fluid in the existence of heat source and thermal radiative aspects. Knowing that the base fluid RT42 is a phase change material (PCM), it is also considered that the surface on which the nanofluid flows is an expandable surface with varying thickness. The influence of chemical reactions process and viscous dissipation on the flow and temperature of the hybridized nanofluid is examined. The parameters’ influences on the problem are evaluated after setting appropriate similarity transformations to transform the collection of major partial differential equations (PDEs) into nondimensional ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The study concludes that the presence of hybridized nanoparticles of CdTe and SiC reduces the horizontal and vertical surface frictional forces of the hybrid nanofluid. The integration of nanoparticles in RT42 enhances heat transfer rates and reduces mass transfer. The thermal radiative variable declines the heat transfer of hybridized nanofluid. The results indicate that altering the variable parameter of surface thickness reduces frictional forces in both directions.

Design and analysis of a mobile robot with novel caster mechanism for high step-overcoming capability

The mobile robot market is experiencing rapid growth, playing a pivotal role in various human-centric environments like restaurants, offices, hotels, hospitals, apartments, and factories. However, current differential-driven mobile robots, employing conventional casters and wheel motors, encounter limitations in surmounting uneven surfaces and high steps due to constraints caused by wheel and caster dimensions. While some robots address these challenges by incorporating optimized wheel shapes and additional motors, this invariably leads to an increase in both size and cost. This research introduces an innovative solution; a novel caster-wheel mechanism designed to enhance the high-step overcoming capability of mobile robots without necessitating alterations to their overall size and structure. By incorporating a sub-wheel linked to a passive joint, the driving force is effeciently converted into a vertical force, thereby empowering the mobile robot to navigate obstacles 85% larger than its caster-wheel radius. Crucially, this innovative caster can be seamlessly manufactured and integrated, offering the potential for widespread adoption as a replacement for conventional casters. Validation through comprehensive simulations and experiments conducted on a prototype robot has been presented in this article, demonstrating its effectiveness even at a robot velocity of 0.1 m/s. This pioneering solution holds significant promise for diverse applications across various mobile robot configurations, presenting a compelling avenue for further exploration and implementation in the field.

The physical profile of female cricketers: An investigation between playing standard and position.

The primary aim of this study was to present the physical profile of female cricketers. Secondary, was to assess any differences between playing standard (professional vs. non-professional) and position (seam bowler vs. non-seam bowler). Fifty-four female cricketers (professional seam bowler [n = 16]; professional non-seam bowler [n = 17]; non-professional seam bowler [n = 10]; non-professional non-seam bowler [n = 11]) undertook a battery of physical and anthropometric assessments during the off-season period. Participant's physical profile was assessed via the broad jump, countermovement jump, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), 20 m sprint, run-2 cricket specific speed test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 (Yo-Yo-IR1). The sum-of-eight skinfold measurement was also recorded for professional cricketers only. Differences between playing standard and position were assessed with a two-way ANOVA. Seam bowlers possessed a significantly (p < 0.04) greater stature and had a higher body mass than non-seam bowlers. Non-seam bowlers recorded significantly (p < 0.01) further broad jump, higher normalised peak vertical force during the IMTP, and ran greater distances during the Yo-Yo-IR1. Professional cricketers produced significantly further run distances for the Yo-Yo-IR1 and faster run-2 times for the dominant turning side than non-professional cricketers. This study provides valuable insights into the physical profile of female cricketers across playing standards and positions which practitioners can use to direct and enhance training outcomes.

Definition of an insole comfort equation using biomechanics data from a real-world data collection method

Comfort is among the priorities of wearers, this creates a requirement to understand and measure footwear comfort within the real-world where footwear is being used. Comfort is subjective however associations have been drawn to biomechanical parameters. Prediction of real-world footwear or insole comfort based upon biomechanical parameters is appealing due to the reduction of potential participant biases. This study aims to develop an equation to predict insole comfort from real-world biomechanics data. Five conditions were evaluated, a control (participant shoe only) and four commercially available insole conditions (Insole A, B, C, D). The RunScribe IMU was worn for one day per condition for the participants normal daily activity, measuring previously validated variables: vertical ground reaction force (GRF), vertical GRF loading rate (GRFr), impact shock (IS), braking shock, total shock, pronation excursion (PE), and maximum pronation velocity (PV). Comfort was measured using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). A mixed model with fixed effects was used to develop the comfort equation, pseudo r 2 statistics were assessed to identify the best equation. All combinations of conditions were tested from single conditions to all 5 together. The following equation was defined using data from insole A and insole B: Comfort = 96.557 + (−0.456*GRFr) + (−11.757*IS) + (−2.869*PE) + (0.142*PV). Marginal pseudo r 2 = 0.175 and conditional pseudo r 2 = 0.675, meaning that 17.5% of the variance in comfort was explained by the biomechanics variables. Previous footwear comfort equations focused on different biomechanics variables including EMG, plantar pressure, loading rates and lower limb kinematics and reported larger explained variance (34.9%–71.4%). Additional variables would be required to improve the current equation; however, it provides insight into how comfort could be improved for usage within product development, as well as measuring comfort during testing.

Effect of Cross-Sectional Designs of Different Ni-Ti Files on Shaping Ability After Repeated Usage in Simulated Root Canals.

Background and Objective: The study aimed was to compare the effect of cross-sectional designs of five rotary systems (One Curve, 2Shape, K3-i File, E3 Azure, Neolix), on the shaping ability of the files in simulated resin blocks under controlled conditions with five repeated use. The shaping ability of the files includes the following variables: (1) Longitudinal sectional area difference, (2) Canal wall surface area difference, (3) Canal volume difference, (4) SMI (structure material index) difference, (5) Cross-sectional area difference. Methods: Five rotary file systems: (1) One Curve, (2) 2Shape, (3) K3-i File, (4) E3 Azure, (5) Neolix, were tested in simulated J-shaped root canal resin blocks with a 45˚ angle of curvature. 10 files from each system, each one of the 10 files were used to prepare 5 resin blocks, named R1-R2-R3-R4-R5. All the used files from the 5 systems had tip size 25 diameter, and taper (6%), and length (25 mm). The first 4 rotary systems were used with a fixed speed (350 rpm), and fixed torque (3 Ncm), except for the fifth system which was used with a speed of (500 rpm), and torque (4 Ncm), Following the manufactural recommendation of each system. All the 250 resin blocks were prepared for Glide Path with manual reamers size 10, and 15, with a fixed working length 16 mm, then all the 250 samples were prepared with a Proglider rotary file from Dentsply (size 16 taper 3%), then finally were prepared with Edge Files (USA), with size 20 and taper 6%, reaching to the step of master preparation with the selected files of the 5 systems. Using a customized device for preparation to ensure fixed vertical force and to exclude any lateral force, preparation was done with EDTA solution as irrigation, with a fixed no. of 4 strokes for the first 5 systems and 9 strokes for the Neolix, the time was controlled by using a Metronome, each stroke duration was 6 seconds. Results: In the first, second, third, and fourth variables a statistically non-significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) was found between One curve and 2Shape, a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) was found between One Curve, K3-i File, E3 Azure, and Neolix. About the fifth variable which is the Cross-sectional area difference: the study compared the difference between the cross-section area of the canal at the point D8, comparing the cross-section area before and after preparation using ANOVA test and Post hoc test, a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) was found between the Neolix and (2shape, K3 i-File, and E3 Azure). Conclusion: The cross-sectional design of the endodontic rotary instrument had an obvious effect on the shaping ability of the system. Keywords: Cross-sectional design, Shaping ability, Nickle Titanium rotary files (One Curve, 2Shape, K3-i File, E3 Azure, Neolix).

Evaluation of stress distribution of different marginal designs on PEEK and PEKK substructure materials, cortical and cancellous Bone:A finite element analysis

High-performance polymers are used in different fixed prosthesis treatments due to their many advantages such as biocompatibility, shock absorption ability, high fracture resistance. The effects of marginal design on the forces on high-performance polymers are unknown. This study aimed was to investigate the stress distribution of different marginal designs on Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) substructure materials, cortical bone and cancellous bone by finite element analysis. A first maxillary molar tooth was modeled in 3D using the "3D Complex Render" method. Considering the ideal preparation conditions (Taper angle was 6°, step depth was 1 mm, occlusal reduction was 2mm), four different configurations were modeled by changing the marginal design (chamfer, deep chamfer, shoulder 90°, shoulder 135°). PEEK, PEKK substructure, and composite superstructure were designed on created models. A total of 150N oblique force from two points and a total of 300N vertical force from three points were applied from occlusall. and the maximum principal stress, minimum principal stress, von Mises stress findings in the cortical bone, spongiose bone, and substructure were examined. The study was carried out by static linear analysis with a three-dimensional finite element stress analysis method. The highest maximum principal stress value in the cortical bone was observed when the PEEK+Shoulder 135° step at vertical force. The highest minimum principal stress value in the cortical bone was observed when the PEEK+Shoulder 90° step, and PEEK+deep chamfer step at oblique force. The highest maximum principal stress value in spongiose bone was observed when the PEEK+Shoulder 90° step. The highest minimum principal stress value in spongiose bone was observed when the PEEK+deep chamfer step at vertical force. The highest von Mises stress value in the substructure was observed when the PEKK+Deep chamfer step at oblique force. The lowest maximum principal stress value in the cortical bone was observed when the PEKK+Shoulder 135° step at oblique force. The lowest minimum principal stress value in the cortical bone was observed when the PEEK+Shoulder 135° step, and PEKK+shoulder 135° step at vertical force. The lowest maximum principal stress value in spongiose bone was observed when the PEEK+Shoulder 90° step. The lowest minimum principal stress value in spongiose bone was observed when the PEEK+Shoulder 135° step and PEKK+Shoulder 135° step at vertical force. The lowest von Mises stress value in the substructure was observed when the PEEK+Deep chamfer step at vertical force. When cortical and spongiose bone stress were evaluated, no destructive stress was observed. Considering the stresses occurring in the substructure the highest stress was observed in the chamfer step.

Comparative Analysis of Non-Pneumatic Tire Spoke Designs for Off-Road Applications: A Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Perspective

This study explores the development of a terramechanics-based model for non-pneumatic tire–terrain interaction, focusing on different spoke designs. The research investigates how four spoke shapes (honeycomb, modified honeycomb, re-entrant honeycomb, and straight spokes) affect non-pneumatic tire performance in off-road conditions. Using the finite element method (FEM) to model non-pneumatic tires, and smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) to model dry, loose soil, simulations were conducted to replicate real-world loading conditions. This study utilizes virtual environment solution finite element analysis software to examine the interaction between a non-pneumatic tire and dry, loose soil, with a focus on calculating longitudinal and vertical forces. These forces play a pivotal role in determining the motion resistance coefficient. The results show distinct variations in the motion-resistance coefficients among the spoke designs on dry, loose soil. This analysis helps to identify the spoke configurations that optimize energy efficiency and fuel consumption. By comparing and evaluating the four spoke designs, this study shows the effect of spoke design on tire motion resistance. This study concluded that the modified honeycomb spoke design is the most stable and the least sensitive to operating conditions.

Enhancing heat transfer in L-shaped enclosures with combined natural convection-fluid structure interaction: Incorporating flexible fin and elastic wall

In the present investigation, a numerical investigation of the flow and heat transfer characteristics inside an L-shaped enclosure with a flexible fin and an elastic wall has been carried out using the finite element method. The Fluid-Structure Interaction model is used to capture the interaction between the fluid and the solid structure. The free end of the flexible fin is exposed to sinusoidal vertical force and the upper wall of the enclosure is considered to be elastic and a sinusoidal force is applied on this elastic wall. The obtained results showed that the fluid flow through the enclosure is entirely influenced by the periodic oscillation of the flexible fin and elastic wall. Besides, the Nusselt number over the horizontal and vertical hot walls of the L-shaped enclosure is strongly affected by the amplitude and frequency of the applied sinusoidal forces on the flexible fin and elastic wall. The heat transfer over the vertical hot wall is enhanced considerably with an increase in the amplitude and frequency of the applied sinusoidal forces. Moreover, the Nusselt number over the hot vertical wall is increased with the decrease of the elastic modulus value of the elastic wall. The results also show that the combination of the flexible fin and elastic wall has contributed to the extra enhancement of the Nusselt number over the hot vertical wall of the L-shaped enclosure.

Comparative study of nonlinear wave-induced global loads on a container ship in regular head waves predicted with numerical methods based on weakly nonlinear potential theory and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations

ABSTRACT Wave-induced loads on the ship hull are of significant interest for many reasons. These loads, however, are highly nonlinear in realistic wave conditions and consequently difficult to predict. In this paper, we analysed and compared wave-induced loads acting on a container vessel in regular head waves computed with a newly developed weakly nonlinear potential theory-based code and a flow solver based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes Equations. We investigated both long and short waves with moderate steepness. Initially, the vessel was completely fixed and the ship motions were suppressed, then the vessel was free to heave and pitch motion. We compared time-histories of the computed wave-induced longitudinal and vertical global forces as well as the pitch moment and we deeply analysed nonlinear effects by applying a Fourier transformation and comparing the corresponding harmonic amplitude up to the fourth order. Our results demonstrated satisfactory agreement between the two numerical methods, especially when the ship was free to heave and pitch. Additionally, the results provided detailed information about the capabilities and limitations of the weakly nonlinear potential theory-based approach.

Influence of Tire-Enveloping Model Complexity on High-Frequency Simulations

ABSTRACT Race tires are subject to high speeds and high vertical loads during cornering. They are also subject to extreme stress when they are driven over high-frequency and low-amplitude curbs, often leading to tire failures. Research and development by D. C. Davis and P. W. A. Zegelaar has shown that when the tire moves over high-frequency, low-amplitude, and short-wavelength obstacles, it exhibits obstacle-enveloping properties. Tire response over such obstacles includes vertical force variation, longitudinal force variation, and rotational speed variation. Additionally, such road inputs excite tire belt dynamics that include high-frequency modes. Therefore, a single-contact-point model is no longer sufficient to predict tire response over such obstacles. To better capture the tire obstacle-enveloping behavior, advanced contact patch models such as the tandem-cam model by P. W. A. Zegelaar, the radial–interradial spring model by J. M. Badalmenti and G. R. Davis Jr., and the flexible ring model by S. Gong have been developed. To capture high-frequency tire belt dynamics, the rigid-ring model has been developed by P. W. A. Zegelaar. Previous work combines the rigid-ring model with the tandem-cam model to capture obstacle-enveloping behavior and tire belt dynamics up to 60–100 Hz. This paper presents a comparative study of different tire–road contact models to simulate high-frequency curbs typically found at racetracks. The curb profile of the Singes corner at the Paul Ricard racetrack is chosen for simulations as it is known to be extremely demanding on the tires, often causing failures. An advanced four-wheel model is used to simulate a race car at high speeds. Metrics to quantify the tire response over these high-frequency curbs are created and an investigation is conducted to quantify the influence of tire model complexity on the metrics.

Multi-Story Volumetric Blocks Buildings with Lower Frame Floors

This article presents the results of experimental studies of the stress–strain state of volumetric blocks based on the underlying frame structures. The aim of the research is to evaluate the stress–strain state and the nature of damage development as a result of an increase in the load up to a critical level. Based on the analysis of the nature of the damage, recommendations have been developed to strengthen the destruction zone. Data were collected on the redistribution of stresses and deformations, the formation of cracks and joint openings, the magnitude of horizontal displacements, and the failure mode of volumetric blocks and floor frames. Five full-scale volumetric blocks were tested under the loading of hydraulic jacks, differing in concrete type, reinforcement, presence of doors, and dimensions of the stylobate beams. When the volumetric modules were supported by a frame floor the results revealed that the maximum destructive load of 10,462 kN was observed in the first specimen; the horizontal displacements of the walls decreased by 13–18 mm, and there was a decrease in the crack opening width to 0.5 mm. The cracks decreased the strength of the walls, leading to a redistribution of the compressive stresses and their increase in the support zone. The most significant compressive strains in concrete in the corner parts of longitudinal walls were in the range of (600–620) × 10−6, and in the middle part of the walls, 370 × 10−6 were observed. Furthermore, the largest cracks caused significant horizontal displacements (deplanation) of the walls, which decreased the stiffness of the conjunction of longitudinal walls with the floor slab and created an additional eccentricity of the vertical force. Based on the findings, the correlation between the measured parameters of each specimen at all stages of vertical load increase is demonstrated and illustrated in graphs of the measured parameters. The importance of quantity compliance with the initial rigid connection between the longitudinal wall and ceiling plate has been estimated.

An Innovative, Lightweight, and Sustainable Solution for the Integrated Seismic Energy Retrofit of Existing Masonry Structures

A large percentage of existing building stock in Italy and throughout Europe is ageing and no longer complies with current regulations, particularly in terms of sustainability. For these reasons, an urgent consolidation plan is needed to ensure an increase in both seismic response and energy response. Indeed, these constructions were built before the actual technical codes, and currently, they are not able to withstand seismic actions. Meanwhile, they are subject to thermal dispersions that could be due to the use of materials with poor properties or construction errors. Among the numerous consolidation techniques, an innovative solution consisting of a coating system has appeared on the construction market in recent decades. It is an integrated solution that simultaneously improves the seismic and energy behaviour of the building. The paper proposes the evaluation of this lightweight and sustainable solution through some experimental tests which were performed at the National Institute for Research and Development in Constructions, located in the city of Timişoara (Romania). The tests were aimed to investigate the out-of-plane behaviour of a masonry wall (1.20 m × 2.40 m × 0.60 m) obtained by combining two smaller panels with mortar and subjecting them to constant vertical force and pushing by an increasing horizontal one. Its response was assessed before and after the application of extruded aluminium alloy base profiles belonging to the system under study.

Differences in the Lateral and Vertical Jump Performances of Elite Male Basketball Players—An Axial Stabilization Training Program

This study aimed to conduct a kinetic analysis of the lateral and vertical jumps of elite male basketball players through a 12-week axial stability training program to improve sports performance. Thirty elite Taiwanese male basketball players were openly recruited and divided into experimental groups and control groups. The experimental group conducted the test twice a week, a 12-week (24-session) axial stability training program intervention in total, and the control group only received general basketball training. A double-track force plate was used to measure lateral and vertical jumps in order to understand their dynamic parameters. Finally, a difference analysis between the post-test of lateral and vertical jumps was conducted. The results show that the axial stability training program affected the activation of the abdominal and lower limb extensor muscles and had a stabilizing effect on the muscles of the experimental group. When the participants conducted a lateral jump, they were able to stand firm within 1 s and take off instantly. The θ value of the T-PRF ranged from 60.7° to 68.6°. The post-test of the participants’ vertical jump showed that the kurtosis of the RFD was steeper, the time required for the RFD was shorter, the GRF and the duration of passage increased, and the experimental group was better than the control group in all post-tests. By comparing the two types of jumps, it was found that they had the vertical force in common. The main differences were in the reaction force of the leg strength, the jump distance and height, and the take-off angle.

Balance, Landing Biomechanics, and Functional Movement Screen Characteristics With and Without Knee Exoskeleton in Military Soldiers.

A light-weight pneumatic-powered knee exoskeleton could augment mobility and lifting capabilities for a variety of occupational settings. However, added weight/bulkiness and artificially produced knee extension torque could compromise sensorimotor characteristics. Ten healthy participants conducted 3 visits within 10 days to the biomechanics laboratory. Participants were asked to complete the following tasks on each visit: single-leg balance, single-leg drop-landing, and select functional movement tasks. Balance characteristics (the ground reaction forces variability and center-of-pressure velocity) were derived from force plates while knee flexion angles during drop-landing and functional movement tasks were captured using a motion capture system. Descriptive statistics as well as paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare between conditions. Significance was set at P < .05 a priori. During single-leg balance, the ground reaction force variabilities were significantly increased (P = .013-.019) and the center of pressure velocity was decreased (P = .001-.017) when wearing knee exoskeleton. During single-leg drop-landing, the exoskeleton condition showed lower knee flexion angles at the initial contact (P = .004-.021) and peak (P = .006-.010). Additionally, the peak vertical ground reaction force was higher in the exoskeleton condition (P = .007). During functional movement tasks, the exoskeleton condition showed less knee flexion range-of-motion during the overhead squat (P = .007-.033) and hurdle step-over (P = .004-.005). Participants exhibited stiffer landing technique with the exoskeleton. Given that these compromised sensorimotor characteristics have been associated with musculoskeletal injury risk, modifications to exoskeletons to promote softer landing and greater knee flexion range-of-motion during dynamic activities may be warranted.

Research on the excitation force and vortex dynamics characteristics of pump-jet propulsor induced by shafting whirling vibration: Non-uniform blade tip clearance

The propulsion shafting whirling vibration causes non-uniform dynamic changes in the rotor tip clearance, which directly have a significant influence on the excitation force and vortex dynamic characteristics of the pump-jet propulsor. In the current study, based on improved delay detached eddy simulation, the influence of non-uniform blade tip clearance on the excitation force and vortex dynamics characteristics of the pump-jet propulsor is studied under design conditions. The results show that the application of propulsion shafting whirling vibration induces significant changes in the excitation force of the pump-jet propulsor. The rotor blades modulate the excitation forces of the stator blades and duct. The transverse and vertical excitation forces are more significant than the longitudinal excitation force. The magnitude change in the circular orbit shows a linear relationship with the excitation force magnitude. The characteristic frequency of the transverse and vertical excitation forces of each component is the shaft rotation frequency. In contrast, the characteristic frequency of the longitudinal excitation force is twice the shaft rotation frequency. In the elliptical orbit, the excitation force of each component is compressed or stretched in the time domain, and the dominant frequency is shifted in the frequency domain; there is no longer a linear relationship between the vibration magnitude change and the excitation force magnitude. Furthermore, an energy generation mechanism in the wake field of the pump-jet propulsor induces vortex frequency due to the whirling vibration of the propulsion shafting system.

A Finite Element Analysis to Study the Stress Distribution on Distal Implants in All-on-Six Treatment Concepts as Affected Tilted and Short Implant.

The number of implants and their respective configurations for implant-supported treatment modalities have been studied for 4 implant-supported prostheses; however, it is not yet clear whether the use of tilting or short implants in rehabilitation would result in substantially improved bone/implant/prosthesis biomechanics in all-on-six concepts. This study compared the biomechanical behavior of tilted long implants and axially short implants to support fixed prostheses in an atrophic maxilla with all-on-six treatment concepts. Three different implant configurations were planned, and six models were obtained with posterior maxilla D3 and D4 bone densities in this study. Implants proper for the all-on-four concept were placed in all models. In models 1 and 2, the short implant was placed; in models 3 and 4, 30°, the mesial-angled implant was placed; and in models 5 and 6, 45°, the mesial-angled implant was placed to the molar region. In the models created, 200 N vertical and 150 N oblique (45° angled buccopalatal direction) forces were implemented to the bilateral tooth regions 4-5-6 on the rigid titanium-supported fixed hybrid prosthesis made on these models. When the stress values in the models were investigated, the oblique forces had higher stress values than the vertical forces did. When the stresses created by oblique forces were assessed, the highest values were observed in the models created with short implants, and the lowest stress values were observed in the models made with 30° angle to mesial. When bone densities were assessed, more stress values were noted in models with D4 bone density. It has been shown that mesial tilted long implants placed in the posterior molar region, in addition to all four implant treatment concepts, create less stress against undesirable oblique forces compared with short implants.