Biomedical subjects

Luc Martin

Publications and source records attributed to Luc Martin.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Optimization model predictions for postural coordination modes.

This paper examines the ability of the dynamic optimization model to predict changes between in-phase and anti-phase postural modes of coordination and to evaluate influence of two particular environmental and intentional constraints on postural strategy. The task studied was based on an experimental paradigm that consisted in tracking a target motion with the head. An original optimal procedure was developed for cyclic problems to calculate hip and ankle angular trajectories during postural sway with a minimum torque change criterion. Optimization results give a good description of the sudden bifurcation phase between in-phase and anti-phase postural coordination modes in visual target tracking. Transition frequency and predicted effects of environmental and intentional constraints are also in line with experimental observations described in existing literature. In particular, these investigations pointed out that postural planning process can be related to the minimization of a dynamic cost criterion with an equilibrium constraint. In conclusion, the optimization technique is well suited for the prediction of postural modes of coordination and seems to offer many opportunities for better comprehension of neuromuscular movement control.

Ankle↗

PubMed2004

Balance control during an arm raising movement in bipedal stance: which biomechanical factor is controlled?

In order to obtain new insight into the control of balance during arm raising movements in bipedal stance, we performed a biomechanical analysis of kinematics and dynamical aspects of arm raising movements by combining experimental work, large-scale models of the body, and techniques simulating human behavior. A comparison between experimental and simulated joint kinematics showed that the minimum torque change model yielded realistic trajectories. We then performed an analysis based on computer simulations. Since keeping the center of pressure (CoP) and the projection of the center of mass (CoM) inside the support area is essential for equilibrium, we modeled an arm raising movement where displacement of one or the other variable is limited. For this optimization model, the effects of adding equilibrium constraints on movement trajectories were investigated. The results show that: (a) the choice of the regulated variable influences the strategy adopted by the system and (b) the system was not able to regulate the CoM for very fast movements without compromising its balance. Consequently, we suggest that the system is able to maintain balance while raising the arm by only controlling the CoP. This may be done mainly by using hip mechanisms and controlling net ankle torque.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

A method to combine numerical optimization and EMG data for the estimation of joint moments under dynamic conditions.

To solve the problem of muscle redundancy at the level of opposing muscle groups, an alternative method to inverse dynamics must be employed. Considering the advantages of existing alternatives, the present study was aimed to compute knee joint moments under dynamic conditions using electromyographic (EMG) signals combined with non-linear constrained optimization in a single routine. The associated mathematical problems accounted for muscle behavior in an attempt to obtain accurate predictions of the resultant moment as well as physiologically realistic estimates of agonist and antagonist moments. The experiment protocol comprised (1) isometric trials to determine the most effective EMG processing for the prediction of the resultant moment and (2) stepping-in-place trials for the calculation of joint moments from processed EMG under dynamic conditions. Quantitative comparisons of the model predictions with the output of a biological-based model, showed that the proposed method (1) produced the most accurate estimates of the resultant moment and (2) avoided possible inconsistencies by enforcing appropriate constraints. As a possible solution for solving the redundancy problem under dynamic conditions, the proposed optimization formulation also led to realistic predictions of agonist and antagonist moments.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Assessment of postural response after a self-initiated perturbation.

The aim of this study was to assess postural response efficiency to a self-initiated perturbation using an original method based on the inverted pendulum model. Eight young subjects were asked to perform bilateral arm raising and lowering at 3 different speeds while standing on a force plate. The time necessary to recover a steady state following the movement was computed by analyzing the time evolution of the coefficient of determination between the center of pressure and center of mass difference variable (COP-COM) and the horizontal acceleration of the COM. Results show a spatial reorganization (hip strategy) of the segments following the perturbation and a strong influence of the linear relationship to the arm velocity. However, the conditions of arm velocity did not have any effect on the time response of the postural control, suggesting that this parameter would be an invariant characteristic of the movement. These results support the existence of an internal representation of the inertial constraints related to the movement execution.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Effect of simulated rock climbing finger postures on force sharing among the fingers.

OBJECTIVE: To study the forces applied by each finger in different joint postures simulating rock climbing gripping postures. DESIGN: Subjects in sitting posture applied fingertip forces perpendicular to horizontal force sensors in three different finger postures. BACKGROUND: Data provided by the literature indicate that middle and ring finger are commonly injured. However, no quantitative assessment of the forces applied by each finger related to the joint postures has been made. METHODS: Six elite rock climbers performed finger flexion in a single-finger task and a four-finger task. The tests were conducted in an extended posture, a curved posture (the joints belonging to the finger were flexed) and an intermediate posture (the joints were flexed, except the distal one which was fully extended). Each fingertip force was expressed in absolute value and in percentage of the maximal force capacity of the finger. RESULTS: The greater force was applied by the middle finger (20.8 N), whatever the posture. The relative involvement amounted to 105% for the ring finger in the curved posture. CONCLUSIONS: The great force applied by the middle finger and the great relative involvement of the ring finger in the curved posture seem to be the main factors of injuries of these fingers. RELEVANCE: The analysis of force sharing among the fingers during different joint postures mimicking rock climbing is essential to a better understanding of finger injuries.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Gene control in germinal differentiation: RNF6, a transcription regulatory protein in the mouse sertoli cell.

In mouse Sertoli cells, transcription of the Inha gene encoding the alpha subunit of inhibin, which acts locally as a tumor suppressor, is down-regulated in tumors and in normal cells during aging. Previous studies suggested that regulation of Inha transcription involves the binding of a protein(s) to a repeat of the GGGGC motif in the promoter. Expression screening identified a cDNA encoding a protein that binds this sequence. Of the RING-H2 family, it is the mouse homologue of a human protein of unknown function, RNF6. The mouse gene, Rnf6, is predominantly expressed in two interacting cell types of the testis, Sertoli cells and pachytene spermatocytes. In Sertoli cells, it colocalizes with the PML and Daxx proteins in punctate nuclear bodies. In transient and stable transfectants, Rnf6 expression from a heterologous promoter increased the expression of reporter genes driven by the Inha promoter. In a Sertoli tumor cell line in which expression of both Inha and Rnf6 was reduced, reexpression of the latter restored the level of Inha while, concomitantly, the cells reverted to normal growth control in culture.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗