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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Effect of series elasticity on isokinetic torque-angle relationship in humans.

The influence of muscle series elasticity on the relationship between torque and joint angle during dynamic contractions was studied. The torque-angle relationship during the maximal isokinetic knee extension was determined for six male subjects (25-45 years) at 0.52, 1.05, 1.57, 2.09, 2.62, 3.49 rad/s. The knee joint angle at which peak torque was observed showed a systematic shift to more extended positions, i.e., the quadriceps muscle-tendon unit length became shorter as the velocity increased [from 1.01 (0.12) rad (0.52 rad/s) to 0.75 (0.14) rad (3.49 rad/s), mean (SD)]. The corresponding difference in muscle-tendon unit length between 0.52 and 3.49 rad/s, estimated from the angle shift at peak torque and the moment arm length change of the quadriceps muscles, was 9 (4) mm. The relationship between estimated changes in muscle-tendon unit length and muscle force of the vastus lateralis and intermedius (VLI) over the seven velocities (including isometric contraction, 0 rad/s) coincided with the load-elongation properties of the series elastic component of VLI, determined separately in vivo by ultrasonography when the same subjects performed a ramp isometric knee extension. The results suggest that the torque-angle relationship is affected by the interaction between contractile and elastic components, and that peak torque angle shift is attributable to the elongation of tendinous tissues as a function of force applied to them.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Influence on binding of third-order torque to second-order angulation.

Using an earlier model, which described the critical contact angle for binding from second-order angulation alone, a more generalized model is derived that combines the effects of angulation and torque. From this vantage point, the onset of binding is evaluated for 3 scenarios: second-order angulation alone, third-order torque only, and a combination of second-order angulation and third-order torque. These scenarios are detailed by plotting the critical contact angle for binding against the torque angle as a function of 10 wire dimensions (16 x 16, 16 x 22, 17 x 17, 17 x 22, 17 x 25, 18 x 18, 18 x 22, 18 x 25, 19 x 25, and 21 x 25 mil), 4 bracket widths (70, 100, 130, and 160 mil), and 4 bracket slots (18, 20.5, 22, and 24.5 mil). From these plots, we learn that each wire base dimension (eg, an 18-mil base as found in 18 x 18-mil, 18 x 22-mil and 18 x 25-mil archwires) has a common maximum critical contact angle for binding. Moreover, each wire-slot combination has a common maximum torque angle, which is independent of bracket width. Finally, we learn that archwire-bracket combinations that use a metric 0.5-mm slot might have some advantages with regard to torquing--given the current philosophy that light, continuous forces are more favorable.

Computer-Aided Design↗
PubMed2005

Effect of bone mineral density and amorphous diamond coatings on insertion torque of bone screws.

In this study, the potential of high-quality amorphous diamond (AD) coatings in reducing the torque and failures of bone screws was studied. Torque values were recorded for 32 stainless steel screws, 2.7 or 3.5 mm in diameter and 60 mm in length. Half of the screw sets were coated with the AD coating before installing in predrilled holes of human cadaveric femoral bone samples. The bone samples were selected from two groups of four persons with mean ages of 34 years (range 25-41 years) and 75 years (range 73-77 years), respectively. The bone mineral density (BMD) values of the samples were determined exactly at the screw insertion site by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). In the mechanical tests, insertion and removal torques were measured. BMD had a significant effect on insertion torque; the maximum torque (adjusted with respect to the screw diameter) was significantly higher for the young bone than for the old bone (p < 0.05). By using a polished AD coating, insertion torque was decreased even up to 50% in comparison with the screws without coating. The results suggest that AD coating provides a stable, smooth surface and reduces the risk of screw failures.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Impact of finger posture on mapping from muscle activation to joint torque.

BACKGROUND: The mapping from muscle activation to joint torque production can be difficult to determine for the multi-articular muscles of the fingers. This relationship was examined in vivo as a function of posture in the index finger. METHODS: Five healthy adults participated in an experiment in which the seven muscles of the index finger were sequentially electrically stimulated using intramuscular electrodes. Each muscle was stimulated at 12 different finger postures consisting of specified flexion of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints, while fingertip forces and moments were recorded. FINDINGS: Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that joint torques resulting from the stimulation were significantly dependent upon finger posture (p < 0.05). The magnitude of the change in joint torque across postures was generally greater than 60%. This value is much larger than the difference attributable to the increase in active muscle force that occurs at longer muscle length, in accordance with the force-length curve (10-20% for the estimated length changes). In addition, the relative distribution of the joint torques generated by a given muscle activation was dependent upon finger posture for the intrinsic muscles and the long finger flexors (p < 0.05); the ratio of one joint torque to another varied with posture for these muscles, in some cases by more than 50%. INTERPRETATION: Joint torque is a product of both muscle force and the corresponding moment arm. As the change in active muscle force was limited, these data suggest that substantial changes in muscle moment arms occur with posture. Therefore, this postural dependence should be considered when constructing biomechanical models of the hand or planning tendon transfers for the fingers.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Torque rheological parameters to predict pellet quality in extrusion-spheronization.

This study explored the feasibility of predicting the quality of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) pellets prepared by extrusion-spheronization using torque rheological characterization. Rheological properties of eleven MCC grades as well as their binary mixtures with lactose (3:7) at various water contents were determined using a mixer torque rheometer (MTR). Derived torque parameters were: maximum torque and cumulative energy of mixing (CEM). CEM values of MCC powders (CEM((MCC))) could be attributed to their physical properties such as crystallinity, V(low P) and V(total) (volumes of mercury intruded in their pores at low pressure and the total intrusion volume), bulk and tapped densities. For both MCC powders and their binary mixtures, strong correlation was observed between their torque parameters and the properties of their pellets formed with 30 and 35% (w/w) water. Since this relationship was valid over a broad water content range, rheological assessment for pre-formulation purposes need not be performed at optimized water contents. These results demonstrated the usefulness of torque rheometry as an effective means of comparing and evaluating MCC grades especially when substitution of equivalent grades is encountered. In so doing, the tedious and expensive pre-production (pre-formulation and optimization) work can be considerably reduced.

Cellulose↗
PubMed2004

Angle- and gender-specific quadriceps femoris muscle recruitment and knee extensor torque.

The objectives were to examine knee angle-, and gender-specific knee extensor torque output and quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle recruitment during maximal effort, voluntary contractions. Fourteen young adult men and 15 young adult women performed three isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC), in a random order, with the knee at 0 degrees (terminal extension), 10 degrees, 30 degrees, 50 degrees, 70 degrees, and 90 degrees flexion. Knee extensor peak torque (PT), and average torque (AT) were expressed in absolute (N m), relative (N m kg(-1)) and allometric-modeled (N m kg(-n)) units. Vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris (RF) muscle EMG signals were full-wave rectified and integrated over the middle 3 s of each contraction, averaged over the three trials at each knee angle, and normalized to the activity recorded at 0 degrees. Muscle recruitment efficiency was calculated as the ratio of the normalized EMG of each muscle to the allometric-modeled average torque (normalized to the values at 0 degrees flexion), and expressed as a percent. Men generated significantly greater knee extensor PT and AT than women in absolute, relative and allometric-modeled units. Absolute and relative PT and AT were significantly highest at 70 degrees, while allometric-modeled values were observed to increase significantly across knee joint angles 10-90 degrees. VM EMG was significantly greater than the VL and RF muscles across all angles, and followed a similar pattern to absolute knee extensor torque. Recruitment efficiency improved across knee joint angles 10-90 degrees and was highest for the VL muscle. VM recruitment efficiency improved more than the VL and RF muscles across 70-90 degrees flexion. The findings demonstrate angle-, and gender-specific responses of knee extensor torque to maximal-effort contractions, while superficial QF muscle recruitment was most efficient at 90 degrees, and less dependent on gender.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power frequency versus torque relationships during isokinetic and isometric muscle actions of the biceps brachii.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) versus torque (or force) relationships during isokinetic and isometric muscle actions of the biceps brachii. Ten adults (mean +/- SD age = 21.6 +/- 1.7 years) performed submaximal to maximal isokinetic and isometric muscle actions of the dominant forearm flexors. Following determination of isokinetic peak torque (PT) and the isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), the subjects randomly performed submaximal step muscle actions in 10% increments from 10% to 90% PT and MVC. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that MMG amplitude increased linearly with torque during both the isokinetic (r2 = 0.982) and isometric (r2 = 0.956) muscle actions. From 80% to 100% of isometric MVC, however, MMG amplitude appeared to plateau. Cubic models provided the best fit for the MMG MPF versus isokinetic (R2 = 0.786) and isometric (R2 = 0.940) torque relationships, although no significant increase in MMG MPF was found from 10% to 100% of isokinetic PT. For the isometric muscle actions, however, MMG MPF remained relatively stable from 10% to 50% MVC, increased from 50% to 80% MVC, and decreased from 80% to 100% MVC. The results demonstrated differences in the MMG amplitude and MPF versus torque relationships between the isokinetic and isometric muscle actions. These findings suggested that the time and frequency domains of the MMG signal may be useful for describing the unique motor control strategies that modulate dynamic versus isometric torque production.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Concentric and eccentric isokinetic assessment of flexor-extensor torque ratios at the hip, knee, and ankle in a sample population of healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the relationship between the flexor/extensor torque ratios in the hip, knee, and ankle. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Laboratory of a university rehabilitation department. PARTICIPANTS: From a group of 158 healthy volunteers, 138 subjects completed all the tests in concentric mode, and 65 in eccentric mode. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The flexor/extensor torque ratios of the hip, knee, and ankle were analyzed by means of isokinetic concentric and eccentric tests. Analysis of variance was carried out to compare the mean values of the ratios obtained between the male and female populations and between the right and left sides, and correlation analysis between the values of the joints. RESULTS: The flexor/extensor torque ratios differed significantly according to sex and angular velocities, but not according to side except for the ankle. No significant relationship was found between the flexor/extensor torque ratios in the hip, knee, and ankle joints. CONCLUSIONS: The flexor-extensor torque ratio of the knee and hip can be used as a reference point during rehabilitation of the contralateral side. Our results demonstrating the absence of correlation between the flexor/extensor torque ratio in each joint of the same limb, however, call for further longitudinal studies to be made under specific circumstances, such as training or immobilization of one joint, to follow the course of agonist/antagonist ratios and the synergistic activity between the joints.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Torque generated by the bacterial flagellar motor close to stall.

In earlier work in which electrorotation was used to apply external torque to tethered cells of the bacterium Escherichia coli, it was found that the torque required to force flagellar motors backward was considerably larger than the torque required to stop them. That is, there appeared to be substantial barrier to backward rotation. Here, we show that in most, possibly all, cases this barrier is an artifact due to angular variation of the torque applied by electrorotation, of the motor torque, or both; the motor torque appears to be independent to speed or to vary linearly with speed up to speeds of tens of Hertz, in either direction. However, motors often break catastrophically when driven backward, so backward rotation is not equivalent to forward rotation. Also, cells can rotate backward while stalled, either in randomly timed jumps of 180 degrees or very slowly and smoothly. When cells rotate slowly and smoothly backward, the motor takes several seconds to recover after electrorotation is stopped, suggesting that some form of reversible damage has occurred. These findings do not affect the interpretation of electrorotation experiments in which motors are driven rapidly forward.

Bacterial Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1999

Torque generated by the flagellar motor of Escherichia coli while driven backward.

The technique of electrorotation was used to apply torque to cells of the bacterium Escherichia coli tethered to glass coverslips by single flagella. Cells were made to rotate backward, that is, in the direction opposite to the rotation driven by the flagellar motor itself. The torque generated by the motor under these conditions was estimated using an analysis that explicitly considers the angular dependence of both the viscous drag coefficient of the cell and the torque produced by electrorotation. Motor torque varied approximately linearly with speed up to over 100 Hz in either direction, placing constraints on mechanisms for torque generation in which rates of proton transfer for backward rotation are limiting. These results, interpreted in the context of a simple three-state kinetic model, suggest that the rate-limiting step in the torque-generating cycle is a powerstroke in which motor rotation and dissipation of the energy available from proton transit occur synchronously.

Biophysical Phenomena↗
PubMed1998

Torque action of two-joint muscles in the swing period of stiff-legged gait: a forward dynamic model analysis.

Stiff-legged gait, characterized by limited knee flexion during the swing period, is a common consequence of upper motor neuron injury. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the rectus femoris and hamstrings muscles (which act at both the hip and knee) contribute to stiff-legged gait if active during the swing period of the gait cycle. Ten subjects with unilateral stiff-legged gait due to stroke were evaluated. Swing period free gait data were obtained. A biomechanical model of the affected limb was developed for each subject. Muscle and tendon lengths were scaled to individual subjects while constant nominal values for maximum muscle forces were used for all subjects. Torque driven forward dynamic simulations were employed to determine the sensitivity of swing period maximum knee flexion angle to changes in hip and knee torques. Combined torque and muscle driven simulations were used to access the action of specific two-joint muscles. Both hip flexion torque and knee extension torque were found to influence knee angle, but knee angle was more sensitive to changes in torque at the knee joint. The actions of the rectus femoris and long hamstrings are most marked at the knee, although their action at the hip opposes their action at the knee. Rectus femoris activity during early swing acts to limit knee flexion and contributes to stiff-legged gait. Long hamstring activity in early swing contributes to knee flexion.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Relationship between wire EMG activity, muscle length, and torque of the hamstrings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of change of muscle length on the torque and wire electromyographic activity of six knee flexor muscles. DESIGN: Maximum isometric knee flexion torque and wire EMG data were collected at nine different positions. BACKGROUND: In vivo EMG-length-tension relationship is difficult to determine because of the interaction between muscle length and moment arm. The study of two-joint muscles allows the change of muscle length at one joint while preserving stable mechanical relationships at the other. This model facilitates understanding of length-tension and EMG-length relationship in vivo. METHODS: Nineteen subjects performed maximum isometric knee flexion contraction at nine positions of varying hip and knee angles. Wire EMG activity was recorded from semitendionsus, semimembranosus, long and short head of the biceps femoris, gracilis and sartorious muscles. RESULTS: As the two-joint hamstrings were lengthened, torque was significantly increased. Maximum isometric torque ranged from 257 to 716 kg cm. The ratio of the torque values to EMG activity of all muscles was increased at longer muscle lengths. A change in the muscle length of the two-joint hamstrings did not produce a consistent change of EMG activity. The short head of the biceps femoris and sartorius muscles increased their activity as the angle of knee flexion increased. CONCLUSIONS: Maximum torque of knee flexion occurs at the most lengthened position of the hamstrings. EMG activity did not consistently change with the change in muscle length. RELEVANCE: Understanding in vivo length-tension relationship and associated EMG activity is important for designing rehabilitation protocols, tendon lengthening and transfer and interpretation of EMG data.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Performance of elbow tracking under constant torque disturbance in normotonic stroke patients and normal subjects.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the influences of externally imposed constant torque on the voluntary elbow movements of stroke and normal subjects were investigated quantitatively. BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness, spasticity and incoordination are the major factors that interfere with stroke patient's limb functions. Imposing external torque disturbance may worsen the motor performance. This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of small constant external torque on the performance of voluntary elbow movements. METHODS: Tracking of a ramp-and-hold angle trajectory in the direction of extension was used as the main task for performance assessment. Each subject repeated the same tracking movement six times in each of three loading conditions: no, assistive or resistive loading. Five normal and six stroke subjects were recruited for this study. We used parameters extracted from movement trajectory and processed electromyograms as the performance indicators. RESULTS: For normal subjects, there was no difference in the tracking performance in the three loading conditions. For stroke patients, the affected side had inferior performance to the healthy side in the free loading condition and the difference diminished in assistive and resistive loading conditions as the performance of the affected side improved. Integrated electromyograms of biceps or triceps did not show significant changes in different loading conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Small externally imposed constant torque, either resistive or assistive, may improve motor performance of affected elbows in stroke patients. RELEVANCE: Most of the currently available prostheses are passive devices, aiming at providing better support and improving stability. The results of the current study imply that an active prosthetic device that applies a small constant torque to the hemiparetic elbow can improve its motor performance in stroke patients. The direction of external torque is to assist the weaker side of the antagonistic muscle pair.

Elbow↗
PubMed2003

Velocity dependent passive plantarflexor resistive torque in patients with acquired brain injury.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether factors other than stretch reflex excitability contribute to velocity dependent passive plantarflexor resistive torque following brain injury. BACKGROUND: In patients with acquired brain injury increased resistance to passive muscle lengthening commonly results from abnormal muscle contraction, secondary to disinhibition of descending motor pathways, in addition to rheologic changes within the musculo-tendinous unit. Hyper-excitable tonic stretch reflex responses (spasticity) have traditionally been considered to be the main factor influencing resistance that is velocity dependent. METHODS: Ten adults with brain injury and eighteen age matched controls were studied. A computer controlled torque measurement system was utilised to evaluate resistance to dorsiflexion stretches at two velocities (5 degrees and 25 degrees s(-1)). Only stretches which did not evoke muscle contraction were included in the data analysis. The mean difference and 95% confidence limits in passive plantarflexor resistive torque at two stretch velocities, measured over a defined portion of the test movement, were compared between subject groups. RESULTS: A velocity dependent increase in passive plantarflexor resistive torque was evident when the ankle was dorsiflexed past the neutral position in both subjects with brain injury and controls. However, the mean difference was approximately 10 times greater in neurologically impaired limbs compared with control values. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that an important component of velocity dependent resistance to passive muscle lengthening in adults with brain injury can be mechanical, and unrelated to stretch induced reflex muscle contraction. RELEVANCE: Increased resistive torque during rapid muscle lengthening may represent a compensatory adaptation for reduced distal motor control following brain injury. A velocity dependent increase in passive plantarflexor resistive torque has the potential to improve stability during gait and provide mechanical resistance to sudden external perturbations.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Joint torques and dynamic joint stiffness in elderly and young men during stepping down.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the joint torque pattern and dynamic joint stiffness at the knee and ankle in elderly and young men during stepping down. BACKGROUND: Adequate joint stiffness is critical during the single support phase to control forward and downward body momentum. DESIGN: Six active elderly men (mean 67.7) and six young men (mean 23.6) of similar body mass and height, were filmed stepping down from one force platform to another. Repeated trials were undertaken at three different step heights (200, 250, and 300 mm). METHOD: Joint torques were determined for the ankle and knee of the support limb throughout the single support phase. The gradient of the joint torque-angle graph was calculated to define dynamic joint stiffness of the ankle and knee in two phases; (I) from initiation of movement until heel-off of the supporting limb, and (II) from heel-off of the supporting limb to contra-limb touch down. RESULTS: Maximum ankle torque values were lower in the elderly and occurred at a larger dorsiflexion angle (P<0.05). Knee torque patterns were similar in both groups. Phase I ankle stiffness was significantly less in the elderly (4.0-5.2 Nm/ degrees ) at all step heights compared to the young (7.6 - 8.7 Nm/ degrees ). In both groups ankle stiffness in Phase II increased with step height, while knee joint stiffness decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The different torque pattern and lower dynamic ankle stiffness in the elderly, particularly for Phase I, suggested an altered control strategy. These findings highlight the importance of dynamic ankle joint stiffness in stepping down. RELEVANCE: Understanding how the elderly step down may be important in developing strategies to prevent falls.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2000

Effects of vision on head stability and torques during voluntary pulls made by standing humans.

This study tested the hypothesis that vision would improve pitch-plane stabilization of the head by increasing how well neck muscle torque compensates for torques associated with body motion, in a task where standing human subjects made rapid voluntary pulls. Ten subjects performed abrupt horizontal pulls on a handle to two peak force targets, with the eyes open and closed. We evaluated head angular velocity with respect to space. Inverse dynamics were used to subdivide the torque acting on the head into gravito-interactive and muscle components. A torque compensation ratio was computed from those two components. Head angular velocity was lower and the compensation ratio was higher during pulls made with the eyes open, for both force targets. The data suggest that vision enhances head stability by increasing the effectiveness with which muscle torques oppose gravito-interactive torques during voluntary pulls made while standing.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

A quantitative analysis of valgus torque on the ACL: a human cadaveric study.

The loads needed to elicit a positive pivot shift test in a knee with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture have not been quantified. The coupled anterior tibial translation (ATT), coupled internal tibial rotation (ITR), and the in situ force in the ACL in response to a valgus torque, an inherent component of the pivot shift test, were measured in 10 human cadaveric knee specimens. Using a robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system, valgus torques ranging from 0.0 to 10.0 Nm were applied in nine increments on the intact and ACL-deficient knee in flexion ranging from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. At 15 degrees of knee flexion, the coupled ATT and ITR were significantly increased in the ACL-deficient knee when compared to the intact knee. Coupled ATT increased a maximum of 291% (6.7 mm, p<0.05), while coupled ITR increased a maximum of 85% (5.1 degrees, p<0.05). At 30 degrees, the increases in coupled ATT and ITR were significant at valgus loads of 3.3 Nm and greater with a maximum increase in coupled ATT of 137% (6.3 mm, p<0.05) and a maximum increase in coupled ITR of 38% (3.6 degrees, p<0.05). At 45 degrees, coupled ATT increased significantly (maximum of 69%, 4.4 mm, p<0.05), but only at torques > or =6.7 Nm. The in situ force in the ACL was less than 20 N for all flexion angles when a torque between 3.3 and 5.0 Nm was applied. Low valgus torque elicited tibial subluxation in the ACL-deficient knee with low in situ ACL forces, similar to a positive pivot shift test. Thus, application of a valgus torque may be suitable to evaluate ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knees, since subluxation can be achieved with minimal harm to the ACL graft. This work is important in understanding one load component needed for the pivot shift examination; further studies quantifying other load components are essential for better comprehension of the in vivo pivot shift examination.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Rationale for the use of low-torque endodontic motors in root canal instrumentation.

Fracture of nickel-titanium rotary files is an iatrogenic error which can seriously jeopardize root canal therapy. If a high-torque motor is used, the instrument-specific limit-torque (fracture limit) is often exceeded, thus increasing the risk of intracanal failure. A possible solution to this problem is to use a low-torque endodontic motor which operates below these values. If the torque is set just below the limit of elasticity for each instrument, the risk of fracture is likely to be markedly reduced. The purpose of this paper was to discuss mechanical properties of NiTi rotary instruments, the rationale for selecting low torque values, and to use clinically a new endodontic motor (step-motor) which operates below the limit of elasticity of each rotary file. The step-motor was found to be helpful in reducing the risk of instrument fracture. Irreversible material damage (plastic deformation) and instrument fracture were rarely seen. Low-torque instrumentation also increased tactile sense and, consequently, mental awareness of rotary instrumentation.

Computer Systems↗