Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2025, Biomedical Engineering

This dissertation focuses on non-perceptual effects of artificial sensation measured by effects in the motor system. Tactile feedback is used throughout the brain, from the “highest” cortical level to the “lower” spinal or brain stem level. Touch is first used before perception, or pre-perceptually, by the brain stem in simple, automatic modulation of the motor system. For example, carrying an object from place to place or even shifting it in one's hand involves many changing tactile signals. Even a single ridge of a fingertip supplies a unique signal for use in object manipulation. If one had to actively perceive and act upon all this information, merely picking up an object would become overwhelming. Fortunately, the lower levels of our brain automatically make minor adjustments to grip based on tactile information. What is not known is how relevant perceptual qualities are to these automatic corrections to grip. The cortex, not the brainstem, is the location of tactile perception, so it stands to reason that the brainstem does not require “natural” qualities of tactile feedback. Our lab has a group of participants with peripheral nerve cuff electrodes we can stimulation through. We tested how well artificial tactile feedback would integrate with the sensorimotor system in tasks of increasing complexity. We found that peripheral nerve stimulation is processed similarly to naturally generated touch with and without perception and may engage with the motor system as seen by the intent to modulate grip force.

Committee: Dustin Tyler (Advisor); A Bolu Ajiboye (Committee Chair); Hillel Chiel (Committee Member); M. Cenk Çavuşoğlu (Committee Member) Subjects: Biomedical Engineering; Engineering; Neurosciences

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2023, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

Music's ability to influence emotional states and physical arousal has become an increasingly popular area of study. The wealth of literature around music and stress suggests a significant amount of interest in leveraging music to manage stress. However, as attention increases, the robustness of research becomes an increasing concern. This study investigates the current literature and proposes recommendations for the future studying of the psychological and physiological impacts of music as it relates to stress reduction. Existing literature was reviewed with a focus on the operationalization of key concepts of music and stress. The analysis showed considerable discrepancies in research design, operationalization of music, operationalization of the psychological aspects of stress, and operationalization of the physiological aspects of stress. The findings of this study have implications for future research design. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Committee: Michael Toohey (Committee Chair); Michael Sakuma (Committee Member); Brad Lichtenstein (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Music; Psychobiology; Psychology

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders in the workforce are highly prevalent, especially in material handling operations. In addition to completing physically demanding work that is required in this domain, workers must also manage concurrent mental demands present in their tasks. Few studies have examined the effect of concurrent mental demands in occupationally-relevant tasks. This study attempted to fill this void by quantifying the effects of varying degrees of cognitive loads and task precision demands on a material handling task by examining these effects on the kinematics and muscle activity of the trunk and shoulders. Methods: Twelve subjects lifted and placed a 5 kg box on a rack at one of three destination heights (low, middle, high) while under a simultaneous cognitive load (no load, simple load, complex load) and/or precision constraint (low precision, high precision). Cognitive load consisted of time-based arithmetic questions where participants were tasked with determining the amount of time remaining from a given time to a target time (e.g., Get to 4:00 PM from 3:15 for simple load or get to 4:10 PM from 3:27 PM for complex load). The primary dependent measures were the angular velocities of the trunk and shoulders as well as muscle activity in the erector spinae, rectus abdominus, external oblique, latissimus dorsi, and anterior deltoid muscles. Results: Significant decreases in angular velocities for both higher cognitive load complexities and higher precision conditions were observed. Additionally, lower 90th percentile normalized muscle activity values were observed as complexity and precision increased. Cumulative muscle activity, however, increased with these increases in complexity and precision. Conclusions: This study examined the impact of varying levels of cognitive and precision conditions on muscle activity and kinematics of the trunk and shoulders. Results indicated that increased complexity and precision led to longer lift t (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Carolyn Sommerich (Committee Member); Steven Lavender (Advisor) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Biomechanics; Engineering; Health Sciences; Industrial Engineering; Kinesiology; Occupational Safety

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2022, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Modern tree-sloths are one of few mammalian taxa for which quadrupedal spension is obligatory. Sloth limb musculature is specialized for slow velocity, large force contractions that stabilize limb their body below branches, and also conserves energy during locomotion. However, it is unknown if two and three-toed sloths converge in their use of limb biomechanics and whether these patterns are comparable to how primates perform arboreal suspensory locomotion. This study addresses this need by collecting limb loading data in three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus; N=5) during suspensory walking. Sloths performed locomotor trials at their preferred speed on a three-part beam apparatus instrumented with a force platform as the central supporting segment. Peak forces and impulses were recorded and analyzed in three dimensions in the forelimb and hindlimb during suspensory walking. The hindlimbs of B. variegatus apply large braking forces comparable in magnitude to forces by the forelimbs in propulsion, a pattern consistent with that of the two-toed sloths. However, B. variegatus exhibits hindlimb-biased bodyweight support in vertical peak forces and impulse and appreciable laterally-directed forces in both limb pairs. These patterns of limb force distribution vary from those previously observed in two-toed sloths. Moreover, bodyweight distribution between limb pairs is the opposite of that employed by primates during quadrupedal suspension. There appear to be multiple strategies for achieving suspensory locomotion in arboreal mammals. EMG analyses are expected to provide further insight into how specific hindlimb muscle groups contribute to braking/propulsive forces and stabilizing the center of mass of sloths during suspension.

Committee: Michael Butcher PhD (Advisor); Carmen Panaitof PhD (Committee Member); Ken Learman PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Biology; Biomechanics

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2022, Mechanical Engineering

Background: Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are external devices that are prescribed for people who were diagnosed with muscle weakness in the lower extremities. These devices are typically prescribed to accommodate the patients for their weak limb(s) by reducing toe-drag and improving ankle dorsiflexion. Previous work has looked at the effects of an AFO on ankle muscle activity during gait. However, there is a lack of information on how AFOs might influence knee muscle activity during gait under different walking conditions. This study examined the effects of a common posterior leaf spring plastic AFO (PAFO) and anterior shell carbon fiber AFO (CAFO) on knee muscle activity in a healthy population during three different treadmill conditions. It was hypothesized that the design of the CAFO, would create less demand on the knee extensors than either the PAFO or no AFO for all walking conditions. Methods: 15 healthy young adults were recruited for this repeated measures study. Noraxon EMG sensors were used to measure the muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) while walking on a treadmill at a comfortable pace. Individuals walked with no AFO, a PAFO and a CAFO during three treadmill conditions (flat, incline, decline). Then, all EMG data were exported to and analyzed using MATLAB, where they were filtered, demeaned, rectified, normalized, and then averaged. Results: Separate one-way ANOVAs were used to identify significant (p<0.05) differences in muscle activity between the AFO conditions during the flat, incline and decline treadmill walking conditions. During flat walking RF, VM and VL muscle activity was significantly lower when using the CAFO compared to both the PAFO and no AFO conditions. During incline walking RF and VM muscle activity was significantly lower when using the CAFO compared to the PAFO and VM and VL muscle activity was significantly (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Kimberly Bigelow (Committee Chair); Harold Merriman (Committee Member); Kurt Jackson (Committee Member); Allison Kinney (Committee Member) Subjects: Biomechanics; Mechanical Engineering; Philosophy; Physical Education; Physical Therapy

Master of Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2022, Biomedical Engineering

The composite flat interface nerve electrode (C-FINE) can be used to functionally activate paralyzed muscles. We evaluated the recruitment properties of 16 contact C-FINEs implanted around the nerves of the right upper extremity of a tetraplegic human participant using pulse width (PW) modulated recruitment curves. Muscle activation was quantified using the electromyographic (EMG) response to twitch activation. Selectivity was defined as the maximum percent activation of a muscle before any other muscle reached a 20% activation threshold. We found that it was possible to selectively activate 24/25 muscles, but that selectivity values ranged widely. We were able to successfully create functional stimulation patterns from the acquired recruitment information. We found cuff-wide trends in activation thresholds that indicate the location of each nerve in its cuff. Due to the differences in activation threshold across each cuff, future characterization work should intelligently vary both PA and PW in order to increase efficiency.

Committee: Robert Kirsch (Advisor); Bolu Ajiboye (Committee Member); Dustin Tyler (Committee Member) Subjects: Biomedical Engineering

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2022, Industrial and Systems Engineering

The present study investigated an ergonomic aid for playing the trombone, the Neotech Trombone GripTM, which assists a trombonist's left hand in supporting the instrument. The objective of the study was to investigate what effect this device has on the left upper extremity while playing the trombone in comparison to the standard, unaided method of grasping it. Understanding players' perceptions and opinions of the device was another objective. Seven trombone players were recruited. Subjects played a scale and a piece of their choice under four conditions: sitting or standing with or without the device on their trombone. While playing, muscle activity in the trapezius, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, extrinsic finger flexor, and extrinsic finger extensor muscle groups on the left side of the body were collected. Perceptions on the device using a survey were also assessed. Results indicated a consistent decrease in muscle activity in the finger flexor group, and to a lesser extent trapezius muscle, while there was an increase in muscle activity in the finger extensor group, and to a lesser extent the anterior deltoid muscle, while using the device. These effects were more pronounced in players with smaller hands (among the group of participants). Most players subjectively found the device beneficial, and all would recommend it to other players. Overall, the device made playing more comfortable, decreased finger flexor muscle activity, and increased finger extensor muscle activity, indicating some tradeoff between these muscle groups.

Committee: Carolyn Sommerich (Advisor); Steve Lavender (Committee Member) Subjects: Industrial Engineering

Master of Science in Exercise and Health Studies, Miami University, 2022, Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health

The experiment investigated the role of anticipatory muscle activation in catching errors occurring under load uncertainty. Participants performed a ball catching task using visually identical balls of four weights (1=lightest, 4=heaviest) without knowing the weight of the ball on each trial. Anticipatory muscle activation was the EMG integral for the 90 ms interval between 100 ms prior to ball-hand contact and 10 ms prior to ball-hand contact. The mean and the mean coefficient of variation (CV) of anticipatory muscle activation in five muscles was compared between successful catches and catching errors for balls 1 and 4. Regarding ball 1, there were no significant differences between catching errors and successful catches. As for ball 4, the mean anticipatory muscle activation in the anterior deltoid and wrist flexor groups for both men and women were significantly smaller in catching errors than successful catches. For men as well as the men and women combined grouping, the all muscle mean anticipatory muscle activation was also significantly smaller in catching errors than successful catches. Findings support the hypothesis that errors made when attempting to catch a heavy ball under load uncertainty result from insufficient limb stiffness at ball-hand contact resulting from inadequate anticipatory muscle activation.

Committee: William Berg (Committee Chair); Jay Kimiecik (Committee Member); Kevin Ballard (Committee Member) Subjects: Kinesiology

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2020, Biomedical Engineering

The objective of this project was to explore the use of myoelectric signals generated from muscles below the SCI level as command sources for a neuroprosthetic system. Using functional electrical stimulation, motor neuroprostheses can restore function after paralysis caused by spinal cord injury (SCI). Command signals derived from the user's volitional intent are required to control these devices. In current systems, command is provided by myoelectric activity from muscles above the injury level. For improved functional capabilities, advanced neuroprosthetic technology demands more command signals than are conventionally available. Previous studies suggest that axonal sparing is common even in injuries diagnosed as motor complete, in which no visible signs of muscle activity below the injury are observed. As a result of this sparing, it is possible, even in the absence of visible movement, for movement attempts to produce myoelectric activity detectable via electromyographic (EMG) sensors. This myoelectric activity could provide an innovative source for neuroprosthetic control. To characterize the prevalence of this activity, surface EMG recordings from lower-extremity muscles were performed during volitional movement attempts in individuals with motor-complete SCI. Significant below-injury muscle activity was identified in the majority of participants, with a smaller proportion producing high-quality signals which we theorized capable of providing neuroprosthetic control. To support this theory, as a proof-of-concept we demonstrated the successful control of an implanted hand grasp neuroprosthesis via EMG signals from the participant's toe flexor. This feasibility test, which included functional grasp measures, demonstrates the potential for below-injury signals to provide a novel form of neuroprosthesis control. Lastly, we implemented a biofeedback training protocol with the goal of improving signal quality from muscles which contained significant, but no (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: P. Hunter Peckham PhD (Advisor); A. Bolu Ajiboye PhD (Committee Chair); Kevin Kilgore PhD (Committee Member); Warren Alilain PhD (Committee Member); Michael Keith MD (Committee Member) Subjects: Biomedical Engineering

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2019, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Previous investigations have shown that musculoskeletal injuries among Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers are prevalent. A combination of awkward postures, high force demands, and environmental factors increase the physical demands in EMS tasks and the risk of injury. This study was designed to evaluate whether the postures and biomechanical loads experienced when raising a patient from the supine posture to the upright sitting posture (raising task) could be reduced through the use of an ergonomic intervention, specifically, the use of a strap, placed under the patient's torso, and long enough that emergency medical service (EMS) providers can perform the patient raising task in an upright standing posture. In this study, 15 participants performed this raising task with the strap or using a traditional method (without the strap) wherein the EMS provider grasps the patient's shoulder. These tasks were performed in an open area, a restricted space simulating a hallway setting, and in a bathtub. Torso and knee postures, along with EMG data from the back and arms were collected and analyzed. Analysis of postural data implied a significant amelioration of postural concerns. The muscle activation increased in the biceps muscle with the strap compared to the traditional method, while the EMG response from the latissimus dorsi muscle was reduced when the strap was used. However, the EMG activity of the erector spinae muscle increased when the strap was used, possibly to the flexion relaxation phenomenon and the associated loading of passive tissues due to the extreme torso flexion observed when using the traditional method. Perceived effort assessments found that most participants thought it was at least a little easier to perform the tasks with the strap within each environmental setting. Therefore, the intervention of using a strap in the raising task could be recommended to the EMS providers.

Committee: Steve Lavender (Advisor); Carolyn Sommerich (Committee Member) Subjects: Industrial Engineering

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2019, Industrial and Systems Engineering

One-handed lifting tasks are frequently performed in warehouse operations. Often these are small piece-pick order selection jobs that are performed by female hourly employees. These jobs require the picking of single items from open boxes of items, for example, individual bottles of shampoo that are sent to retail stores to replenish stock that has been sold. Often these individual items are picked from boxes located on multi-level flow racks. The objective of this study was to quantify the time cost and ergonomic cost of one-handed lifting tasks as a function of shelf height, item weight, and walking distance. Seventeen participants lifted items of two different weights (0.45 and 0.90 kg) from seven shelf heights ( 10.8, 37.1, 63.5, 89.9, 116.2, 142.6, 168.9 cm) and either walked one step prior to picking up the item (lifting task 1) or lifted the item without needing to take a step (lifting task 2). The dependent variables were the 90th percentile electromyographic (EMG) signals of the right anterior deltoid, right lateral deltoid, left and right erector spinae; the peak value of spine twist, spine flexion, spine lateral flexion, right shoulder flexion and right shoulder abduction; and time required for walking and lifting. Results indicated that shelf height had a significant effect on all postural and EMG variables and that there is a trade-off between the back and shoulder muscle activity across the varying shelf heights. Picking from shelf heights at 142.6 and 168.9 cm resulted in greater shoulder abduction and flexion and higher shoulder muscle activity. Picking from shelf heights at 10.8, 37.1 and 63.5cm increased torso flexion, twisting, and back muscle activity. Item weight significantly affected EMG activity in both shoulder muscles and one of the back muscles. In terms of lifting task, shoulder muscle activities increased in the second lifting task (task 2) which did not require a step. All postural measurements except spine flexion were sign (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Steve Lavender (Advisor); Carolyn Sommerich (Committee Member) Subjects: Industrial Engineering

Master of Education, Cleveland State University, 2018, College of Education and Human Services

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of multiple eccentric workloads generated by a powered rowing machine on muscle activation and metabolic cost. It was hypothesized that the increasing eccentric workloads would result in greater eccentric muscular contractions and increased metabolic cost. Methods: The research design of this study was experimental. Ten subjects (5 male, 5 female) were acquired through a convenience sample. The two exercise trials – full body row (FBR) and low body row (LBR) – each consisted of a 12-minute rowing session that included four stages. The eccentric workload, determined by average power (W), increased with each stage while the concentric workload remained constant throughout the entire test. Electromyography (EMG) data was collected through the Delsys EMG System for eight muscles (rectus femoris (RF), gastrocnemius (MG), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps brachii (BB), trapezius (LT), and latisimus dorsi (LD)). Metabolic data was collected through the COSMED K4b2, while heart rate (HR) was monitored through a Polar heart rate sensor. Results: Oxygen consumption significantly increased between stages 1 and 2 for both the FBR (p = .000(1)) and LBR (p = .004), with no significant increases revealed between the remaining stages. However, heart revealed to significantly increase with each stage (p < .05) for both configurations. Muscle activation also significantly increased in some muscle groups (RF, BB, LD) between stages on the FBR and some muscles (RF, BF, and TA) of the LBR, but not for the others. However, an overall increase in muscle activation was seen for all muscle groups through each increased eccentric workload. Conclusion: The powered rowing machine, through its robust controllable impedance, can be effective in creating a more complete, dynamic, and high intensity mode of exercise. This allows the apparatus to be applicable to exercise equipment needed for both rehabilitation and countermeasures to micrograv (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Kenneth Sparks Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Douglas Wajda Ph.D. (Committee Member); Emily Kullman Ph.D. (Committee Member); Kristine Still Ph.D. (Other) Subjects: Anatomy and Physiology; Biomechanics; Health; Mechanical Engineering; Physiology; Rehabilitation; Robotics

Master of Science, University of Toledo, 2018, Exercise Science

Context: A large number of ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) patients are suffering from secondary ACL rupture following return to activity. ACL-R patients are also developing osteoarthritis at an accelerated rate, suggesting an altered movement strategy. The SLH is commonly used to assess functional performance following ACL-R. Objective: To identify patterns of lower extremity (LE) muscle activation during the propulsion phase of a single leg hop (SLH) for distance in ACL-R patients compared to healthy controls. Design: Cross-sectional Setting: Laboratory setting. Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen participants were included (8 ACL-R, 8 Healthy). ACL-R volunteers met the following criteria: unilateral, primary ACL-R, and have physician clearance. Control participants were excluded if they had a prior LE surgery, or any LE injuries within the last 6 months. Interventions: Subjective function was assessed using IKDC. Torque was measured using a HHD, and in the knee flexors and extensors using an isokinetic dynamometer. All volunteers performed 3 SLH for distance trials. Muscle activity of the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, VMO, and the medial gastrocnemius was measured bilaterally with wireless EMG. EMG amplitudes were normalized to MVIC trials. Independent t-tests were be used to compare between the groups. Paired t-tests were used for between-limb comparisons. Independent-tests were used to compare limbs between the ACL-R group and control groups. Main Outcome Measures: Mean amplitude of the selected musculature during the propulsion phase of the single limb hop test. SLH distance leg symmetry index (LSI) between groups. Results: ACL-R group reported lower PRO scores than the healthy group on the IKDC (P=.024). The ACL-R limb had lower knee extensor torque compared to the control limb (P =.029). No differences in EMG amplitude or SLH LSI in any of the comparisons. Conclusions: The ACL reconstruction limb displayed weakness in the knee extensors, and lower PRO scor (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Grant Norte PhD, ATC (Committee Chair); Neal Glaviano PhD, ATC (Committee Member); Amanda Murray PhD, DPT, PT (Committee Member); Lucinda Bouillon PhD, PT (Committee Member) Subjects: Kinesiology

Master of Science in Engineering, University of Akron, 2016, Mechanical Engineering

Grasping capabilities of a prosthetic hand adapted with sliding mode control was investigated with and without hand orientation feedback. Objects were grasped with a precision grip and repeatedly rotated in and out of the plane of gravity, while drop and break failures were recorded. The hand's grip force was controlled by computer generated input for benchtop tests as well as by electromyography muscle signals during human testing. An analysis of variance showed highly significant improvement in the number of successfully completed cycles for both the benchtop and human tests. Most performance metrics were not significantly affected by individual subjects, which indicates that the control scheme may be easily used by a large number of people. A sorting task, which was designed to serve as a distraction for the subjects while performing the task, had a significant impact on many of the performance metrics, but the impact caused by the Feedback-Sorting interaction suggests that the sorting task only affected the subject's performance without the assistance of the hand orientation feedback. Hand orientation feedback offered an effective method for reducing object drops while maintaining a minimum grip force.

Committee: Erik Engeberg (Advisor); Graham Kelly (Committee Member); Choi Jae-Won (Committee Member) Subjects: Mechanical Engineering; Robotics

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2015, Physics

The composition of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs) is still not completely understood, and must be inferred from Extended Air Shower (EAS), particle cascades which they initiate upon entering the atmosphere. The atmospheric depth at which the shower contains the maximum number of particles (Xmax) is the most composition-sensitive property of the air shower, but its interpretation is hindered by intrinsic statistical fluctuations in EAS development (which cause distinct compositions to produce overlapping Xmax distributions) as well as our limited knowledge at these energies of hadronic physics (which strongly impacts the Xmax distribution's shape). These issues ultimately necessitate a variety of complementary approaches to interpreting UHECR composition from Xmax data. The current work advances these approaches by connecting Xmax skewness to the uncertainties above. The study of Xmax has historically focused only on the mean and standard deviation of its distribution, but skewness is shown here to be strongly related to both the statistical fluctuations in EAS development as well as the least-understood hadronic cross-sections in the air shower. This leads into a treatment of the Exponentially-Modified Gaussian (EMG) distribution, whose little-known properties make it very useful for Xmax analysis (and for data analysis in general). A powerful method emerges which uses only descriptive statistics in a robust check for energy-dependent changes in UHECR mass or EAS development. The application of these analyses to Xmax data provides tantalizing clues concerning issues of critical importance, such as the relationship between Xmax and the 'ankle' break in the UHECR energy spectrum, or the inferred properties of the UHECR mass distribution and its strong dependence on hadronic model systematics.

Committee: James Beatty (Advisor); John Beacom (Committee Member); Brian Winer (Committee Member); Tom Lemberger (Committee Member) Subjects: Astrophysics; Experiments; Mathematics; Particle Physics; Physics; Statistics

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2015, Industrial and Systems Engineering

INTRODUCTION. Tattoo artists as a population of workers may suffer from a high prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort. Despite this finding, no detailed analyses of the work processes required in tattooing have been published in peer reviewed literature to date. The information gathered in the course of this study provides a base of knowledge for future research and intervention with this population of workers. METHODS. In Phase 1, a survey was conducted on worker and work characteristics and musculoskeletal discomfort, involving 34 professional tattoo artists. In Phase 2, workplace observations were conducted in order to gather data to perform postural analyses and assess muscle activation while performing typical tattooing tasks; 10 professional tattoo artists participated in this phase of the study. RESULTS. The findings in the current study concerning musculoskeletal discomfort in tattoo artists are consistent with the work of Grieshaber et al. (2012). Both studies support the conclusion that musculoskeletal discomfort is highly prevalent in several regions of the body in these workers. 12-month prevalence for musculoskeletal discomfort in the 8 regions of the body included in the questionnaire ranged from 38% for the legs/feet to 94% for the lower back, while the observation and muscle activity recording portions of the study show that the occupation is marked by prolonged awkward postures (just under 50% of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA, McAtamney & Corlett, 1993) scores were between 5 and 6 which corresponds to action level 3 and indicates that investigation and changes are required soon) and high levels of static muscle activity (all 10 Phase 2 participants displayed 10th percentile muscle activity levels that exceeded 2-5% MVE limit recommended by Jonsson (1978) in at least one muscle or muscle group, particularly in the right and left upper trapezius muscles in which activity ranged from 3.4% to16% MVE). CONCLUSIONS. The present study foun (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Carolyn Sommerich (Advisor); Blaine Lilly (Committee Member) Subjects: Engineering

Master of Science, University of Toledo, 2014, Exercise Science

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of EMG-BF supplemented exercise on quadriceps corticospinal excitability, strength, voluntary activation, and function, compared to those who received therapeutic exercise alone in healthy participants. Design: Randomized-controlled trial conducted in a laboratory setting. Participants: Twelve healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two groups: EMG-BF (n= 2 males, 3 females; age: 21.8 +/- 1.8 years; height: 168.2 +/- 5.5 cm; mass: 74.6 +/- 11.6 kg) and Control (n= 3 males, 4 females; age: 21.4 +/- 4.0 years; 173.5 +/- 12.7 cm; mass: 77.5 +/- 26.3 kg). Procedures: Outcome measures included quadriceps corticospinal excitability measured via paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (ppTMS): short-interval intra-cortical inhibition (SICI) and intra-cortical facilitation (ICF). ppTMS measures consist of a sub-threshold conditioning stimulus followed by a supra-threshold tests stimulus with varying inter-stimulus intervals. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), central activation ratio (CAR), and a single-leg hop test (SLH) for distance were completed for each participant during a baseline session. Group assignment was allocated and participants complete a 9-session, 3-week supervised therapeutic exercise protocol either with EMG-BF or without additional feedback. Prior to all exercise sessions participants warmed up for 5-minutes on a stationary bike. Exercises included quadriceps sets. Short arc quadriceps, straight-leg raises, step-ups, knee extensions, and wall squats with physio-ball. Exercises were systematically progressed using the daily adjustable resistive exercise system (DAPRE). All outcome measures were repeated during a post-test session within 7-days of the final exercise session. Statistics: Separate 2x2 repeated measures ANOVAs were completed for each outcome measure to determine differences across groups over time. Standardized Cohens d effect s (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Brian Pietrosimone PhD,ATC (Committee Chair); Abbey Thomas PhD,ATC (Committee Member); Phillip Gribble PhD, ATC (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Care; Health Sciences; Kinesiology; Physical Therapy; Rehabilitation; Sports Medicine

PHD, Kent State University, 2013, College of Arts and Sciences / School of Biomedical Sciences

MAMONE, BERNADETT, M.ED. AUGUST 2013 BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES MOTOR IMAGERY TRAINING FACILITATES NEURAL ADAPTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH MUSCLE STRENGTHENING IN AGING (208 PP.) Director of Thesis: Guang, H. Yue Background. Aging is accompanied by a decline in muscle strength. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Growing evidence indicates that voluntary muscle strength training paradigms enhance descending cortical drive and strengthen muscle output in the elderly. Motor Imagery Training (MIT) may improve strength, however, it is not known if MIT can reverses aging-related maladaptive changes and how the underpinnings differ from those of conventional strength training (CST). Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroencephalography (EEG), we studied the relation between training-related motor cortical changes and muscle strengthening in the elderly. Methods. Thirty-two right-handed, healthy older adults (74.41±7.09 yrs) were randomly assigned to either an 8-week MIT (n=15) or CST (n=10) group for left elbow flexion (EF) strengthening. A non-training elderly control (n=7) and twenty non-training young (23±4.02 yrs) subjects were also included. We measured maximal left arm EF and elbow extension (EE) force before and after training using a computerized force transducer and electromyography (EMG) to detect changes in relative antagonist muscle EMG and co-contraction. TMS was used to test the excitability of corticospinal pathways, intra-cortical and inter-hemispheric connections. Central motor drive was assessed using EEG. Results. Before training, there were significant age-related effects. Elderly had significantly (p=0.044) lower strength, antagonist muscle EMG (p=0.001), inter-hemispheric inhibition (IHI; p=0.032), stronger brain activation in beta (13-30 Hz; p<0.001) and gamma band (30-100 Hz; p<0.001) and weakened brain-to-muscle coupling at Cz and C4 compared to young. Both training paradigm equally improved left (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Guang Yue PhD (Committee Chair); Sean Veney PhD (Committee Member); Angela Ridgel PhD (Committee Member); Heather Caldwell PhD (Committee Member); David Riccio PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Aging; Biomedical Engineering; Health Sciences; Neurobiology; Physical Therapy

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2012, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Limb muscles have important roles during locomotion, such as counteracting ground reaction forces (GRF) and generating propulsive mechanical work and power. Depending on the magnitude and direction of the GRF or the performance demands of locomotion, limb muscles may produce high forces that impose substantial loads on limb bones. While bone loading has been studied over a relatively broad phylogenetic and functional range of tetrapod lineages, much less is known about how muscle contractile function directly influences patterns and magnitudes of bone loading. To better understand mechanisms of limb bone loading in terrestrial locomotion, we correlated direct measurements of in vivo bone strain with muscle strain (via sonomicrometry) and EMG activation in a major hip extensor/knee flexor muscle (m. flexor tibialis internus) of river cooter turtles (Pseudemys concinna) during treadmill walking. EMG recordings indicate activity prior to footfall that continues through approximately 50% of the stance phase. The muscle fascicles reach their maximum length just after footfall and actively shorten to their minimum length at 35% of stance. At the time of peak bone strains (both principal and axial), the muscle fascicles are active, but are lengthening as the knee joint begins to extend. On average, the time difference between peak bone strain and muscle strain was 5% of stance. Thus, due to the coincidence between bone strains muscle shortening, bone loading patterns can be correlated directly with the action of limb muscles, refining models of femoral loading derived from force platform studies, and indicating a significant role for FTI in femoral loading in turtles that may explain differences in safety factor estimates between force plate and in vivo strain analyses.

Committee: Michael T. Butcher PhD (Advisor); Mark D. Womble PhD (Committee Member); Robert E. Leipheimer Ph.D. (Committee Member); Richard W. Blob Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Anatomy and Physiology; Biology; Biomechanics; Zoology

Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, 2011, Human Factors and Industrial/Organizational Psychology MS

Case study BK is a teenage male who suffers from severe cerebral palsy, making communication very difficult using his current assistive technology. His performance with a manual switch was compared to a hands-free system for computer interaction (Cyberlink Brainfingers/ NIA). BK uses a switch scanning menu, which steps through predetermined options till he chooses the current option being read aloud by pressing a button. A yes/no menu was used for the switch scanning interface for both manual and hands free conditions, as well as the point and click condition. In both hands-free conditions, BK was as fast and accurate as he was with his manual assistive solution that he has been using for almost 10 years now. Results indicate that a hands-free system is a valid assistive technology direction for BK. As in Marler (2004)- perhaps the greatest benefit from a point and click hands-free system could be increased engagement.

Committee: John Flach PhD (Advisor); Kevin Bennett PhD (Committee Member); John Gallagher PHD (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Communication; Design; Developmental Biology; Developmental Psychology; Early Childhood Education; Educational Software; Educational Technology; Engineering; Experimental Psychology; Experiments; Health