Master of Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2025, Biomedical Engineering

Exoskeletons, both commercial and experimental, are often misaligned due to the need for adjustability and mismatches in joint mechanics. However, the literature lacks understanding on how misalignments impact gait and how closely these devices need to be aligned. This study characterized these effects by systematically misaligning the exoskeleton and analyzing gait kinematics. Design priorities were refined to modify the device. The study also explored the utility of a pelvic belt to improve alignment. Results demonstrated the pelvic belt worsened gait as Gait Deviation Index (GDI) decreased by up to 27.61. Proximal and distal misalignments had a larger impact on gait and exoskeleton fitment with GDI reductions of up to 11.57 for distal misalignments compared to anterior/posterior misalignments, which showed GDI decreases of at most 7.01. A new design was proposed that prioritized proximal/distal alignment, addressing some misalignment effects.

Master of Sciences (Engineering), Case Western Reserve University, 0, EMC - Mechanical Engineering

This thesis focuses on the theory and computational modeling for the Cosserat rod model with respect to the locomotion of a soft robotic snake. This thesis provides a foundational understanding of the Cosserat rod model itself for mathematical modeling of undulation locomotion with an emphasis on two-dimensional perspective. The essence of the Cosserat model lies in the multi-dimensional computational modeling for slender rods or beams for all forms of deformation and forces causing it with respect to undulatory motion. These motions specifically apply to the snake movements of soft robotic snakes. The scope of work was then applied towards estimating the forward velocity of the robot as a function of material properties in the framework of the Cosserat rod theory. This thesis introduces the scope of the project and introductory concepts, reviews theory about the rod model, discusses experimental methods to apply the theorized model, analyzes potential modeling variations and expansions, and concludes with potential next steps for the project and how it can be applied to fields of biomedical engineering. As a result, generalized trends were discovered that a stiffer snake provided a slower velocity. A slender specimen provided a higher velocity while a specimen with a higher Froude number had a slower velocity. While increasing all three inputs, the velocity output also increased.

Master of Science, Miami University, 2024, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

The study of human balance postural mechanics remains a subject of considerable interest, given its significance in understanding modes of instability leading to falls in individuals, especially for balance impairments due to neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders. Understanding the mechanism of instability can positively impact the quality of life of billions of people around the world, viz., minimization and mitigation of fall risk and aiding rehabilitation. Studies have shown, theoretically, that modes of instability due to excessive neuromuscular feedback gain and delay give rise to instability in the form of limit cycle oscillations. In this thesis, we delve into the realms of upright human balance and understand instability mechanisms by inducing neuromuscular feedback delay through virtual reality (VR). Using VR for feedback manipulation, we analyzed the center of pressure data of healthy participants across multiple age groups during quiet standing to identify the signs of impaired balance based on the occurrence of limit cycle oscillations throughout the experiment. This thesis aims to experimentally verify that instability caused by excessive neuromuscular feedback delay results in instability due to LCO and to understand the compensatory behavior of human balance control after exposure to sustained time delay, which may be used for future balance studies.

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2024, Integrated Bioscience

In this thesis, a novel type of hydraulically-actuated robophysical model was used to test hypotheses concerning the relationship between head kinematics and the force and work required for burrowing through damp granular media by amphisbaenians, a clade of mostly limbless, burrowing squamates. The design of the robot was intended to mimic a simplified, limbless body plan similar to that found among burrowing squamates, having an extendable cylindrical shaft and an oscillating, bullet-shaped head. Forces and work of an actuated head and shaft were compared while forward penetration occurred simultaneously with head oscillation amplitudes of 5, 10, and 15 degrees from a centerline, at a ratio of 1 and 2 oscillations per push distance, and compared to a control group with no head movement. An intermittent push strategy was also investigated in which the oscillation of the head was decoupled from the forward penetration of the shaft so that the machine alternated between a forward push and a head oscillation phase. The distance traveled by the robot between each oscillation phase was varied, and force and work were observed for distances of 2cm, 4cm, and 8cm between each oscillation phase, with either 1 or 2 head oscillations per phase. The peak force experienced, and the total work done by the shaft decreased with a 15 degree head oscillation amplitude, but any reduction in these variables is more than offset by the increase in force and work required to rotate the head. Amphisbaenians are a relatively diverse clade, well adapted to subterranean locomotion, but despite their diversity they are understudied. Understanding the significance of head kinematics could be informative for bioinspired digging machines, and could shed light on the biology of the animals. Meanwhile, the suitability of crushed, expanded perlite as a proxy for other damp granular media in laboratory experiments was explored, with implications for similar experiments as well as interpreting data fr (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Vision Science

Changes to the air jet delivery and applanation detection systems in the newest generation Ocular Response Analyzer (G3 ORA) altered the morphology of its output waveforms, compared to the original device (G1 ORA). These waveforms represent both the corneal deformation response to an air puff and temporal pressure profile of the air puff itself. It is known that keratoconus alters the corneal deformation response, causing the ORA waveforms to vary substantially between normal and keratoconic eyes. The Keratoconus Match Index (KMI) of the G1 ORA uses waveform parameters to differentiate keratoconic eyes from normal eyes, but it was not adapted for the updated G3 ORA. It is unknown whether the original KMI is effective in identifying keratoconic eyes when using the G3 ORA, leaving a gap in our ability to use a biomechanical approach to supplement our ability to detect early keratoconus. Therefore, the initial aims of this study were 1) to quantify differences in intraocular-pressure metrics and biomechanical waveform parameters, both between two versions of the device and between subjects with keratoconus and controls; and 2) to evaluate the performance of the original KMI in identifying keratoconic eyes when applied to G3 ORA measurement data. Furthermore, keratoconus is characterized by focal weakness in the area of cone formation, surrounded by stronger tissue. Cone location impact on biomechanics of the cornea has never been tested using the ORA. Therefore, the third purpose of this study is to investigate whether cone location influences the ORA-measured biomechanical waveform parameters of the cornea in keratoconus. Fifty (n = 50) subjects diagnosed with keratoconus (mean ± standard deviation age = 38 ± 13 years; 28% female; 58% White) and 144 (n = 144) healthy control subjects (age = 39 ± 17 years; 61% female; 81% White) were prospectively recruited. Corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc), Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg), and waveform parameters including corneal hyst (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Biophysics

This dissertation investigates the therapeutic potential of engineered Extracellular Vesicle (EVs) using RNA nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery, focusing on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). By developing stable RNA nanoparticles with 3' cholesterol tags, RNA micelles were formed with distinct 'Arrowhead' and 'Arrowtail' conformations, demonstrating the significant impact of external molecules like cholesterol on RNA folding mechanics. Harnessing these unique properties, I applied the RNA nanoparticle towards decorating EVs with ligand CD-44 aptamer. I explored cellular entry and trafficking mechanisms of EVs engineered with these RNA-ligand displays, observing significantly enhanced RNAi fusion into the cytosol and reduced endosome trapping. Super Resolution Microscopy techniques confirmed that RNA-ligand displayed on the EVs and RNAi loaded within the EVs. Furthermore, these modifications did notably improve RNAi delivery efficiency compared to unmodified EVs. Applying these principles, I targeted TNBC with engineered EVs loaded with Survivin siRNA and chemotherapeutic drugs Gemcitabine (GEM) and Paclitaxel (PTX). This approach achieved substantial tumor growth inhibition at significantly reduced drug dosages, thereby minimizing chemotherapy-associated toxicity while maintaining high therapeutic efficacy. In vivo and in vitro evaluations using a TNBC orthotopic xenograft mouse model supported the efficacy of this reduced dosage strategy. RNA diffusion and motility along with diagnostic use of conformational changes were also studies RNA micelles with distinct conformations influenced by cholesterol tags exhibit stability and unique properties. The RNA-ligand displays on EVs significantly enhance RNAi fusion and reduce endosome trapping, thus improving delivery efficiency. Engineered EVs demonstrated significant tumor inhibition at reduced chemotherapeutic dosage

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Mechanical Engineering

Falls affect over 1/3 older adults in the United States, and fall-related injuries lead to more than $50 billion in annual healthcare costs. Although a plethora of research surrounding falls exist, fall rates continue to increase which necessitates a need to explore new strategies that improve our understanding of this phenomenon. Since most falls occur during gait, better understanding the mechanisms of falls are required for anticipation of when they may happen while walking. While it is understood that sensory information is crucial to normal gait, it is unknown how perturbations to these systems may lead to movement changes and increased fall risk. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation is to identify how changes in gait over time are related to sensory feedback and balance loss. Chapter 1 provides background information on how gait is controlled and quantified along with an overview of existing fall risk identifiers. Chapter 2 explores the role of auditory self-pacing treadmill (SPT) feedback on walking patterns in comparison to overground walking. Twenty-nine healthy participants walked under three different conditions: on the SPT with environmental sound, on the SPT without sound, and overground walking. Significant differences were found in variability of all temporal walking measurements between the overground and both treadmill conditions (p < 0.05). The lack of difference between the two treadmill conditions suggests that SPT walkers may not utilize the variable belt motor sounds available to them. Additionally, overground walking still has different gait patterns from SPT walking. With this understanding, a new framework and experimental protocol for understanding fall risk was developed in Chapter 3. Fifty-one participants were subjected to various combinations of visual, auditory, and cognitive perturbations in order to probabilistically generate adverse modes (balance losses). Twelve adverse modes were generated from the various sensory perturbat (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Manual materials handling work is a significant contributor to musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in the warehousing and storage sector. This dissertation aimed to study how people learn to use passive exoskeletons for manual materials handling tasks, similar to those performed in warehouses and distribution centers. The goal was to provide the data needed to allow workers and their organizations considering exoskeleton implementation to have reasonable expectations regarding the temporality of the learning process, and possibly provide insights regarding how to better temporally organize training sessions to facilitate the motor learning process and the adoption of passive exoskeletons. If adopted, various studies, including the present one, suggested that exoskeletons have the potential to reduce the injury rates in warehouse product selection jobs (Alemi et al., 2019; Baltrusch et al., 2020; Bosch et al., 2016; Qu et al., 2021; Wei et al., 2020). The current study assessed learning by measuring the changes in skill during retention and transfer conditions and comparing it to practice sets. The dependent variables for biomechanical performance were derived from the surface electromyographic (EMG) signals, trunk kinematic measures, and task durations. The current study had four main independent variables: exoskeleton conditions (with back-support passive exoskeleton vs. without), distributed practice methods, eight pick-to-placement height combinations, and four session types. Participants also reported their perceived level of effort, fatigue, and discomfort. In this research study, a total of 36 participants were recruited. The participants practiced in simulated picking tasks, which involved the transfer of twelve 10 kg boxes to the destination pallet and subsequently returning these boxes to the source pallet at four different height levels. The results showed that wearing the back-support passive exoskeleton significantly reduced muscle activity in (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Youngstown State University, 2024, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) excavate burrow systems for predatory avoidance and social organization. As such, they have evolved a suite of musculoskeletal traits in their forelimbs that are employed for scratch-digging (i.e., digging motion performed by alternating power and recovery strokes). However, the degree to which their muscular anatomy has become modified in response to the selective pressures of their semi-fossorial lifestyle is unknown. To better understand the functional capacities of their forelimb musculature, dissections of C. ludovicianus (N=9) were conducted to quantify limb mechanical advantage, muscle architectural properties, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform content. Compared with previous data from ground squirrels, forelimb muscle mass distribution is broadly similar with a large investment of scapular and shoulder muscle mass that accounts for two-thirds of the total forelimb muscle mass. The majority of muscles have long fascicles with correspondingly high LF/ML ratios, whereas aside from FCR and ECU, the main digital flexors/extensors, selected intrinsic shoulder flexors/extensors, and the smallest elbow extensors, most muscles have low PCSA/MM ratios. Notably, only the massive PECS was considered to be a high-power muscle by its architectural properties, although several muscles are modified for large joint torque or torque range, including PECS, LAT, and a well-developed m. triceps brachii long head. Mechanical advantage is correspondingly greatest at the shoulder joint, appreciable at the elbow joint, and low at the carpal joint. Lastly, muscle composition is faster-contracting by moderate expression of fast MHC-2B and low expression of slow MHC-1. That said, %MHC isoform content shows a predominance of MHC-2A as predicted, which progressively increases distally throughout the forelimb. These findings collectively suggest that C. ludovicianus is less-specialized among burrowing rodents as hypothesized. Its forelim (open full item for complete abstract)

PHD, Kent State University, 2024, College of Arts and Sciences / School of Biomedical Sciences

Successful infant feeding requires effective milk acquisition, followed by the transport of ingested material across the oral cavity and through the pharynx, ultimately culminating in esophageal peristalsis. Several elements that underlie the neural control of swallowing are underexplored, including the neurological relationships among different aspects of swallowing (oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal). The works described here aim to improve our understanding of the sensorimotor relationships that drive infant swallowing, primarily by stimulating specific areas with capsaicin. To begin, we use an animal model of superior laryngeal nerve lesion to assess the effects of oropharyngeal capsaicin administration on feeding physiology. Next, we analyze the impacts of esophageal afferents on upstream feeding behaviors using a model of simulated gastroesophageal reflux. Finally, we explore the role of mandibular afferents in infant feeding, and determine whether capsaicin administration can recover any deficits resulting from anesthetization of these afferents. All experiments were conducted using infant pigs, a validated model for the study of infant feeding. Common methodology across specific aims includes videofluoroscopy (to assess kinematics and feeding performance) and electromyography (to assess motor outputs to muscles of interest). These experiments ultimately shed light on the extent of brainstem sensorimotor integration across feeding behaviors. Additionally, the results of these studies provide insights into the mechanisms by which specific sensory signals are integrated during feeding. These insights are critical and will ultimately facilitate the design of targeted interventions for specific feeding pathophysiologies in infants.

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2024, Mechanical Engineering

Injuries to the spinal cord can be debilitating to the function of the upper extremity. Many people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) undergo rigorous therapies to help preserve range of motion and strength. Task specific training has been shown to offer benefits in upper extremity rehabilitation. In recent years, virtual reality has gained popularity for its ability to offer task specific training in an engaging and immersive environment. This study explores therapeutic virtual reality gaming for people with spinal cord injuries. The first aim of the study is to compare the kinematic performance of individuals with spinal cord injuries to healthy controls. This study's second aim is to characterize the qualities of the movement task, such as movement direction and block position, that generate maximum kinematic responses in the SCI group. Finally, the third study aim is to compare the effects of different movement types on overall kinematic performance. Individuals with spinal cord injuries (n=7) and healthy, age-matched, sex-matched controls (n=7) were asked to play Beat Saber in an immersive virtual reality environment. Participants were equipped with upper extremity motion capture markers, virtual reality trackers, and the virtual reality headset/controllers. Custom levels were created in Beat Saber that had different movement directions (UP, DOWN, IN, OUT) and different block positions (HIGH, LOW, MED, LAT). Trials were composed of either movements with one hand (UNI), movements mirrored about the midline (MIR), or movements in opposing directions about the midline (OPP). Participants completed six randomized trials, repeating each of these movement types twice. Results showed that the joint profiles of the participants with SCIs used less overall shoulder and elbow joint motion to accomplish the tasks, compared to the healthy controls. At the wrist, SCI participants were able to use comparable or greater wrist radial/ulnar deviation than the controls. SCI parti (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, Miami University, 2024, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Lattice structures are celebrated for their lightweight characteristics and superior mechanical performance. In this research, a strut reinforcement technique was employed to enhance the energy absorption capacities of 3D re-entrant auxetic (Aux), hexagonal (Hex), and hybrid Auxetic-Hexagonal (AuxHex) lattice structures. The investigation involved finite element analysis to delve into the mechanical and energy absorption properties of these novel designs during quasi-static compression testing. The results from the uniaxial compression tests of the reinforced designs were then compared with those from traditional 3D hexagonal and re-entrant auxetic lattice structures. To accurately simulate the mechanical behavior of the 3D printed lattice structures, the mechanical properties of the PA2200 matrix material—manufactured via additive manufacturing—were utilized. The outcomes indicated by the stress-strain and energy absorption curves suggest that these newly proposed designs are optimal for applications requiring high energy absorption at large strains. Thus, these findings pave the way for developing novel designs in 3D hexagonal and re-entrant auxetic lattice structures, which are poised to offer enhanced mechanical strength and exceptional specific energy absorption properties. Expanding on these insights, future research could explore further variations in lattice geometry and reinforcement methods to optimize the performance of these structures under different loading conditions.

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2024, Clinical Translational Science

Ascending aortic dissection is a surgical emergency involving the proximal aorta with an incidence of between 5 and 30 cases per million persons per year and an estimated mortality of 20% within 24 hours. Worryingly, mortality after dissection increases 1–2% per hour following symptom onset. Aortic dissection is closely associated with aortic aneurysm and thus, action to reduce the prevalence of aortic dissection has been primarily directed at improving the management of ascending aortic aneurysms. The morbidity and mortality associated with ascending aortopathy are direct results of the biomechanical dysfunction and failure of aortic tissue. Understanding the complex mechanical behavior of aortic tissue and the influence of microstructural components on its behavior may provide novel insights to better predict ascending aortic dissection and improve clinical decision making surrounding aortopathy. Proteoglycans are an important part of the extracellular matrix of the aorta, whose function is balancing tensile forces within tissue. Aggrecan, a proteoglycan, previously believed to be confined to cartilage tissue, has been identified in massive amounts in diseased aortic tissue. Although beneficial in normal quantities, excess accumulation of proteoglycans, such as aggrecan, may be associated with aortopathy and biomechanical dysfunction. The underlying hypothesis of this dissertation is that increased proteoglycan deposition is correlated with aortopathy-associated biomechanical dysfunction. Using a prospective translation study I demonstrate that: i) aggrecan is a sensitive biomarker of ascending aortopathy and elevated preoperative blood levels are independently associated with aortic disease, ii) blood aggrecan concentration is correlated with aortopathy-associated biomechanical dysfunction, assessed using ex vivo biomechanical testing methods corresponding with aortic dissection, and iii) increased proteoglycan deposition resulting i (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2024, Mechanical Engineering

Posturography provides insight into balance and postural stability but has little evidence of its effectiveness in its ability to predict falls, an event that happens to over 25% of senior adults each year. Analysis of transient responses within force plate center of pressure (COP) data and inertial measurement unit (IMU) acceleration data could increase the effectiveness of posturography in predicting senior fallers. Fifty adults aged 60 or older volunteered to participate in a balance assessment wherein three perturbations (cognitive, visual, and weight shift) were tested, and the response collected. Typical balance COP metrics such as sway range in addition to the transient metrics of ellipse area, mean velocity, and root mean squared (RMS) were calculated. While there were no significant differences observed between fallers and non-fallers, the data showed a promising effect of the transient analysis in that fallers generally exhibited higher values in the calculated metrics, as expected. Additionally, strong correlations were observed between the IMU and force plate. A larger sample size may provide a more comprehensive investigation of the effect of transient balance in identifying and predicting fallers in senior adults.

Master of Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2024, EMC - Mechanical Engineering

This study focused on designing and optimizing a biodegradable Polycaprolactone (PCL) stent with a hexagonal lattice structure for managing tracheal stenosis. The stent was 3D-printed and mechanically tested for stiffness, migration resistance, and long-term functionality. Results showed that the stent could effectively support the trachea and had high contractility that makes it suitable for deployment through an endotracheal tube. The stent's radial stiffness was 80% of the normal trachea's stiffness. The anchorage force was proportional to the circumferential stiffness. The force required for initial migration was 9.3±0.03 N which was comparable to a commercial metal trachea stent (AERO® Tracheobronchial Stent) with 9±0.01 N anchorage force tested the same way. The stent was also loaded with dexamethasone and EGF for the purpose of mitigating inflammation and promoting re-epithelialization, respectively. This thesis established the stent fabrication, validated mechanical feasibility and set the groundwork for biologic delivery in preparation of future animal model.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Biomedical Engineering

The lens is the pivotal tissue of the eye allowing accommodation, the process by which the eye adjusts focal distance. Presbyopia and cataract, age-associated lens dysfunctions, prevent proper accommodative function and focusing of light as it passes through the lens. As the eye ages, lenses continue to grow in size and stiffen. As these properties change with age, lenticular dysfunctions arise. Presbyopia is incredibly common, impairing near vision in nearly all people by 40 to 50 years of age. A significant portion of the population lives with imperfect near vision due to presbyopia. The exact causes of presbyopia are yet to be explained, and additionally, there remain no effective therapies capable of restoring, or preventing the loss of, full accommodative function in aged lenses. It is now understood that both lens stiffening and lens geometric change due to continual lens growth, lead to presbyopia. Recent studies have demonstrated that mechanical force transduction, through the zonular fibers to the lens capsule, increases lens epithelial cell proliferation. These findings offer an avenue of study that could reveal mechanisms governing lens growth and guide future lens treatment options. Some clinical practitioners consider presbyopia and cataract to be entirely treated through the use of spectacles and implanted artificial intraocular lenses; however, no preventative therapy exists and no current treatment is capable of restoring accommodation. Advancement in the understanding of lens cell biology, mechanics, and the lens epithelial cell (LEC) mechanobiological response is necessary for the improvement of clinical treatment for age-associated lens dysfunction. This dissertation seeks to describe a new branch in the field of lens study with hopes of expanding fundamental knowledge focusing on LEC growth and mechanobiology. First, a novel method of simulating accommodation-like forces in a murine eye model is detailed. The methods described here demo (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, 2024, Communication Disorders

The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction between cognitive demands during speech production and concurrent performance of a visuomotor tracking task. Participants performed a working memory task involving embedding a numerical response in a carrier phrase. To modulate cognitive load, participants performed two speech task variants with different degrees of mental tracking effort. For the low-demand variant, participants completed the carrier phrase by counting forward from one, a task that is relatively simple and considered automatic. For the high-demand variant, participants completed the carrier phrase by performing serial subtraction by three, requiring a modest amount of mental tracking effort. Both tasks were performed in isolation and while performing a concurrent visuomotor tracking task. Concurrent serial subtraction led to a reduction in visuomotor tracking accuracy, whereas counting forward did not affect tracking accuracy. Compared to counting forward, serial subtraction was associated with a decrease in speech intensity, lip opening and closing range, and lower lip opening and closing velocities. Compared to speaking insolation, participants exhibited a reduction in lower lip opening and closing velocities and utterance-to-utterance variability when performing the visuomotor tracking task. This pattern suggests that increasing cognitive demands, compounded by divided attention requirements, can affect processing and speech production.K

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2024, Mechanical Engineering

The average physical therapy clinic lacks the funding and resources to install highly specific movement assessment and rehabilitation tools. Moreover, engagement of patients during rehabilitation is difficult to maintain due to the mundane nature of the routines. Virtual Reality (VR) systems have the capacity to become an all-in-one system that gives an engaging and highly customizable experience for each user. VR also incorporates wearable sensors that allow for tracking the position and orientation of individual segments. This study has two primary aims, the first is to validate that a VR system is capable of upper extremity movement motion capture comparable to the golden standard of infrared motion capture. The second aim is to assess movement task data extracted from a VR game to see if quantification of a cohort with spinal cord injury (SCI) is possible through a simulated task. Two cohorts were included in this study, a group of persons with history of SCI (n=7), and a control group (n=9). Each participant was asked to play a modified commercially available VR game known as BeatSaber. The levels were separated into therapy-based mirrored, opposing, and unilateral tasks. Moreover, each task was defined by its position and orientation relative to the user. Additionally, task color was used to distinguish which hand to perform the task with. Results from the VR system compared to the IR system showed that the overall error between the two systems was on average between 4.2°-8.6° and showed small instantaneous errors with all joint angles being less than 2°. Moreover, the instantaneous error was even lower at peak values reported in the IR system. Results allowed for a comparison of performance data for a combination of seven SCI with seven age and gender matched control groups. Task related data showed that SCI tended to have asymmetrical impact from injury and performed worse compared to the control group.

Masters of Science in Kinesiology and Health, Miami University, 2024, Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health

Mental Fatigue (MF) can be considered as the subjective feeling of tiredness that can arise during an activity (Rauch and Schmitt, 2009). This can decrease mental cognition, attentional demands, and thought processing. Postural Sway (PS) can be described as the maintenance of posture that is reliant on multiple systems. This study sought to determine whether acute mental fatigue would increase postural sway and increase subjective feelings of difficulty in healthy young adults. Thirty-six college-aged students were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group and an MF experimental group. It was hypothesized that the MF group would see increases in postural sway (within the dynamic balance tasks) and perceived workload after 30 minutes of a Stroop test compared to the control group. Results of this study showed that young healthy adults' postural sway was unaffected by the mental fatiguing protocol. The MF experimental group scored significantly higher on perceived workload using the NASA-TLX as well as a single item question regarding mental fatigue, following balance trials. Although no difference in postural sway were identified between groups, MF participants indicated they felt the MF protocol was more challenging than the control group.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Mechanical Engineering

Manual wheelchair users are at an increased risk of developing long-term upper body pain or overuse injuries. Improper wheelchair biomechanics can play a role in the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel, shoulder tendinitis, or shoulder rotator cuff injuries. These risks can be mitigated by matching users with proper wheelchairs and improving technique. Analysis of wheelchair propulsion metrics such as stroke frequency, stroke length, and rolling resistance can provide insight into how to prevent biomechanical injury and improve patient outcomes. The SmartWheel was a previous product that, while it performed these functions, was limited in its application due to its high cost, out of date software, and the prohibitive amount of set up required. The SmartHub has been designed as an alternative for collecting wheelchair propulsion data that is intended to be easier to use, less obtrusive, and more cost effective. Previous iterations of the SmartHub required Secure Shell protocol for data logging, protruded from the wheels during attachment, and faced inaccuracies in their trajectory calculations. The current design has improved upon these limitations by replacing the Raspberry Pi with an Arduino microcontroller to transmit accelerometer and gyroscope data over Bluetooth Low Energy. This design also resulted in a large device form factor reduction and permits real time analysis and visualization of recorded data on the connected device. Accuracy of recorded data was increased through the use of dual devices, one of which is attached to the central hub of each wheel. The reduced size and cost of the SmartHub make it an accessible tool for research and clinical environments. This device would be beneficial for wheelchair biomechanical research due to its improved metric calculation capabilities. Quantitative data obtained from the SmartHub could be used in clinical settings to improve current practices and patient health.