E Hsiao-Wecksler

Publications (2)2.15 Total impact

• Article: Invariant density analysis: modeling and analysis of the postural control system using Markov chains.

  Pilwon Hur, K Alex Shorter, Prashant G Mehta, Elizabeth T Hsiao-Wecksler
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: In this paper, a novel analysis technique, invariant density analysis (IDA), is introduced. IDA quantifies steady-state behavior of the postural control system using center of pressure (COP) data collected during quiet standing. IDA relies on the analysis of a reduced-order finite Markov model to characterize stochastic behavior observed during postural sway. Five IDA parameters characterize the model and offer physiological insight into the long-term dynamical behavior of the postural control system. Two studies were performed to demonstrate the efficacy of IDA. Study 1 showed that multiple short trials can be concatenated to create a dataset suitable for IDA. Study 2 demonstrated that IDA was effective at distinguishing age-related differences in postural control behavior between young, middle-aged, and older adults. These results suggest that the postural control system of young adults converges more quickly to their steady-state behavior while maintaining COP nearer an overall centroid than either the middle-aged or older adults. Additionally, larger entropy values for older adults indicate that their COP follows a more stochastic path, while smaller entropy values for young adults indicate a more deterministic path. These results illustrate the potential of IDA as a quantitative tool for the assessment of the quiet-standing postural control system.
  IEEE transactions on bio-medical engineering 01/2012; 59(4):1094-100. · 2.15 Impact Factor
• Article: Tiny hydraulics for powered orthotics.

  William Durfee, Jicheng Xia, Elizabeth Hsiao-Wecksler
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Untethered, powered orthotics require an actuation system with power supply and control, transmission line and actuator. Fluid power has unmatched force-to-weight and power-to-weight compared to electromechanical systems, but it is unclear if those same advantages hold for small systems in the 10 to 100 W range. A systems analysis approach suggests that a fluid power system will be lighter than an electromechanical system with the same output power and efficiency if the fluid power is run at pressures over about 200 psi. A theoretical analysis of small bore cylinders suggests that eliminating the piston seal will result in a higher efficiency actuator if the clearance gap is small. A demonstration, battery powered electrohydraulic actuator assembled from off-the-shelf components had the force and power suited to a powered ankle orthosis, but is too large and too heavy, suggesting the need to develop custom components.
  IEEE ... International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics : [proceedings]. 06/2011; 2011:5975473.