Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

The purpose of this study was to assess the execution of the flight phase in the Nordic combined (NC) among three groups of competitors, representing different skill levels, and to compare them with three groups of ski jumpers (SJs). Thirty NC and thirty SJ competitors, who performed ski jumps on an HS-134 m jumping hill, were divided into three subgroups based on jump length execution. Two-dimensional (2-D) kinematic data were collected from the lower extremities, trunks, and skis of the competitors. The SJ group had a smaller lower extremity angle ( p < 0.05), which results in the larger center of mass anterior movement ( p < 0.05) in comparison to the NC competitors. The NC competitors achieved jump lengths comparable to those of the SJ competitors by having significantly higher in-run velocities.

The main purpose of this study was to analyze tactical solutions used by swimmers, the finalists of the 19th Beijing Olympics in 2008, in individual front crawl events at distances of 50, 100 and 200 m. Observations were carried out on 7 swimmers, the Beijing Olympics medalists competing in front crawl individual events. Detailed analyses were run on: 1) Sports results obtained by the finalists at distances of 50, 100 and 200 m front crawl; 2) block time; 3) results of each 50 m lap time (100 and 200) called split times except 50 m front crawl (there is no split time in 50 m); and 4) the mean swimming speed (V) on individual laps of the analyzed races. To determine the correlation between the response time, the time of individual laps, and the final time of the analyzed front crawl races, Pearson's linear correlation coefficient r was obtained. As a result of detailed analyses of the test material it is believed that not only tactics for an individual race is important, but equally significant is to elaborate the strategy for the whole event and to prepare the swimmer to compete in the system of heats, semifinals and finals. However, some of the following tactical objectives can be formulated: sprinters (a distance of 50 and 100 m front crawl) should start at maximum speed, according to their abilities, and try to maintain that speed until the end of the race; middle-distance swimmers (200 m front crawl) should adopt the most optimal tactical solutions characterized by increasing speed in the second half of the distance.

This paper deals with the flow dynamics around a competitive swimmer during underwater glide phases occurring at the start and at every turn. The influence of the head position, namely lifted up, aligned and lowered, on the wall shear stress and the static pressure distributions is analyzed. The problem is considered as 3D and in steady hydrodynamic state. Three velocities (1.4 m/s, 2.2 m/s and 3.1 m/s) that correspond to inter-regional, national and international swimming levels are studied. The flow around the swimmer is assumed turbulent. The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are solved with the standard k-ω turbulent model by using the CFD (computational fluid dynamics) numerical method based on a volume control approach. Numerical simulations are carried out with the ANSYS FLUENT® CFD code. The results show that the wall shear stress increases with the velocity and consequently the drag force opposing the movement of the swimmer increases as well. Also, high wall shear stresses are observed in the areas where the body shape, globally rigid in form, presents complex surface geometries such as the head, shoulders, buttocks, heel and chest.

The aim of this study was to compare the interfragmentary compression generated across a simulated femoral fracture model by a conventional 4.5 mm AO/ASIF cortical lag screw with a differentially pitched cortical compression screw. A 45-degree osteotomy was made in a whole bone composite femoral shaft, this was internally fixed with either a conventional 4.5 mm AO/ASIF cortical lag screw or the differentially pitched cortical screw and the compressive force generated at the fracture site measured on an Instron 8874 Axial/Torsion Servohydraulic Testing System. The mean interfragmentary compression generated by the differentially pitched screw was 81.4% of that generated by the 4.5 mm AO/ASIF cortical lag screw. The 4.5 mm AO/ASIF cortical screw produces a steep rise in compression per turn of the screw. The screw based on the differential pitch design creates a more gradual increase to peak compression. The resistance to torque was greater for the AO screw than for the differential pitch screw. Maximal interfragmentary compression is achieved within 4 180 degrees turns after the head engages the near cortex for the 4.5 mm AO/ASIF screw but required 5 180 degrees turns for the differentially pitched screw. Interfragmentary compression is achievable in cortical bone using differential pitch technology. A differentially pitched screw offers obvious advantages over a conventional screw allowing independent placement of lag screw and neutralisation plate, without needing additional exposure of the fracture site, limiting the insult to local fracture biology. It is proposed as an adjunct to osteosynthesis in long bone fractures.

The present paper describes the results of tests on the influence of human saliva and its substitutes on tribological characteristics of implant materials on the example of the Ti-6Al-4V (a-Ti) titanium alloy. The saliva substitutes were prepared on the basis of pyrophosphates and mucins dissolved in saline buffer. The results of the presented tribological tests show that the values of the parameters under research varied from each other, while much similarity was observed between the evaluated level of wear characteristics after the friction process in the human saliva environment and that in the environment of one of the mucins tested. The microscopic observations of surfaces of the a-Ti samples after friction revealed varied forms of tribological wear. Infrared microspectroscopy studies of surfaces of the a-Ti samples after friction revealed the presence of secondary lubricating films based on mucin found in the artificial saliva solutions.

Correct foot structure is important due to locomotion and postural stability. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between morphological foot structure and balance indices in a quiet standing position in women over 65 years of age. The study included 116 women aged 65-90 years. The mean age was 70.6 ± 8.4 years and BMI 29.1 ± 3.4 m/kg2. The measured indices included postural control while standing on both feet and photogrammetric foot evaluation. An analysis was performed of the selected foot and balance indices. There were no significant differences observed in the feet structure. Certain correlations between some foot indices and the indices of postural control were noted. The increased differences in the width indices between the right and the left foot lead to balance deterioration. Larger angles of valgity and varus deformity of toes and indices describing the longitudinal arch and transverse front arch of the foot have the greatest impact on the deterioration of balance in the medio-lateral axis. The differences between the indices and morphological indices for the right and the left foot are not significant, which indicates the proportionate formation of feet in the individual life. The increased differences in the width indices between the right and the left foot lead to balance deterioration. Larger angles of valgity and varus deformity of toes and indices describing the longitudinal arch and transverse front arch of the foot have the greatest impact on the deterioration of balance in the medio-lateral axis.

The Gram-positive coccus, Staphylococcus aureus, is the leading etiologic agent of limb and life-threatening biofilm-related infections in the patients following the orthopaedic implantations. The aim of the present paper is to estimate the ability of S. aureus to form biofilm on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb) scaffolds produced by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and subjected to the different types of surface modifications, including ultrasonic cleaning and chemical polishing. The results obtained indicate significantly the decreased ability of S.aureus to form biofilm on the surface of scaffolds subjected to the chemical polishing in comparison to the scaffolds cleaned ultrasonically. The data provided can be useful for future applications of the SLM technology in production of Ti-6Al-7Nb medical implants.

In this study, the symmetry of EMG activity of right and left parts of rectus abdominis, erector spinae, rectus femoris has been tested during isometric exercises. Subjects (N = 3) were selected from the university population. In each of nine isometric exercises, the position of lower and upper extremities is different in relation to the upper body. Electromyographic signals were recorded from left and right parts of selected muscles at 1000 Hz sampling frequency. Differences in EMG activity between specific exercises for left and right parts of each muscle were tested for significance with a one-way ANOVA. It was concluded that EMG activity of left and right sides of rectus abdominis and rectus femoris does not differ significantly; nevertheless statistically important differences were noticed between left and right sides of erector spine. These findings provide more detailed knowledge and understanding of different forms of abdominal exercises.

The objective of the research was to assess the effect of a 4-week-long training program on selected parameters: electromechanical delay (EMD) and amplitude of electromyographic signal (EMG). Fourteen female students of the University School of Physical Education participated in the study. Torques and surface electromyography were evaluated under static conditions. Surface electrodes were glued to both sides of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and erector spinae (ES) muscles. The 4-week-long program was aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles and resulted in increased EMD during maximum torque production by flexors of the trunk, increased amplitudes of the signals of the erector spinae ( p = 0.005), and increased EMG amplitude asymmetry of the lower ( p = 0.013) and upper part ( p = 0.006) of the rectus abdominis muscle. In a training program composed of a large number of repetitions of strength exercises, in which the training person uses their own weight as the load (like in exercises such as curl-ups), the process of recruitment of motor units is similar to that found during fatiguing exercises and plyometric training.

This paper presents the effect of selected parameters of abrasive blasting on the strength of a joint between dental porcelain and metal base. Experiments were conducted for different grain sizes of abrasive material and different blasting angles, with a constant blasting pressure. InLine dental porcelain was fused on samples of cobalt-chromium alloy following abrasive blasting; they were subsequently subjected to shearing forces on a testing machine. The fractures were observed under an electron scanning microscope in order to determine the character and course of fracturing. Strength tests showed that the grain size of abrasive material was a parameter with the greatest effect on the strength. The best effects were achieved for samples subjected to abrasive blasting with material with grain size of 110 μm. No statistically significant differences were found for the strength of samples worked at different angles. The results of the fractographic examinations have shown that in all the samples, fracturing occurred mainly along the porcelain-metal boundary, with few cases of fracturing through porcelain.

Laboratory evaluation of spring constants (k) of wrought wire clasps (WWC) separated from removable partial denture (RPD) and the results of tibological tests which represent the dependence of enamel wear with normal force have been presented in the paper. The results of laboratory examinations have been combined with the results of clinical assessment of the level of abutment teeth wear. On the basis of the examinations performed it has been revealed that the following factors have the greatest impact on tribological wear of abutment teeth: the time of using RPD and the normal force exerted by WWC on abutment tooth. Normal force depends to a great extent on the place of contact of WWC with the tooth. It has also been found that abutment teeth featuring higher scale of wear are more loosened. The diameter of wire used for making WWC, total length of the arm and k determined for the total length of the arm did not have any impact upon the scale of wear of abutment teeth.

The possibilities of using newly developed nano- and micro-thin films in biomedicine are intensively studied at the present time. Many research institutions are looking for ways to evaluate mechanical properties of these films. One of the most important and frequently studied characteristics is practical adhesion. A very important method for evaluating the practical adhesion strength is scratch test. Often, however, the research teams use a method based on the disunity evaluation of adhesion of biocompatible surface layer. This makes the quantitative comparison of research results impossible. We designed and tested new evaluation method and procedure based on international standards in order to eliminate these problems. This article is aimed at showing the new possibility of using established standards for evaluating adhesion of nano- and micro-thin biocompatible films and at showing the application of the standards to evaluate the often studied DLC biocompatible layers. The thickness of the film was 470 nm. As a substrate a titanium alloy Ti6Al4V was used.

A temporal analysis of electromyographic (EMG) activity has widely been used for non-invasive study of muscle activation patterns. Such an analysis requires robust methods to accurately detect EMG onset. We examined whether data conditioning, supplemented with Teager-Kaiser Energy Operator (TKEO), would improve accuracy of the EMG burst onset detection. EMG signals from vastus lateralis, collected during maximal voluntary contractions, performed by seventeen subjects (8 males, 9 females, mean age of 46 yrs), were analyzed. The error of onset detection using enhanced signal conditioning was significantly lower than that of onset detection performed on signals conditioned without the TKEO (40 +/-99 ms vs. 229 +/-356 ms, t-test, p = 0.023). The Pearson correlations revealed that neither accuracy after enhanced conditioning nor accuracy after standard conditioning was significantly related to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (r = -0.05, p = 0.8 and r = -0.19, p = 0.46, respectively). It is concluded that conditioning of the EMG signals with TKEO significantly improved the accuracy of the threshold-based onset detection methods, regardless of SNR magnitude.

Among the population over the age of 65 years joint diseases constitute more than 50% of chronic diseases and most often apply to the hip. Endoprosthetics is one of the methods for treating this condition and is considered one of the best--clinically and economically--interventions of the modern medicine. However, it is not free of complications among which the loosening of the endoprosthesis is commonest. In publications, a full discussion has been going on arguing whether the complication is caused by biological or mechanical factors. The authors--aiming to answer this question based on CT--tested the influence of the implantation of the acetabular component on the pelvic bone density in Hounsfield units within a 6-month period after the operation. The test results indicate the bone density decrease. The statistical analysis shows, however, that the changes are not statistically significant.

The stability of the polyethylene acetabulum cemented on a substrate made of frozen bone grafts was investigated. The force was applied to the edge of the acetabulum and the magnitude of the force and resulting displacement were recorded. These tests were preceded by stress testing, during which the acetabulum was subjected to loading forces of 1 or 3 kN through 100,000 cycles. Additionally the influence of the thickness of grafts layer on the overall stability of an implant was also determined. The experiments proved that such factors as initial compacting of bone grafts, magnitude of the loading force and thickness of grafts layer greatly affect the stability of the artificial acetabulum.

The action of three functional rockers, namely the heel, ankle and forefoot rocker, assist the progression of the leg over the supporting foot. The purpose of this case series was to analyze the occurrence of foot rockers during gait in three children with cerebral palsy (CP) who had undergone the tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL), procedure followed by a clinic- or home-based intervention and in one child with CP without history of surgery. Self-selected gait was video-recorded in a laboratory during six testing sessions at half-year intervals rendering a 3 year period of observation. One child had pre- and post-surgical gait data and the other two had post surgical data only. Sagittal plane knee angular velocity, as well as foot to ground positions, and foot rocker occurrence were analyzed. In a child with history of CP, and without history of surgery, mean angular velocities of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd foot rocker were 3.7, 0.57 and 6.67 rad/s, respectively, and the step length and cadence were normal. In children who underwent TAL the 1st and 2nd rocker was absent, as the initial contact of the foot with the ground was either with foot-flat or forefoot. The mean velocity of the 3rd rocker in children who underwent TAL was lower by approximately 50-80% than that of the nonsurgical case. Furthermore, the characteristic pattern of the knee joint to foot-floor position during gait was not observed in these cases. Foot rocker analysis identified children with abnormal gait characteristics. Following surgery these gait characteristics remained abnormal.

In a clinical gait analysis, mechanical energy is the gait variable which can validate the energetic state of the disorder of patient's movement. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibilities of employing the total mechanical energy in estimating the mechanical cost of transport in normal and pathological human gait. One of the basic methods of determining mechanical energy (inverted pendulum model) was used to estimate the external mechanical work performed by the walking subjects based on externally observable measurements. Gait data was collected for healthy able-bodied men and patients after ACL reconstruction during physiotherapy process who demonstrate larger lateral center of gravity (CoG) excursions during gait. Based on predictions of the body's CoG trajectory during walking, algorithms were developed to determine the changes in components of total mechanical energy in normal and pathological gait. The utility of calculating mechanical energy in a patient population is questioned.

In this study, we attempt to answer the following question: To what degree the higher muscular activity determined by increased load in the extension phase (eccentric muscle action) of vertical jump affects its efficiency? Ten high performance acrobats participated in this investigation. The acrobats performed tests that consisted of five single "maximal" standing vertical jumps (counter movement jump--CMJ) and five single vertical jumps, in which the task was to touch a bar placed over the jumping acrobats (special counter movement jump--SCMJ). Subsequently, they performed five single drop jumps from an elevation of 0.40 m (DJ). Ground reaction forces were registered using the KISTLER 9182C force platform. MVJ software was used for signal processing [1] and enabling calculations of kinematic and kinetic parameters of the subject's jumping movements (on-line system). The results obtained show that the height of jump (h), the mean power (Pmean) and the maximum power (Pmax) are statistically significant, and higher in DJ. The results prove fine adaptation of the nervous system in acrobats to muscle extension and workload, due to the 40 cm high drop jump. Presumably, this height is closest to that which acrobats experience during landing, after performing flic-flacs or round-off.

This study investigated experimentally the fracture properties, i.e., the fatigue strength, the resistance to crack propagation and the fracture toughness, of an acrylic bone cement (Cemex RX). The mean endurance limit was determined following the staircase method. The endurance limit was estimated at 9.2 MPa. The fatigue crack propagation rate was measured according to the ASTM E647 standard. The equation of the line fitting the crack growth per cycle (da/dN) versus the stress-intensity factor range (delta K), in a log-log graph, was used to calculate the empirical constants of Paris' law for the selected bone cement: da/dN (m/cycle) = 3.56 x 10(-7) x delta K (MPa x m1/2)5.79. This power-law relationship described well (R2 = 0.96) the growth rate in the stable crack growth region, i.e., in the mid delta K range. The fracture toughness K(IC) of the bone cement was determined according to the ASTM E399 standard. The K(IC) mean value was 1.38 MPa x m1/2. These experimental results provide the set of necessary inputs for numerical studies aimed to investigate the damage accumulation process in the mantle fixing cemented prostheses.

The aim of this work was to investigate variations of temperature in acrylic bone cement SmartSet HV during its polymerization as the function of mixing technique (hand mixing and vacuum mixing) and sample thickness. The temperature of 25-mm diameter samples differing in their thickness was monitored using a parallel plate measuring system of the compact rheometer preheated to the body temperature. The curves representing the temperature measured and average values of times needed to obtain the peak temperatures of the test samples prepared by different techniques of mixing are presented and discussed. It was found that the maximum temperature and also the times of peak temperatures rose with sample thickness but at different rate for each technique of mixing.

The purpose of this paper is to present the computational model of muscles' group describing the movements of flexion/extension at the elbow joint in the sagittal plane of the body when the forearm is being kept in the fixed state of supination/pronation. The method of evaluating the muscle forces is discussed in detail. This method is the basis for the quantitative and qualitative verification of the proposed computational model of muscles' group. Applying this computational model, the forces of real muscles belonging to the muscles' group can be evaluated without using any optimization technique.

The functional gait problems encountered by stroke patients include impaired balance, abnormal gait pattern with marked asymmetry, pathological trunk and spinal motion. Many different methods of physiotherapy are used to improve functional ability (especially gait) in stroke patients, but their efficacy and outcome are often not objectively assessed. The goal of this paper is to compare two therapeutic programs: one that is traditionally used in our rehabilitation facilities (exercises in lying position, "open chain" exercises, isolated movements of extremities with trunk stabilization) and the new one (exercises in vertical position, sitting or standing, "closed chain" exercises involving whole paretic side of the body). Fifty one stroke patients, aged 34 to 79 years, participated in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to one of the two groups. Patients underwent clinical assessment (Fugl- Meyer, Rivermead Motor Assessment, Berg Balance Scale) and instrumented gait analysis (using six-camera VICON 460 system) simultaneously three times: prior to the beginning of the rehabilitation program, after 6 weeks of the program, and after another 6 weeks of physiotherapy, at the end of rehabilitation program. Results demonstrated that both rehabilitation programs improved the gait function and clinical status in patients suffering from stroke. Despite the differences between the two programs the progress achieved by the patients in locomotor function is similar. Two equivalent physiotherapy programs could be applied during rehabilitation process depending on the patient's individual preferences and needs, as the amount of functional improvement provided by them is comparable.

The paper discusses some unique properties of trabecular bone functional adaptation phenomenon, useful in mechanical design. On the basis of the biological process observations and the principle of constant strain energy density on the surface of the structure, the generic structural optimisation system has been developed. Such approach allows fulfilling mechanical theorem for the stiffest design, comprising the optimisations of size, shape and topology, using the concepts known from biomechanical studies. Also the biomimetic solution of multiple load problems is presented.

Mechanical factors have a strong influence on the development of the musculoskeletal system. Muscle forces are one of the most important sources of the loadings acting on the bone elements and any disturbances in their activity can lead to severe pathology. Cerebral palsy is an example of such a situation and hip joint deformity, leading to its dislocation, is one of the most serious complications accompanied with muscle spasticity. The aim of the study is to perform an analysis of the stress and strain in hip joint of the children with the imbalance in muscle forces due to adductors spasticity (overactivity). Finite element model has been developed based on anatomical data obtained from computer tomography. The results of numerical simulations show an increase in stress and strain occurring in the femoral head and acetabulum as well as some relocation of its concentration zone in the medial direction.

Microscopic methods usable for sample surface imaging and subsequent qualitative and quantitative evaluation of platelet adhesion to the surface of the biomaterial studied were compared. It was shown, making use of the samples of medical steel (AISI 316L), that such tools as surface imaging with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), glutaraldehyde induced fluorescence technique (GIFT) and metallurgical microscopy (MM) are equivalent in evaluating surface platelet adhesion. The importance of biological variability of blood samples for a proper result assessment and the necessity of using internal standards were also considered.

Understanding leg and joint stiffness adjustment during maximum hopping may provide important information for developing more effective training methods. It has been reported that ankle stiffness has major influence on stable spring-mass dynamics during submaximal hopping, and that knee stiffness is a major determinant for hopping performance during maximal hopping task. Furthermore, there are no reports on how the height of the previous hop could affect overall stiffness modulation of the subsequent maximum one. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether and how the jump height of the previous hop affects leg and joint stiffness for subsequent maximum hop. Ten participants completed trials in which they repeatedly hopped as high as possible (MX task) and trials in which they were instructed to perform several maximum hops with 3 preferred (optimal) height hops between each of them (P3MX task). Both hopping tasks were performed at 2.2 Hz hopping frequency and at the participant's preferred (freely chosen) frequency as well. By comparing results of those hopping tasks, we found that ankle stiffness at 2.2 Hz ( p = 0.041) and knee stiffness at preferred frequency ( p = 0.045) was significantly greater for MX versus P3MX tasks. Leg stiffness for 2.2 Hz hopping is greater than for the preferred frequency. Ankle stiffness is greater for 2.2 Hz than for preferred frequencies; opposite stands for knee stiffness. The results of this study suggest that preparatory hop height can be considered as an important factor for modulation of maximum hop.

As important passive flow control methods, dimples and protrusions have been successfully implemented via geometric modifications to manipulate flow fields to get a desired flow parameters enhancement. In this research, two novel needles were proposed based on a prototype by means of the dimple and protrusion, and flow patterns within a root canal during final irrigation with these needles were numerically investigated. The calculation cases consistent with the clinically realistic irrigant flow rates, which are 0.02, 0.16 and 0.26 mL s-1 are marked as case A, B and C, respectively. The characteristic parameters to estimate irrigation efficiency, such as shearing effect, mean apical pressure, irrigation replacement and fluid agitation, were compared and the optimal geometry in every calculation case was obtained. As shown from the results, flow rates and needle geometries were the causes of irrigation parameters variations. The sum of shear stress, irrigation replacement and fluid agitation were equal in the low flow rate case A, however, the needle with a protrusion on its tip had advantages in the three irrigation characteristic parameters above in calculation case B, and the needle with a dimple on its tip had advantages in calculation case C. Furthermore, the needles proposed did not give rise to the risk of irrigant extrusion. These needles can be better choices at larger flow rates. Therefore, needle geometry optimizations utilizing passive flow control methods are worthy to be investigated in the root canal irrigation enhancement.

Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) was modified through the adsorption of collagen to improve the behaviour of fibroblasts and osteoblasts. As reference materials cell-resistant polystyrene (PS) and cell-conductive tissue-culture polystyrene (TCPS) were also evaluated. The physicochemical surface properties of the materials were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and water contact angle measurements. The morphology of cells was examined using optical microscopy, while their growth was evaluated by both crystal violet and MTT tests. Nitric oxide level and protein concentration were tested in cell supernatants. The results showed that the adsorbed amount and the organization of the adsorbed collagen were influenced by surface hydrophobicity. Cell culture experiments on native substrates revealed that cell attachment, spreading and growth enhanced, depending on the substrate, in the following order: PS<PLG<TCPS. Coating the substrates with collagen led to distinct changes in the cell behaviour: the cells were more numerous, better spread and more homogeneously distributed on the surface compared to the bare polymers. Improvements in cell growth and protein secretion were also observed. The results obtained show that surface modification of PLG by simple adsorption of collagen promotes the distribution and proliferation of fibroblasts and osteoblasts.

A good understanding of thoracic biomechanics is important for complete examination and control of chest behaviour under conditions of physiological and pathological work, and under the impact of external forces leading to traumatic loading of the chest. The purpose of the study was to analyse the mechanical properties of human ribs obtained from individuals under the age of 25 with scoliosis deformation and to correlate them with geometric properties of ribs. Thirty three fragments of ribs (9th to 12th) were tested in three-point bending. Rib fragments were collected intraoperatively from female patients treated for scoliosis in the thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar spine. The results were used to determine the maximum failure force, stiffness, and Young's modulus. A significant relationship was found between the age and elastic modulus of the ribs. The analysis was carried out for two age groups, i.e., between the ages of 10 and 15 and between the ages of 16 and 22, and statistically significant differences were obtained for Young's modulus (p = 0.0001) amounting to, respectively, 2.79 ± 1.34 GPa for the first group and 7.44 ± 2.85 GPa for the second group. The results show a significant impact of age on the mechanical properties of ribs.

Adolescent idiopathic kyphosis causes not only spinal deformities but also rib cage abnormalities that lead to abnormal residual volume and pulmonary capacity revealed in pulmonary function testing (PFT). The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of a physical activity program on respiratory function in surgical patients with kyphosis. From October 2006 to October 2007, a total of 34 patients (age range, 22 to 42 years) with kyphosis and a thoracic curvature between 45 and 88 were examined prospectively at a sports medicine clinic belonging to National Iranian Oil Company (N.I.O.C.). The patients underwent clinical and radiographic examinations of the vertebral deformity, chest radiography, PFT, evaluation of peak expiratory flow rate, and 6-min walk tests (6MWTs) before and after joining a physical activity program for 4 months. The improvements in FVC, inspiratory capacity, FEV1, expiratory reserve volume, and performance assessed by 6MWT were observed after activity. General condition of patients improved after the exerscise program. This was reflected by both PFT and 6MWT results.

Based on a model of a parachute jumper, for various body configurations in a sitting position, tests were carried out in an aerodynamic tunnel. Aerodynamic characteristics and dimensionless aerodynamic forces' coefficients were calculated. The tests were carried out for various configurations of the jumper's body. A universal mathematical model of a parachute jumper's body was prepared, thus enabling the analysis of the jumper's movement with a closed parachute in any position. In order to build the model, a digitized model of a jumper allowing changing the body configuration, making appropriate changes of the moment of inertia, distribution of the center of mass and the aerodynamic characteristics was adopted. Dynamic movement equations were derived for a jumper in a relative reference system. The mathematical model was formulated for a jumper with a variable body configuration during the flight, which can be realized through a change of the position and the speed of the parachute jumper's limbs. The model allows analyzing the motion of the jumper with a closed parachute. It is an important jump phase during an assault with delayed parachute opening in sports type jumping, e.g., Skydiving and in emergency jumps from higher altitudes for the parachute's opening to be safe.

The frequency of corrective signal (the centre of corrective (COC) signal), which is the decomposition of COP (centre of pressure) and estimated COM (centre of mass) time series, is one of the indicators reflecting the quality of postural control during stance. Young children, in the period of intensive development, gradually improve the quality of postural control in a daily life. The purpose of this paper was to describe the time series of corrective centre of foot pressure repeatability in young children aged between 2 and 7 during body stability in natural stance position. 272 healthy children aged between 2 and 7 were divided into 6 age groups. Two AccuSway force platforms were used (one foot of the subject was on one platform, the second foot, on the other). The COP trajectories were the basis for the calculation of the frequency stability indices in frontal and sagittal planes for the left leg and right leg separately. The COC signals were collected by the method based on the Kuczyński viscoelastic model. In order to assess the repeatability, the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was used between the 1st and the 2nd trials, the 2nd and the 3rd trials, and the 1st and the 3rd trials. The maturation of postural control system goes rather slowly in two youngest groups which showed the poor repeatability in COC frequency between the 2nd and the 3rd years of life. From the 4th to the 7th year of life the inter-session repeatability rapidly increases in three consecutive trials. Poor difference of frequency concordance was found between the left and right lower limbs. It is concluded that the frequency of corrective foot pressure is the reliable indicator of postural control for children aged between 4 and 7, but not for younger ones.

This study implemented linear and nonlinear methods of measuring variability to determine differences in stability of two groups of skilled (n = 10) and unskilled (n = 10) participants performing 3m forward/backward shuttle agility drill. We also determined whether stability measures differed between the forward and backward segments of the drill. Finally, we sought to investigate whether local dynamic stability, measured using largest finite-time Lyapunov exponents, changed from distal to proximal lower extremity segments. Three-dimensional coordinates of five lower extremity markers data were recorded. Results revealed that the Lyapunov exponents were lower (P < 0.05) for skilled participants at all joint markers indicative of higher levels of local dynamic stability. Additionally, stability of motion did not differ between forward and backward segments of the drill (P > 0.05), signifying that almost the same control strategy was used in forward and backward directions by all participants, regardless of skill level. Furthermore, local dynamic stability increased from distal to proximal joints (P < 0.05) indicating that stability of proximal segments are prioritized by the neuromuscular control system. Finally, skilled participants displayed greater foot placement standard deviation values (P < 0.05), indicative of adaptation to task constraints. The results of this study provide new methods for sport scientists, coaches to characterize stability in agility drill performance.

Air-polishing is a well-known and common technique to remove plaque, tartar and different kind of stains from teeth, using abrasive materials. Commonly used cleaning powders contain Al (aluminium) which is still controversial in terms of its inertness and harmfulness for human body. Nowadays, new air-polishing materials, including biomaterials, are being introduced. In particular, biomaterials the structure of which imitates that of natural tissue are very promising materials of reparative and reconstructive features. The purpose of the study was to assess in vitro the influence of natural hydroxyapatite on cementum surface and to assess superficial qualitative distribution of such elements as calcium and phosphorus before and after air-polishing. Four teeth extracted for periodontal reasons were airpolished. Bioactive hydroxyapatite (prepared in the Cracow Institute of Technology) was a cleaning powder with particle size of up to 10 μm. Bioactive natural hydroxyapatite is a very effective cleaning powder, which removes efficiently tartar from cementum surface and does not cause any damage. The qualitative analysis of cementum images after air-polishing with natural hydroxyapatite showed that the cementum surface was fully saturated with such elements as calcium and phosphorus, which was not observed on control cementum images.

The aim of the study was to evaluate roughness of the enamel surface after Air Rotor Stripping (ARS). Thirty interproximal surfaces of human premolars were used as the biological material. Research was conducted using a contact profilometer and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Sets of 3D parameters and topographical maps of enamel surface before and after ARS treatment were used to define roughness of the surfaces. SEM images of stripped surfaces were taken with microscopic magnification of 100x and 1000x. The data revealed a general roughness of enamel arising after ARS procedure. Summarized values of chosen parameters increased after ARS procedure compared to the values of untreated enamel. Topographical maps showed areas of both well polished and badly polished enamel. In conclusion, comparison of the mean values of the measured parameters of ARS treated enamel surfaces indicated that roughness of the enamel arises after ARS, but it must be emphasized that on every evaluated surface well polished areas were also present. Moreover, the well polished areas were smoother than those on the untreated enamel surfaces. Contact fluoridation and improved oral hygiene after ARS appear to be necessary because of the presence of areas of increased roughness on evaluated surfaces.

Pressure curves obtained from Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) differ for the same patient in form and height. In some cases measurements on the subject show significant differences between recorded pressure curves. The purpose of the paper is to examine if the differences result from the corneal properties or from the device operation. Examination of air pressure curves was carried out on four plano-convex glass lenses with radii of curvature close to the central corneal radius. Lenses were mounted in front of the air jet of the ORA analyzer. Series of 30 measurements on each lenses were recorded with 20 s and 60 s time interval between measurements. RESULTS were exported to computer and analyzed numerically. RESULTS show much higher reproducibility of pressure curves in every series of measurements in comparison to pressure curves recorded on the patients eye. This demonstrates that ORA produces air pulses with high reproducibility. Differences in air pressure pulses for the real eye can indicate the dynamics of ocular properties during measurements. Obtained pressure curves are not symmetrical and not well fitted by Gaussian curve. Type of asymmetry of air pressure curves may be explained by viscoelasticity of air.

Due to lack of effective methods for preventing the complications associated with stent implantation, the search for new solutions is conducted, including those based on the use of biodegradable polymers. Such materials could allow us to develop a temporary implant that would ensure flow in the vessel until its regeneration, while minimising the negative effects connected with long-term implant-tissue interaction. In this study, models in the form of biodegradable stents of different materials and geometry were prepared. Due to the fact that one of the basic requirements imposed on vascular stents is the ability to resist radial loads caused by the surrounding tissue, the maximum radial forces causing destruction of prepared models were investigated. The results were compared with the values obtained for commercially used metallic implants. Models were also incubated in Eagle's medium enriched with albumin in order to assess potential adhesion capacity of proteins on their surface. Scanning electron microscope enabled monitoring of microstructural changes during incubation. The results obtained were used to evaluate the ability to obtain a functional, biodegradable vascular stent.

Alloplastic bone substitute materials are raising some more interest as an alternative for autologic transplants and xenogenic materials especially in oral surgery over the last few years. These non-immunogenic and completely resorbable biomaterials are the basis for complete and predictable guided bone regeneration. In the majority of cases, such a material is chosen because of its convenient application by surgeons. The main objective of our project was to design and fabricate an osteoconductive, injectable and readily tolerable by human tissues biomaterial for guided bone regeneration. For this purpose, a self-setting composite consisting of chitosan/tricalcium phosphate microparticles and sodium alginate was made. The material obtained was characterized by microsphere and agglomerate morphology and microstructure. Its features relating to setting time and mechanical properties were precisely investigated. Our material was also evaluated according to PN-EN ISO 10993 Biological evaluation of medical devices, i.e., the in vitro tests for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were conduced. Then, the following examinations were performed: subchronic systemic toxicity, skin sensitization, irritation and delayed-type hypersensitivity and local effects after implantation. The material tested showed a high degree of cytocompatibility, fulfilled the requirements of International Standards and seemed to be a "user friendly" material for oral surgeons.

It has been shown experimentally that the load carrying capacity of the spine significantly increases when compressive loads are carried along the follower load (FL) direction. However, it is necessary to modify the current FL concept because a certain amount of shear force is produced during activities in daily life. In this study, a clinically allowable range of shear force was investigated using the modified FL concept. The shear force allowance was defined as the maximum ratio of the shear force to the follower force at each vertebral body center. Then, it was shown that the appropriate shear force allowance was within approximately 0.2 ~ 0.5 from the investigation of the follower forces, the shear forces, and the muscle force coordination. The predicted shear force allowance indicated that the resultant joint force is directed to a certain inside region between a half vertebral body and whole vertebral body.

The paper presents the method of the argon - shielded hot pressing of titanium alloy (Ti6A14V) powder (used in medical industry). The powders produced in the GA (gas atomization) process and in the HDH (hydride - dehydride) process were used in the experiments. A pressing process was conducted at a temperature of 800-850 degrees C for different lengths of time. An unoxidized sintered material, nearly as dense as a solid material and having a lamellar structure (alpha+beta), was obtained from the titanium alloy powder produced in the HDH process.

In this work, we performed comparative studies of the effect of surface preparation of Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al7Nb biomedical alloys and the influence of endothelial cells on their corrosion behaviour in PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline). Two different methods of surface modification were applied - polishing and sandblasting. The polished Ti6Al7Nb alloy was found to have the best resistance against general corrosion in PBS. It was characterized by the lowest corrosion rate, the widest passive range and the lowest reactivity. Both alloys prepared by sandblasting exhibited worse corrosion properties in comparison to the polished ones. This can be associated with a greater development of their surface and the presence of Al2O3 grains which caused an increase of corrosion potential but might also influence the weakening of the passive layer. Results of potentiodynamic anodic polarization indicated that more resistant to pitting corrosion was Ti6Al7Nb alloy regardless of the method of surface preparation. In those cases, anodic polarization caused only an increase of passive layer, while in the case of sandblasted Ti6Al4V alloy it caused a pitting corrosion. The results obtained allowed us to conclude that the niobium-titanium alloys had higher corrosion resistance than titanium alloys with vanadium. Moreover, it was stated that endothelial cells improved the corrosion resistance of all the titanium alloys examined.

Fourier Transform Near Infrared Raman Spectroscopy has been used to monitor the molecular changes of collagen in a tendon subjected to strain. In the Raman spectrum of the unstrained tendon, some protein bands, mainly assigned to collagen, can be observed: amide I (1666 cm-1) and III (1266 and 1248 cm-1) vibrational modes and skeletal (C-C) stretching vibrations (816 and 940 cm-1). The position of these bands is changing with the increasing strain values. It is concluded that elastin and non-helical domains of collagen are initially involved in the load transfer and triple helices of collagen are gradually joining this process.

A new method was used in fixation of tibial bone fractures. Intramadular nailing (IMN) has been used into mid-diaphysis on left tibias of New Zeland rabbits (n = 5) via an in vivo work. To enable fixation of fracture, without causing too much screw damage on bone and avoiding malunion, nano- and micro-scale hydroxyapatite (HA) was coated at two ends (25 mm in length) of intramadular nails before implantation. After six weeks of survival period and sacrifizing, biomechanical tests and histopathologic examinations were executed. Such experiments have revealed that good stabilization and hence better fracture union for both treated IMN groups (NHA and MHA) over the standard IMN'. Pull-out tests showed the tensile strengths obtained to be significantly higher for the nano (NHA) and micro scale-MHA coated IMN compared to the uncoated standard IM nailing.

The present work deals with those properties of the human motor system that characterize cyclic movements of maximum (expected to be maximum) intensity. It presents the results of an experiment carried out on 11 subjects and aimed at measuring the kinematic characteristics of cyclic movements of the elbow joint executed at maximal frequency under unloaded conditions. The movements of five amplitude levels ranging from 0.1 rad to approximately 1.2 rad were considered. An observable and unequivocal relation was found between the amplitude and the maximal movement frequency. The said relation is one of an inverse relationship types described by the equation of a shifted hyperbola intersecting the frequency axis at a point marking the value of maximal movement frequency f(max) whose mean value was 8.42 Hz in the group investigated. It was also established that elbow joint movements executed at maximal intensity show significant similarity to harmonic movement, which points to the "stiff" characteristic of useful driving torque. Relationships between maximal amplitudes of angular velocity, angular acceleration, kinetic energy and movement amplitude were also determined. The nature of the said relationships derives from the superposition of the two abovementioned features - the amplitude-frequency relation and the formal relationships between the values describing harmonic movement. The elbow joint stiffness manifested during cyclic movements appears to be related to both movement frequency and amplitude. Its value increases with frequency and decreases with amplitude growth ranging from approximately 15 to 130 Nm/rad. The source of the said stiffness is to be found in the properties of the tendon-muscle complex and its changes depend on the changes of muscle tension. This feature has been illustrated by the measurement of the relation between elbow joint stiffness and the static torque generated by elbow joint flexors and extensors. It has been established that the stiffness increases with muscle tension squared.

The experimental mechanostimulation of biological cell and tissue test samples has become a standard method in biomechanics research. In order to apply a static or a dynamic mechanical load on biological tissue a variety of different devices for the mechanostimulation have been developed. While cyclic load applications are typically restricted to sinusoidal or rectangular stimulation patterns, a device for more complex dynamic stimulation patterns which would simulate, for instance, the dynamics during mechanical ventilation does not exist. The dynamic alveolar recruitment/derecruitment has been identified as one of the main causes of ventilator-induced lung injury. Therefore, there is a demand for an experimental ventilation-analogue mechanostimulation of the pulmonary cells and tissue. Here, we present our mechanostimulator combined with a new driving system which is able to produce the ventilation-analogue patterns of a dynamic mechanostimulation. In an experimental setting where the test samples were simulated by silicone-membranes in single-, double- and fourfold membrane configuration, we varied the stimulation amplitude from 5% to 60% surface increase and stimulation frequencies ranging from 15/min to 2000/min. Furthermore, the frequency components of mechanical load applied to the sample at sinusoidal, rectangular and ventilation- analogue mechanostimulations were analyzed by means of a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The system allows for a homogeneous mechanostimulation with various temporal profiles which may include frequency components of up to 20 Hz. The relative amount of mechanical load applied to the sample at the main stimulation frequency was 76% during sinusoidal stimulation, 35% during the rectangular stimulation, and 29% to 42% during ventilation analogue stimulation.

The presentation is focused on the analysis of biophysical properties of cerebral aneurysms, diagnosed and delineated in living human individuals. An aneurysm is a bulging out of a part of the wall of a blood vessel. The aim of our research was to delineate flow patterns inside the aneurysm and its parent artery, to estimate stresses at critical points of the aneurysm wall, to model the haemodynamic effect of different surgical and endovascular tools in order to define the optimal one in a particular case, and to estimate the likelihood of a later aneurysm rupture. For this reason we carried out a lot of different laboratory tests to analyse the mechanical parameters of the aneurysm wall. We made a comparative study of some material models reported in the literature to describe the mechanical response of arteries. These are models for incompressible materials. For this reason we perform uniaxial and biaxial measurements to have appropriate parameters for the models of underlying material.

In contemporary science, the analysis of human walking is extensively used. The prediction of leg motion, as well as rehabilitation, can be usable for orthosis and prosthesis programing. Our work is focused on predicting of human walking by angle-angle diagrams, also called cyclograms. The applications of cyclograms in conjunction with artificial intelligence offers wide area of applications in medicine. But until now, this approach has not been studied or applied in practice.

Gait recordings exhibit intra-subject, inter-subject, within-trial and between-trial variability as well as data analysis methods. In medicine, comparison of different measuring method results or quantifying changes due to specific treatment is required. The aim of this study was to compare a group homogeneity with respect to dispersion around the reference curve and to compare waveforms of normal and pathological gait data based on joint angle curves. Data files were tracked using APAS system. Our own model of lower limb was used to calculate the trajectories of joint angles for 5 groups: healthy men, women, children, persons with drop foot and Trendelenburg's sign. Waveform parameterizations, RMS, IAE and correlation coefficients were used to compare joint angles with reference curve. The sample scores obtained in this work provide an important information about closeness in the shape of two curves. Using multiple techniques of data analysis will benefit and give more accurate information.

Fractures of the distal end of the femur are infrequent and constitute less than 1% of all fractures. Only 3% to 6% of femoral fractures occur at the distal end. The two groups most at risk of the said fractures are young men and older women. The aim of treatment of fractures of the distal femur is to restore normal function of the knee joint. The authors asked themselves whether, following fixation of a 33-C2 fracture (according to the AO classification) with a LISS plate, a rehabilitation program can be undertaken immediately after surgery with the implementation of active movements in the knee joint of the operated limb. In order to answer this question, we created a digital model of a fractured femur fixed with the LISS method. The model was subjected to loads corresponding to the loads generated during active lifting of a limb extended in the knee joint and during flexing of a limb in the knee joint to the 90° angle. Interfragmentary movement (IFM) is one of the key parameters taken into account in the treatment of bone fractures. It allows classification of the treatment in terms of its quality both from the mechanical and histological points of view. We analyzed interfragmentary movement in all fracture gaps. The largest recorded displacement reached in our model was 243 μm, which, in the light of the literature data, should not interfere with bone consolidation, and thus implementation of active movement in the operated knee joint (keeping in mind the simplifications of the experimental method used) is possible in the early postoperative period.

This paper presents the method of obtaining hydroxyapatite from animal bones. Bone sludge and calcined products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Calcium concentration was determined with titration, and phosphorus--spectrophotometrically. Making use of the AAS and ICP methods the content of microelements was determined. In all the products, hydroxyapatite was the only crystalline phase indicated. The FT-IR spectra confirmed that calcination removed the total of organic substances. Calcium and phosphorus contents were 38% and 18%, respectively, which corresponded to the Ca/P molar ratio of nonstoichiometric hydroxyapatite. The specific surfaces of products were measured by BET method. The volume of micro- and mesopores was determined.