Novel test conditions for examining internal loading as affected by external loading factors related to ergonomics equipment design

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This project aims to explore how external loading on the limbs during a variety of repetitive physical activities translates to internal load levels in major joints and muscles of these extremities. The information obtained will guide future design and engineering of equipment meant to increase human performance efficiency and to reduce physical injuries such as Overuse Syndrome. Specifically, our objectives are to quantitatively determine the effects of a) load intensity, b) load time, c) load pattern, and d) posture on internal load levels of the arms and legs. Soft tissue injuries (vocational or recreational) affect a significant portion of Canada's population, creating both health and social problems. Due to our lack of understanding of biomechanics, much of the professional equipment designed for biological enhancement of repetitive physical capabilities leaves much to be desired. This research aims to reduce the level of repetitive injuries by improving personal awareness and the ergonomic design of equipment. A synchronized test unit (3D motion capture, force measurement & EMG) will be applied. Motion capture supplies quantitative kinematic description of a subject's movement. Force measurements provide the interaction between the human body and the contact surface. These data serve as input for a biomechanical model, which determines the internal loads on joints and muscles. EMG captures muscle activity, providing information on the timing of muscle group coordination and neural control. The novelty of the research lies in the external loading conditions. It will be the first time that internal loads during violin versus viola performances are contrasted. Such a comparison is highly desirable for equipment design because the 2 instruments are identical in both form and performance techniques; the only difference is their size. Thus the comparison will provide a clear conclusion on the effect of size on internal loading. For lower extremities, we will be using a newly developed forward-and-backward-pedaling-power-generation bicycle (designed by PI) that generates forward-power for the bike irrespective of the pedaling direction. It provides a rare opportunity to explore the effects of combinations of forward & backward pedaling and future bike design.