Fasciae as mechanical compliant systems in the human body

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The long term objective of my NSERC research program is to develop advanced macro-structural models of human fasciae that will be included in finite element (FE) models of the human body. These models can then be used to predict the contribution of connective tissue fasciae in various applications, in particular musculoskeletal disorders. We will develop a three-dimensional model of the lumbo-sacro-iliac (LSI) complex, with a particular emphasis on the thoracolumbar fascia, due to its potential role in low back disorders. The specific goal of this five year research program is to demonstrate that high strain rates could injure the thoracolumbar fascia, at body temperature, because of the glass transition temperature phenomenon. Essentially, due to the existence of a glass transition temperature, a soft tissue would quickly become fragile and exhibit a drastic increase in stiffness when rapidly stretched, because the collagen and elastin proteins do not have time to reconfigure during the stretch. The hypothesis will be tested by creating a three-dimensional finite element model of the lumbo-sacro-iliac complex with the thoracolumbar fascia to estimate its strains and strain rate for a lifting task. Detail anatomical studies will be performed on the fascia using NMR reconstruction techniques and measurements of its water content and glass transition temperature using differential scanning calorimetry. Nonlinear mechanical properties of the fascia will be identified through quasi static tests and dynamic mechanical analysis will be conducted to identify the storage and loss moduli versus strain rate over a temperature range of 0 to 40 degrees Celsius. These data will provide the required information to construct a master curve and a WLF model will allow us to predict tissue properties for various stimuli conditions. The project proposed may opened up a vast domain in biomechanics, with applications in many areas such as ophtalmology, cardiology, obstetrics and physiotherapy.