Development of Modelling Techniques for Subject-Specific Prediction of Biomechanical Variables Beyond the Research Environment

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

New technologies are starting to lead to insights into human joint function at low cost and without the need for significant infrastructure. These technologies could be combined and further developed to provide more comprehensive biomechanical analysis and eventually aid surgeons in personalizing orthopaedic surgical plans, which currently requires significant expertise. This work will develop a fundamental engineering understanding of these technologies, the types and quality of biomechanical information they can provide, and how they can be combined to provide information in an applied environment. The objectives of this research program are: 1) to investigate computer-based models of the shoulder that account for personalized factors (e.g. anatomical differences) and can determine individualized biomechanical information; 2) to develop low-cost mobile sensors that produce data to drive the above computer model; 3) to investigate how the combined system from Objectives 1 s joint condition affect their joint function (i.e. biomechanics); 4) to use the results from Objective 3 to develop a statistical model that is lightweight (uses fewer computer resources than were needed in Objective 3). This multi-disciplinary research program includes aspects of basic biomechanical experimentation, biomechanical computer modelling, and mechatronics (a combination of mechanical design, electronics, and software). Specifically, basic biomechanical experiments will be conducted to provide important information that can be used to develop and validate a computer model of shoulder biomechanics. After being developed using the information from the above biomechanical experiments, the computer model will be combined with a custom developed system of low-cost mobile sensors (i.e. sensors that provide information about motion and muscle activity and can be used outside a research setting) to calculate biomechanical data that has only ever been available in a laboratory. This research program will produce a new understanding of shoulder biomechanics while also developing foundational technologies that can lead to future systems that could improve orthopaedic surgical outcomes through improved, personalized planning that is not solely dependent on clinician experience. This will in turn benefit the Canadian economy and society through industrial partnerships that deploy and build upon this technology, and through cost savings associated with improved healthcare technologies. Finally, this program will provide an opportunity to train the next generation of engineers in multi-disciplinary bioengineering research which is an increasingly important field.