Current Projects
- A Hybrid Cadaveric/Optimization Approach to Optimizing Thumb Function in Pinch
- Web-based Interactive Explorations of the Biomechanics of the Digits
- Mechanical Characterization of Grasp Quality
- Description of Brain Activity During Dexterous Manipulation
- Stochastic Biomechanical Model of the Thumb
- Comprehensive Neuromuscular Biomechanical Model of the Hand
A Hybrid Cadaveric/Optimization Approach
to Optimizing Thumb Function in Pinch
Current Project Participants: Becky Avrin, Laurel Kuxhaus, Veronica Santos, John Hermanson, PhD, and Francisco Valero-Cuevas, PhD.
Whitaker Foundation Press Release
Web-based Interactive Explorations of the
Biomechanics of the Digits
Current Project Participants: Francisco Valero-Cuevas, PhD
Description:
The dissemination of complex three-dimensional biomechanical data becomes more effective when people can explore the information interactively. Shown below is an example from our previous work of the 3D fingertip force vector produced by each muscle of the index finger.
Follow this link to interactively explore the biomechanics of fingertip force production in the able and partially-paralized forefinger.
These data
are from the peer-reviewed article: Quantification
of fingertip force reduction in the forefinger following simulated paralysis
of extensor and intrinsic muscles. J
Biomech 2000 33(12):1601-1609. PDF
(283Kb).
Mechanical Characterization of Grasp
Quality
Current Project Participants: Madhusudhan Venkadesan, John Guckenheimer, PhD, Francisco Valero-Cuevas, PhD
Description:
Mechanically informative measures of dexterous manipulation require that we quantify the dynamic sensorimotor function of the hand. This project uses nonlinear dynamical analysis to characterize able and impaired manipulation.
Publications:
The
strength-dexterity test as a measure of dynamic pinch performance.
J
Biomech. 2003 36(2):265-270. PDF
(224Kb)
Description of Brain Activity During Dexterous
Manipulation
Current Project Participants: Adershi Talati, Joy Hirsch, PhD, Francisco Valero-Cuevas, PhD
Description:
Neuroanatomical studies have established the sensory and motor projections of the structures of the hand in the brain. We seek to characterize the functional interactions of brain structures necessary to perform dexterous manipulation. The figure below shows the fMRI activity in the brain during modulation of thumbtip force magnitude.
Current Project Participants: Francisco Valero-Cuevas, PhD, Joseph Towles, MS, Lisa Johanson, MS PT
Description:
Biomechanical computer models rely on the accuracy of the parameter values they use to represent anatomical structures, which are not always known precisely. Because of the naturally occurring anatomical variability among people, such models may not be representative of the biomechanical function in the population. We are developing a stochastic model of the thumb that represent each parameter as a distribution function with a mean and standard deviation from experimental data. The results from Monte Carlo simulations with this model provide estimates of the likely distribution of thumb function in the general population, which can better guide the development of novel clinical treatments of the hand with consistent functional outcomes.
Publications:
Towards a realistic biomechanical model of the
thumb: the choice of kinematic description may be more critical than the
solution method or the variability/uncertainty of musculoskeletal parameters.
J
Biomech. 2003 36(7):1019-1030. PDF
(722Kb)
Comprehensive Neuromuscular Biomechanical
Model of the Hand
Current Project Participants: Laurel Kuxhaus, Veronica Santos, Madhusudhan Venkadesan, Francisco Valero-Cuevas, PhD
Description:
To understand the neuromuscular biomechanics of the hand and guide the development of novel clinical treatments for the hand, we are developing a comprehensive computer model of the hand. It will incorporate joint kinematics, passive structures, functional representation of the extensor mechanisms, as well as muscle architecture, physiology and recruitment. The model is being represented in the general-purpose biomechanical modeling platform SIMM (Musculographics, Inc.).
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