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Sankar S, Cheng WY, Zhang J, Slepyan A, Iskarous MM, Greene RJ, DeBrabander R, Chen J, Gupta A, Thakor NV. A natural biomimetic prosthetic hand with neuromorphic tactile sensing for precise and compliant grasping. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2025; 11:eadr9300. [PMID: 40043132 PMCID: PMC11881920 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr9300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 05/13/2025]
Abstract
The human hand's hybrid structure combines soft and rigid anatomy to provide strength and compliance for versatile object grasping. Tactile sensing by skin mechanoreceptors enables precise and dynamic manipulation. Attempts to replicate the human hand have fallen short of a true biomimetic hybrid robotic hand with tactile sensing. We introduce a natural prosthetic hand composed of soft robotic joints and a rigid endoskeleton with three independent neuromorphic tactile sensing layers inspired by human physiology. Our innovative design capitalizes on the strengths of both soft and rigid robots, enabling the hybrid robotic hand to compliantly grasp numerous everyday objects of varying surface textures, weight, and compliance while differentiating them with 99.69% average classification accuracy. The hybrid robotic hand with multilayered tactile sensing achieved 98.38% average classification accuracy in a texture discrimination task, surpassing soft robotic and rigid prosthetic fingers. Controlled via electromyography, our transformative prosthetic hand allows individuals with upper-limb loss to grasp compliant objects with precise surface texture detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriramana Sankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wen-Yu Cheng
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Jinghua Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ariel Slepyan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark M. Iskarous
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Greene
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rene DeBrabander
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Junjun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arnav Gupta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nitish V. Thakor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Zhang Y, Chen M, He Y, Guo Z, Li Y, Yu S, Liang H, Yin J, Sun P, Zhang Z, Liu C. Effect of prone trunk-extension on lumbar and lower limb muscle stiffness. Clin Anat 2024; 37:605-612. [PMID: 37489659 DOI: 10.1002/ca.24090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of the prone trunk extension test (PTE) on lumbar and lower limb muscle stiffness to explore the optimal angle for lumbar muscle training, understand the peripheral muscle force transmission effect, and determine the modulation strategy and interaction mode of different muscles during PTE. Twenty healthy young females were recruited for this study, and the stiffness of the erector spinae (ES), semitendinosus (ST), biceps femoris (BF), medial head of the gastrocnemius (MG), and lateral head of the gastrocnemius (LG) was measured by MyotonPRO under four angular PTE conditions (0° horizontal position, 10°, 20°, and 30°). With the increasing angle, the stiffness of ES decreased gradually, while ST and BF increased first and then decreased. The stiffness of MG and LG increased first, then decreased, then increased. There was a moderate to strong negative correlation between ES stiffness variation and ST (r = -0.819 to -0.728, p < 0.001), BF (r = -0.620 to -0.527, p < 0.05), MG (r = -788 to -0.611, p < 0.01), and LG (r = -0.616 to -0.450, p < 0.05). Horizontal PTE maximizes the activation of ES. There is a tension transfer between the ES, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius, mainly between the ES, ST, and LG. The study provides data to explore the effect of peripheral muscle force transmission and the modulation strategies of different muscles during trunk extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Zhang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengtong Chen
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanan He
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenzhen Guo
- Department of Health Management, Henan Key Laboratory of Chronic Disease Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuanchao Li
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Suiqing Yu
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongying Liang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junxiao Yin
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Pengtao Sun
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Chunlong Liu
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Finni T, de Brito Fontana H, Maas H. Force transmission and interactions between synergistic muscles. J Biomech 2023; 152:111575. [PMID: 37120913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The classical view of muscles as independent motors has been challenged over the past decades. An alternative view has emerged in which muscles are not isolated but embedded in a three-dimensional connective tissue network that links them to adjacent muscles and other non-muscular structures in the body. Animal studies showing that the forces measured at the distal and proximal ends of a muscle are not equal have provided undisputable evidence that these connective tissue linkages are strong enough to serve as an extra pathway for muscular force transmission. In this historical review, we first introduce the terminology and anatomy related to these pathways of muscle force transmission and provide a definition for the term epimuscular force transmission. We then focus on important experimental evidence indicating mechanical interactions between synergistic muscles that may affect force transmission and/or influence the muscles' force generating capacity. We illustrate that there may exist different expressions of the highly relevant force-length properties depending on whether the force is measured at the proximal or distal tendon and depending on the dynamics of surrounding structures. Changes in length, activation level or disruption of the connective tissue of neighboring muscles, can affect how muscles interact and produce force on the skeleton. While most direct evidence is from animal experiments, studies on humans also suggest functional implications of the connective tissues surrounding muscles. These implications may explain how distant segments, which are not part of the same joint system, affect force generation at a given joint, and, in clinical conditions, explain observations from tendon transfer surgeries, where a muscle transferred to act as an antagonist continues to produce agonistic moments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija Finni
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Heiliane de Brito Fontana
- Department of Morphological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Huub Maas
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Song J, Liu Z, Boñgol JP, Zhang Z, Yeung KL. An atmospheric water harvester with fast and energy‐saving water removal and recovery. BIOSURFACE AND BIOTRIBOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1049/bsb2.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Song
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon Hong Kong
| | - Zhang Liu
- Division of Environment and Sustainability the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon Hong Kong
| | - Jhoanne Pedres Boñgol
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon Hong Kong
| | - Zhaoxin Zhang
- Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon Hong Kong
| | - King Lun Yeung
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon Hong Kong
- Division of Environment and Sustainability the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Kowloon Hong Kong
- HKUST Shenzhen‐Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Research Institute Shenzhen Guangdong China
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Ajimsha MS, Shenoy PD, Surendran PJ, Jacob P, Bilal MJ. Evidence of in-vivo myofascial force transfer in humans- a systematic scoping review. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2022; 32:183-195. [PMID: 36180147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fascial system not only enables the body to operate in an integrated manner but modifies its tension in response to the stress on it. Recent animal, cadaveric and in-vitro trials have shown that "myofascial force transmission" (MFT) can play a major role in homeostasis, musculoskeletal function and pain. Human evidence for the in-vivo existence of MFT is scarce. OBJECTIVE This scoping review attempts to gather and interpret the available evidence of the in-vivo existence of MFT in humans, its role in homeostasis, and musculoskeletal function. METHOD A search of major databases using the keywords 'myofascial force transmission' and 'epimuscular force transmission' yielded 247 articles as of November 2021. For the final analysis, only original in-vivo human studies were considered. In-vitro human studies, cadaveric or animal studies, reviews, and similar studies were excluded. A qualitative analysis of the studies was conducted after rating it with the Oxford's Center for Evidence -based Medicine (CEBM) scale. RESULT Twenty studies ranging from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to case studies covering 405 patients have been included in this review. The analysed trials were highly heterogeneous and of lower methodological quality meddling with the quantitative analysis. The majority of the appraised studies demonstrated a higher probability of MFT existence, while two studies revealed a lower probability. CONCLUSION Our search for proof of the in vivo existence of MFT in humans has led us to support such an existence, albeit prudently. Previous research on animals and human cadavers reinforces our finding. We are optimistic that the forthcoming studies on the topic will pave the way for the unraveling of several musculoskeletal riddles that are currently unknown or less well-known.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Ajimsha
- Department of Physiotherapy, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Pramod D Shenoy
- Department of Physiotherapy, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Praveen J Surendran
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Prasobh Jacob
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Héroux ME, Whitaker RM, Maas H, Herbert RD. Negligible epimuscular myofascial force transmission between the human rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles in passive conditions. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:3369-3377. [PMID: 34468860 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04801-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There have been contradictory reports of the effects of epimuscular myofascial force transmission in humans. This study investigated the transmission of myofascial force to the human vastus lateralis muscle by determining whether vastus lateralis slack angle changed with hip angle. Since the distance between the origin and insertion of the vastus lateralis muscle does not change when hip angle changes, any change in vastus lateralis slack angle with hip position can be attributed to epimuscular myofascial force transmission. METHODS Nineteen young adults were tested in hip flexed ([Formula: see text]) and neutral ([Formula: see text]) positions. Ultrasound images of the vastus lateralis muscle were obtained as the knee was passively flexed at [Formula: see text]/s. The knee angle at which vastus lateralis muscle fascicles began to lengthen was used to identify muscle slack angle. RESULTS Overall, there was a negligible effect of hip position on vastus lateralis slack angle ([Formula: see text] [[Formula: see text] to 1.9]; mean [95% confidence interval]). However, a small and variable effect was noted in 3/19 participants. CONCLUSION This result indicates that, over the range of joint angles tested here, there is little or no epimuscular myofascial force transmission between the vastus lateralis muscle and neighbouring bi-articular structures under passive conditions. More broadly, this result provides additional evidence that epimuscular myofascial force transmission tends to be small and variable under passive conditions in healthy human muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin E Héroux
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Margaret Ainsworth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia. .,University of New South Wales, 2031, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rachelle M Whitaker
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Huub Maas
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert D Herbert
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Margaret Ainsworth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.,University of New South Wales, 2031, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Purslow PP. The Structure and Role of Intramuscular Connective Tissue in Muscle Function. Front Physiol 2020; 11:495. [PMID: 32508678 PMCID: PMC7248366 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) structures within skeletal muscle play an important, but under-appreciated, role in muscle development, function and adaptation. Each individual muscle is surrounded by epimysial connective tissue and within the muscle there are two distinct extracellular matrix (ECM) structures, the perimysium and endomysium. Together, these three ECM structures make up the intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT). There are large variations in the amount and composition of IMCT between functionally different muscles. Although IMCT acts as a scaffold for muscle fiber development and growth and acts as a carrier for blood vessels and nerves to the muscle cells, the variability in IMCT between different muscles points to a role in the variations in active and passive mechanical properties of muscles. Some traditional measures of the contribution of endomysial IMCT to passive muscle elasticity relied upon tensile measurements on single fiber preparations. These types of measurements may now be thought to be missing the important point that endomysial IMCT networks within a muscle fascicle coordinate forces and displacements between adjacent muscle cells by shear and that active contractile forces can be transmitted by this route (myofascial force transmission). The amount and geometry of the perimysial ECM network separating muscle fascicles varies more between different muscle than does the amount of endomysium. While there is some evidence for myofascial force transmission between fascicles via the perimysium, the variations in this ECM network appears to be linked to the amount of shear displacements between fascicles that must necessarily occur when the whole muscle contracts and changes shape. Fast growth of muscle by fiber hypertrophy is not always associated with a high turnover of ECM components, but slower rates of growth and muscle wasting may be associated with IMCT remodeling. A hypothesis arising from this observation is that the level of cell signaling via shear between integrin and dystroglycan linkages on the surface of the muscle cells and the overlying endomysium may be the controlling factor for IMCT turnover, although this idea is yet to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter P Purslow
- Centro de Investigacion Veterinaria de Tandil, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Argentina
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