Inverse dynamic analysis of the biomechanics of the thumb while pipetting: A case study

Wu, John Z.; Sinsel, Erik W.; Gloekler, Daniel S.; Wimer, Bryan M.; Zhao, Kristin D.; An, Kai Nan; Buczek, Frank L.

doi:10.1016/j.medengphy.2011.09.012

Cited by 16 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…The test-setup is similar to that used in our previous study [12]. A typical thumb-activated pipette (P200, Pipetman, Gilson, Inc, Middleton, WI) was instrumented and utilized in the tests (Fig.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A miniature force sensor (Series LBS-111 N, Interface Inc., Scottsdale, AZ) was installed under the plunger button to measure the plunger force. Kinematics for the thumb, fingers, hand, and forearm were determined using methods similar to those in previous studies [12,15,16]. Briefly, three semispherical, retroreflective markers (4 mm diameter) were placed on each of the finger/thumb/hand segments using a thin self-adhesive tape (Fig.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The hand model is similar to that used in our previous studies [12,17]. Briefly, the hand is modeled as a multibody linkage system and includes four fingers (index, long, ring, and little finger), a thumb, a palm, and a forearm segment (Fig.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, generic muscle/tendon models and parameters were applied for all subjects. The muscle forces were calculated using an inverse dynamic approach combined with an optimization procedure in anybody , in which the maximal normalized muscle force is minimized [12,17]. The time-histories of each joint angle and the interface contact force between the thumb tip and the pipette’s dispense plunger button were applied as model input, whereas the corresponding time-histories of the excursions and forces of muscle–tendon units of the thumb were predicted.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Our previous study [12] indicated that the compression force at the plunger button during pipetting reaches the magnitudes observed in other activities, such as pinching [13] and jar opening [14]. Considering the repetitive loading nature during pipetting, the thumb joints may experience excessive loading compared to those in other occupational or daily activities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Analysis of the Constraint Joint Loading in the Thumb During Pipetting

Sinsel

Zhao

et al. 2015

Journal of Biomechanical Engineering

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Dynamic loading on articular joints is essential for the evaluation of the risk of the articulation degeneration associated with occupational activities. In the current study, we analyzed the dynamic constraint loading for the thumb during pipetting. The constraint loading is considered as the loading that has to be carried by the connective tissues of the joints (i.e., the cartilage layer and the ligaments) to maintain the kinematic constraints of the system. The joint loadings are solved using a classic free-body approach, using the external loading and muscle forces, which were obtained in an inverse dynamic approach combined with an optimization procedure in anybody. The constraint forces in the thumb joint obtained in the current study are compared with those obtained in the pinch and grasp tests in a previous study (Cooney and Chao, 1977, “Biomechanical Analysis of Static Forces in the Thumb During Hand Function,” J. Bone Joint Surg. Am., 59(1), pp. 27–36). The maximal compression force during pipetting is approximately 83% and 60% greater than those obtained in the tip pinch and key pinch, respectively, while substantially smaller than that obtained during grasping. The maximal lateral shear force is approximately six times, 32 times, and 90% greater than those obtained in the tip pinch, key pinch, and grasp, respectively. The maximal dorsal shear force during pipetting is approximately 3.2 and 1.4 times greater than those obtained in the tip pinch and key pinch, respectively, while substantially smaller than that obtained during grasping. Our analysis indicated that the thumb joints are subjected to repetitive, intensive loading during pipetting, compared to other daily activities.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Analysis of the Constraint Joint Loading in the Thumb During Pipetting

Sinsel

Zhao

et al. 2015

Journal of Biomechanical Engineering

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A Method to Estimate the Oblique Arch Folding Axis for Thumb Assistive Devices

Nanayakkara¹,

Sornkaran

Wegiriya

et al. 2019

Towards Autonomous Robotic Systems

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People who use the thumb in repetitive manipulation tasks are likely to develop thumb related impairments from excessive loading at the base joints of the thumb. Biologically informed wearable robotic assistive mechanisms can provide viable solutions to prevent occurring such injuries. This paper tests the hypothesis that an external assistive force at the metacarpophalangeal joint will be most effective when applied perpendicular to the palm folding axis in terms of maximizing the contribution at the thumb-tip as well as minimizing the projections on the vulnerable base joints of the thumb. Experiments conducted using human subjects validated the predictions made by a simplified kinematic model of the thumb that includes a foldable palm, showing that: 1) the palm folding angle varies from 71.5 • to 75.3 • (from the radial axis in the coronal plane) for the four thumb-finger pairs and 2) the most effective assistive force direction (from the ulnar axis in the coronal plane) at the MCP joint is in the range 0 • < ψ < 30 • for the four thumb-finger pairs. These findings provide design guidelines for hand assistive mechanisms to maximize the efficacy of thumb external assistance.

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