Huge market potential exists for products that will help the growing elderly population live inde... more Huge market potential exists for products that will help the growing elderly population live independent lives for as long as possible. Sensors play an essential role in many of the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment devices to be used in the home. Some of the innovations in this area are reported.
The development of a three-axis accelerometer that can simultaneously measure acceleration in all... more The development of a three-axis accelerometer that can simultaneously measure acceleration in all three directions is to be utilised in a range of emerging applications.
Journal of Diagnostic Techniques and Biomedical Analysis, 2018
The purpose of this study is to examine ankle, knee and hip movement in the sagittal plane and th... more The purpose of this study is to examine ankle, knee and hip movement in the sagittal plane and the knee movement in the coronal plane of professional sports people when performing both single and double-legged squats. The use of IMUs enabled accurate measurements in a routine training environment, with the potential for immediate feedback of the data to the trainer/coach/ player. One hundred and two football and fifty nine rugby players performed double leg squats and single leg squats on both legs. IMUs were mounted on the pelvis, thigh and calf of each leg and data captured when the players performed the squats at their training ground. The mean and standard deviation values were calculated and differences of flexion angles between footballers and rugby players were analysed using multi-variate analysis of variance (MANOVA) using SPSS. The results for the double leg squat gave the average hip, knee and ankle angles of 107°, 98° and 25° respectively for both rugby and football players. For the single leg squats there was no difference between the average hip, knee and ankle flexion on the dominant or non-dominant side. In the coronal plane the majority of the knees moved to a varus position of 15˚ and 13˚ for the non-dominant and dominant legs respectively. The conclusions are that there is minimal difference between football and rugby players when performing squats. However, few players are symmetrical and the variation between players is high, both in the sagittal and coronal plane. The practical application would be to measure players during training to identify weaknesses, set an exercise programme and monitor rehabilitation.
Implantable Sensor Systems for Medical Applications, 2013
Abstract: Many medical implants use electrodes to stimulate nerves or muscles, or sense their act... more Abstract: Many medical implants use electrodes to stimulate nerves or muscles, or sense their activity. As more advanced implants such as functional electrical stimulators, cochlear implants and retinal prostheses are developed, requirements for implantable electrodes have become more demanding. Whereas implants such as pacemakers can be made using simple, large, noble-metal electrodes, newer systems such as retinal implants require a complex array of electrodes within a very small enclosure. This necessitates micro-fabrication techniques for both electrodes and substrates with the final assembly needing to retain its biocompatibility. The manufacturing techniques for these new types of arrays push the boundaries of current technologies, both in the formation of microelectrodes and interconnects. This chapter describes processing methods for different types of electrode arrays and discusses their limitations.
There is very little reported information on warm-up practices in showjumping horses. The objecti... more There is very little reported information on warm-up practices in showjumping horses. The objective was to quantify warm-up jumping patterns/duration in a competition (field) environment in showjumping horses. Ten mixed-breed elite showjumping horses were assessed at a three-day training session. Riders warmed-up as they would normally for an elite competition and jumped at least one round of a 15-fence (135-145 cm) course on each day. Fence type/height, number of jumping efforts and lead take-off/landing limbs during warm-up were recorded. Rider global-positioning-system and inertial-motion-sensors recorded speed, time spent in each pace/rein plus stride length and stride duration during warm-up and course. Heart rate (HR) was recorded when the horse was resting in its stable and for the duration of the ridden exercise. Appropriate paired statistical tests were used to compare variables between days, and between warm-up and the round(s). Mean warm-up duration, time in each pace and...
A new method for estimating knee joint flexion/extension angles from segment acceleration and ang... more A new method for estimating knee joint flexion/extension angles from segment acceleration and angular velocity data is described. The approach uses a combination of Kalman filters and biomechanical constraints based on anatomical knowledge. In contrast to many recently published methods, the proposed approach does not make use of the earth’s magnetic field and hence is insensitive to the complex field distortions commonly found in modern buildings. The method was validated experimentally by calculating knee angle from measurements taken from two IMUs placed on adjacent body segments. In contrast to many previous studies which have validated their approach during relatively slow activities or over short durations, the performance of the algorithm was evaluated during both walking and running over 5 minute periods. Seven healthy subjects were tested at various speeds from 1 to 5 miles/hour. Errors were estimated by comparing the results against data obtained simultaneously from a 10 c...
Objectives To assess underlying domains measured by GaitSmartTMparameters and whether these are a... more Objectives To assess underlying domains measured by GaitSmartTMparameters and whether these are additional to established OA markers including patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and radiographic parameters, and to evaluate if GaitSmart analysis is related to the presence and severity of radiographic knee OA. Methods GaitSmart analysis was performed during baseline visits of participants of the APPROACH cohort (n = 297). Principal component analyses (PCA) were performed to explore structure in relationships between GaitSmart parameters alone and in addition to radiographic parameters and PROMs. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to analyse the relationship of GaitSmart with the presence (Kellgren and Lawrence grade ≥2 in at least one knee) and severity of radiographic OA (ROA). Results Two hundred and eighty-four successful GaitSmart analyses were performed. The PCA identified five underlying GaitSmart domains. Radiographic parameters and PROMs formed addit...
Huge market potential exists for products that will help the growing elderly population live inde... more Huge market potential exists for products that will help the growing elderly population live independent lives for as long as possible. Sensors play an essential role in many of the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment devices to be used in the home. Some of the innovations in this area are reported.
The development of a three-axis accelerometer that can simultaneously measure acceleration in all... more The development of a three-axis accelerometer that can simultaneously measure acceleration in all three directions is to be utilised in a range of emerging applications.
Journal of Diagnostic Techniques and Biomedical Analysis, 2018
The purpose of this study is to examine ankle, knee and hip movement in the sagittal plane and th... more The purpose of this study is to examine ankle, knee and hip movement in the sagittal plane and the knee movement in the coronal plane of professional sports people when performing both single and double-legged squats. The use of IMUs enabled accurate measurements in a routine training environment, with the potential for immediate feedback of the data to the trainer/coach/ player. One hundred and two football and fifty nine rugby players performed double leg squats and single leg squats on both legs. IMUs were mounted on the pelvis, thigh and calf of each leg and data captured when the players performed the squats at their training ground. The mean and standard deviation values were calculated and differences of flexion angles between footballers and rugby players were analysed using multi-variate analysis of variance (MANOVA) using SPSS. The results for the double leg squat gave the average hip, knee and ankle angles of 107°, 98° and 25° respectively for both rugby and football players. For the single leg squats there was no difference between the average hip, knee and ankle flexion on the dominant or non-dominant side. In the coronal plane the majority of the knees moved to a varus position of 15˚ and 13˚ for the non-dominant and dominant legs respectively. The conclusions are that there is minimal difference between football and rugby players when performing squats. However, few players are symmetrical and the variation between players is high, both in the sagittal and coronal plane. The practical application would be to measure players during training to identify weaknesses, set an exercise programme and monitor rehabilitation.
Implantable Sensor Systems for Medical Applications, 2013
Abstract: Many medical implants use electrodes to stimulate nerves or muscles, or sense their act... more Abstract: Many medical implants use electrodes to stimulate nerves or muscles, or sense their activity. As more advanced implants such as functional electrical stimulators, cochlear implants and retinal prostheses are developed, requirements for implantable electrodes have become more demanding. Whereas implants such as pacemakers can be made using simple, large, noble-metal electrodes, newer systems such as retinal implants require a complex array of electrodes within a very small enclosure. This necessitates micro-fabrication techniques for both electrodes and substrates with the final assembly needing to retain its biocompatibility. The manufacturing techniques for these new types of arrays push the boundaries of current technologies, both in the formation of microelectrodes and interconnects. This chapter describes processing methods for different types of electrode arrays and discusses their limitations.
There is very little reported information on warm-up practices in showjumping horses. The objecti... more There is very little reported information on warm-up practices in showjumping horses. The objective was to quantify warm-up jumping patterns/duration in a competition (field) environment in showjumping horses. Ten mixed-breed elite showjumping horses were assessed at a three-day training session. Riders warmed-up as they would normally for an elite competition and jumped at least one round of a 15-fence (135-145 cm) course on each day. Fence type/height, number of jumping efforts and lead take-off/landing limbs during warm-up were recorded. Rider global-positioning-system and inertial-motion-sensors recorded speed, time spent in each pace/rein plus stride length and stride duration during warm-up and course. Heart rate (HR) was recorded when the horse was resting in its stable and for the duration of the ridden exercise. Appropriate paired statistical tests were used to compare variables between days, and between warm-up and the round(s). Mean warm-up duration, time in each pace and...
A new method for estimating knee joint flexion/extension angles from segment acceleration and ang... more A new method for estimating knee joint flexion/extension angles from segment acceleration and angular velocity data is described. The approach uses a combination of Kalman filters and biomechanical constraints based on anatomical knowledge. In contrast to many recently published methods, the proposed approach does not make use of the earth’s magnetic field and hence is insensitive to the complex field distortions commonly found in modern buildings. The method was validated experimentally by calculating knee angle from measurements taken from two IMUs placed on adjacent body segments. In contrast to many previous studies which have validated their approach during relatively slow activities or over short durations, the performance of the algorithm was evaluated during both walking and running over 5 minute periods. Seven healthy subjects were tested at various speeds from 1 to 5 miles/hour. Errors were estimated by comparing the results against data obtained simultaneously from a 10 c...
Objectives To assess underlying domains measured by GaitSmartTMparameters and whether these are a... more Objectives To assess underlying domains measured by GaitSmartTMparameters and whether these are additional to established OA markers including patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and radiographic parameters, and to evaluate if GaitSmart analysis is related to the presence and severity of radiographic knee OA. Methods GaitSmart analysis was performed during baseline visits of participants of the APPROACH cohort (n = 297). Principal component analyses (PCA) were performed to explore structure in relationships between GaitSmart parameters alone and in addition to radiographic parameters and PROMs. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to analyse the relationship of GaitSmart with the presence (Kellgren and Lawrence grade ≥2 in at least one knee) and severity of radiographic OA (ROA). Results Two hundred and eighty-four successful GaitSmart analyses were performed. The PCA identified five underlying GaitSmart domains. Radiographic parameters and PROMs formed addit...
Uploads
Papers by Diana Hodgins