Muscle Strength Evaluation via Orbiting Output Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for evaluating muscle strength characteristics, such as the 3-pair of 6-muscle model, suffer from poor reproducibility and reliability due to the limited number of data points in the hexagonal maximum output distribution, which affects their accuracy in rehabilitation and sports training evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the maximum output of a limb's free end in predetermined directions and orbiting outputs in a plane defined by two rods, creating a hexagonal maximum output distribution based on the contribution of each muscle group model, including antagonistic one-joint and two-joint muscles, to enhance the accuracy and reliability of muscle strength evaluations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the four-point measurement method is used to obtain the hexagonal maximum output distribution, then the evaluation process is simple, but the number of data points is small resulting in poor reproducibility and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) maximum output measurement in at least one predetermined direction, and (2) orbiting output measurement in all directions. This segmentation allows each phase to serve a specific purpose - the maximum output measurement establishes the reference scale while the orbiting measurement provides comprehensive directional data, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from measuring only in discrete predetermined directions (1D approach) to measuring in all directions through orbiting movement (2D approach). By adding the dimensional aspect of rotational/orbiting measurement, the system captures comprehensive spatial information about muscle output characteristics, significantly improving the reliability and reproducibility of the maximum output distribution
2Reliability
If more measurement points are taken to improve the reliability of maximum output distribution, then the reproducibility improves, but the measurement time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orbiting measurement is performed continuously in all directions rather than taking discrete sequential measurements at multiple points. This continuous measurement approach efficiently captures the complete directional profile of muscle output, achieving high reliability without the time penalty of numerous separate measurement points
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system dynamically adjusts the measurement direction by implementing orbiting movement. Instead of fixed static measurement points, the system dynamically sweeps through all directions, allowing comprehensive data collection in a single efficient measurement cycle that minimizes time while maximizing reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for evaluating muscle strength characteristics of a limb based on a muscle group model including a first pair of antagonistic one-joint muscles, a second pair of antagonistic one-joint muscles, and a pair of antagonistic two-joint muscles, where the limb has a first rod having a proximal end supported by a first joint and a second rod supported on a free end of the first rod through a second joint. The method includes: measuring a maximum output of a free end of the second rod in at least one predetermined direction; measuring orbiting outputs of the free end of the second rod in all directions in the plane; and creating a hexagonal maximum output distribution corresponding to a contribution amount of each muscle of the muscle group model based on the maximum output in the predetermined direction and the orbiting outputs.