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This article proposes the evaluation of the passive movement of the affected elbow during the pendulum test in people with stroke and its correlation with the main clinical scales (Modified Ashworth Scale, Motor Activity Log, and Fulg Meyer). An inertial sensor was attached to the forearm of seven subjects, who then passively flexed and extended the elbow. Joint angles and variables that indicate viscoelastic properties, stiffness (K), damping (B), E1 amp, F1 amp, and relaxation indices were collected. The results show that the FM scale is significantly correlated with the natural frequency (p = 0.024). The MAL amount-of-use score correlates with the natural frequency (p = 0.024). The variables E1 amp, F1 amp, RI, and ERI are not correlated with the clinical scales, but they correlate with each other; the variable E1 amp correlates with F1 amp (p = 0.024) and RI (p = 0.024), while F1 amp correlates with ERI (p = 0.024). There was also a correlation between the natural frequency and K (r = 0.96, p = 0.003). Non-linear results were found for the properties of the elbow joint during the pendulum test, which may be due to the presence of neural and non-neural factors. These results may serve as a reference for future studies if alternative scales do not provide an accurate reflection.

Background Instrumented pendulum test is an objective and repeatable biomechanical method of assessment for spasticity. However, multitude of sensor technologies and plenty of suggested outcome measures, confuse those interested in implementing this method in practice. Lack of a standard agreement on the definition of experimental setup and outcome measures adds to this ambiguity and causes the results of one study not to be directly attainable by a group that uses a different setup. In this systematic review of studies, we aim to reduce the confusion by providing pros and cons of the available choices, and also by standardizing the definitions. Methods A literature search was conducted for the period of 1950 to the end of 2019 on PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and IEEE explore; with keywords of “pendulum test” and “Spasticity”. Results Twenty-eight studies with instrumented pendulum test for assessment of spasticity met the inclusion criteria. All the suggested methods of implementation were compared and advantages and disadvantages were provided for each sensor technology. An exhaustive list categorized outcome measures in three groups of angle-based, angular velocity-based, and angular acceleration-based measures with all different names and definitions. Conclusions With the aim of providing standardized methodology with replicable and comparable results, sources of dissimilarity and ambiguity among research strategies were found and explained with the help of graphical representation of pendulum movement stages and corresponding parameters on the angular waveforms. We hope using the provided tables simplify the choices when implementing pendulum test for spasticity evaluation, improve the consistency when reporting the results, and disambiguate inconsistency in the literature.

Precise numerical simulation technology enabled the capture of subtle deformations in the American ginseng internal structure, allowing for an accurate assessment of bruise extent. In this study, a bilayer constitutive model of the American ginseng main root was developed through reverse engineering. The model accuracy was validated by velocity, exterior bruise area, and internal bruise area, with the highest velocity error being 3.8 %. Experiments analyzed the dynamic mechanical response of the American ginseng main root during collisions at various drop angles (30°, 50°, 70°, and 90°) and with different contact materials (steel, rubber, wood, and PVC). The effects of various collision conditions on bruise volume and bruise resistance index of the American ginseng main root was examined. The results demonstrated that a greater drop angle results in a larger bruise volume. The maximum bruise volumes were 3583.26 mm 3 for steel and 3062.19 mm 3 for wood. At a 30° drop angle, the bruise resistance index of the American ginseng main root was 59.14 mJ mm -3 for rubber and 40.89 mJ mm -3 for wood. At a 90° drop angle, the bruise resistance index was 45.72 mJ mm -3 for rubber and 35.38 mJ mm -3 for wood. At the same drop angles, the bruise resistance index of the American ginseng main root was consistently higher when rubber was used as the contact material. This study provides a scientific basis for the design and optimization of harvesting machinery and its key components, with the objective of effectively controlling the American ginseng bruising problem.

Background The pendulum test is a quantitative method used to assess knee extensor spasticity in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). Yet, the clinical implementation of this method remains limited. The goal of our study was to develop an objective and portable system to assess knee extensor spasticity during the pendulum test using inertial measurement units (IMU). Methods Spasticity was quantified by measuring the first swing angle (FSA) using a 3-dimensional optical tracking system (with external markers over the iliotibial band, lateral knee epicondyle, and lateral malleolus) and two wireless IMUs (positioned over the iliotibial band and mid-part of the lower leg) as well as a clinical exam (Modified Ashworth Scale, MAS). Results Measurements were taken on separate days to assess test–retest reliability and device agreement in humans with and without SCI. We found no differences between FSA values obtained with the optical tracking system and the IMU-based system in control subjects and individuals with SCI. FSA values from the IMU-based system showed excellent agreement with the optical tracking system in individuals with SCI (ICC > 0.98) and good agreement in controls (ICC > 0.82), excellent test–retest reliability across days in SCI (ICC = 0.93) and good in controls (ICC = 0.87). Notably, FSA values measured by both systems showed a strong association with MAS scores ( ρ  ~ −0.8) being decreased in individuals with SCI with higher MAS scores, reflecting the presence of spasticity. Conclusions These findings suggest that our new portable IMU-based system provides a robust and flexible alternative to a camera-based optical tracking system to quantify knee extensor spasticity following SCI.

Purpose: Post-stroke spasticity (PSS) substantially affects functional recovery and quality of life in stroke survivors. However, the current clinical assessment methods exhibit certain subjectivity and equipment limitations. Human pose estimation presents a promising alternative for objective and user-friendly spasticity assessment. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 stroke survivors with PSS underwent pendulum tests with smartphones from multiple angles to quantitatively assess knee muscle spasticity. Pose estimation was conducted using the AlphaPose and STCFormer algorithms, with simultaneous measurements using an electronic goniometer as a reference. Three pendulum parameters were evaluated: normalized relaxation index (P1), first maximum of oscillation (P2), and relaxation index at half swing (P3). Bland–Altman analyses were used to analyze the consistency between pose estimation and electronic goniometer measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate agreement and reliability between electronic goniometer measurements and clinical evaluation. Results: P1 demonstrated the highest consistency between pose estimation and electronic goniometer measurements, with the highest ICC values (0.931 for AlphaPose and 0.911–0.94 for STCFormer). P1 and P3 differentiated between affected and unaffected limbs (p < 0.01) and demonstrated significant negative correlations with Modified Ashworth Scale scores, particularly for knee extensors (P1: ρ = −0.747 for AlphaPose and −0.781 for STCFormer; p < 0.01). P2 demonstrated low consistency and differential performance across all analyses. Conclusions: Video-based human pose estimation, particularly using P1, offers a reliable and objective method for evaluating PSS, demonstrating strong agreement with electronic goniometer measurements. This approach is clinically feasible for evaluating spasticity.

This study presents the evaluation of the photometric performance and energy-saving potential of light-coloured pavement mixtures (LCPMs) in road lighting applications, along with their effects on surface friction, macrotexture, and specularity. The application of LCPMs in tunnels can enhance road surface illumination, thereby improving driver visibility, increasing road safety and comfort, and reducing energy consumption per kilometre. While such surface treatments enable more efficient and cost-effective lighting, maintaining an optimal balance in surface performance poses many challenges due to the impact on concurrent targets in terms of friction, macrotexture, noise contribution, and specularity. Indeed, issues related to friction performance, macrotexture characteristics, and the concurring energy-saving potential of LCPMs remain insufficiently explored. To this end, investigations were conducted to assess the energy-saving potential of light-coloured surface treatments and to evaluate the photometric, frictional, and macrotexture properties of different densely graded LCPMs. A new method was set up and implemented to compare different surface treatments. The results indicate that light-coloured surface treatments increased the average luminance coefficient (up to 0.2406), with glass-containing mixtures offering greater potential for improved surface texture, friction, and energy-efficient road lighting.

Background: The pendulum test was first introduced by Wartenberg as a clinical tool for neurological examination in patients with hypertonia. It was later instrumented to measure the kinematic parameters of gravity-imposed knee movements in patients with spasticity. More recently, the instrumented pendulum test has enabled the quantification of stiffness, viscosity, and damping in both the lower and upper limbs across various neurological and internal diseases. Objective: To highlight the utility of the instrumented pendulum test as a valuable tool for the quantification of stiffness, viscosity, and damping of knee and elbow joints within a clinical setting. Design: Narrative review. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, focusing on the terms “pendulum test” combined with “viscosity”, “stiffness”, and “damping”. Results: The instrumented pendulum test effectively quantifies stiffness, viscosity, and damping of the knee and elbow across various conditions, including rheumatic diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertonia, and hypotonia. Studies have also demonstrated correlations between these non-neural parameters and factors such as age and disease severity. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the instrumented pendulum test could serve as a valuable tool in clinical decision-making for targeted pharmacological treatments, such as botulinum toxin-A or hyaluronidase injections for spasticity, as well as interventions for myofascial system disorders.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a widely used training method to increase muscle strength and power. However, its working mechanisms are still poorly understood, and studies investigating the effects of WBV on muscle stiffness are scant. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of WBV on stiffness and countermovement jump (CMJ). Twenty-four recreationally active males, on separate days and in random order, performed a static squat under two different conditions: with WBV (WBV) or without vibration (CC). Muscle stiffness was assessed through the Wartenberg pendulum test, and CMJ was recorded. RM-ANOVA was employed to test differences between conditions in the above-mentioned variables. In the CC condition, stiffness was significantly lower after the exposure to the static squat (p = 0.006), whereas no difference was observed after the exposure to WBV. WBV and CC did not affect CMJ. No significant correlation was observed between changes in CMJ and changes in stiffness. Our results show that WBV may mitigate the reduction in muscle stiffness observed after static squats. However, current results do not support the notion that WBV exposure may account for an increase in CMJ performance.

Background/Objectives: Transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) is a noninvasive stimulation approach for spasticity reduction in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). We enrolled 17 individuals with SCI who experience lower extremity hyperreflexia for this randomized crossover study to compare single-session effects of 3 TSS conditions: single-site continuous (SS-CONT), single-site burst (SS-BURST), and dual-site continuous (DS-CONT). Methods: Each TSS condition was delivered for 30 min with participants in supine via a cathode over the thoracic spine (T11–T12) and an anode over the abdomen. A second cathode was placed over the lumbar spine (L1/2 or L2/3) for DS-CONT. SS-CONT and DS-CONT stimulation was delivered as continuous 50 Hz stimulation with a 1 ms pulse width. SS-BURST stimulation was delivered as 4 bursts/second of 50 Hz stimulation with a 1 ms pulse width. Pendulum test first swing excursion (FSE) and ankle clonus drop test first drop excursion (FDE) were measured at baseline and immediately post-intervention to assess quadriceps and soleus spasticity, respectively. FSE and FDE of the first trial (FSET1 and FDET1) and the average of 3 trials (FSEavg and FDEavg) were included in analyses. Subgroup analyses were performed based on baseline level of spasticity (high vs. low). Results: Between-condition analyses showed no significant differences; however, SS-CONT (FSET1 d = 0.30, FSEavg d = 0.27) and DS-CONT (FSET1 d = 0.33, FSEavg d = 0.12) stimulation demonstrated the largest effect sizes for FSE measures, and SS-CONT (FDET1 d = 0.32, FDEavg d = 0.31) stimulation demonstrated the largest effect size for FDE measures. Significant fair correlations between baseline FSE measures and change in FSE were identified when all conditions were combined. A significant fair correlation between baseline FDET1 and change in FDET1 was identified when data were collapsed across conditions. In subgroup analyses, only participants with high baseline quadriceps spasticity showed a significant decrease in quadriceps spasticity with DS-CONT (∆FSET1 = 14.8 ± 13.0°), SS-BURST (∆FSET1 = 4.1 ± 4.5°), and with all conditions combined (∆FSET1 = 11.3 ± 16.5°, ∆FSEavg = 7.2 ± 13.1°). For participants with low baseline soleus spasticity, DS-CONT stimulation significantly increased soleus spasticity (∆FDET1 = −12.2 ± 9.3°, ∆FDEavg = −8.5 ± 8.4°). Conclusions: When data were collapsed across conditions, TSS did not result in a significant reduction in quadriceps or soleus spasticity. Continuous stimulation at both single- and dual-sites was associated with the largest effect on quadriceps spasticity when all participants were combined. Lastly, TSS reduced spasticity in a severity-dependent manner.

Data from the Accident Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, indicate that between January 2016 and December 2017, there were 19.7% injuries due to falls with 13.7% resulting in deaths. These injuries and deaths may be due to floor surface finishes that have the tendency to cause slip fall and also exacerbated by the floor condition and footwear in contact. In this exploratory studies, tests are conducted on six selected floor surfaces and five footwear soles under dry, wed and dust or oil contaminated conditions for their slip potentials. The tests were performed with pendulum test apparatus. The footwear sole material surfaces that show better performance are leather, commando and rubber. They have Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of about 30, indicating moderate risk in slip fall and 1 in 20,000 probability of fall. Dust contamination as applied to other floor surfaces show commando sole performing above 35 PTV with all floor surfaces. Porcelain tiles, when wet, are able to maintain above low slip potential with leather, commando and rubber camp soles but with high slip probability with others. Also, Porcelain tiles have high slip probability when contaminated with dust. From the findings, it is clear that slip fall can occur if the foot wear is not appropriate with the surface conditions. In developing countries, selecting the appropriate slip-resistant footwear is severely challenged, because of non-existent of data. Further investigation is needed for various footwear soles available leading to developing database for public education in avoiding slip falls.