Week Two

Hi Readers!

I am pleased to announce that I got to interact and use the BiOM last Monday. Prior to going to the lab, I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know whether I'd receive an in-depth lecture on a biologically backed BiOM or a lesson on power efficiency. But, unsurprisingly, I ended up getting the best of both worlds and a BiOM tutorial. Having two advisors from different fields (Biology and Engineering) was incredibly beneficial in learning about the device.

Here's some of what I've learned so far:

1. Currently, there's a muscle model referred to as the Hill Model. This model was primarily used as a design for understanding muscle tension, force and velocity. When testing the BiOM, the team at NAU uses a different model, their algorithm, to better relate the device to its biological backing. 
2. This device relies on a biologically inspired algorithm that is meant to meet necessary physical conditions like power efficiency.
3. Not only is the BiOM powering any movement but it does so accordingly to its users specific weight and height. 
4. The BiOM has been tested by many researchers, all which conclude that it conserves more energy than a passive prosthesis and uses nearly the same amount of energy that's used by a non-amputee. 
5. The testing at NAU has already shown significant data in stair ascent and forward walking. Specifically, the data indicate the powered device is more efficient than passive devices. Additionally, subjects have been generally more pleased by using the BiOM. Problems with backward walking come from the device being less efficient than the human ankle.  

Next week, I'm having a few random friends walk backwards for me so I can see exactly how the leg moves in comparison to how the BiOM moves. 

Thanks for reading, 

Pooja 

Week One

Hi Readers,

Well, my first week of learning has passed. And here's the one thing I know: my reading, researching and learning is nowhere near over. While I do know a little more about muscle functions, there's still plenty to review and learn before I'm able to apply my new knowledge to the prosthesis. Because the device mocks muscle movement, and I'm researching on the biological side of my project for now, I need to first understand how the muscles of our lower limbs work. So, while I delve deep into an anatomy textbook, I hope this article describing the prosthesis' ingenuity helps develop your understanding.

Next week, I will have my first exposure to the engineering side of my project! Meaning... I finally get one step closer to touching, testing and looking wonderstruck in the face of the newly reconditioned BiOM!

With much anticipation,
Pooja

Welcome!

Dear Readers,

It is now time that I make my first blog post. I'm very excited to share the events of my Senior Research Project (SRP) with you all. So far, the process has been incredibly overwhelming. But, in the best way. 

My SRP is all about the wonders of prostheses and the biophysics of their inner mechanisms. Prior to starting the project, I found the source of my enthusiasm in MIT professor Hugh Herr. While taking my daily scroll across Facebook, I found a link to his TED Talk  on a new type of prosthetic device--the BiOM--a motor-powered prosthesis that responds to human movement by mocking the exact muscle movement of someone with normal gait speeds and walking ability. I would highly recommend watching it if you have 20 minutes to spare. 

My SRP concentrates on the foot-ankle device. I'll be testing the device when it's used to walk backwards. It seems simple to your average backwards walker, but it's not. It looks at both the biology and physics of walking, trying to find a happy, energy conserving medium that makes the BiOM usable and efficient.  

I'll have more information for you once I learn a little more about the anterior tibialis and torque. 

Until then, 

Pooja