Applications of Digital Imaging Correlation to Women’s Knees
Abstract
Women are susceptible to knee injuries, like torn ligaments, and diseases such as osteoarthritis and sarcopenia. Researchers in the fields of physical therapy, sports science, and medicine have been investigating topics centered around the complex joint that are tedious, expensive, or lack of accuracy. The present study provides a new engineering technique approach to women’s knees that is non-invasive and insightful. The objective of this research is to evaluate a non-invasive method to study the behavior of women’s knees.
Digital imaging correlation (DIC) is a high-resolution camera system that calculates deformation in subjects through tracking a pattern applied to the surface. Offering many benefits in comparison to past strain measurement devices, DIC could potentially provide supplemental data to the research surrounding the injury prone knee joint. The scope of this study focuses on the feasibility of utilizing DIC in the biomechanical field and implementing an application process to ensure accurate results on active humans, specifically targeting the knee.
In order to apply DIC on moving knees, a new method was developed to enable quality images. Temporary tattoo paper provided a safe, easy, and quick pattern application to the skin without hindering its natural behavior. A pattern was developed specifically for analyzing a squat like motion in which the field of view, system set up, and curvature of the knee were contributing factors to the development. Two studies used this technique.
The first study hypothesized that performing resistance banded squats would utilize neuromuscular activation for proper control to reduce the knee valgus position of participants knees, which is linked to injury. Displacement data was compared to evaluate the hypothesis.
The second study compared the knee of a mother and daughter duo aged 30 years apart. DIC captured the effects of aging like osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, and loss of elasticity in skin. Overall, DIC captured the skin’s movements, which consequently result from the behavior of the variety of tissue underneath the surface.
In concluding, this work proves DIC as feasible and provides a method to accurately apply reliable speckle patterns to the skin of active humans. The technique can be implemented into future studies concerning a variety of fields.
Subject
Digital imaging correlationspeckle pattern application
female knees
valgus knee
neuromuscular activation
aging
osteoarthritis
sarcopenia
skin strain and ligament activation.
Citation
Coburn, Keeley (2018). Applications of Digital Imaging Correlation to Women’s Knees. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /188932.