To obtain a better understanding of the adaptations of human tendon to chronic overloading, we examined the relationships between these adaptations and the changes in muscle structure and function. Fifteen healthy male subjects (20+/-2 yr) underwent 9 wk of knee extension resistance training. Patellar tendon stiffness and modulus were assessed with ultrasonography, and cross-sectional area (CSA...

In this paper we present a developmental framework to carry out goal-oriented learning in a low-dimensional space. The framework uses two stages of learning: one to synthesise a set of motor synergies and reduce the dimensionality of the control space in an unsupervised manner, and another to carry out supervised learning in the reduced control space. We test our framework in a reaching task ca...

Unlike the inverse kinematics problem of n-tendon continuum robots, forward lacks a closed-form analytical solution. In this paper, novel algorithm for single-segment flexible robots is developed that can determine resulting beam configuration any given set actuator displacements. The determines key parameters all possible n- to 1-tendon combinations and examines them against evaluation criteri...

In this paper, the experimental vibration analysis of a single cylinder air compressor based on a hypocycloid straight line mechanism (HSM) is investigated. The HSM mechanism uses planetary gears to convert rotational motion to purely linear motion. In the conventional air compressor, the slider- crank mechanism is replaced by the HSM mechanism with appropriate counterweights. The constructed s...

Correct muscle migration towards tendon cells, and the adhesion of these two cell types, form the basis for contractile tissue assembly in the Drosophila embryo. While molecules promoting the attraction of muscles towards tendon cells have been described, signals involved in the arrest of muscle migration following the arrival of myotubes at their corresponding tendon cells have yet to be eluci...

Quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon injury. This disabling condition is the result of direct or indirect trauma. It requires surgical repair to avoid poor outcomes in cases of neglected or chronic rupture. In most acute cases, simple tendon suture or reinsertion is suitable for an extensor mechanism reconstruction of the knee joint. However, chronic lesions often require a tendon graft or ...

Muscle-driven simulations of human and animal motion are widely used to complement physical experiments for studying movement dynamics. Musculotendon models are an essential component of muscle-driven simulations, yet neither the computational speed nor the biological accuracy of the simulated forces has been adequately evaluated. Here we compare the speed and accuracy of three musculotendon mo...