@article{QuittmannMeskemperAlbrachtetal.2020, author = {Quittmann, Oliver J. and Meskemper, Joshua and Albracht, Kirsten and Abel, Thomas and Foitschik, Tina and Str{\"u}der, Heiko K.}, title = {Normalising surface EMG of ten upper-extremity muscles in handcycling: Manual resistance vs. sport-specific MVICs}, series = {Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology}, volume = {51}, journal = {Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology}, number = {Article 102402}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1050-6411}, doi = {10.1016/j.jelekin.2020.102402}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Muscular activity in terms of surface electromyography (sEMG) is usually normalised to maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). This study aims to compare two different MVIC-modes in handcycling and examine the effect of moving average window-size. Twelve able-bodied male competitive triathletes performed ten MVICs against manual resistance and four sport-specific trials against fixed cranks. sEMG of ten muscles [M. trapezius (TD); M. pectoralis major (PM); M. deltoideus, Pars clavicularis (DA); M. deltoideus, Pars spinalis (DP); M. biceps brachii (BB); M. triceps brachii (TB); forearm flexors (FC); forearm extensors (EC); M. latissimus dorsi (LD) and M. rectus abdominis (RA)] was recorded and filtered using moving average window-sizes of 150, 200, 250 and 300 ms. Sport-specific MVICs were higher compared to manual resistance for TB, DA, DP and LD, whereas FC, TD, BB and RA demonstrated lower values. PM and EC demonstrated no significant difference between MVIC-modes. Moving average window-size had no effect on MVIC outcomes. MVIC-mode should be taken into account when normalised sEMG data are illustrated in handcycling. Sport-specific MVICs seem to be suitable for some muscles (TB, DA, DP and LD), but should be augmented by MVICs against manual/mechanical resistance for FC, TD, BB and RA.}, language = {en} } @article{KoppSchunckGosauetal.2020, author = {Kopp, Alexander and Schunck, Laura and Gosau, Martin and Smeets, Ralf and Burg, Simon and Fuest, Sandra and Kr{\"o}ger, Nadja and Zinser, Max and Krohn, Sebastian and Behbahani, Mehdi and K{\"o}pf, Marius and Lauts, Lisa and Rutkowski, Rico}, title = {Influence of the casting concentration on the mechanical and optical properties of Fa/CaCl2-derived silk fibroin membranes}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {21}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {18 art. no. 6704}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms21186704}, year = {2020}, abstract = {In this study, we describe the manufacturing and characterization of silk fibroin membranes derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori. To date, the dissolution process used in this study has only been researched to a limited extent, although it entails various potential advantages, such as reduced expenses and the absence of toxic chemicals in comparison to other conventional techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of different fibroin concentrations on the process output and resulting membrane properties. Casted membranes were thus characterized with regard to their mechanical, structural and optical assets via tensile testing, SEM, light microscopy and spectrophotometry. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using BrdU, XTT, and LDH assays, followed by live-dead staining. The formic acid (FA) dissolution method was proven to be suitable for the manufacturing of transparent and mechanically stable membranes. The fibroin concentration affects both thickness and transparency of the membranes. The membranes did not exhibit any signs of cytotoxicity. When compared to other current scientific and technical benchmarks, the manufactured membranes displayed promising potential for various biomedical applications. Further research is nevertheless necessary to improve reproducible manufacturing, including a more uniform thickness, less impurity and physiological pH within the membranes.}, language = {en} } @article{QuittmannMeskemperAbeletal.2018, author = {Quittmann, Oliver J. and Meskemper, Joshua and Abel, Thomas and Albracht, Kirsten and Foitschik, Tina and Rojas-Vega, Sandra and Str{\"u}der, Heiko K.}, title = {Kinematics and kinetics of handcycling propulsion at increasing workloads in able-bodied subjects}, series = {Sports Engineereing}, volume = {21}, journal = {Sports Engineereing}, number = {21}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1460-2687}, doi = {10.1007/s12283-018-0269-y}, pages = {283 -- 294}, year = {2018}, abstract = {In Paralympic sports, biomechanical optimisation of movements and equipment seems to be promising for improving performance. In handcycling, information about the biomechanics of this sport is mainly provided by case studies. The aim of the current study was (1) to examine changes in handcycling propulsion kinematics and kinetics due to increasing workloads and (2) identify parameters that are associated with peak aerobic performance. Twelve non-disabled male competitive triathletes without handcycling experience voluntarily participated in the study. They performed an initial familiarisation protocol and incremental step test until exhaustion in a recumbent racing handcycle that was attached to an ergometer. During the incremental test, tangential crank kinetics, 3D joint kinematics, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion (local and global) were identified. As a performance criterion, the maximal power output during the step test (Pmax) was calculated and correlated with biomechanical parameters. For higher workloads, an increase in crank torque was observed that was even more pronounced in the pull phase than in the push phase. Furthermore, participants showed an increase in shoulder internal rotation and abduction and a decrease in elbow flexion and retroversion. These changes were negatively correlated with performance. At high workloads, it seems that power output is more limited by the transition from pull to push phase than at low workloads. It is suggested that successful athletes demonstrate small alterations of their kinematic profile due to increasing workloads. Future studies should replicate and expand the test spectrum (sprint and continuous loads) as well as use methods like surface electromyography (sEMG) with elite handcyclists.}, language = {de} } @article{ConzenAlbannaWeissetal.2018, author = {Conzen, Catharina and Albanna, Walid and Weiss, Miriam and K{\"u}rten, David and Vilser, Walthard and Kotliar, Konstantin and Z{\"a}ske, Charlotte and Clusmann, Hans and Schubert, Gerrit Alexander}, title = {Vasoconstriction and Impairment of Neurovascular Coupling after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: a Descriptive Analysis of Retinal Changes}, series = {Translational Stroke Research}, journal = {Translational Stroke Research}, number = {9}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Cham}, issn = {1868-601X}, doi = {10.1007/s12975-017-0585-8}, pages = {284 -- 293}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Impaired cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling (NVC) contribute to delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Retinal vessel analysis (RVA) allows non-invasive assessment of vessel dimension and NVC hereby demonstrating a predictive value in the context of various neurovascular diseases. Using RVA as a translational approach, we aimed to assess the retinal vessels in patients with SAH. RVA was performed prospectively in 24 patients with acute SAH (group A: day 5-14), in 11 patients 3 months after ictus (group B: day 90 ± 35), and in 35 age-matched healthy controls (group C). Data was acquired using a Retinal Vessel Analyzer (Imedos Systems UG, Jena) for examination of retinal vessel dimension and NVC using flicker-light excitation. Diameter of retinal vessels—central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalent—was significantly reduced in the acute phase (p < 0.001) with gradual improvement in group B (p < 0.05). Arterial NVC of group A was significantly impaired with diminished dilatation (p < 0.001) and reduced area under the curve (p < 0.01) when compared to group C. Group B showed persistent prolonged latency of arterial dilation (p < 0.05). Venous NVC was significantly delayed after SAH compared to group C (A p < 0.001; B p < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study to document retinal vasoconstriction and impairment of NVC in patients with SAH. Using non-invasive RVA as a translational approach, characteristic patterns of compromise were detected for the arterial and venous compartment of the neurovascular unit in a time-dependent fashion. Recruitment will continue to facilitate a correlation analysis with clinical course and outcome.}, language = {en} } @article{BrockhausBehbahaniMurisetal.2021, author = {Brockhaus, Moritz K. and Behbahani, Mehdi and Muris, Farina and Jansen, Sebastian V. and Schmitz- Rode, Thomas and Steinseifer, Ulrich and Clauser, Johanna C.}, title = {In vitro thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile mechanical circulatory support systems: Design and proof-of-concept}, series = {Artificial Organs}, volume = {45}, journal = {Artificial Organs}, number = {12}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1525-1594}, doi = {10.1111/aor.14046}, pages = {1513 -- 1521}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Thrombogenic complications are a main issue in mechanical circulatory support (MCS). There is no validated in vitro method available to quantitatively assess the thrombogenic performance of pulsatile MCS devices under realistic hemodynamic conditions. The aim of this study is to propose a method to evaluate the thrombogenic potential of new designs without the use of complex in-vivo trials. This study presents a novel in vitro method for reproducible thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile MCS systems using low molecular weight heparinized porcine blood. Blood parameters are continuously measured with full blood thromboelastometry (ROTEM; EXTEM, FIBTEM and a custom-made analysis HEPNATEM). Thrombus formation is optically observed after four hours of testing. The results of three experiments are presented each with two parallel loops. The area of thrombus formation inside the MCS device was reproducible. The implantation of a filter inside the loop catches embolizing thrombi without a measurable increase of platelet activation, allowing conclusions of the place of origin of thrombi inside the device. EXTEM and FIBTEM parameters such as clotting velocity (α) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) show a total decrease by around 6\% with a characteristic kink after 180 minutes. HEPNATEM α and MCF rise within the first 180 minutes indicate a continuously increasing activation level of coagulation. After 180 minutes, the consumption of clotting factors prevails, resulting in a decrease of α and MCF. With the designed mock loop and the presented protocol we are able to identify thrombogenic hot spots inside a pulsatile pump and characterize their thrombogenic potential.}, language = {en} } @article{ArampatzisKaramanidisAlbracht2007, author = {Arampatzis, Adamantios and Karamanidis, Kiros and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Adaptational responses of the human Achilles tendon by modulation of the applied cyclic strain magnitude}, series = {Journal of Experimental Biology}, volume = {210}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Biology}, number = {15}, issn = {0022-0949}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.003814}, pages = {2743 -- 2753}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @article{AlbrachtArampatzis2006, author = {Albracht, Kirsten and Arampatzis, Adamantios}, title = {Influence of the mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit on force generation in runners with different running economy}, series = {Biological Cybernetics}, volume = {95}, journal = {Biological Cybernetics}, number = {1}, issn = {1432-0770}, doi = {10.1007/s00422-006-0070-z}, pages = {87 -- 96}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{HeinkeKnickerAlbracht2018, author = {Heinke, Lars N. and Knicker, Axel J. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Evaluation of passively induced shoulder stretch reflex using an isokinetic dynamometer in male overhead athletes}, series = {Isokinetics and Exercise Science}, volume = {26}, journal = {Isokinetics and Exercise Science}, number = {4}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1878-5913}, doi = {10.3233/IES-184111}, pages = {265 -- 274}, year = {2018}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Muscle stretch reflexes are widely considered to beneficially influence joint stability and power generation in the lower limbs. While in the upper limbs and especially in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint such evidence is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the electromyographical response in the muscles crossing the shoulder of specifically trained overhead athletes to an anterior perturbation force. METHODS: Twenty healthy male participants performed six sets of different external shoulder rotation stretches on an isokinetic dynamometer over a range of amplitudes and muscle pre-activation moment levels. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 10,000∘/s2 and a velocity of 150∘/s. Electromyographical response was measured via sEMG. RESULTS: Consistent reflexes were not observed in all experimental conditions. The reflex latencies revealed a significant muscle main effect (F (2,228) = 99.31, p< 0.001; η2= 0.466; f= 0.934) and a pre-activation main effect (F (1,228) = 142.21, p< 0.001; η2= 0.384; f= 1.418). The stretch reflex amplitude yielded a significant pre-activation main effect (F (1,222) = 470.373, p< 0.001; η2= 0.679; f= 1.454). CONCLUSION: Short latency muscle reflexes showed a tendency to an anterior to posterior muscle recruitment whereby the main internal rotator muscles of the shoulder revealed the most consistent results.}, language = {en} } @article{KotliarLanzl2018, author = {Kotliar, Konstantin and Lanzl, Ines}, title = {Vaskul{\"a}re Biomarker der retinalen Gef{\"a}βanalyse}, series = {Klinische Monatsbl{\"a}tter fur Augenheilkunde}, volume = {235}, journal = {Klinische Monatsbl{\"a}tter fur Augenheilkunde}, number = {12}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0023-2165}, doi = {10.1055/a-0774-7987}, pages = {1352 -- 1359}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Mit modernen nicht invasiven bildgebenden Verfahren lassen sich anhand der Fundusfotografie bzw. der optischen Verfilmung Aspekte der funktionellen und strukturellen retinalen Gef{\"a}ßver{\"a}nderungen objektiv untersuchen. Der Zustand und das Verhalten retinaler Gef{\"a}ße beeinflussen im pr{\"a}-, post- und kapillaren Bereich den Blutfluss und str{\"o}mungsbedingte Stoffwechselverh{\"a}ltnisse passiv und aktiv {\"u}ber den Gef{\"a}ßdurchmesser. Retinale Gef{\"a}ße gleichen von Aufbau und Funktion den zerebralen Gef{\"a}ßen und spiegeln den Zustand der Mikrozirkulation wider. Mithilfe von aus den Gef{\"a}ßweiten berechneten Biomarkern soll eine Aussage {\"u}ber die Prognose von systemischen vaskul{\"a}r bedingten Erkrankungen getroffen werden. Die statische retinale Gef{\"a}ßanalyse befasst sich mit der Untersuchung des Zustandes der pr{\"a}- und postkapillaren Gef{\"a}ßdurchmesser der retinalen Mikrozirkulation anhand einer optischen Fundusaufnahme. Bei der dynamischen retinalen Gef{\"a}ßanalyse wird der L{\"a}ngsschnitt eines retinalen Gef{\"a}ßes nicht invasiv funktionell und strukturell {\"u}ber einen Zeitraum vor, w{\"a}hrend und nach einer spezifischen vaskul{\"a}ren Stimulation untersucht. Die genaue Methodologie der Auswertung und die Bezeichnung der Parameter variieren bei unterschiedlichen Ans{\"a}tzen. Mittels retinaler Gef{\"a}ßanalyse wurden bislang mehrere klinische Querschnitts- und Interventionsstudien in der Augenheilkunde und anderen Fachgebieten, inkl. Kardiologie, Neurologie, Neurochirurgie, Nephrologie, Gyn{\"a}kologie, Sportmedizin, Diabetologie, Hypertensiologie usw. durchgef{\"u}hrt. Mit der statischen retinalen Gef{\"a}ßanalyse steht eine kosteng{\"u}nstige, reproduzierbare, nicht invasive Screeningtechnik zur Verf{\"u}gung, um eine prognostische Aussage {\"u}ber die Gef{\"a}ßgesundheit eines individuellen Patienten zu treffen. Die dynamische retinale Gef{\"a}ßanalyse besitzt ein weiteres diagnostisches Anwendungsspektrum als die statische, da sie das Verhalten retinaler Gef{\"a}ße zeitkontinuierlich untersucht. Die Evaluation vaskul{\"a}rer Erkrankungen sowie zerebro- bzw. kardiovaskul{\"a}rer Morbidit{\"a}t und Mortalit{\"a}t mittels mehrerer methodologischer Modalit{\"a}ten retinaler Gef{\"a}ßanalyse mit ihren jeweiligen quantitativen Biomarkern bietet eine zukunftstr{\"a}chtige diagnostische Perspektive. Die interdisziplin{\"a}re klinische Anwendung dieser vaskul{\"a}ren Biomarker gewinnt zunehmend an Bedeutung, sowohl in der Augenheilkunde als auch in anderen Fachgebieten.}, language = {de} } @article{QuittmannAbelAlbrachtetal.2020, author = {Quittmann, Oliver J. and Abel, Thomas and Albracht, Kirsten and Meskemper, Joshua and Foitschik, Tina and Str{\"u}der, Heiko K.}, title = {Biomechanics of handcycling propulsion in a 30-min continuous load test at lactate threshold: Kinetics, kinematics, and muscular activity in able-bodied participants}, series = {European Journal of Applied Physiology}, journal = {European Journal of Applied Physiology}, number = {120}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {1439-6327}, doi = {10.1007/s00421-020-04373-x}, pages = {1403 -- 1415}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Purpose This study aims to investigate the biomechanics of handcycling during a continuous load trial (CLT) to assess the mechanisms underlying fatigue in upper body exercise. Methods Twelve able-bodied triathletes performed a 30-min CLT at a power output corresponding to lactate threshold in a racing recumbent handcycle mounted on a stationary ergometer. During the CLT, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), tangential crank kinetics, 3D joint kinematics, and muscular activity of ten muscles of the upper extremity and trunk were examined using motion capturing and surface electromyography. Results During the CLT, spontaneously chosen cadence and RPE increased, whereas crank torque decreased. Rotational work was higher during the pull phase. Peripheral RPE was higher compared to central RPE. Joint range of motion decreased for elbow-flexion and radial-duction. Integrated EMG (iEMG) increased in the forearm flexors, forearm extensors, and M. deltoideus (Pars spinalis). An earlier onset of activation was found for M. deltoideus (Pars clavicularis), M. pectoralis major, M. rectus abdominis, M. biceps brachii, and the forearm flexors. Conclusion Fatigue-related alterations seem to apply analogously in handcycling and cycling. The most distal muscles are responsible for force transmission on the cranks and might thus suffer most from neuromuscular fatigue. The findings indicate that peripheral fatigue (at similar lactate values) is higher in handcycling compared to leg cycling, at least for inexperienced participants. An increase in cadence might delay peripheral fatigue by a reduced vascular occlusion. We assume that the gap between peripheral and central fatigue can be reduced by sport-specific endurance training.}, language = {en} }