Exploring Fatigue Levels Resulting from Extended Use of Exoskeletal Boots

Description
This thesis investigates the impact of extended use of exoskeletal boots on fatigue levels during physical activity. The study examines the effects of exoskeletal boots on physiological responses, including heart rate, R-R intervals, VO2 levels, and walking durations, compared to

This thesis investigates the impact of extended use of exoskeletal boots on fatigue levels during physical activity. The study examines the effects of exoskeletal boots on physiological responses, including heart rate, R-R intervals, VO2 levels, and walking durations, compared to conditions without the boots. Participants underwent walking tasks while wearing the boots and performed physiological assessments. Results indicate that exoskeletal boots may mitigate fatigue and enhance endurance, as evidenced by longer walking durations and potentially reduced metabolic demand compared to conditions without the boots. Furthermore, analysis of heart rate and R-R interval data suggests modulation of autonomic nervous system activity with the use of exoskeletal boots. These findings offer insights into the potential benefits of exoskeletal boots in reducing fatigue and improving performance during prolonged physical activity, with implications for various domains including sports, rehabilitation, and military applications. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the utilization of exoskeletal boots for enhancing human performance and well-being.
Date Created
2024-05
Agent

Model of Lidocaine Diffusion Through Cervix
Improving Patient Experiences During Routine Gynecological Procedures

Description

Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are long-lasting forms of birth control that have effectiveness comparable to sterilization, while they can be removed at any time. However, the insertion process can be very painful, especially for individuals who have never given vaginal

Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are long-lasting forms of birth control that have effectiveness comparable to sterilization, while they can be removed at any time. However, the insertion process can be very painful, especially for individuals who have never given vaginal birth. The most common form of pain management for this procedure is having the patient take an ibuprofen an hour or so before the procedure, but this only helps with cramping afterwards, not the acute pain caused by insertion. Pain, and anxiety and fear regarding potential pain, serve as a barrier between users and this highly effective form of birth control. This report uses COMSOL to model lidocaine diffusion from 4% topical hydrogel into the cervix (the main site of acute pain during IUD insertion) over 180 minutes. The cervix was modeled axisymmetrically, using average experimental values for cervix size. Concentration at four specific probe points were measured over time and compared at different concentrations. A sensitivity analysis was performed by adjusting the diffusion coefficient of the epithelial layer. This model was developed to serve as a predictor for future drug applications across the cervix, to determine in advance whether a novel formulation of drug would be effective to significantly reduce pain. This model may be refined further with experimental values for the constants, and with further testing of different lidocaine concentrations.

Date Created
2022-05
Agent