A novel control methodology for master-slave systems using passive force feedback has been proposed by the authors. The methodology solves the conventional problems of previously developed master-slave systems with force feedback, such as oscillations, complex structures and complicated control algorithm. In the present paper, a multi-fingered exoskeleton haptic device (master hand) with passiv...

Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), the sole flexor of the fingertips, is critical for tasks such as grasping. It is a compartmentalized multitendoned muscle with both neural and mechanical links between the fingers. We determined whether voluntary activation (VA), the level of neural drive to muscle, could be measured separately in its four compartments, whether VA differed between the fingers, ...

The current study investigated inter-digit co-ordination and object-digit interaction during sustained object holding tasks by using five, six-component force/torque sensors. The sum of the individual finger normal forces and the thumb normal force showed a parallel variation with a mean median correlation coefficient of 0.941. The normal force traces demonstrated the lowest coefficient of vari...

The present study aimed to investigate neurophysiologic mechanisms mediating the newly discovered phenomenon of respiratory-motor interactions and to explore its potential clinical application for motor recovery. First, young and healthy subjects were instructed to breathe normally (NORM); to exhale (OUT) or inhale (IN) as fast as possible in a self-paced manner; or to voluntarily hold breath (...

When the human fingertip is pressed against a surface or bent, the hemodynamic state of the fingertip is altered in a way that is common to all people. Normal force, shear force, and finger extension/flexion all result in visibly distinct patterns of blood volume or perfusion beneath the fingernail. These patterns of blood perfusion can be used not only to monitor the state of the finger, but a...

BACKGROUND Trigger finger is most common in the ring finger, but the reason for this is not known. We hypothesized that the compliance of the A1 pulley might be one of the factors responsible for this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare the compliance of the normal A1 pulley of the thumb, index, middle, ring and little fingers using human cadavers. METHODS Eight nor...

1. Six men and four women, 30-51 yr of age, were asked to use the tip of the washed and dried index finger to stroke six different featureless, flat surfaces mounted on a three-dimensional force platform. The six surfaces were rosin-coated glass, glass, satin-finished aluminum, poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, Teflon, and nyloprint (polyamide plastic). The subjects were requested to indicate ...