Narrow Results

The "global workspace" model would explain our performance capacity if it could actually be shown to generate our performance capacity. (So far, it is still just a promissory note.) That would solve the "easy" problem. But that still would not explain how and why it generates consciousness (if it does). That is a rather harder problem.

The need to develop objective functional muscle torque capability models has been a major concern for exercise scientists, rehabilitation therapists, as well as biomechanists and ergonomists, for many decades. This study provides a surface response normative database of 3-D dynamic torque capability profiles for the lower extremity knee and hip joints for twenty normal males and females. The results of the regression analyses were presented for each subject per direction of exertion for each joint depicting a wide range of adjusted R² values for each of the two joints (knee flexion: .26-.91, knee extension: .23-.80; hip flexion: .33-81, hip extension: .31-.80). Furthermore, the results showed that joint torque capability was significantly influenced by dynamic parameters such as the angular velocity, and that the interaction between angular position and velocity was highly significant. Such 3-D representation may be used as a "performance capacity envelope" to comprehensively characterize an individual's dynamic joint torque capability. Potential applications cover a broad spectrum ranging from rehabilitation to ergonomic and biomechanical applications and have significant implications in terms of guiding job assignment, return to work, as well as prognosis during the rehabilitation processes.

The objective of this study was to provide a normative database of dynamic upper-extremity (shoulder and elbow) joint strengths to fill the current void in literature for multidimensional strength capacity profiles. The isokinetic strength of the elbow and shoulder joints was tested for twenty normal males and females. The independent variables consisted of joint angular position, joint angular velocity, direction of exertion, and gender. The measured joint strength (torque, Nm) was the only defined dependent variable. The majority of existing joint strength prediction models and normative databases are static (isometric) in nature. The few available dynamic models are reported in the form of torque as a function of joint angle. Since joint strength is a function of both the joint angular position and angular velocity, descriptive models should take this interaction into consideration. The dynamic joint strengths of the subjects were studied using the KIN_COM 125E Plus. A second-order multiple regression analysis was used to model the dynamic 3-D strength surface response of each joint in each direction of exertion. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures design was used to test for the effects of gender, angular position, angular velocity, and direction on the dynamic strength of each joint, joint strength was significantly influenced by dynamic parameters such as the angular velocity. The interaction between angular position and velocity was highly significant. 3-D strength surface representation may be used as a "performance capacity envelope" to comprehensively characterize an individual's dynamic joint strength performance.