C. van de Kamp
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9 records found
1
Objective: To explain the 0.2-2Hz oscillation in human balance. Motivation: Oscillation (0.2-2 Hz) in the control signal (ankle moment) is sustained independently of external disturbances and exaggerated in Parkinson's disease. Does resonance or limit cycles in the neurophysiological feedback loop cause this oscillation? We investigate two linear (non-predictive, predictive) and one non-linear (intermittent-predictive) control model (NPC, PC, IPC). Methods: Fourteen healthy participants, strapped to an actuated single segment robot with dynamics of upright standing, used natural haptic-visual feedback and myoelectric control signals from lower leg muscles to maintain balance. An input disturbance applied stepwise changes in external force. A linear time invariant model (ARX) extracted the delayed component of the control signal related linearly to the disturbance, leaving the remaining, larger, oscillatory non-linear component. We optimized model parameters and noise (observation, motor) to replicate concurrently (i) estimated-delay, (ii) time-series of the linear component, and (iii) magnitude-frequency spectrum and transient magnitude response of the non-linear component. Results (mean±S.D., p<0.05): NPC produced estimated delays (0.116±0.03s) significantly lower than experiment (0.145±0.04s). Overall fit (i)-(iii) was (79±7%, 83±7%, 84±6% for NPC, PC, IPC). IPC required little or no noise. Mean frequency of experimental oscillation (0.99±0.16 Hz) correlated trial by trial with closed loop resonant frequency (fres), not limit cycles, nor sampling rate. NPC (0.36±0.08Hz) and PC (0.86±0.4Hz) showed fres significantly lower than IPC (0.98±0.2Hz). Conclusion: Human balance control requires short-term prediction. Significance: IPC mechanisms (prediction error, threshold related sampling, sequential re-initialization of open-loop predictive control) explain resonant gain without uncontrolled oscillation for healthy balance.
The recently introduced twisted and coiled polymer muscle is an inexpensive and lightweight compliant actuator. Incorporation of themuscle in applications that rely on feedback creates the need for deflection and force sensing. In this paper, we explore a sensing principle that does not require any bulky or expensive additional hardware: Self-sensing via electrical impedance. To this end, we characterize the relation between electrical impedance on the one hand, and deflection, force, and temperature on the other hand for the Joule-heated version of this muscle. Investigation of the theoretical relations provides potential fit functions that are verified experimentally. Using these fit functions results in an average estimation error of 0.8%, 7.6%, and 0.5%, respectively, for estimating deflection, force, and temperature. This indicates the suitability of this self-sensing principle in the Joule-heated twisted and coiled polymer muscle.
Explanation of motor control is dominated by continuous neurophysiological pathways (e.g., transcortical, spinal) and the continuous control paradigm. Using new theoretical development, methodology, and evidence, we propose intermittent control, which incorporates a serial ballistic process within the main feedback loop, provides a more general and more accurate paradigm necessary to explain attributes highly advantageous for competitive survival and performance.
Refractoriness in Sustained Visuo-Manual Control
Is the Refractory Duration Intrinsic or Does It Depend on External System Properties?
Interfacing sensory input with motor output
Does the control architecture converge to a serial process along a single channel?
Getting hold of approaching objects
In search of a common control of hand-closure initiation in catching and grasping