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Visceral organ dynamics and locomotion
The project aims to describe vibration of internal organs during jogging and what benefits these vibrations may have for human health.
Keywords: Organ movement, performance optimization, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, mathematical modelling, simulation, motion measurement, multi-body systems, dynamics
Endurance training such as moderate jogging has been proven to be cardioprotective for the cardiovascular system and chondroprotective for the joints. Cardioprotection is based on strengthening the heart muscle and on metabolic effects, e.g. with regard to blood sugar levels and lipid concentration. Chondroprotection is based on mechanical influences, in particular the rhythmic loading and unloading of the joint cartilage. Little is known about the influence of mechanical vibrations on the internal organs.
Knowledge of the vibration behavior of the internal organs can help to better understand and ultimately prevent or treat cardiovascular damage, obstructive and restrictive lung and intestinal diseases as well as incontinence. In addition, these findings can help to optimize athletic performance by synchronizing pulse (stroke volume) and respiration (oxygen saturation) with the vibration behaviour of the organs in relation to the cadence.
Endurance training such as moderate jogging has been proven to be cardioprotective for the cardiovascular system and chondroprotective for the joints. Cardioprotection is based on strengthening the heart muscle and on metabolic effects, e.g. with regard to blood sugar levels and lipid concentration. Chondroprotection is based on mechanical influences, in particular the rhythmic loading and unloading of the joint cartilage. Little is known about the influence of mechanical vibrations on the internal organs. Knowledge of the vibration behavior of the internal organs can help to better understand and ultimately prevent or treat cardiovascular damage, obstructive and restrictive lung and intestinal diseases as well as incontinence. In addition, these findings can help to optimize athletic performance by synchronizing pulse (stroke volume) and respiration (oxygen saturation) with the vibration behaviour of the organs in relation to the cadence.
The aim of this Master's thesis is to investigate how the vibration behavior of the internal organs - using the example of the heart, lungs, liver and intestines - can be described during jogging and what potential benefits this can have for human health and prevention. After studying the current state of research, a simplified model of the abdomen including organs and their movement behavior will be considered. The model should use a multi-body simulation (setting up equations of motion, FE modeling, etc.) to show how the internal organs can be stimulated to vibrate by walking movements. Finally, the simulations will be validated by measuring movement using externally attached body markers and later by imaging. Finally, the vibration behavior of the organs will be interpreted and conclusions drawn.
The aim of this Master's thesis is to investigate how the vibration behavior of the internal organs - using the example of the heart, lungs, liver and intestines - can be described during jogging and what potential benefits this can have for human health and prevention. After studying the current state of research, a simplified model of the abdomen including organs and their movement behavior will be considered. The model should use a multi-body simulation (setting up equations of motion, FE modeling, etc.) to show how the internal organs can be stimulated to vibrate by walking movements. Finally, the simulations will be validated by measuring movement using externally attached body markers and later by imaging. Finally, the vibration behavior of the organs will be interpreted and conclusions drawn.
They work in an interdisciplinary group of researchers and clinicians at ETH Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital and representatives of the Spiraldynamik® therapy concept.
They work in an interdisciplinary group of researchers and clinicians at ETH Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital and representatives of the Spiraldynamik® therapy concept.
You bring knowledge of mechanics, in particular mathematical modeling of the motion of multi-body systems, using various software tools (Matlab-Simulink, Phyton, FEM software) to expand your knowledge and apply it in a medical context.
You bring knowledge of mechanics, in particular mathematical modeling of the motion of multi-body systems, using various software tools (Matlab-Simulink, Phyton, FEM software) to expand your knowledge and apply it in a medical context.
Please send your CV and the latest transcript of records from your studies to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robert Riener, SMS Lab, ETH Zurich & Medical Faculty, UZH, riener@hest.ethz.ch. Robert Riener will host the thesis and supervise it together with Dr. med. Christian Larsen, Spiraldynamik Holding AG.
Please send your CV and the latest transcript of records from your studies to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robert Riener, SMS Lab, ETH Zurich & Medical Faculty, UZH, riener@hest.ethz.ch. Robert Riener will host the thesis and supervise it together with Dr. med. Christian Larsen, Spiraldynamik Holding AG.
