Student Projects

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Investigating the kinematics of the scapular motion using non-invasive optical technologies

Accurate non-invasive assessment modalities that incorporate both scapular motion and its morphology are currently unavailable, presenting a clear need for sustainable clinical application. To address this need, the Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics (LMB) utilizes a unique optical 4D scanning system (SLOT) to estimate the underlying anatomical structures using non-invasive structured light to produce high-quality images of the human skin surface, both statically and dynamically. By utilizing the clear cutaneous surface contours surrounding the scapula, the application of this technology to the shoulder joint could allow a novel non-invasive and dynamic approach for estimating scapular kinematics that overcomes the challenges associated with soft-tissue artifacts. The key challenge in the development of this approach is the precise identification and tracking of relevant scapula landmarks, as well as soft tissue artifacts, all of which are expected to affect the accuracy of the SLOT-measured kinematics.

Keywords

Scapulae, kinematics, dynamic scapulae motion, 3D scanning, back shape, machine learning, VICON, OpenSIM.

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Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-03-28 , Earliest start: 2024-04-01 , Latest end: 2024-12-01

Applications limited to Department of Computer Science , Department of Mathematics , Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering , Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering

Organization Functional Spinal Biomechanics

Hosts Cukovic Sasa

Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Investigating infrared thermography for diagnosing spinal deformities

Spinal deformities are omnipresent and difficult to assess and monitor accurately. One of the most prevalent spinal deformities in children and adolescents is scoliosis, a three-dimensional deformation of the spine. To date, the standard approach for assessing and monitoring scoliosis is biplanar radiography using ionizing radiation. Thermal imaging has been investigated as a non-invasive adjunctive assessment method, as the scoliotic back shows a typical thermal asymmetry between contralateral sides. In this project, the usefulness and accuracy of thermal imaging in the context of spine assessment will be investigated and evaluated.

Keywords

Thermal imaging, thermography, Python, 3D scanning, X-ray, scoliosis, spine deformity, sensor fusion

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Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2024-03-20 , Earliest start: 2024-04-01 , Latest end: 2024-12-20

Organization Functional Spinal Biomechanics

Hosts Bertsch Martin

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Investigation of gait performance and brain activity during walking in Parkinson’s patients

Parkinson's disease is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition in individuals over 60 years old. It results from impaired dopaminergic cells in the basal ganglia, leading to gait disturbances and reduced independence. While treatment options like dopamine replacement therapies and Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS) exist, not all patients benefit from DBS. The lack of reliable biomarkers hampers understanding of surgical outcomes. A new DBS device enables wireless recording of subcortical brain activity, offering novel insights into Parkinson's subcortical activity. To explore personalized therapies, this study will measure the gait performance, neuro-activities like deep brain activity as well as electroencephalography (EEG) during walking in Parkinson's patients. Combining cortical (EEG) and subcortical (DBS) recordings aim to investigate comprehensive brain activity during pathological gait.

Keywords

Parkinson's disease, Gait, EEG, EMG

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Semester Project , Collaboration , Internship , Lab Practice , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-03-07 , Earliest start: 2023-09-01

Organization Neuromuscular Biomechanics

Hosts Mei Zhongke

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences

Quantification of Dynamic Sitting Behavior Using Pressure Distribution and IMU Sensors

Everyone sits. We spend more time seated than sleeping or walking, and today's human behavior shows this trend is growing. Moovtech technology aims to help recover from sedentary back pain as well as strengthen core and spinal muscles to prevent future health issues. The Moovlab technology (Moovtech) and the revolutionary PVOT dynamic motion chair show high potential for improving people's lives and health, as well as potentially stimulating brain activity and work productivity. Additionally, sitting on a PVOT chair during work hours (home office or corporate setting) has the potential to prevent chronic pains in the long term. The motion initiated by Moovtech simulates pelvic movement when walking. The aim of this internship is to equip this innovative office chair with sensor technology to analyze the sitting behavior and usage of this novel chair. This work will serve as the foundation for planning a larger study and understanding the expected data outcomes.

Keywords

sitting behavior, IMU, pressure distribution, low back pain, dynamic sitting

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Internship

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Published since: 2024-02-29 , Earliest start: 2024-02-29 , Latest end: 2024-09-30

Organization Sports Biomechanics Group

Hosts Zemp Roland, Dr.

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Using musical cues to assess risk of fall of older adults in outdoor environments

Currently, individuals at risk of falling are identified through clinic- and lab-based assessment of gait and movement function. These tests evaluate changes in motor skills in a steady environment free of disturbances, while most falls occur during real life environments with disturbances such as obstacles and uneven walking surfaces, thus they are not precise enough for the quantification of fall risk. A sensitive marker for fall risk can therefore be identified through assessing walking behavior in real-life.

Keywords

fall risk, biomechanics, sensors, wearables, music

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2024-02-08 , Earliest start: 2024-02-01 , Latest end: 2024-12-31

Organization Neuromuscular Biomechanics

Hosts Ravi Deepak

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Towards mitigating fall risk in older adults using auditory noise stimulation

Current approaches available to mitigate fall risk in older adults have prejudiced emphasis on a) protective equipment such as walking aids, footwear etc., b) environmental modification b) physical therapy and exercise programs. Despite the efforts, the world’s population is ageing and falling in older adults are on the rise. As such, development of more effective interventions for reducing fall risk is a global research priority. Our team is working on a new approach based on auditory noise stimulation for inducing improvement in balance during walking and ultimately to reduce fall-risk in older adults.

Keywords

fall risk, balance, auditory noise stimulation, muscle activity

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-02-08 , Earliest start: 2024-02-01 , Latest end: 2024-12-31

Organization Neuromuscular Biomechanics

Hosts Ravi Deepak

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Using predictive musculoskeletal modelling to understand the impact of foot kinematics on the knee joint loading during walking.

We will use predictive musculoskeletal modelling tools to understand the impact of foot kinematics (ankle plantar/dorsi flexion) on the knee joint loading during gait.

Keywords

Knee, biomechanics, musculoskeletal modelling, predictive

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Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-01-29 , Earliest start: 2024-02-01 , Latest end: 2025-01-31

Organization Computational Biomechanics

Hosts Hosseini Seyyed

Topics Engineering and Technology

Evaluation of different saddle seats / office chairs by assessing the pressure distribution and comfort

A leading office furniture manufacturer is in the process of innovating a new saddle stool, designed to enhance ergonomic seating. The Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics at ETH Zurich is closely supporting this new development and is designing a user study with 30 participants. This study focuses on examining the pressure distribution and comfort levels provided by this new seating solution compared to other models of saddle stools currently on the market. Alongside this practical assessment, a literature review will be conducted to explore the pros and cons of saddle stools. The insights generated from this review will be integrated with the outcomes of the empirical study. The aim is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness and potential applications of these ergonomic seating solutions in workplace environments.

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-01-04 , Earliest start: 2024-01-07 , Latest end: 2024-12-31

Organization Taylor Group / Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics

Hosts Zemp Roland, Dr.

Topics Medical and Health Sciences

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