The long head of the biceps tendon undergoes multiaxial deformation during shoulder motion.

The long head biceps tendon (LHBT) is presumed a common source of shoulder joint pain and injury. Despite common LHBT pathologies, diagnosis and preferred treatment remain frequently debated. This Short Communication reports the development of a subject-specific finite element model of the shoulder joint based on one subject's 3D reconstructed anatomy and 3D in vivo kinematics recorded from bone-fixed electromagnetic sensors. The primary purpose of this study was to use the developed finite element model to investigate the LHBT mechanical environment during a typical shoulder motion of arm raising. Furthermore, this study aimed to assess the viability of material models derived from uniaxial tensile tests for accurate simulation of in vivo motion. The findings of our simulations indicate that the LHBT undergoes complex multidimensional deformations. As such, uniaxial material properties reported in the existing body of literature are not sufficient to simulate accurately the in vivo mechanical behavior of the LHBT. Further experimental tests on cadaveric specimens, such as biaxial tension and combinations of tension and torsion, are needed to describe fully the mechanical behavior of the LHBT and investigate its mechanisms of injury.

Self-Efficacy Versus Gender: Project-Based Active Learning Techniques in Biomedical Engineering Introductory Computer Programming Courses.

Engineering education has increasingly embraced active learning techniques within a variety of curricula. In particular, project-based active learning techniques have a significant potential to enhance students' learning experience. In this study, we implemented project-based techniques in biomedical engineering (BME) classes, and we investigated the effects of active learning on students' self-efficacy as an effective predictor of students' academic persistence and their career decision-making. Differences in self-efficacy were compared across genders. A high level of internal consistency was observed for both academic and career-oriented scales, as determined by Cronbach's alpha values of 0.908 and 0.862, respectively. While average scores of all survey questions indicated improvement in students' academic and career-oriented self-efficacy measures, significant improvements were observed in "clearer vision of programming application in engineering" and "BME careers," as well as in "expectation of success in a future BME career that involves developing medical devices" after the completion of the project-based activity (p = 0.002, 0.023, and 0.034, respectively). For two of the survey questions, female students reflected a significantly lower "self-confidence about understanding the most complex course material" as well as a significantly lower "willingness to have a future career in BME that involves intensive computer programing" as compared to male students (p = 0.035 and 0.024, respectively). We have further discussed possible explanations for the observed differences and multiple potential ways to enhance gender equality in STEM fields from a self-efficacy standpoint.

Using Hands-On Physical Computing Projects to Teach Computer Programming to Biomedical Engineering Students.

Rapid advancements in the multidisciplinary field of biomedical engineering (BME) require competitive engineers with skill sets in a broad range of subjects including biology, physiology, mechanics, circuits, and programming. Accordingly, such a need should be reflected in the training of BME students. Among those skills, computer programming is an essential tool that is used in a wide variety of applications. In this paper, we have provided our experience in incorporating project-based learning, a promising approach in active learning, for teaching computer programming to BME students. We describe a low-cost method for using physical, hands-on computing that directly relates to BME. Additionally, we detail our efforts to teach multiple programming languages in one semester and provide a detailed analysis of the outcomes. We also provide basic materials for other instructors to adapt to fit their own needs.

Dynamic tracking influenced by anatomy following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: Computational simulation.

BACKGROUND: Continued patellar instability can occur following medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Computational simulation of function was used to investigate the influence of the lateral position of the tibial tuberosity, trochlear dysplasia and patella alta on lateral patellar tracking following MPFL reconstruction. METHODS: Multibody dynamic simulation models were developed to represent nine knees being treated for recurrent patellar instability. Knee extension against gravity and dual limb squatting were simulated with and without simulated MPFL reconstruction. Graft resting lengths were set to allow 10mm and five millimeters of patellar lateral translation at 30° of knee flexion. The bisect offset index, lateral tibial tuberosity to posterior cruciate ligament tibial attachment (TT-PCL) distance, lateral trochlear inclination, and Caton-Deschamps index were quantified at every five degrees of knee flexion to characterize lateral tracking, lateral position of the tibial tuberosity, trochlear dysplasia, and patella alta, respectively. For the pre-operative and post-operative conditions and each type of motion, bisect offset index was correlated with the anatomical parameters using stepwise multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: For both motions, the pre-operative and post-operative bisect offset indices were significantly correlated with lateral trochlear inclination and lateral TT-PCL distance. For both motions, the adjusted r2 decreased with MPFL reconstruction, but was still approximately 0.5 for MPFL reconstruction allowing five millimeters of lateral translation. CONCLUSION: MPFL reconstruction decreases but does not eliminate lateral maltracking related to trochlear dysplasia and a lateralized tibial tuberosity. Patients with these pathologies are likely at the highest risk for instability related to maltracking following MPFL reconstruction.