Showing posts with label biopotential amplifiers. Show all posts
Biomechanics Transducers | Data Acquisition
Biomechanics
data can include measures of force and motion of body position, posture, and
joint movement over a wide range of static and dynamic conditions. Biomechanics
measurements are meaningful for a wide variety of research applications, such as
biomedical engineering, exercise physiology, sports training or rehab, and
ergonomics (for characteristics of a specific work activity or environment).
Biomechanics transducers include goniometers, torsiometers, and
accelerometers. Transducers are unobtrusive and lightweight, and can be worn
comfortably and undetected under clothing or attached to external
equipment—leaving the subject to move freely in the normal
environment.
Biomechanics transducers connect directly to the BIOPAC Acquisition Unit as part of an MP or BSL System. For a more complete physiological analysis, additional signals can be recorded (e.g., EMG, respiration, heart rate) and video data can be tightly-synchronized for a clear and detailed view of the biomechanics of a movement with the subject’s physiological data.
Goniometers incorporate gauge elements that measure bending strain along or around a particular axis and transform angular position into a proportional electrical signal. The gauge mechanism allows for accurate measurement of polycentric joints. As the joint moves through a determined angle, the relative linear distance between the two mounting positions will change. A telescopic endblock prevents the measuring element from becoming over-stretched or buckled as the limb moves. The bending strain is proportional to the sum total angular shift along the axis. Because the bending force is extremely small, the output signal is uniquely a proportional function of the angular shift.
Twin-axis goniometers measure rotation about two orthogonal planes
simultaneously to record limb angular movement, such as adequate bending in the
elbows or knees, unsafe rounding in the lower spine, wrist or ankle
flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, radial/ulnar deviations, etc.
Single-axis goniometers measure the angle in one plane only and are used to
record digit joint movement of fingers, thumb or
toes.
Torsiometers measure rotation about a single axis (e.g., forearm pronation/supination) to record angular twisting (as opposed to bending) of the torso, spine or neck.
Tri-Axial Accelerometers are high level output transducers that provide three outputs to measure acceleration along the X-, Y- and Z-axes simultaneously. To reliably record head tilt, place an accelerometer on the head. To measure accelerations when performing slow movements, such as walking and hand tremor, ±5 G accelerometers are optimal; ±50 G are more suitable for quick movements, such as swinging a tennis racket.
For applications where quick or rapid movements are involved, fit a “sock” bandage over the whole sensor and interconnect lead. For accurate results from long recordings, use double-sided adhesive between the endblocks and skin, and place single-sided adhesive tape over the top of the endblocks. No tape should come into contact with the spring. The connection lead should also be taped down near the sensor element.
Biomechanics transducers connect directly to the BIOPAC Acquisition Unit as part of an MP or BSL System. For a more complete physiological analysis, additional signals can be recorded (e.g., EMG, respiration, heart rate) and video data can be tightly-synchronized for a clear and detailed view of the biomechanics of a movement with the subject’s physiological data.
Goniometers incorporate gauge elements that measure bending strain along or around a particular axis and transform angular position into a proportional electrical signal. The gauge mechanism allows for accurate measurement of polycentric joints. As the joint moves through a determined angle, the relative linear distance between the two mounting positions will change. A telescopic endblock prevents the measuring element from becoming over-stretched or buckled as the limb moves. The bending strain is proportional to the sum total angular shift along the axis. Because the bending force is extremely small, the output signal is uniquely a proportional function of the angular shift.
Torsiometers measure rotation about a single axis (e.g., forearm pronation/supination) to record angular twisting (as opposed to bending) of the torso, spine or neck.
Tri-Axial Accelerometers are high level output transducers that provide three outputs to measure acceleration along the X-, Y- and Z-axes simultaneously. To reliably record head tilt, place an accelerometer on the head. To measure accelerations when performing slow movements, such as walking and hand tremor, ±5 G accelerometers are optimal; ±50 G are more suitable for quick movements, such as swinging a tennis racket.
For applications where quick or rapid movements are involved, fit a “sock” bandage over the whole sensor and interconnect lead. For accurate results from long recordings, use double-sided adhesive between the endblocks and skin, and place single-sided adhesive tape over the top of the endblocks. No tape should come into contact with the spring. The connection lead should also be taped down near the sensor element.
Physiological Amplifier Options in Research
When choosing
which physiological amplifier to use in your research, the most important
assets typically are accuracy, ease of use and time efficiency.
BIOPAC’s biopotential
amplifiers
are not only user friendly and intuitive, but they can also easily be
integrated with automatic data acquisition software. When you use AcqKnowledge software with a biopotential
amplifier, you can automatically score data and extract measurements on a
cycle-by-cycle basis.
With over
15,000 amplifiers sold for research, BIOPAC is quickly becoming one of the most
popular choices for universities.
How
Biopotential Amplifiers Work
With a wide
selection of physiological amplifiers to choose from, creating a system that
suits your application requirements is easier than ever.
The amplifiers
are easy to snap together and pull apart for any needed substitutions. BIOPAC’s
amplifiers also utilize advanced technology that allows you to use the
amplifiers as stand-alone devices with the IPS100C isolated power supply mode.
To use the
biopotential amplifiers, simply connect to unshielded or shielded electrode
leads which are terminating with Safelead/Touchproof (1.5 mm) sockets. To increase
performance, you can use two shielded electrode leads and one unshielded
electrode lead per amplifier.
For added
convenience and ease of use, BIOPAC also provides detailed video tutorials for
each of its biopotential amplifiers.
Physiological
Amplifier Types
BIOPAC offers
a wide array of biopotential amplifiers including:
ECG Electrocardiogram Amplifier – This amplifier records
heart generated electrical activity, and can be used to effectively record ECG
in humans, animals and isolated organ preparations. When used with the AcqKnowledge data acquisition software, the
ECG amplifier will record data and pull out measurements of interest on a
cycle-by-cycle basis.
EEG Electroencephalogram Amplifier – The EEG amplifier shows
bioelectric potentials related to neuronal activity of the brain, which is
often used in recording unipolar or bipolar EEG measurements. You can use the
Alpha detection mode to create a smoothed wave with a peak that indicates
maximal alpha activity. Use this amplifier with AcqKnowledge software to automatically filter raw EEG signals and
instantly create a full data analysis.
EGG Electrogastrogram Amplifier – The EGG amplifier
amplifies the electric signal which results from activity in the stomach and
intestinal smooth muscle. Use the EGG amplifier in conjunction with AcqKnowledge software to automate the EGG
gastric wave analysis routine and provide both single and multi-channel
recordings.
EMG Electromyogram Amplifier – Record general and
skeletal muscle electrical activity with the EMG amplifier. The fast response
amplifier can monitor a single-fiber EMG, motor unit and peripheral nerve
action potentials. Much like the other biopotential amplifiers, the EMG
amplifier is easily integrated with AcqKnowledge
software for performing real-time EMG recording and analysis.
EOG Electrooculogram Amplifier – The EOG amplifier
monitors the DC potential on the skin surrounding the eyes, recording the
degree of eye movement in any direction. As it amplifies corneal-retinal potential,
the amplifier works with data acquisition software to automatically measure and
graph eye movement.
ERS Evoked Response Amplifier – The evoked response
amplifier works by amplifying a small response to a certain stimulus. Because
it emits extremely low noise, the amplifier is easily used in applications like
auditory brainstem response, startle response, somatosensory evoked response
and nerve conduction velocity recording. When used with the AcqKnowledge software, the ERS amplifier
automatically generates accurate data recording and analysis.
Learn More
About Biopotential Amplifiers
If you are
interested in learning more about how BIOPAC’s state-of-the-art amplifiers can
ease your application process and help you instantly create detailed analytic
reports of your data, please contact BIOPAC Systems, Inc. You can also learn about
BIOPAC’s extensive collection of transducer amplifiers on the BIOPAC website.
BIOPAC is dedicated to developing innovative, high quality
and competitively priced life sciences educational and research hardware and
software designed to meet customers’ needs.