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et cycling efficiency in young (18-59 years old) and older (60-81 years old) adults (N=444). Walking was performed at three miles per hour by 86 young (mean = 29.60, standard deviation (SD) = 10.50 years old) and 121 older adults (mean = 66.80, SD = 4.50 years old). Cycling at 50 watts (60-70 revolutions per minute) was performed by 116 young (mean= 29.00, SD= 10.00 years old) and 121 older adults (m = 67.10 SD = 4.50 years old). Steady-state sub-maximal gross
et oxygen uptake and caloric expenditures from each activity and rest were analyzed. Net walking economy was represented by net caloric expenditure (kilocalories/kilogram/min). Cycling measures included percent gross
et cycling efficiency (kilo-calorie derived). Linear regressions were used to assess each measure as a function of age. Differences in age group means were assessed using independent t-tests for each modality (alpha = 0.05). No significant differences in mean oxygen uptake nor walking economy were found between young and older walkers (p>0.05). Older adults performing cycle ergometry demonstrated lower gross
et oxygen uptakes and lower gross caloric expenditures (p< 0.05).
in space and time to meet different needs. Approximately 2 million Americans live
with an amputation with most of those amputations being of the lower limbs. To
advance current state-of-the-art lower limb prosthetic devices, it is necessary to adapt
performance at a level of intelligence seen in human walking. As such, this thesis
focuses on the mechanisms involved during human walking, while transitioning from
rigid to compliant surfaces such as from pavement to sand, grass or granular media.
Utilizing a unique tool, the Variable Stiffness Treadmill (VST), as the platform for
human walking, rigid to compliant surface transitions are simulated. The analysis of
muscular activation during the transition from rigid to different compliant surfaces
reveals specific anticipatory muscle activation that precedes stepping on a compliant
surface. There is also an indication of varying responses for different surface stiffness
levels. This response is observed across subjects. Results obtained are novel and
useful in establishing a framework for implementing control algorithm parameters to
improve powered ankle prosthesis. With this, it is possible for the prosthesis to adapt
to a new surface and therefore resulting in a more robust smart powered lower limb
prosthesis.
Many people use public transportation in their daily lives, which is often praised at as a healthy and sustainable choice to make. However, in extreme temperatures this also puts people at a greater risk for negative consequences resulting from such exposure to heat. In Phoenix, public transportation riders are faced with extreme heat in the summer along with the increased internal heat production caused by the physical activity required to use public transportation. In this study, I estimated total exposure and average exposure per rider for six stops in Phoenix. To do this I used City of Phoenix ridership data, weather data, and survey responses from an ASU City of Phoenix Bus Stop Survey conducted in summer 2016. These data sets were combined by multiplying different metrics to produce various exposure values. During analysis two sets of calculations were made. One keeping weather constant and another keeping ridership constant. I found that there was a large range of exposure between the selected stops and that the thermal environment influences the amount of exposure depending on the time of day the exposure is occurring. During the morning a greener location leads to less exposure, while in the afternoon an urban location leads to less exposure. Know detailed information about exposure at these stops I was also able to evaluate survey participants' thermal comfort at each stop and how it may relate to exposure. These findings are useful in making educated transportation planning decisions and improving the quality of life for people living in places with extreme summer temperatures.