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Studying Muscle Forces in an MRI Environment
Mag Design & Engineering (MD&E) prototypes devices
that researchers use to study human brain function and
human bone joints. Their services range from computer hardware configuration and assembly to image processing
to statistical analysis. MD&E is using FlexiForce sensors to record muscle activity and determine the amount
of force being sent through a bone joint. For one particular study, researchers needed a device to study
muscle control in parts of the brain using functional MRI (fMRI) scanning of brain activity.
MD&E instrumented a device with FlexiForce sensors, enabling researchers to digitally measure force from
a human subject's fingers as they pressed on the device during a brain scan. |
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A core need for an fMRI researcher is to have the subject reliably respond to stimuli
in the scanner. The force-sensing device developed by MD&E is completely MRI-safe and
extremely comfortable for long periods of use, which is a key element in acquiring
accurate data. The design is extremely durable, and adaptable for use with many
stimuli-presentation programs.
The firm has found FlexiForce sensors ideal for use within the MRI due to their wide resistance range, high
linearity, low drift, and low power consumption. In addition, they contain no ferromagnetic material.
MD&E interfaces the FlexiForce sensor with a single op-amp to a BX24 microcontroller's onboard A/D converter.
Using a pre-built 5V to -5V converter, they are able to produce the bias drive and negative supply for the
op-amp. MD&E then adheres the sensor to the load-carrying surface, and affixes a small rubber puck to the
other surface to ensure concentration of the load over the sensor's active area. Ben Krasnow of Mag Design
asserts, "This setup works great, and I have used this system in a number of configurations to measure force
from fingers, feet, etc. As far as I know, there is no better force-sensing solution for what I am doing."
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