Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
shapes on the mechanics of childbirth were investigated in this study. Future work
will include adding more shape modes and investigating their combined effects on
the progress of childbirth. In addition, fibre-related material anisotropy and active
muscle contractility should be introduced to make the model more realistic and
reliable, as LA muscles are composed of distinct muscle bundles anatomically.
4 Conclusion
A statistical shape analysis of the PF muscles was conducted using the finite
element modelling method based on a sample population of 12 normal nulliparous
women. Effects of the two primary mode shapes of the PF on childbirth mechanics
were investigated using a modelling framework that simulates the second stage of
labour. The statistical shape analysis can be potentially applied to investigate
population-focused PF muscle morphology, such as extracting patterns of PF
muscle geometry that may occur in PF dysfunction.
Acknowledgments X. Yan is financially supported by a University of Auckland Doctoral
Scholarship. J. A. Kruger is supported by a Rutherford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship funded
by the Royal Society of New Zealand. M. P. Nash and P. M. F. Nielsen are supported by James
Cook Research Fellowships administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand on behalf of the
New Zealand Government.
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