Motor control is a critical process for muscle contraction, which is initiated by nerve impulses governed by the motor cortex. This process is vital for performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Consequently, a disruption in communication between the brain and muscles, as seen in various chronic conditions and diseases, can impair bodily movement and ADLs. Evaluating the interaction between brain function and motor control is significant for the diagnosis and treatment of motor control disorders; moreover, it can contribute to the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The purpose of this study is to investigate brain activation in designed upper extremity motor control tasks in regulating the pushing force in different brain regions; and develop investigation methods to assess motor control tasks and brain activation using a robotic arm to guide upper extremity force and motor control. Eighteen healthy young adults were asked to perform upper extremity motor control tasks and recorded the hemodynamic signals. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRs) and robotic arms were used to assess brain activation and the regulation of pushing force and extremity motor control. Two types of motion, static and dynamic, move along a designated trajectory in both forward and backward directions, and three different force levels selected from a range of ADLs, including 4, 12, and 20 N, were used as force-regulating upper extremity motor control tasks. The hemodynamic responses were measured in specific regions of interest, namely the primary motor cortex (M1), premotor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Utilizing a two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.00625) across all regions, we observed no significant interaction effect between force levels and movement types on oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) levels. However, in both contralateral (c) and ipsilateral (i) PFC, movement type—static versus dynamic—significantly affected brain activation. Additionally, cM1, iPFC, and PMC showed a significant effect of force level on brain activation.
This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between brain activation in specific regions and various motor tasks involving upper extremity movement with force control. Utilizing fNIRs, the research will monitor hemodynamic changes in four key brain areas: the prefrontal cortex (PFC), premotor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), and primary motor cortex (M1) during task performance. The primary population for this investigation consists of healthy young adults, allowing for a clearer understanding of how force control affects brain activation. The scope of the study includes assessing brain activation measured by fNIRs during upper extremity motor and force control tasks, as well as examining how upper extremity movements and force control influence brain activation.
คณะอุตสาหกรรมอาหาร
In the development of high protein jasmine rice products, hydrocolloids, HPMC at 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1% w/v and MD at 10% w/v were used. This hydrocolloid contained 30% w/v dissolved protein and was coated with raw jasmine rice. It was found that different amounts of HPMC affected the adhesion of proteins in rice. Then, the hydrocolloid with the best adhesion, 0.25% w/v, was used to find the optimum amount for coating rice at ratios of 1:3 and 1:5, which affected protein content, texture, color, water retention and sensory acceptability.
คณะวิศวกรรมศาสตร์
This project aims to develop an AI-powered system for detecting and classifying wall cracks using image processing. It identifies different crack types, assesses severity, and ensures accuracy across various image conditions. The goal is to support preventive maintenance by enabling early detection of structural issues, reducing repair costs, and improving safety.
คณะสถาปัตยกรรม ศิลปะและการออกแบบ
The concept of building a friendly city for older people by adjusting the physical environment is considered one of the crucial components of promoting older people’s better health and quality of life. Based on this tenet, designing a suitable footpath and considering older people’s needs are vital to the reduction of risks and the increase of safety in travelling, especially for older people living in Wat-Thad and Wat-Klang communities where the proportion of the elderly has continuously, increased. The research aimed to 1) survey the physical environment of footpath, approaching public assistance, 2) observe the elderly’s behavior and satisfaction on footpath in communities, and 3) create the proposal concept in developing the suitable footpath with the elderly’s need in city area. This research used various tools, including the questionnaire on the footpath’s physical environment to analyse problems, limitations, and footpath potentials, the interview of staff in the Engineering Division, Khon Kaen municipality and the questionnaires collecting travelling behaviour, satisfaction and attitude of elderly on the footpath in community. The data analysis the physical environment following six components in the monitoring list showed three used descriptive statistics. Interestingly, from 370 samples, the results of investigating qualified evaluations, namely 1) land utilisation in the communities, 2) linking the transportation network, and 3) beautifully attractive places for walking. However, three unqualified evaluations were 1) safety footpath availability, 2) design for all people, and 3) walking on the footpath to access public assistance and facilities. Moreover, the results from the questionnaire to study older people’s travelling behaviour, indicated that the most travelling objectives were grocery shopping and accessing the recreation sites with frequent visits three to five times per week. Furthermore, older people’s satisfaction with the community footpath was overall at a high level, This research proposed suggestions for developing a safe footpath to ensure safe walking access to facilities and public assistance.