Projects per year
Personal profile
Biography
My PhD on Biomedical Engineering involved using a specialised tool (high-density surface electromyography, HDsEMG) to understand the muscle activity from the forearm to identifying the surface electromyographic patterns involved and correlating them with specific hand movements leading to improvements in the control of a myoelectric driven prosthesis, specifically of the thumb.
Further experience (as a postdoctoral researcher) has allowed me to develop my portfolio in:
1) Orthotic design and development for manufacture; and
2) Analysis and interpretation of electrophysiological signals (more specifically signals from the muscles, HDsEMG) and apply them to further our understanding of neurophysiological involvement during abnormal movements or failure.
Research interests
Capitalising on my unique skillset in HDsEMG my research interests are aligned in two complementary areas:
1. The development of assistive medical devices; conducted in partnership with national and international clinical partners; and
2. to significantly extend our knowledge of how our body moves using neurorehabilitation during health, disease, and injury.
Worldwide, there are currently limitations in our understanding of the central nervous system’s involvement during abnormal movements and injury. My vision through these two research streams is to fill that gap in understanding, and thus to assist vulnerable patient populations to self-manage their own health.
Research
My current medical technology development activity has led to the award of patents and ongoing invention disclosures, and am currently working with TalarMade, a UK company with a global footprint, to take one of our technologies to market (WristEaze).
Additionally, through other collaborative international research activities, I am currently working towards the development of assistive technologies that will improve the management of diseases such as (but not restricted to) hand, foot and mouth disease and tetanus, in Vietnam. In this way, I propose to reduce the healthcare and social burden of disease in these low economic regions.
To date, I have produced 2 patents (1 European and 1 North American); 13 papers (2 – in print; 4 – currently awaiting permission to be submitted as soon as patent embargo is lifted; 2 – under review; 5 conference papers); 1 book chapter; and 3 papers currently being prepared.
In May 2020 and in recognition of achievements (the quality of my research ideas and their impact, my international reach, and my expertise in the field of electromyography), I was one of 5 researchers internationally to be awarded the 2020 Delsys Prize Award by the DeLuca Foundation which awarded me personal research equipment to continue with my own independent projects, this award was on the back of work carried out in collaboration with Vietnamese partners.
I have been an invited speaker to international gatherings and Universities, such as: Mexican National Royal Conservatoire (from work carried out with Prof Merletti in 2019); Guest Lecture at the Biomedical Engineering Department at the Autonomous Metropolitan University, Mexico (2019); and Biomedical Engineering Seminar Series at the Autonomous University of Southern California, Mexico (2016). Additionally, I have been invited speaker in UK-wide events/organisations and national STEM activities, such as: Institution of Mechanical Engineers (from work carried out in Vietnam, 2019); Ingenious Woman Scotland (2020); panellist representing the University discuss Research Career Development and mental Health (2019); and The Lecture List, Galilean Society (2012).
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Education/Academic qualification
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Strathclyde
30 Sep 2010 → 26 Feb 2015
Award Date: 6 Jul 2015
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Projects
- 1 Not started
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Development of High-Density Surface-Electromyographic Biomarkers to Improve Stroke Rehabilitation, Management And Prognosis (Joint with University of Maribor, Slovenia, National Institute of Rehabilitation, Mexico and NHS Tayside)
Aranceta-Garza, A. & Morris, J.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
1/06/22 → 31/05/25
Project: Research
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A retrospective review of psychosocial outcomes following microprocessor knee prescription
Dunlop, F., Aranceta-Garza, A., McGarry, A. & Murray, L., 12 Jan 2022, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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A comparative study of efficacy and functionality of ten commercially available wrist-hand orthoses in healthy females: Wrist range of motion and grip strength analysis
Aranceta-Garza, A. & Ross, K., 15 Jun 2021, In: Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences. 2, 17 p., 687554.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile19 Downloads (Pure) -
High Density Surface Electromyography Activity of the Lumbar Erector Spinae Muscles and Comfort/Discomfort Assessment in Piano Players: Comparison of two chairs
Aranceta-Garza, A., Russo, A., D'Emanuele, S., Serafino, F. & Merletti, R., 1 Dec 2021, In: Frontiers in Physiology. 12, 13 p., 743730.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile28 Downloads (Pure) -
Differentiating Variations in Thumb Position From Recordings of the Surface Electromyogram in Adults Performing Static Grips, a Proof of Concept Study
Aranceta-garza, A. & Conway, B. A., 22 May 2019, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. 7, p. 1-11 11 p., 123.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile19 Downloads (Pure) -
HDsEMG Activity of the Lumbar Erector Spinae in Violin Players: Comparison of Two Chairs
Russo, A., Aranceta-Garza, A., D'Emanuele, S., Serafino, F. & Merletti, R., 1 Dec 2019, In: Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 34, 4, p. 205-214 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
5 Citations (Scopus)
Activities
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Frontiers Symposium: What is next of engineering and the global challenges
Alejandra Aranceta-Garza (Participant)
4 Mar 2022 → 11 Mar 2022Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
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European Crucible (External organisation)
Alejandra Aranceta-Garza (Chair)
2022Activity: Membership types › Membership of external research organisation
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Girls Into Engineering
Charlotte Cochard (Speaker), Margi Vilnay (Organiser), Alejandra Aranceta-Garza (Speaker) & Morag Hannah (Organiser)
8 Nov 2021 → 29 Nov 2021Activity: Other activity types › Public engagement and outreach - festival/exhibition