This paper discusses the results of a feedback study for a remote laboratory used in the education of control engineering students. The goal is to show the effectiveness of the remote laboratory on examination results. To provide an overview, the two applications of the remote laboratory are addressed: 1) the Stewart platform, and 2) the quadruple water tank system. Combining both applications allows a broad spectrum of practical examples featuring challenging control aspects such as multiple-input-multiple-output control, decoupling, non-minimum phase systems, open-loop unstable systems, and PID control design. The remote laboratory feedback study was performed using a five-point Likert-type scale survey to elicit the students' level of satisfaction with the laboratory. Three years of student examination results were also studied to compare performance before and after integrating the remote laboratory. In the first of these years there was no use of the remote laboratory. In the second year, the remote laboratory was introduced on a voluntary basis, and in the third year the remote laboratory was obligatory. Student feedback indicates that the remote laboratory needs further development to counter its limitations. A major conclusion of the survey was that there is keen interest in the remote laboratory to provide practical experience in the training of a control engineer. It can be concluded that the remote laboratory has a positive effect on student examination results.

Mechanical overload is considered the main cause of Achilles tendinopathy. In addition to tensile loads, it is believed that the Achilles tendon may also be exposed to compressive loads. However, data on intratendinous pressures are lacking, and consequently, their role in the pathophysiology of tendinopathy is still under debate. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the intratendinous pressure changes in the Achilles tendon during stretching and eccentric loading. Twelve pairs of human cadaveric legs were mounted in a testing rig, and a miniature pressure catheter was placed through ultrasound‐guided insertion in four different regions of the Achilles tendon: the insertion (superficial and deep layers), mid‐portion, and proximal portion. Intratendinous pressure was measured during three simulated loading conditions: a bent‐knee calf stretch, a straight‐knee calf stretch, and an eccentric heel‐drop. It was found that the intratendinous pressure increased exponentially in both the insertion and mid‐portion regions of the Achilles tendon during each loading condition (p < 0.001). The highest pressures were consistently found in the deep insertion region (p < 0.001) and during the eccentric heel‐drop (p < 0.001). Pressures in the mid‐portion were also significantly higher than in the proximal portion (p < 0.001). These observations offer novel insights and support a role for compression in the pathophysiology of Achilles tendinopathy by demonstrating high intratendinous pressures at regions where Achilles tendinopathy typically occurs. To what extent managing intratendinous pressure might be successful in patients with Achilles tendinopathy by, for example, avoiding excessive stretching, modifying exercise therapy, and offering heel lifts requires further investigation.

Torsion of the Achilles tendon (AT) enhances tensile strength, but a high degree of torsion might also be a risk factor for Achilles tendinopathy, due to greater internal compression exerted during tensile loading. However, evidence supporting the grounds for this assumption is lacking. Hence, we aimed to investigate the impact of AT torsion type on intratendinous pressure. Eighteen human fresh frozen cadaveric legs were mounted in a testing rig and a miniature pressure catheter was placed through ultrasound‐guided insertion in the midportion region of the AT. Intratendinous pressure was measured during a simulated straight‐knee calf stretch and eccentric heel drop. The AT was then carefully dissected and classified into Type I (least), Type II (moderate), and Type III (extreme) torsion. Of the ATs examined, nine were found to have Type I torsion (50%), nine Type II (50%), and none Type III. It was found that the intratendinous pressure of the AT increased exponentially with ankle dorsiflexion during both exercises (p < 0.001) and that this increase was greater in ATs with Type II torsion than Type I torsion (p < 0.05). This study provides the first biomechanical data to support the hypothesis that in athletes with a high degree of torsion in the AT, the midportion area will experience more internal compression during exercise, for example, calf stretching and eccentric heel drops. Whether this phenomenon is also associated with an elevated risk for Achilles tendinopathy needs further prospective investigation.

Contribution: An education innovation in control engineering using practical setups and its evaluation based on a three-year student feedback study and examination grades. Background: Based on extensive research, education’s transition toward active learning and more practical experience has been shown to increase learning outcomes. Contrary to virtual and remote labs, a practical session with an individual setup for each student provides the most practical experience. Intended Outcomes: To show a positive effect on learning performance by integrating practical sessions in basic control engineering. Application Design: Presenting low cost setups that can be mass produced and adapt to the course’s growing complexity. These setups are evaluated during a three-year feedback study. Findings: The developed setups increased understanding of theoretical concepts. The new methodology significantly improved students’ average grades. The students’ interest in control theory is triggered. This case study could guide other institutions toward successfully implementing highly individual practical sessions for large groups.