RESEARCH
Current experiments involve three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analysis and EMG recording during treadmill and overground gait. State-of-the-art modeling and optimization techniques are used to develop simulations based on experimental data. Ongoing research projects are related to:
1) ) Subject-specific interventions for post-stroke hemiparetic gait
We are interested in the relationship between altered muscle coordination and movement after stroke especially during walking and other activities of daily living. Our engineering students in partnership with clinical collaborators have developed and tested custom-designed hardware and software in post-stroke intervention studies involving FES, treadmill training and robotics. We are excited about the preliminary results from an adaptive treadmill paradigm to enable instantaneous responses to therapeutic intervention. Subject-specific simulations using OpenSim complement experimental studies to investigate causal mechanisms underlying changes in gait patterns.
2) Smart sensors and wearable technology for monitoring human performance
The aim of this project is to create and validate a new class of novel flexible sensors for integration in functional garments capable of measuring joint motions and forces during activities of daily living. Joint motions and forces are generally collected in a laboratory setting with motion capture cameras and force plates, which are not readily available in the home or community. Integrating motion and force sensors into wearable garments allows for monitoring of everyday behavior outside of the laboratory. This data could provide important information to enable clinicians to evaluate, diagnose, and treat various movement disorders. We are conducting a series of studies to optimize sensor design and smart user interface, validate sensor performance during dynamic activities, and evaluate user feedback in wearable technologies designed for use by athletes, amputees, and older adults.
3) Simulation-based analysis of muscle coordination in healthy and pathological gait
The goal of this work is to develop subject-specific musculoskeletal modeling and simulation techniques to understand available compensatory strategies for altered muscle morphology and function following stroke, and identify which stroke survivors are likely to benefit from specific types of intervention. Experimental measures are used to deduce information about muscle activation impairment, atrophy, neural control, strength and movement patterns and incorporated into subject-specific models. These models are used to understand available compensatory strategies for altered muscle morphology and function following stroke, and can be related to clinically relevant outcomes.
4) Interactions between cognitive function and gait performance: application to user biofeedback
Although historically considered an automatic process, gait control has been shown to consume attentional demands, supported by the concept of dual-tasking with a motor and cognitive challenge. Identifying the impact of cognitive challenges on motor tasks in healthy younger and older adults could detect increased fall risk and lead to prevention strategies for at risk populations, such as the elderly or cognitively impaired. Cognitive function during motor tasks also has important implications for rehabilitation where information about performance must be relayed and interpreted by the user. The objective of this work is to explore the interaction between motor and cognitive performance and use this information to design optimal biofeedback systems.