From Haptics
Research/Rehab
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Overview
The NIH estimates that millions of Americans are affected by neurological disorders each year. Damage to the nervous system often results in poor motor coordination affecting an individual’s ability to walk, speak, use their hands, etc.
This project focuses on modeling movement control and using robotic systems to target specific deficiencies. We focus on cerebellar dysfunction, which is known to play a key role in trajectory and targeting control. The fundamental mechanism of cerebellar incoordination will be investigated by comparing human performance to computational models, and then by developing robotic control strategies that either compensate for motor impairments or optimize practice-dependent learning. Both approaches are needed since short-term learning mechanisms can be inefficient or absent in individuals with cerebellar damage, making compensation the best option for some people.
We are now using a robotic exoskeleton device, the KinArm, to acquire behavioral data during reaching tasks. This data will be used to build parametric models and determine a rational control strategy the KinArm may use to aid the user in achieving normal movement patterns during subsequent reaches. Pilot studies using these methods will provide design guidelines for future rehabilitation robotics development.
The long-term goal of this work is to design and produce take-home devices that are customized to either compensate for an individual’s deficit or to facilitate the learning of a new motor pattern. We plan to extend this methodology to a broad range of patient populations. This project lays the foundation for novel home therapies by identifying strategies a robot could use to normalize movement control of people with cerebellar damage.
People
- David Grow, Ph.D. Student in Mechanical Engineering
- Nasir Bhapuri, Ph.D. Student in Biomedical Engineering
- Faculty Collaborator: Amy J. Bastian, Ph.D., PT (Director, Motion Analysis Laboratory, Kennedy Krieger Institute; Associate Professor of Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)
- Allison Okamura
Support
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) NIH F31 to David Grow
National Science Foundation CAREER Award
