•Rehabilitation robotic device for gait therapy... <<back

Rehabilitation robotic device for gait therapy: The goal of this project is to deliver a novel gait rehabilitation device (MIT-Skywalker) that is unique and distinct from any other existing kinematic-based rehabilitation devices. Contrary to the kinematic-based, mechanized gait robots that restrict movement to a rigid kinematic profile, the MIT-Skywalker does not impose rigid kinematic-patterns of normal gait on the impaired limb. Instead, the MIT-Skywalker takes advantage of the natural dynamics of the lower extremity to deliver more efficient therapy. This, in turn, may provide efficient heel-strike and hip extension and also maximize the subject’s active participation during therapy. For this, the MIT-Skywalker creates the required ground clearance for swing while exploiting gravity to assist the leg in propelling forward. The actuation of the walking surface is controlled using a camera-based, closed-loop control architecture. In order to challenge subjects during training, I have developed the performance-based gait training algorithm, through which the treadmill gait speed can be automatically adjusted according to the subject’s training performance. Additionally, I have developed a visual feedback display to help subjects to become more engaged in the training. The key component in developing the visual feedback display may be to design it such that the subjects can interact with the display. Thus, a simple video game also has been implemented in the visual feedback to emulate the subject’s training performance in the game, which provide fun and a positive challenge for the subject.

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• Kim SJ, Boninger M, Cooper R, Koontz A, Souza A, “Wheelchair Braking Biomechanics”, Resna Conference, Menneapolis, Minesota, July, 2002. (PDF)
• Badi A.N., Kim S. J., Shelton C., Normann R.A., “Electrode Independence in a Novel VIII Nerve Auditory Prostheses”. Society for Neuroscience, New Orleans, 2003.
• Kim SJ, Manyam S, Badi AN, Normann RA, “Neural Responses in Feline Auditory Cortex to Direct Auditory Nerve Stimulation”, Soc. Neurosci. Abs., 2004. (PDF)
• Kim SJ, Badi AN, Normann RA, “Electrophysiological Mapping of Cat Primary Auditory Cortex with Microelectrode Arrays”, Soc. Neurosci. Abs., 2005. (PDF)
•Kim SJ, Mukherjee M, Jung R, “Adaptive electrical stimulation for rodent locomotion training produces fatigue-resistant responses", Int. Neurotrauma Symposium, 2007.(PDF)
•Kim SJ, Mukherjee M, Jung R, “Adaptive Control for Neuromuscular Stimulation Therapy in an Intermittent Training Paradigm", BMES, 2007.(PDF)
•Kim J, Cho S, Kim SJ, “Preliminary Studies to Develop a Ubiquitous Computing and Health-monitoring System for Wheelchair Users", BodyNets, Tempe, AZ, March, 2008.(PDF)
•Andrade J, Kim SJ, Christensen D.A., “Bioengineering Education via Projects and Activities for an Interactive Science Center: the University of Utah Experience”, 3rd Biomedical Engineering Education Summit Meeting, St. Charles, IL, June, 2008. (PDF)
•Abbas J, Kim SJ, Fairchild M, Allison S, Krishnamurthi N, Jung R, “On the Use of Adaptive Control in Stimulation-Assisted Neuromotor Therapy”, International FES Society Conference, German, 2008.(PDF)
•M Fairchild, JL Burton, SJ Kim, JJ Abbas, R Jung, “Use of adaptive neuromuscular electrical stimulation for hip movement in an incomplete spinal cord injury rodent model”, Soc. Neurosci. Abs., 2009. (PDF)