Biomedical Engineering

Expanding Powered Leg Access

Eleanor Clark — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 23:01:14 +0000

Expanding Powered Leg Access

Eleanor Clark Wed, 01/29/2025 - 17:01 ProjectExpanding Powered Leg Access /research/labs/bionic-medicine/projects/expanding-powered-leg-accessproject-type--legs

Passive Prostheses Limit Daily Activities

Amputation of the lower limb affects an estimated 1 million Americans, significantly limiting their mobility and independence. After lower limb loss, individuals walk more slowly and unevenly, are less stable, and use more energy.

Most commercially available prosthetic legs are passive, meaning they do not supply power to compensate for the energy that would be provided by an intact ankle or knee, and therefore provide significantly limited function. Advanced passive prosthetic joints use sensors and a microcomputer to cushion the knee joint and make walking smoother. These computerized prostheses can be programmed with several activity modes, such as walking or descending stairs. However, these modes are not activated automatically so users must select when they are changing activities. Further, since these computerized prostheses are passive, the user still cannot efficiently climb stairs or inclines.

Powered Legs Aid in Mobility

Powered prostheses can overcome these disadvantages by providing joint power for the more demanding activities of daily living. Unfortunately, patient access to these devices is limited. Current Medicare guidelines allow reimbursement of prosthetic components based on clinician-evaluated levels of mobility. Thus, patients who are evaluated to have better walking potential are typically prescribed more advanced prostheses. However, a patient’s ability determined by in-clinic assessments may not reflect real world mobility, and little information exists on the correlation between clinical measures and community mobility level. Previous studies suggest that more advanced devices provide mobility advantages across a range of patient abilities.

Our Goals:

New powered joints may allow for better outcomes in individuals with leg amputation across ability levels. However, powered devices have been almost exclusively developed for and tested by individuals with high levels of mobility. Our work is focused on comprehensively evaluating the benefits of powered devices for prosthesis users who have historically not be included in such testing. We are comparing the functional performance of patients with a passive microcomputer knee prosthesis versus a prosthesis with both a powered knee and a powered ankle. We are also testing if a prosthesis with only a powered knee or a powered ankle improves walking in this group. Further, we are evaluating if additional clinical training with the powered knee and ankle prosthesis reduces abandonment of the prosthesis. Our hypothesis is that providing powered prosthetic devices will improve patient mobility and that clinical training will magnify those improvements.

Participants in this study will:

Attend multiple study visits at Shirley Ryan С�� over 8 to 10 months
Meet with a research prosthetist to make a socket for use in the study
Be fit for use with socket and study devices
Receive training with commercially available and study-specific prostheses
Perform functional testing wearing prostheses

Who can participate:

Residents of the Chicagoland area
18-95 years old
Individuals with a unilateral transfemoral amputation
At least 6 months since definitive prosthesis fitting
Able to walk 50 meters (55 yards) with a prosthesis without the assistance of another person
Medically cleared by physician to participate in study
English speaking
Weigh under 250 pounds

Compensation:

Participants will receive compensation for each study visit.

Apply for this Trial:

Understanding how Powered Componentry Impacts Prosthetic Gait with a Transfemoral Prosthesis

Clinical Trial

Funding Source:

National Institute of Health (NIH)

Levi Hargrove, PhD

Scientific Chair, The Regenstein Foundation Center for Bionic Medicine Director, Neural Engineering for Prosthetics and Orthotics Lab Associate Professor, Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Engineering, Northwestern University

Kyle Embry, PhD

Principal Investigator, Regenstein Foundation Center for Bionic Medicine

January 29, 2025

Posted By Eleanor Clark

Project Type

Legs, Prosthetics, Biomedical Engineering

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Research Labs & Centers

Osseointegration for Powered Leg Prostheses

Eleanor Clark — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 22:14:32 +0000

Osseointegration for Powered Leg Prostheses

Eleanor Clark Wed, 01/29/2025 - 16:14 ProjectOsseointegration for Powered Leg Prostheses /research/labs/bionic-medicine/projects/osseointegration-powered-legsproject-type--legs

Powered Prosthetic Advancements Offer Enhanced Mobility

Even using state-of-the-art passive prostheses, persons with leg amputations use more energy during walking than able-bodied individuals, which limits community mobility. Increased effort is also required for daily activities. A recent wave of technological advances has enabled the development of powered knee and ankle joints that can be controlled together in a coordinated fashion across a broad range of activities. These movements are enhanced by the inclusion of pattern recognition technology. Electrical signals are emitted by all contracting muscles, even those that are partially amputated. By training a computer algorithm to recognize the signal patterns specific to a particular intended movement, electromyography (EMG) sensors decipher user intent and relay that information to safely create prosthetic movement in real time.

Challenges of External Sockets in Leg Prostheses

While these technological advancements are promising, attaching a prosthetic device to the body presents physical challenges. Leg prostheses are typically connected through an external socket fitted to the individual. However, external sockets can limit the impact of new prosthesis developments. The motor and battery of powered prosthetic devices enable power generation but are heavier than non-powered devices. Providing reliable and comfortable suspension of these devices using traditional sockets can be difficult. Additionally, it is challenging to collect robust EMG data from within a lower-limb socket due to the up and down movement of the leg within the prosthetic socket, sweating, and misalignment of sensors after putting on the socket.

Osseointegration and Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

In this study, we are utilizing two innovative surgical techniques, osseointegration (OI) and targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR). OI allows for the direct attachment of a prosthesis to remaining bone, eliminating the need for an external socket. OI enables direct transfer of weight from the artificial limb to the skeleton. Benefits include reduced energy expenditure and improvements in walking ability, range of motion, awareness of the prosthetic limb, and comfort while sitting. Additionally, following OI, EMG signal quality will be better than signals measured from within a lower-limb socket due to improved sensor placement and maintenance.

TMR surgery will be paired with OI to enhance utilization of EMG signals. After an amputation, motor commands for the missing limb continue to travel down remaining nerves. During TMR surgery, these residual nerves are transplanted into new target muscle tissue. Once reinnervation is complete, the target muscle tissue contracts in response to activation of the transplanted nerves, producing EMG signals that can be used to control a prosthesis directly.

Our Goals:

The objective of this study is to evaluate the movement of individuals with leg amputation who have received OI and TMR and are using a fully powered prosthesis. We are studying functional mobility, the effects of non-weight-bearing neural control, and user satisfaction. Our hypothesis is that OI will show benefits for participants including lowerperceived weight of the prosthesis and decreased energy expenditure during movement. Further, we anticipate EMG signals will be higher quality and more robust, potentially allowing for improved pattern recognition in future prosthetic devices.

Participants in this study will:

Undergo osseointegration surgery, if they have not already
Undergo targeted muscle reinnervation surgery, if they have not already
Attend multiple study visits at the Shirley Ryan С��
Be fit for use with a powered prosthesis
Train with a powered prosthesis
Perform functional testing wearing a powered prosthesis

Who can participate:

18-70 years old
Individual with unilateral lower limb amputation at the transfemoral level
Existing prosthesis wearer with K2/K3/K4 level ambulation
Able to ascend and descend stairs with current clinically prescribed prosthesis
Minimum build height of current prosthesis of 47 cm
Mini-Mental State Exam score greater than 17
Ability to demonstrate proper safety with passive prosthesis
Candidate for a myoelectric prosthesis
Candidate for osseointegration surgery as verified by surgical team or has previously received osseointegration
Candidate for targeted muscle reinnervation surgery as verified by surgical team or has previously received targeted muscle reinnervation

Compensation:

Participants will receive compensation for each study visit.

Funding Source:

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP)

Levi Hargrove, PhD

Kyle Embry, PhD

Principal Investigator, Regenstein Foundation Center for Bionic Medicine

January 29, 2025

Posted By Eleanor Clark

Project Type

Legs, Prosthetics, Biomedical Engineering

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Research Labs & Centers

Using the Fitbit for Early Detection of Infection and Reduction of Healthcare Utilization after Discharge in Pediatric Surgical Patients

Grace Sutoris — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:18:25 +0000

Using the Fitbit for Early Detection of Infection and Reduction of Healthcare Utilization after Discharge in Pediatric Surgical Patients

Grace Sutoris Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:18 ProjectUsing the Fitbit for Early Detection of Infection and Reduction of Healthcare Utilization after Discharge in Pediatric Surgical Patients /research/labs/max-nader-rto/projects/using-fitbit-early-detection-infection-after-discharge-pediatric-surgical-patientsproject-type--artificial-intelligence

Overview

Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency requiring operation in children, and accounts for a third of all pediatric hospital admissions for abdominal pain. Approximately 80,000 appendectomies are performed in the US annually, of which a third are for complicated appendicitis (appendicitis where the appendix is inflamed & damaged by gangrene, abscess, and/or perforation). Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is common among patients who undergo appendectomies for complicated appendicitis. Many parents and/or caregivers have few tools to detect the presence of infection with objective data. In most cases, they must rely on measures & assessment that can be inaccurate. (e.g. thermometers and appetite). The object of this study is to develop and externally validate a machine learning algorithm for postoperative infection. Additionally, a pre-post study will be conducted to determine the effect of near real-time availability of the infection alert from Fitbit on clinical decision-making, time to first contact with the healthcare system, and healthcare utilization.

Subject Population

Age 3-18 years old
Be post-surgical laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendectomy

Study Personnel

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD

Executive Director, Technology & Innovation Hub (tiHUB); Director, Max Näder Center for Rehabilitation Technologies & Outcomes Research

September 12, 2024

Project Type

Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering

Default Image

Default Blue

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Research Labs & Centers

COMPLETE: Wearable Airbag Technology to Mitigate Falls in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

Anonymous — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 18:23:14 +0000

COMPLETE: Wearable Airbag Technology to Mitigate Falls in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 10/05/2020 - 13:23 ProjectCOMPLETE: Wearable Airbag Technology to Mitigate Falls in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease /research/labs/max-nader-rto/projects/complete-wearable-airbag-system-prevent-fallsproject-type--parkinsons-disease

This study is complete and is no longer recruiting subjects.

Overview

People with Parkinson's disease may fall due to issues with gait and balance or weak muscles. Falling can result in serious injuries, such as a broken hip. After a fall, people may worry about falling again, resulting in less walking or exercising and a tendency to stay home instead of running errands or meeting friends. Personal airbags may reduce this worry and prevent additional injury. Smart airbags worn under clothes can sense when the user is falling, inflate quickly to cushion the hip and then gently deflate under body weight to reduce the impact of falling.

This pilot study will determine if using a novel smart airbag design works and if using airbags is realistic and helpful for people with Parkinson's. We expect that a smart, wearable airbag system that can accurately predict falls and quickly inflate will reduce hip fractures in people with Parkinson's. We also expect that wearing the airbags will make people less scared of falling, so they will be more active within their home and community.

This study design involves two steps: (1) improving the airbag system so it can accurately detect falls in people with Parkinson's and (2) testing whether the system reduces injuries caused by falling. A group of 25 people with Parkinson's will wear the airbag system for six months, while another group of 25 will not. Everyone will carry a smartphone that can detect and record falls and measure activity levels. Information from the phones will tell us if (1) the airbags reduced the number of hip injuries from falls, and (2) if people wearing the airbags were more active.

The next step will be to have more people test the airbag system to confirm the results from this initial trial and to see if there are any negative effects from using the airbags. If further studies are successful, we will seek FDA approval to sell the system in the US.

Subject Population

Diagnosed with Parkison’s Disease or neurlogic disorders with high fall risk
Ages 18-85 years
Able to sit unsupported, walk at least with an assistive device, and be able to follow a three-step command
Able to carry and use a smartphone

Study Personnel

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD

Executive Director, Technology & Innovation Hub (tiHUB); Director, Max Näder Center for Rehabilitation Technologies & Outcomes Research

Funding Source

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Participation

Want to participate in this study? Fill out this interest form.

November 29, 2018

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Posted By Sheila Burt

Project Type

Parkinson's Disease, Gait, Biomedical Engineering

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Research Labs & Centers

Wearable Sensor and Video Platform to Monitor Motor Development in Infants

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 19:14:57 +0000

Wearable Sensor and Video Platform to Monitor Motor Development in Infants

Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 10/02/2020 - 14:14 ProjectWearable Sensor and Video Platform to Monitor Motor Development in Infants /research/labs/max-nader-rto/projects/monitoring-motor-development-infantsproject-type--artificial-intelligence

Overview

Currently, detection of abnormal motor behavior and development often relies on observation based clinical assessments, which may be administered late (or not at all), require specialized training, or have lower sensitivity for mild symptoms. There remains a need for more accessible and robust tools capable of detecting atypical behavior early in infancy, which is critical for promoting optimal motor and sensory development.

Recent developments in wireless telecommunication and flexible sensors have dramatically facilitated measurement of human movement. This work, pioneered in the laboratory of Dr. John Rogers, PhD at Northwestern University (Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics), has now been implemented throughout the Shirley Ryan С�� for several disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, orthopedic gait abnormality, sleep disorders, swallowing dysfunction, and altered neuromuscular activation patterns in disorders such as stroke and spinal cord injury. Recently, the Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics developed a set of pediatric sensors that can be used in infants to measure their limb movement and muscle activation.

The goal of this project is to test flexible body-worn sensors and video technology to provide high-resolution measures of motor development in infants, starting from a very young age and continuing up to 2 years of age.

Data monitoring set-up

Sensors will be placed on the legs, arms, chest and head using soft bandage wraps or a gentle adhesive. The sensors will record the child's movements in various postures and tasks. A video camera will also record their movements.

We believe that, using our expertise in machine learning combined with direct observation of these infants by highly-trained therapists, we can automate the detection of atypical motor or sensory development in early infancy. This will make early detection objective and straightforward, while using developmentally sensitive reassessments as infants grow. We expect this approach will enable earlier intervention to address atypical motor and sensory development through a scientifically identified new state-of-science therapeutic intervention which includes our specialized therapy designed from birth onward.

Subject Population

Children less than 2 years old

Study Personnel

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD

Executive Director, Technology & Innovation Hub (tiHUB); Director, Max Näder Center for Rehabilitation Technologies & Outcomes Research

Study Partners

Rogers Research Group, Northwestern University

DevSci's Data Science Hub, Northwestern University

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Funding Source

Corbett MW Ryan Foundation

Participation

Want to participate in this study? Fill out this interest form.

October 06, 2020

Posted By Sheila Burt

Project Type

Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Research Labs & Centers

COMPLETE: Safety and Efficacy of Samsung GEMS-H Device Training in Sub-Acute and Chronic Stroke

Anonymous — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 16:02:27 +0000

COMPLETE: Safety and Efficacy of Samsung GEMS-H Device Training in Sub-Acute and Chronic Stroke

Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/25/2020 - 11:02 ProjectCOMPLETE: Safety and Efficacy of Samsung GEMS-H Device Training in Sub-Acute and Chronic Stroke /research/labs/max-nader-rto/projects/complete-hip-exoskeleton-improved-mobilityproject-type--stroke

This study is complete and is no longer recruiting subjects.

Overview

A number of individuals recovering from stroke experience severe gait impairments that can contribute to falls and limit their ability to walk within their homes and communities. Some robotics and assistive technologies have the potential to improve mobility and provide assistance in more challenging walking tasks, such as bending the knee.

This research study will determine the effects of gait training with the Samsung GEMS-H device, an exoskeleton that can provide assistance at the hip joint during walking, in individuals with sub-acute and chronic stroke.

We will specifically research the the effects of using the GEMS-H device on walking, balance, nervous system activity, and quality of life.

The Samsung GEMS-H device is an investigational device and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Study Personnel

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD

Executive Director, Technology & Innovation Hub (tiHUB); Director, Max Näder Center for Rehabilitation Technologies & Outcomes Research

Related Publications & Articles

Giffhorn M, Jayaraman A, Danilovich M. Impact of Hip-Assist Exoskeleton-Based Mobility Training for Older Adults. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2019 Oct 1;100(10):e86.

Funding Source

Samsung Electronics Co.

September 25, 2018

GEMS clinical test with Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | Samsung Posted By Sheila Burt

Project Type

Stroke, Biomedical Engineering

Default Image

Default Blue

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Research Labs & Centers

Sleep of Inpatients: Empower Staff to Act for Acute Stroke Rehabilitation (SIESTA)

Anonymous — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 15:33:09 +0000

Sleep of Inpatients: Empower Staff to Act for Acute Stroke Rehabilitation (SIESTA)

Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/25/2020 - 10:33 ProjectSleep of Inpatients: Empower Staff to Act for Acute Stroke Rehabilitation (SIESTA) /research/labs/max-nader-rto/projects/improving-sleep-inpatientsproject-type--stroke

Overview

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, reducing everyday mobility and communication skills in more than half of survivors. Acute rehabilitation through early interventions is a mainstay for recovery and improving physical function in stroke patients. Unfortunately, patients recovering from acute stroke are at risk for poor, non-restorative sleep, when sleep is critical for recovery and participation in intense physical rehabilitation.

During acute rehabilitation, stroke patients face two sleep-related challenges: (1) uncoordinated and often unnecessary nocturnal interruptions (vitals, medications, etc.) due to medical or nursing care; and (2) a high risk of undiagnosed sleep disordered breathing.

Given the critical role of sleep in enhancing neural recovery, motor learning, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity, interventions to enhance sleep that target these two areas could improve recovery and rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients.

Evaluating a Novel Intervention to Promote Sleep

For this project, a multidisciplinary group of researchers with expertise in rehabilitation medicine, sleep medicine, nursing, physical therapy, wearable technologies, and implementation science will adapt, implement and evaluate a state-of-the-art intervention to promote sleep for stroke patients undergoing acute rehabilitation. SIESTA-Rehab, adapted from our previous unit-based intervention, bundles two sleep-promoting interventions to address the unique sleep challenges stroke patients face during acute rehabilitation: (1) nursing education and empowerment to reduce unnecessary disruptions; (2) a systematic protocol to screen, diagnose, and treat sleep-disordered breathing if present during acute stroke rehabilitation.

This research will take place at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (SRAlab), the first-ever translational research hospital that brings clinicians and researchers together to make breakthrough discoveries in rehabilitation. Researchers at their Center for Bionic Medicine have pioneered the development and validation of a high-resolution wearable sensor platform to monitor stroke recovery via continuous biometric and movement-based sensor data for clinical symptoms (e.g., movement, sleep, heart rate variability, speech & swallowing, and gait quality). These sensors have been tested during performance of validated clinical tests and inpatient activities (e.g., therapy, down-time, sleeping).

We will study the effectiveness of SIESTA-Rehab on improving sleep and rehabilitation outcomes during acute rehabilitation for stroke and after discharge home. Because there are two stroke floors at SRAlab and patients are admitted in a quasi-random allocation, we will implement SIESTA-Rehab in one unit while the other unit receives Usual Care (routine night nursing care and clinician judgment to order sleep study). This natural experiment enables a difference-in-differences approach, controlling for relevant covariates, to compare short and long-term sleep and rehabilitation outcomes between patients in the SIESTA-Rehab and Usual Care units.

Subject Population

Diagnosed with stroke and admitted to the Shirley Ryan С��

Age 18 or older

Is NOT pregnant or nursing

Does NOT have neurological degenerative pathologies as comorbidities (such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc.)

Does NOT have powered, implanted cardiac devices

Study Personnel

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD

Executive Director, Technology & Innovation Hub (tiHUB); Director, Max Näder Center for Rehabilitation Technologies & Outcomes Research

Study Partners

Vineet Arora, MD, University of Chicago, Principal Investigator

Related Media Coverage

SIESTA Project Reduces Inpatient Sleep Interruptions (UChicago Medicine Magazine, January 2019

Funding Source

National Institutes of Health (1 R01 HD097786-01A1)

September 25, 2020

ClinicalTrials.gov Description Posted By Sheila Burt

Project Type

Stroke, Outcomes, Biomedical Engineering

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Research Labs & Centers

COMPLETE: Sensor Technologies Applied to Rehabilitation in Stroke

Anonymous — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 14:42:00 +0000

COMPLETE: Sensor Technologies Applied to Rehabilitation in Stroke

Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/25/2020 - 09:42 ProjectCOMPLETE: Sensor Technologies Applied to Rehabilitation in Stroke /research/labs/max-nader-rto/projects/complete-sensor-technologies-applied-rehabilitation-strokeproject-type--stroke

This study is complete and is no longer recruiting subjects.

Sensor Technologies Applied to Rehabilitation in Stroke (STARS) is a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) program, funded by The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

Based within the Shirley Ryan С��, with partners at Northwestern University, University of California at Irvine, and Virginia Tech, this center focuses on the pivotal role of clinicians and therapists in implementing routine rehabilitation care, and on enhancing their capacity to provide evidence-based, individualized, and precise therapy.

The primary objective of this research program is to enhance the capacity of clinicians to measure impairment by developing and testing a range of sensors suitable for use in a clinical rehabilitation facility. Our central hypothesis is that the measures of function currently used to evaluate progress in rehabilitation are insufficiently precise, and do not allow physicians and therapists to characterize and understand the sources of impairment that lead to loss of function. We will test this hypothesis by first designing, developing, and testing sensors suitable for measurement of impairment in stroke survivors, followed by studies to determine the feasibility of implementing these devices in routine clinical practice. We have chosen to focus on stroke, because this is the most common neurological disorder requiring intensive and prolonged rehabilitation.

Projects

Our center includes four development projects (D1-4), supported by three cores, and a research project (R1) to determine the feasibility of implementing sensors in a clinical environment:

D1. Evaluation of use of small exoskeletons on the hands and fingers of persons to quantify finger extension forces after stroke. These forces are strong predictors of hand function. We will evaluate finger dexterity and assess the role of impaired finger proprioception using exoskeletons to measure and track finger joint position.
D2. Development of a Sensor Glove for Precise Quantification of Spasticity after Stroke. The glove design is based on designs by Dr. Arthur Prochazka at the University of Alberta, Canada, who designed an innovative glove for measuring increased tone (i.e., rigidity) in patients with Parkinson's disease. Subject to design and software modifications, the new glove will be used to quantify spastic hypertonia in a stroke sample.
D3. Low Cost Instrumentation and Computational Rating of ARAT Using an Adapted Semi-Automated Rehabilitation System. We will measure movement of the hand and arm towards designated objects and targets as part of the validated ARAT protocol. This work will be done in collaboration with Dr. Thanassis Rikakis from Virginia Tech, with technical support from Arizona State University (Dr. Turaga) and with clinical guidance from Dr. Steven Wolf, Emory University, Atlanta.
D4. Wearable sensors to measure gait impairments and function in individuals with stroke. These sensors will be provided by Dr. John Rogers and his team at Northwestern University, and measured by a team led by Arun Jayaraman PT PhD, director of the Max Näder Center at SRAlab.

After completion of these sensor development projects, we will undertake a pilot implementation trial to evaluate their benefits on clinical evaluation and barriers to their implementation in clinical practice. Completing this pilot study will prepare us to undertake full-scale clinical trials of sensors. These clinical studies will be directed by Miriam Rafferty, PT, PhD, an implementation scientist who studies factors that impact acceptance and use of new interventions. She will be guided by Allen Heinemann, PhD, a leading health services and outcomes investigator and Director of Outcomes Research at SRAlab, and Dr. Elliot Roth, Chair, Department of PM&R, Northwestern University.

Study Team Leads

William Zev Rymer, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD, Principal Investigator

Project Leads

D1 – David Reinkensmeyer, PhD of the University of California, Irvine

D2 – Arthur Prochazka, PhD of the University of Alberta, Nina Suresh, PhD and William Zev Rymer, MD, PhD of the Shirley Ryan С��

D3 – Thanassis Rikakis, PhD of Virginia Tech, Caitlin Doman, MS, OTR/L of the Shirley Ryan С�� and Steven Wolf, PhD of Emory University

D4 – Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD and William Zev Rymer, MD, PhD of the Shirley Ryan С��

R1 – Miriam Rafferty, PT, PhD & Allen Heinemann, PhD of the Shirley Ryan С��

Funding Support

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (cc82288 8161//90REGE0010 -01-01).

September 25, 2018

Posted By Sheila Burt

Project Type

Stroke, Biomedical Engineering

С�� Reference

Arms + Hands Lab

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Research Labs & Centers

Clinical Trial: Intuitive Control of a Hybrid Prosthetic Leg During Ambulation

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 18:53:36 +0000

Clinical Trial: Intuitive Control of a Hybrid Prosthetic Leg During Ambulation

Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/22/2020 - 13:53 ProjectClinical Trial: Intuitive Control of a Hybrid Prosthetic Leg During Ambulation /research/labs/bionic-medicine/projects/hybrid-prosthetic-legproject-type--biomedical-engineering

Compared to passive devices, powered prosthetic legs may enable individuals with lower limb amputation to walk more smoothly using less energy, ambulate more efficiently up stairs and ramps, and perform sit-to-stand transitions more easily. However, such devices are heavy, and control systems for these devices require manual transitions between activities.

With previous grant funding, we have developed a novel, lightweight hybrid prosthetic leg that can function as a powered or passive device and is controlled by an adaptive pattern recognition control system that enables safe, automatic, and seamless transitions between ambulation modes.

For this project, we will compare biomechanics and community activity of subjects using their commercially available, passive devices and our novel, lightweight hybrid prosthetic leg. More clinical trial details can be found here.

Study Leadership Team

Levi Hargrove, PhD, Principal Investigator

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD, Co-Investigator

Funding Source

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Levi Hargrove, PhD

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD

Executive Director, Technology & Innovation Hub (tiHUB); Director, Max Näder Center for Rehabilitation Technologies & Outcomes Research

September 22, 2020

Posted By Sheila Burt

Project Type

Biomedical Engineering

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Research Labs & Centers

Intuitively Controlled Virtual Reality System to Treat Phantom Limb Pain

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:39:32 +0000

Intuitively Controlled Virtual Reality System to Treat Phantom Limb Pain

Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 09/21/2020 - 10:39 ProjectIntuitively Controlled Virtual Reality System to Treat Phantom Limb Pain /research/labs/bionic-medicine/projects/virtual-reality-phantom-limb-painproject-type--biomedical-engineering

A Virtual Reality System to Treat Phantom Limb Pain

Limb loss can cause chronic pain, including the formation of painful neuromas and phantom limb pain (PLP) where ongoing painful sensations in the area of the missing limb can persist. While any type of pain can be debilitating, the exact mechanisms of PLP are less understood, and as a result, current treatment options are limited and have been mostly ineffective.

Some recent research suggests that targeted muscle reinnervation, a surgical nerve transfer procedure, can prevent neuroma formation and PLP in some amputees if performed at the time of amputation. In addition, noninvasive and non-pharmacological forms of treatment, such as mirror therapy, has shown some promise for reducing PLP. However, one disadvantage of mirror therapy is that it is unclear if the user is intending to execute the motor commands with their phantom limb, or if they are just watching the image of their intact limb move. Advancements in pattern recognition systems that can decipher electromyographic (EMG) signal patterns generated by the residual limb muscles invites new opportunities to enhance treatment of PLP beyond basic mirror therapy.

Recent studies suggest that using pattern recognition to control a virtual limb may have similar therapeutic benefits. The Shirley Ryan С�� recently developed a virtual reality-based (VR), rehabilitation system for individuals with upper limb amputation which consists of:

A gel-liner system with embedded electrodes for EMG signal acquisition
A Coapt, LLC Gen 2 pattern recognition system
A virtual gaming software for 2D or 3D rendering

In previous work, we showed that the VR system can be used as a rehabilitation training device to improve prosthetic control, as well as provided encouraging evidence of its multi-functional utility in providing relief from PLP.

Goals and Hypothesis

This project builds upon our prior work to further test our VR system for individuals with lower limb amputation and to evaluate its potential for PLP therapy in a larger trial. We will develop a commercially viable VR rehabilitation system (called the Coapt PLP Management System) which can be deployed at home or in-clinic for individuals with upper or lower limb amputations. Our hypothesis is that long-term use of the VR system will significantly reduce PLP.

Lead Study Personnel

Levi Hargrove, PhD, Co-Principal Investigator

Blair Lock, CEO, Coapt, Co-Principal Investigator

Levi Hargrove, PhD

Related Publications & Patents

Hargrove LJ, Woodward RB, inventors; Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, assignee. Prosthetic virtual reality training interface and related methods. United States patent US 10,796,599. 2020 Oct 6.

Woodward RB, Hargrove LJ. Adapting myoelectric control in real-time using a virtual environment. Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation. 2019 Dec 1;16(1):11.

Funding Source

Restoring Warfighters with Neuromusculoskeletal Injuries Research Award (RESTORE), Department of Defense

November 10, 2020

Posted By Sheila Burt

Project Type

Biomedical Engineering

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Research Labs & Centers

Biomedical Engineering

Expanding Powered Leg Access

Expanding Powered Leg Access

Expanding Powered Leg Access

Passive Prostheses Limit Daily Activities

Body

Powered Legs Aid in Mobility

Body

Our Goals:

Body

Participants in this study will:

Body

Who can participate:

Body

Compensation:

Body

Apply for this Trial:

Mentioned Page

Funding Source:

Body

Mentioned Profile

Mentioned Profile

Project Type

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Osseointegration for Powered Leg Prostheses

Osseointegration for Powered Leg Prostheses

Osseointegration for Powered Leg Prostheses

Powered Prosthetic Advancements Offer Enhanced Mobility

Body

Challenges of External Sockets in Leg Prostheses

Body

Osseointegration and Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

Body

Our Goals:

Body

Participants in this study will:

Body

Who can participate:

Body

Compensation:

Body

Funding Source:

Body

Mentioned Profile

Mentioned Profile

Project Type

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Using the Fitbit for Early Detection of Infection and Reduction of Healthcare Utilization after Discharge in Pediatric Surgical Patients

Using the Fitbit for Early Detection of Infection and Reduction of Healthcare Utilization after Discharge in Pediatric Surgical Patients

Using the Fitbit for Early Detection of Infection and Reduction of Healthcare Utilization after Discharge in Pediatric Surgical Patients

Overview

Body

Subject Population

Body

Study Personnel

Mentioned Profile

Project Type

Default Image

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

COMPLETE: Wearable Airbag Technology to Mitigate Falls in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

COMPLETE: Wearable Airbag Technology to Mitigate Falls in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

COMPLETE: Wearable Airbag Technology to Mitigate Falls in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

Body

Overview

Body

Subject Population

Body

Study Personnel

Mentioned Profile

Funding Source

Body

Participation

Body

Project Type

Facets for Clinicians and Researchers

Wearable Sensor and Video Platform to Monitor Motor Development in Infants

Wearable Sensor and Video Platform to Monitor Motor Development in Infants

Wearable Sensor and Video Platform to Monitor Motor Development in Infants

Overview

Body