Neuromotor Adaptations to a Soft Robotic Exosuit

Project Background

Individuals post-stroke have characteristically slow, asymmetric, and metabolically expensive walking patterns. Our group has developed a soft-robotic exosuit that improves post-stroke walking while it is powered on, demonstrating it's value as an assistive device. However, we don't yet know if training with this device leads to long-term rehabilitation of post-stroke walking patterns.

To evaluate the rehabilitative potential of the exosuit, I will be tracking changes in neuromuscular control prior to, during, and after repeated Robotic Exosuit Augmented Locomotion (REAL) gait training. To do this, I propose using muscle synergies, the dynamic motor control index, and central neural drive to evaluate neuromuscular control.

Related Work

1. Awad, L. N., Bae, J., O’donnell, K., De Rossi, S. M. M., Hendron, K., Sloot, L. H., … Walsh, J. (2017). A soft robotic exosuit improves walking in patients after stroke. Science Translational Medicine, 9, 1–12.

2. Jacobs, D. A., Koller, J. R., Steele, K. M., & Ferris, D. P. (2018). Motor modules during adaptation to walking in a powered ankle exoskeleton. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 15(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-017-0343-x

3. Steele, K. M., Jackson, R. W., Shuman, B. R., & Collins, S. H. (2017). Muscle recruitment and coordination with an ankle exoskeleton. Journal of Biomechanics, 59, 50–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.05.010

4. Steele, K. M., Jackson, R. W., Shuman, B. R., & Collins, S. H. (2017). Muscle recruitment and coordination with an ankle exoskeleton. Journal of Biomechanics, 59, 50–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.05.010

5. Awad, L. N., Hsiao, H. Y., & Binder-Macleod, S. A. (2020). Central Drive to the Paretic Ankle Plantarflexors Affects the Relationship Between Propulsion and Walking Speed After Stroke. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 44, 42–48. https://doi.org/10.1097/NPT.0000000000000299