JournalArticle

MR Ebers, MC Rosenberg, JN Kutz, KM Steele (2023) “A machine learning approach to quantify individual gait responses to ankle exoskeletons”

Yusuke Maruo JournalArticle, Publications , ,

Journal Article in bioRxiv:

Discrepancy modeling is a unique and innovative tool that complements current biomechanical modeling approaches and may accelerate the discovery of individual-specific mechanisms driving responses to exoskeletons, other assistive devices, and clinical interventions.

Aim: This study aims to leverage a neural network-based discrepancy modeling framework to quantify complex changes in gait in response to passive ankle exoskeletons in non-disabled adults. It hypothesized that (i) the Nominal model would predict Exo kinematics and EMG less accurately than for the Nominal condition, and (ii) the Augmented (Nominal+Discrepancy) model would capture greater variance in Exo kinematics and EMG than the Nominal model.

Method: This study analyzed gait data for 12 non-disabled adults during treadmill walking in bilateral passive ankle exoskeletons at a self-selected speed, results of which were used in participant-specific continuous-time neural network with discrepancy models to predict gait responses.

Results: Discrepancy modeling successfully quantified individuals’ exoskeleton responses without requiring knowledge about physiological structure or motor control. However, additional measurement modalities and/or improved resolution are needed to characterize Exo gait, as the discrepancy may not comprehensively capture response due to unexplained variance in Exo gait.

Interpretation: These techniques can be used to accelerate the discovery of individual-specific mechanisms driving exoskeleton responses, thus enabling personalized rehabilitation.

MH Schwartz, KM Steele, AJ Ries, AG Georgiadis, BA MacWilliams (2022) “A model for understanding the causes and consequences of walking impairments”

Yusuke Maruo JournalArticle, Publications ,

Journal Article in PLOS ONE:

Causal inference is inherently ambiguous since we cannot observe multiple realizations of the same person with different characteristics. Causal models must be evaluated through indirect means and reasoning.

Aim: The main objectives in conducting this study were to (1) propose a comprehensive model for quantifying the causes and consequences of walking impairments and (2) demonstrate the potential utility of the model for supporting clinical care and addressing basic scientific questions related to walking.

Method: This paper introduced a model consisting of 10 nodes and 23 primary causal paths and demonstrated the model’s utility using a large sample of gait data.

Results: The model was plausible, captured some well-known cause-effect relationships, provided new insights into others, and generated novel hypotheses requiring further testing through simulation or experiment.

Interpretation: This model is a proposal that is meant to be critically evaluated, validated or refuted, altered, and improved over time. Such improvements might include the introduction of new nodes, variables, and paths.

BC Conner, AM Spomer, KM Steele, ZF Lerner (2022) “Factors influencing neuromuscular responses to gait training with a robotic ankle exoskeleton in cerebral palsy”

Yusuke Maruo JournalArticle, Publications , ,

Journal Article in RESNA:

Our findings underscored the importance of monitoring how users change their gait kinematics when walking with the resistive device, with a specific emphasis on stance-phase lower limb extension. We also highlight the necessity of considering an individual’s functional status and amount of practice with the device, as well as more obvious factors, like device parameters. BART can be used early in the development of robotic gait training interventions to better understand complex and multifactorial user-device interactions.

Aim: Although ankle exoskeletons offer a promising means of augmenting gait training and enhancing independent mobility among individuals with neuromuscular disorders, response to existing paradigms is highly heterogeneous. In this study we aimed to identify factors which may affect how individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) interact with a resistive ankle exoskeleton during multi-day training to inform future device design and individualized tuning.

Method:We evaluated the gait mechanics (kinematics and muscle activity) of eight individuals with CP as they walked with bilateral ankle exoskeletons – designed to promote increased plantar flexor recruitment – during a seven-day training paradigm. These data along with pertinent device and participant parameters were input into a Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) machine learning model to identify factors which were most associated with increased plantar flexor recruitment.

Results: Four themes emerged: 1) AFO provision is a confusing and lengthy process, 2) participants want more information during AFO provision, 3) AFOs are uncomfortable and difficult to use, and 4) AFOs can benefit mobility and independence. Caregivers and individuals with CP recommended ideas such as 3D printing orthoses and education for caregivers on design choices to improve AFO design and provision.

Interpretation: Individuals with CP and their caregivers found the AFO provision process frustrating but highlight that AFOs support mobility and participation. Further opportunities exist to support function and participation of people with CP by streamlining AFO provision processes, creating educational materials, and improving AFO design for comfort and ease of use.

Nicole L Zaino, Momona Yamagami, Deborah J Gaebler-Spira, Katherine M Steele, Kristie F Bjornson, Heather A Feldner (2022) ““That’s frustrating”: Perceptions of ankle foot orthosis provision, use, and needs among people with cerebral palsy and caregivers”

Yusuke Maruo JournalArticle, News, Publications , , ,

Journal Article in Prosthetics and Orthotics International:

This research provides insights into the lived experiences of individuals with CP and their caregivers regarding the process of obtaining and using an AFO. Further opportunities exist to support function and participation of people with CP by streamlining AFO provision processes, creating educational materials, and improving AFO design for comfort and ease of use.

Aim: The study objective was to evaluate the lived experiences of individuals with CP and their caregivers regarding AFO access, use, and priorities. We examined experiences around the perceived purpose of AFOs, provision process, current barriers to use, and ideas for future AFO design.

Method: Secondary data analysis was performed on semistructured focus groups that included 68 individuals with CP and 74 caregivers. Of the focus group participants, 66 mentioned AFOs (16 individuals with CP and 50 caregivers). De-identified transcripts were analyzed using inductive coding, and the codes were consolidated into themes.

Results: Four themes emerged: 1) AFO provision is a confusing and lengthy process, 2) participants want more information during AFO provision, 3) AFOs are uncomfortable and difficult to use, and 4) AFOs can benefit mobility and independence. Caregivers and individuals with CP recommended ideas such as 3D printing orthoses and education for caregivers on design choices to improve AFO design and provision.

Interpretation: Individuals with CP and their caregivers found the AFO provision process frustrating but highlight that AFOs support mobility and participation. Further opportunities exist to support function and participation of people with CP by streamlining AFO provision processes, creating educational materials, and improving AFO design for comfort and ease of use.

HA Feldner, C Papazian, KM Peters, CJ Cruetzfeldt, KM Steele (2021) “Clinical Use of Surface Electromyography to Track Acute Upper Extremity Muscle Recovery after Stroke: A Descriptive Case Study of a Single Patient”

Elijah JournalArticle, News, Publications , , , ,

Journal Article in Applied System Innovation:

This work highlights the potential of wearable technologoies to monitor muscle activity changes during stroke recovery in acute clinical settings and their importance for motivation and understanding of progression from the survivor’s point of view: ‘I was hopeful that it would show signs of things that are occurring when I couldn’t physically feel it…if you had other scientific evidence that things were happening, even beyond their notion that it would, it gives you a lot of hope. You just have to be patient, and it’s harder to take when someone tells you, but easier to understand if someone actually shows you’.

Left image depicts arm with pads placed over muscle with right pictures depicting similar image

Aim: Describe the use of wireless sEMG sensors to examine changes in muscle activity during acute and subacute phases of stroke recovery, and understand the participant’s perceptions of sEMG monitoring.

Method: Muscle activity was tracked by five wireless sEMG sensors beginning three days post-stroke and continued through discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Activity logs were completed each session, and a semi-structured interview occurred at the final session with three- and eight-month follow-up sessions.

Results: The longitudinal monitoring of muscle and movement recovery in the clinic and community was feasible using sEMG sensors. The participant and medical team felt monitoring was unobtrusive, interesting, and motivating for recovery, but desired greater in-session feedback to inform rehabilitation.

Interpretation: This work highlights that barriers in equipment and signal quality still exist, but capitalizing on wearable sensing technology in the clinic holds promise for enabling personalized stroke recovery.