Model-informed Patient-specific Rehabilitation Using Robotics and Neuromuscular Modeling

Description

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the primary cause of long-term disability in the United States, affecting approximately 795,000 people each year. Hemiparesis, or unilateral weakness, is common after stroke and responsible for changes in muscle activation and movement patterns as well as declines in walking speed. It has been shown that increased walking speed directly corresponds to a higher quality of life in older adults and therefore, is often the goal of motor rehabilitation after stroke. However, there is no consensus on the best method for improving walking function after stroke and the results of post-stroke gait studies vary widely across sites and studies. Walking is one of the human's most important functions that serve survival, progress, and interaction. The force between the foot and the walking surface is very important. Although there have been many studies trying to understand this, there is a need for the development of a system that can advance research and provide new functionality. In this work, we will conduct a series of studies that attempt to analyze human gait and adaptations from different perspectives.

Conditions

Stroke

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the primary cause of long-term disability in the United States, affecting approximately 795,000 people each year. Hemiparesis, or unilateral weakness, is common after stroke and responsible for changes in muscle activation and movement patterns as well as declines in walking speed. It has been shown that increased walking speed directly corresponds to a higher quality of life in older adults and therefore, is often the goal of motor rehabilitation after stroke. However, there is no consensus on the best method for improving walking function after stroke and the results of post-stroke gait studies vary widely across sites and studies. Walking is one of the human's most important functions that serve survival, progress, and interaction. The force between the foot and the walking surface is very important. Although there have been many studies trying to understand this, there is a need for the development of a system that can advance research and provide new functionality. In this work, we will conduct a series of studies that attempt to analyze human gait and adaptations from different perspectives.

Model-informed Patient-specific Rehabilitation Using Robotics and Neuromuscular Modeling

Model-informed Patient-specific Rehabilitation Using Robotics and Neuromuscular Modeling

Condition
Stroke
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Newark

University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States, 19716

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Any neurological conditions (applicable to Group A - healthy subjects) or other neurological conditions in addition to stroke (applicable to Group B - stroke survivors);
  • * Inability to walk outside the home before the stroke (applicable to Group B - stroke survivors);
  • * Coronary artery bypass graft in the past 3 months, myocardial infarction in the past 3 months, uncontrolled or untreated atrial fibrillation, severe or painful peripheral vascular disease, diagnosis of heart failure, or unstable or untreated angina;
  • * Expressive aphasia
  • * Reported musculoskeletal pain or conditions that limit walking (such as tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, or any orthopedic surgery or fracture to the legs or spine in the last 6 months);
  • * Inability to communicate with investigators (e.g., due to severe aphasia or other cognitive impairment);
  • * Severe respiratory problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
  • * Unexplained dizziness;
  • * Weight greater than 250 pounds (lbs).
  • * Inability to ascend and descend 4 steps with handrails using another person's assistance (if desired)

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Delaware,

Study Record Dates

2026-06-30