The OpenSim project and the National Center for Simulation in Rehabilitation Research (NCSRR) at Stanford invite you to join our next webinar, featuring Tunc Akbas from Harvard University.
DETAILS
Title: Characterizing hyperreflexia and abnormal coordination in post-stroke stiff-knee gait
Speaker: Tunc Akbas, Harvard University
Time: Thursday, March 12, 2020 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Registration: Registration is free but required, as space is limited. Click here to register.
ABSTRACT
Stiff-knee gait (SKG) is a common disability post-stroke and is defined by the reduced knee flexion angle during the swing phase. Previous work using exoskeletal knee flexion perturbations during gait reveals a possible abnormal coordination pattern post-stroke. However, the multifaceted neuro-biomechanical processes involved has not yet been confirmed. In this work, Dr. Akbas will present a novel framework towards delineating the neuromuscular mechanisms of abnormal coordination in post-stroke SKG using OpenSim. The OpenSim simulation results suggest an abnormal reflex coupling between rectus femoris (RF) and hip abductors, initiated by exaggerated involuntary RF activity (hyperreflexia), that explains the kinematic data observed previously. Dr. Akbas will also discuss how this framework can be used to identify individualized assistance patterns to avoid hyperreflexia and serve as a template for exoskeletal assistance post-stroke. The results obtained from this study will help determine abnormal coordination patterns in post-stroke and inform future robotic and neuromuscular interventions.
Through the webinar, attendees will learn about:
- Identifying simulated neuromuscular variables to evaluate flexion-abduction coupling in post-stroke SKG
- Characterizing neuromuscular response during gait
- Verifying dynamic consistency and validation of simulations
- Simulating individualized virtual assistance in OpenSim