Assisting Stroke Survivors With Engineering Technology (ASSET): Design Project D3: Exoskeletal Networks for Forearm Supination
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of an exoskeletal network of passive, multi-joint springs for forearm supination. Also known as the forearm ExoNET, the device is a passive, robotic device that will properly assist forearm supination in the post-stroke adult population.
Description
The ExoNET, a passive robotic solution that provides a soft, biomimetic, and elastic alternative to robotics that embodies intelligence within the mechanical design. Several groups have been exploring performance enhancement using springs with custom-tuned parameters via optimization. Here, it is possible to have a simple reconfigurable system that can not only assist performance, but can also make training easier, faster, and more complete. This contribution has the potential to be clinically significant for rehabilitating neurologically impaired individuals because this proposal will investi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 40–70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Between the ages of 40-70 (to reduce confounding effects of aging on muscle, movement accuracy and proprioception) 2. Have sustained a single, unilateral stroke at least 8 months prior to enrollment 3. Severe to moderate upper extremity impairment (ARAT score 0-30) 4. Ability to move their elbow and wrist when supported against gravity 5. Cortical stroke with hemiparesis, tactile sensation 6. Available medical records about lesion locations indicating the stroke was caused by a middle cerebral artery ischemic infarct Exclusion Criteria: 1. Bilateral paresis 2. Diffuse…
Interventions
- DeviceDevice tuned to Assistance
The device spring components will be tuned to produce an assistive supination torque on the forearm.
- DeviceDevice tuned to Sham (Slack Springs)
The device spring components will be tuned to slack springs to serve as a placebo. The user will think they are receiving forces but in reality the device will not be providing any forces.
- DeviceDevice tuned to Anti-Assistance
The device spring components will be tuned to produce a resistive supination torque on the forearm.
Location
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLabChicago, Illinois