Validating Joint Acoustic Emissions Models as a Generalizable Predictor of Joint Health.

Joint acoustic emissions (JAEs) have been used as a non-invasive sensing modality of joint health for different conditions such as acute injuries, osteoarthritis (OA), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent hardware improvements for sensing JAEs have made at-home sensing to supplement clinical visits a possibility. To complement these advances, models must be improved for JAEs to function as generalizable predictors of joint health.

Rib detection using pitch-catch ultrasound and classification algorithms for a novel ultrasound therapy device.

Background: Noninvasive ultrasound (US) has been used therapeutically for decades, with applications in tissue ablation, lithotripsy, and physical therapy. There is increasing evidence that low intensity US stimulation of organs can alter physiological and clinical outcomes for treatment of health disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. One major translational challenge is designing portable and reliable US devices that can be used by patients in their homes, with automated features to detect rib location and aid in efficient transmission of energy to organs of interest.

Quantifying Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Using a Multimodal Sensing Knee Brace.

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory syndrome that features painful and destructive joint disease. Aggressive disease-modifying treatment can result in reduced symptoms and protection from irreversible joint damage; however, assessment of treatment efficacy is currently based largely on subjective measures of patient and physician impressions. In this work, we address this compelling need to provide an accurate and quantitative capability for monitoring joint health in patients with RA.