Continuous Semi-autonomous Prosthesis Control Using a Depth Sensor on the Hand.

Modern myoelectric prostheses can perform multiple functions (e.g., several grasp types and wrist rotation) but their intuitive control by the user is still an open challenge.

Elbow Flexion Assist Orthosis for Arthrogryposis.

Introduction: People with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) often have muscle weakness in the biceps that makes elbow flexion difficult. An elbow-flexion assist orthosis was designed using the force of springs, combined with a sliding joint, to apply appropriate elbow torque to aid a user in lifting her hand to her mouth. The sliding joint allows an increasing elbow torque despite a decreasing spring force.

A software for testing and training visuo-motor coordination for upper limb control.

Background: Developing methods to accelerate improvements in motor function are welcomed in clinical practice. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe changes in brain activity related to the execution of motor tasks implemented on a software - the NeuroMaze - developed specifically to stimulate speed-accuracy tradeoff.

New Method: The NeuroMaze was tested in eleven young and healthy individuals in a single experimental session.

Validation of subject-specific musculoskeletal models using the anatomical reachable 3-D workspace.

A novel metric for the validation of musculoskeletal models is proposed, the reachable 3-D workspace (RWS). This new metric was used to compare a generic model scaled in a standard manner to a more subject-specific model. An experimental protocol for assessing the RWS was performed by ten participants for four distinct hand-payload cases.

The reachable 3-D workspace volume is a measure of payload and body-mass-index: A quasi-static kinetic assessment.

An experimental protocol with five tasks is proposed for a low-cost empirical assessment of the reachable 3-D workspace (RWS), including both close-to-torso and far-from-torso regions. Ten participants repeated the protocol for four distinct hand payloads. The RWS expressed as a point cloud and its non-convex alpha-shape were obtained for each case.

The cognitive complexity of concurrent cognitive-motor tasks reveals age-related deficits in motor performance.

Aging reduces cognitive functions, and such impairments have implications in mental and motor performance. Cognitive function has been recently linked to the risk of falls in older adults. Physical activities have been used to attenuate the declines in cognitive functions and reduce fall incidence, but little is known whether a physically active lifestyle can maintain physical performance under cognitively demanding conditions.

Development and simulation of a passive upper extremity orthosis for amyoplasia.

Introduction: People who are born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita are typically not able to perform activities of daily living (ADL) due to decreased muscle mass, joint contractures and unnatural upper extremity positioning. They are, therefore, potential users of an assistive device capable of aiding in ADL and increasing their independence. A passive orthosis can support the weight of their arm against gravity, allowing them to perform movements with less effort.