Volitional EMG Control Enables Stair Climbing with a Robotic Powered Knee Prosthesis.

Existing controllers for robotic powered prostheses regulate the prosthesis speed, timing, and energy generation using predefined position or torque trajectories. This approach enables climbing stairs step-over-step. However, it does not provide amputees with direct volitional control of the robotic prosthesis, a functionality necessary to restore full mobility to the user.

A Unified Controller for Natural Ambulation on Stairs and Level Ground with a Powered Robotic Knee Prosthesis.

Powered lower-limb prostheses have the potential to improve amputee mobility by closely imitating the biomechanical function of the missing biological leg. To accomplish this goal, powered prostheses need controllers that can seamlessly adapt to the ambulation activity intended by the user. Most powered prosthesis control architectures address this issue by switching between specific controllers for each activity.

Powered Knee and Ankle Prosthesis Control for Adaptive Ambulation at Variable Speeds, Inclines, and Uneven Terrains.

Ambulation in everyday life requires walking at variable speeds, variable inclines, and variable terrains. Powered prostheses aim to provide this adaptability through control of the actuated joints. Some powered prosthesis controllers can adapt to discrete changes in speed and incline but require manual tuning to determine the control parameters, leading to poor clinical viability.

Mental health, physical activity, and sports among children with cerebral palsy.

Background: People with cerebral palsy (CP) may be at an increased risk for mental health disorders due to co-occurring physical and communication limitations associated with the condition. Participation in physical activity (PA) and sports may provide opportunities to increase socialization and improve physical function. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between participation in daily PA and sports and mental health among children with CP.