Researcher(s)
- Santiago Manfredo, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Fabrizio Sergi, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Abstract
Exoskeletons are becoming a promising method in rehabilitation use, since they can deliver aid in a way that adapts to a specific patient’s needs. However, there is also a significant learning curve that patients must overcome to effectively utilize the intervention provided by the exoskeleton. The majority of currently developed streamlining options such as Human-In-The-Loop optimization (HILO) work implicitly, leaving the patient unaware of the action the exoskeleton provides during training. As demonstrated in previous studies, explicit training approaches have shown potential advantages over implicit training methods [1]. We hypothesize that if patients are given explicit feedback on the exoskeleton’s assistance, they could better understand how the device operates and utilize its aid more efficiently. To test this hypothesis, we developed two distinct visual feedback interfaces: a graphical and a pictorial interface. Both interfaces communicated the three main parameters that the exoskeleton uses to deliver aid, which are: direction and amplitude of applied torque, duration of torque pulse, and timing of gait cycle at which torque pulse occurs. The graphical interface shows static images of stages in the gait cycle, accompanied by a square wave that shows the amplitude and direction of torque as well as the duration of the pulse applied. On the other hand, the pictorial interface is an animation of the gait cycle, where the direction and amplitude of torque is depicted by an arrow and the duration is shown as the gait cycle stage which is animated. These two visualization approaches are expected to provide different levels of patient awareness and understanding of how the exoskeleton delivers torque assistance during training. Using these interfaces, future studies can investigate which visualization method is more intuitive for patients wearing the exoskeleton and whether increased understanding of exoskeleton assistance methods can lead to improved adaptation, learning, and rehabilitation outcomes.
REFERENCES:
- D. Paladis, et al. Neurorehabilitation and neural repair. 2024 Dec 11;39(2):157–173.