Computational modeling of neuromuscular response to swing-phase robotic knee extension assistance in cerebral palsy.

ABSTRACT: Predicting subject-specific responses to exoskeleton assistance may aid in maximizing functional gait outcomes, such as achieving full knee-extension at foot contact in individuals with crouch gait from cerebral palsy (CP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of volitional and non-volitional muscle activity in subject-specific responses to knee extension assistance during walking with an exoskeleton. We developed a simulation framework to predict responses to exoskeleton torque by applying a stretch-reflex spasticity model with muscle excitations computed during unassisted walking. The framework was validated with data collected from six individuals with CP. Framework-predicted knee angle at terminal swing was within 4 ± 4° (mean ± sd) of the knee angle measured experimen

SUBMITTER: Lerner ZF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6534383 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature