State
National Resource
Topics
Keywords
Description
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab together with its partners, Northwestern University (NU), Emory University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Colorado at Boulder, and Ekso Bionics design and implement a program of research and development centered on establishing a rational basis for quantifying the appropriate time distribution for use of robotic and computer-based interventions in rehabilitation therapy. The center also investigates how therapists interact with robotic devices when delivering therapy.
Services Provided
Seven areas of research and development include: D1- R1 mixed-reality therapy for restoration of arm function in stroke survivors, D2- R2 development of computer-based algorithms for restoration of speech after stroke, D3-R3 effect of stretching of ankle muscles on locomotion in stroke survivors, and D4 how to train people with a spinal cord injury to use a robotic exoskeleton. Training for the center includes an advanced Education and Training project for undergraduate engineers dedicated to the design of simple devices for rehabilitation as part of NU’s highly successful initiative in engineering design education. Dissemination includes presentations at engineering and rehabilitation conferences, publications in high-impact peer reviewed journals, press releases, websites, and faculty presentations.