Graduate Seminar Series: Clinical Stream – Aliaa Gouda

Graduate Seminar Series: Clinical Stream
Graduate Seminar Series for the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME). This day is for clinical stream presenters.
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Presentation Title: Development and Evaluation of a Wearable Biofeedback System for Lower Limb Amputee Gait Training
Abstract:
ndividuals with lower-limb amputations typically regain their independent mobility through focused gait rehabilitation . Since effective prosthesis use requires precise coordination between the neuromusculoskeletal processes of the body and the prosthesis, focused training associated with motor-learning based strategies is important to maximize functional mobility outcomes . Conventional gait training consists of a physiotherapist guiding an individual through a variety of gait and balance exercises based on observation of gait deviations or atypical movement patterns , . In some cases, quantitative assessments of gait patterns, using advanced lab- or clinic- based technologies, are conducted to augment the rehabilitation process , . However, such technologies are not always easily accessible to many clinics due to the cost, space and time for setup associated with it . Finally, patients often have access to only an hour of guided training every one or two weeks. . All of these factors may contribute to the continuation of long-term mobility challenges or secondary musculoskeletal disorders –.
Biofeedback (BFB), the measurement of gait parameters to provide a user with real-time feedback that can elicit changes in gait patterns, has been shown to improve lower limb amputee (LLA) rehabilitation outcomes –. BFB offers a quantitative method for evaluating an individual’s gait pattern to provide a more accurate corrective training method in real-time. There are two major gaps my research seeks to address. (1) Current BFB research focuses on gait analysis and training in controlled lab environments . However, portable and wearable solutions that can be used in and beyond the clinic are critical to enhance long-term retention outcomes . Furthermore, most BFB systems strictly target one or a few gait parameters without considering effects on the non-targeted parameters. (2) For a wearable gait training system to be used outside of a lab or clinic in a passive manner, where the user does not have to explicitly inform the system the type of activity they are doing, real-time recognition of a user’s activity (i.e. stair ascent, incline walking) is critical to effectively provide the appropriate biofeedback . To address the aforementioned research gaps, this project aims to develop and assess a wearable system for prosthetic gait training and evaluate changes in secondary gait parameters allowing us to understand how overall gait changes during BFB training.
Supervisor Name: Jan Andrysek
Year of Study: 4
Program of Study: PhD
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610372821?pwd=azd4SCtYVWtreVovaGNPV1c2NGY2Zz09
Meeting ID: 896 1037 2821
Password: 483329
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