OpenSim Events

Mar 12, 2020

OpenSim Webinar: Characterizing hyperreflexia and abnormal coordination in post-stroke stiff-knee gait

Learn about a novel framework for delineating the neuromuscular mechanisms of abnormal coordination in post-stroke stiff-knee gait using OpenSim.

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Details

Title: Characterizing hyperreflexia and abnormal coordination in post-stroke stiff-knee gait
Speaker: Tunc Akbas, Harvard University
Time: Thursday, March 12, 2020 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Abstract

Stiff-knee gait (SKG) is a common disability post-stroke and is defined by the reduced knee flexion angle during the swing phase. Previous work using exoskeletal knee flexion perturbations during gait reveals a possible abnormal coordination pattern post-stroke. However, the multifaceted neuro-biomechanical processes involved has not yet been confirmed. In this work, Dr. Akbas will present a novel framework towards delineating the neuromuscular mechanisms of abnormal coordination in post-stroke SKG using OpenSim. The OpenSim simulation results suggest an abnormal reflex coupling between rectus femoris (RF) and hip abductors, initiated by exaggerated involuntary RF activity (hyperreflexia), that explains the kinematic data observed previously. Dr. Akbas will also discuss how this framework can be used to identify individualized assistance patterns to avoid hyperreflexia and serve as a template for exoskeletal assistance post-stroke. The results obtained from this study will help determine abnormal coordination patterns in post-stroke and inform future robotic and neuromuscular interventions.

Through the webinar, attendees will learn about:
  • Identifying simulated neuromuscular variables to evaluate flexion-abduction coupling in post-stroke SKG
  • Characterizing neuromuscular response during gait
  • Verifying dynamic consistency and validation of simulations
  • Simulating individualized virtual assistance in OpenSim

To learn more about the research presented in the webinar, you can read the following related publications:
For those interested in the follow-up work to experimentally validate RF hyperreflexia, refer to this manuscript posted on biorxiv: Rectus femoris hyperreflexia predicts knee flexion angle in stiff-knee gait after stroke.