MC Final: Robotics in Motor Control and Rehab

Question 1

What is rehabilitation robotics?

Answer 1

field of research that tries to understand and augment rehab through the application of robotic devices

Question 2

What is Hebbian learning?

Answer 2

theory of how neurons adapt during learning

Question 3

What is synaptic plasticity?

Answer 3

the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to increases or decreases in their activity

simultaneous activation of cells leads to an increase in synaptic strength

Question 4

How can a robot assist in rehab?

Answer 4

currently most used form of robot rehab, interweaves effort with passive movement and stretching, provides novel somatosensory stimulation

Question 5

What are other benefits of assistive RR?

Answer 5

1. physical demonstration is helpful (observational learning)
2. can help perform more movements, repetition is very impt.
3. can practice more intensely with additional safety

Question 6

What is a problem with assistive?

Answer 6

determining what is “correct movement” and reducing jerk leading to smoother movements

Question 7

What is resistive or challenge based robot rehab?

Answer 7

provides resistance, like moving in honey

Question 8

What is the challenging point model?

Answer 8

too much assistance- too easy, little learning

too much resistance- too hard, little learning

Question 9

What is learning potential model?

Answer 9

skill level of the performer, task complexity, task environment

an optimal challenge point exists when learning is maximized and detriment to performance is minimized

Question 10

How is information and task difficulty related?

Answer 10

learning is a problem solving process so therefore:

1. uncertainty reduced with practice- reduced info equals better expectations- expert batter vs novice pitcher
2. increasing difficulty increases uncertainty- increasing info less chance of success

Question 11

How is information related to skill?

Answer 11

more info available less skilled you are and vice versa

Question 12

What is main machine used for UE rehab?

Answer 12

MIT Manus created by Neville Hogan and Hermano Igo Krebs

Question 13

Does this use assistive or resistive control?

Answer 13

assistive, if you deviate then robot puts you back on course

Question 14

What is one potential problem with this model?

Answer 14

slacking, pts slack off and rely on assistance

Question 15

What are general results from MIT Manus?

Answer 15

it speeds recovery after stroke with soft tissue benefits but not really any learning

Question 16

What is main robot used in LE rehab?

Answer 16

Lokomat, body weight supported treadmill

Question 17

What is the problem with treadmill training?

Answer 17

1. significant physical challenges- spasticity

2. consistency and duration- may be compromised due to fatigue, pt needs to change to changing therapists or helpers

Question 18

Why haven’t treadmill training really ever been effective?

Answer 18

poor understanding as what is happening at neural level as to why learning is not happening

possible that training requires central pattern generators which are harder to modify

Question 19

What is one major advantage of robots?

Answer 19

allows patients to perform many repetitions which induces plastic changes in the brain