Restoring Mobility and Balance in Individuals with Lower-Limb Paralysis Using Hybrid Exoskeletons

Abstract

This seminar will provide an overview of exoskeleton-related research at the Cleveland VA Medical Center. The Motor-Assisted Hybrid Neuroprosthesis (MAHNP), developed through a collaboration between Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and the Cleveland VA, is a neuroprosthetic device designed to help individuals with lower-limb paralysis regain the ability to walk. The MAHNP uses a "muscles-first" approach, combining neuromuscular implants to stimulate the user’s own muscles and an exoskeleton with electric motors at the hip, knee, and ankle joints. This approach prioritizes the activation of the user's muscles, with the motors assisting with movement only when necessary. The system's controller is designed to adapt to the user's abilities, gradually incorporating the motorized assistance for better walking function. Additionally, the talk will discuss the plans and preliminary work to enhance the system with fall detection features to allow the exoskeleton to sense when a user is about to lose balance and adjust its configuration to minimize impact force should a fall occur.

Biography

Dr. Sandra Hnat is an Investigator with the Advanced Platform Technology (APT) Center at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Case Western Reserve University School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (2013) and Doctor of Engineering (2018) from Cleveland State University. She then completed her postdoctoral training at the APT Center and at Case Western Research University under a NIH T32 Musculoskeletal Health Postdoctoral Training Grant. She is currently researching at the Cleveland VA under a Career Development Award focusing on developing fall mitigation strategies for powered exoskeletons.