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376-1217-00L 4 Credits MSC , NDS D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-INFK

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Rehabilitation Engineering I: Motor Functions

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Robert Riener, Dr. Christopher Easthope Awai

VVZ CR 4.2

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:37:56

Abstract

“Rehabilitation” is the (re)integration of an individual with a disability into society. Rehabilitation engineering is “the application of science and technology to ameliorate the handicaps of individuals with disability”. Such handicaps can be classified into motor, sensor, and cognitive disabilities. In general, one can distinguish orthotic and prosthetic methods to overcome these disabilities.

Objective

The goal of this course is to present classical and new technical principles as well as specific examples applied to compensate or enhance motor deficits. In the 1 h exercise the students will learn how to solve representative problems with computational methods applied to exoprosthetics, wheelchair dynamics, rehabilitation robotics and neuroprosthetics.

Content

Modern methods rely more and more on the application of multi-modal and interactive techniques. Multi-modal means that visual, acoustical, tactile, and kinaesthetic sensor channels are exploited to display information to the patient. Interaction means that the exchange of information and energy occurs bi-directionally between the rehabilitation device and the human being. Thus, the device cooperates with the patient rather than imposing an inflexible strategy (e.g., movement) upon the patient. These principles are recurrent in modern technological tools to support rehabilitation, including prosthesis, orthoses, powered exoskeletons, powered wheelchairs, therapy robots and virtual reality systems.

Resources

Literature

Books: Burdet, Etienne, David W. Franklin, and Theodore E. Milner. Human robotics: neuromechanics and motor control. MIT press, 2013. Krakauer, John W., and S. Thomas Carmichael. Broken movement: the neurobiology of motor recovery after stroke. MIT Press, 2017. Teodorescu, Horia-Nicolai L., and Lakhmi C. Jain, eds. Intelligent systems and technologies in rehabilitation engineering. CRC press, 2000. Winters, Jack M., and Patrick E. Crago, eds. Biomechanics and neural control of posture and movement. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012. Selected Journal Articles: Abbas, James J., and Robert Riener. "Using mathematical models and advanced control systems techniques to enhance neuroprosthesis function." Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface 4.4 (2001): 187-195. Basalp, Ekin, Peter Wolf, and Laura Marchal-Crespo. "Haptic training: which types facilitate (re) learning of which motor task and for whom Answers by a review." IEEE Transactions on Haptics (2021). Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore, et al. "Robotic gait rehabilitation and substitution devices in neurological disorders: where are we now?." Neurological Sciences 37.4 (2016): 503-514. Cooper, R. (1993) Stability of a wheelchair controlled by a human. IEEE Transactions on Rehabilitation Engineering 1, pp. 193-206. Gassert, Roger, and Volker Dietz. "Rehabilitation robots for the treatment of sensorimotor deficits: a neurophysiological perspective." Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation 15.1 (2018): 1-15. Laver, Kate E., et al. "Virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation." Cochrane database of systematic reviews 11 (2017). Marquez-Chin, Cesar, and Milos R. Popovic. "Functional electrical stimulation therapy for restoration of motor function after spinal cord injury and stroke: a review." Biomedical engineering online 19 (2020): 1-25. Miller, Larry E., Angela K. Zimmermann, and William G. Herbert. "Clinical effectiveness and safety of powered exoskeleton-assisted walking in patients with spinal cord injury: systematic review with meta-analysis." Medical devices (Auckland, NZ) 9 (2016): 455. Raspopovic, Stanisa. "Advancing limb neural prostheses." Science 370.6514 (2020): 290-291. Riener, R. (2013) Rehabilitation Robotics. Foundations and Trends in Robotics, Vol. 3, nos. 1-2, pp. 1-137. Riener, R., Lünenburger, L., Maier, I. C., Colombo, G., & Dietz, V. (2010). Locomotor training in subjects with sensori-motor deficits: An overview of the robotic gait orthosis Lokomat. Journal of Healthcare Engineering, 1(2), 197-216. Riener, R., Nef, T., Colombo, G. (2005) Robot-aided neurorehabilitation for the upper extremities. Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing 43(1), pp. 2-10. Sigrist, Roland, et al. "Augmented visual, auditory, haptic, and multimodal feedback in motor learning: a review." Psychonomic bulletin & review 20.1 (2013): 21-53. Xiloyannis, Michele, et al. "Soft Robotic Suits: State of the Art, Core Technologies, and Open Challenges." IEEE Transactions on Robotics (2021).

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 60 minutes
Aids: Keine Hilfsmittel erlaubt, ausser einem Wörterbuch (English dictionary)

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Rehabilitation Engineering I: Motor Functions	Tue 08:15-10:00 (HG E 1.2)	2 h weekly
exercise	Rehabilitation Engineering I: Motor Functions	Fri 08:15-09:00 (HG E 1.1)	1 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses
  - Mechanics, Materials, Structures (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
  - Robotics, Systems and Control (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor. .)
  - Bioengineering (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
Biomedical Engineering Master (Only courses offered under "GESS Science in Perspective" count in this category. See "Offered in" tab in course view. For more information, please refer to )
- Major Courses
  - Bioelectronics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
  - Biomechanics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Biomechanics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Track: Systems and Control (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Systems and Control", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Systems and Control", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Systems and Control
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)
MAS in Medical Physics
- Specialisation in General Medical Physics
  - Major in Biomechanics
    - Electives
  - Major in Biocompatible Materials
    - Electives
Robotics, Systems and Control Master
- Core Courses
Health Sciences and Technology Master
- Major in Human Movement Science and Sport
  - Electives
    - Elective Courses II
- Major in Medical Technology
  - Elective Courses
- Major in Rehabilitation and Inclusion
  - Electives
    - Rehabilitation Technology (Students majoring in Rehabilitation and Inclusion: At least 3 CP of the courses in this focus area must be selected.)