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376-1217-00L 4 Credits MSC , NDS D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-INFK , D-ITET , D-ERDW
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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: 2026-06-01 11:33:04

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