Versatile robotic interface to evaluate, enable and train locomotion and balance after neuromotor disorders

Nadia Dominici, Urs Keller, Heike Vallery, Lucia Friedli, Rubia van den Brand, Michelle L Starkey, Pavel Musienko, Robert Riener, Grégoire Courtine, Nadia Dominici, Urs Keller, Heike Vallery, Lucia Friedli, Rubia van den Brand, Michelle L Starkey, Pavel Musienko, Robert Riener, Grégoire Courtine

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders distinctly impair locomotor pattern generation and balance, but technical limitations prevent independent assessment and rehabilitation of these subfunctions. Here we introduce a versatile robotic interface to evaluate, enable and train pattern generation and balance independently during natural walking behaviors in rats. In evaluation mode, the robotic interface affords detailed assessments of pattern generation and dynamic equilibrium after spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke. In enabling mode,the robot acts as a propulsive or postural neuroprosthesis that instantly promotes unexpected locomotor capacities including overground walking after complete SCI, stair climbing following partial SCI and precise paw placement shortly after stroke. In training mode, robot-enabled rehabilitation, epidural electrical stimulation and monoamine agonists reestablish weight-supported locomotion, coordinated steering and balance in rats with a paralyzing SCI. This new robotic technology and associated concepts have broad implications for both assessing and restoring motor functions after CNS disorders, both in animals and in humans.

References

    1. Nat Med. 2008 Jan;14(1):69-74
    1. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2010 Sep 10;7:43
    1. Nat Neurosci. 2009 Oct;12(10):1333-42
    1. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2006 Sep;14(3):311-21
    1. Lancet. 2011 Jun 4;377(9781):1938-47
    1. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2006 Aug-Sep;43(5):657-70
    1. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2011;48(4):287-98
    1. J Neurotrauma. 1996 Jul;13(7):343-59
    1. Prog Brain Res. 2004;143:123-9
    1. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2008 Mar-Apr;22(2):111-21
    1. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2005 Dec;13(4):497-506
    1. J Rehabil Med. 2010 Jun;42(6):513-9
    1. Brain Res Bull. 2009 Jan 15;78(1):4-12
    1. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2011 Mar-Apr;25(3):285-93
    1. Nat Methods. 2010 Sep;7(9):701-8
    1. J Neurosci. 2011 Jun 22;31(25):9264-78
    1. Prog Brain Res. 1993;97:359-67
    1. J Neurophysiol. 1997 Feb;77(2):797-811
    1. Nat Neurosci. 2001 Feb;4(2):213-6
    1. Brain Res Rev. 2008 Jan;57(1):199-211
    1. J Physiother. 2010;56(3):153-61
    1. Brain Res. 2005 Jul 19;1050(1-2):180-9

Source: PubMed

Sponsorer og samarbejdspartnere

Medicinske tilstande

Narkotikainterventioner

3
Abonner