The National Science Foundation has awarded Wichita State University $299,997 for research that could have a positive impact on patients suffering from stroke, spine injuries and various neuromuscular diseases. The research – led by Yimesker Yihun, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering – studies human joint movements through motion-capture analysis and musculoskeletal modeling and simulations.

The motion patterns will be analyzed and used to inspire the design of wearable bio-exoskeletons that can guide the natural movement of an affected limb without mimicking the corresponding joint(s) in the exoskeleton.

That’s an important distinction because, traditionally, exoskeletons that are designed with just a single rotational or hinge joint are physically limiting and could result in discomfort or injury to the user. This affects a person’s rehabilitation progress, giving rise to the need for novel exoskeleton design and assessment strategies.

Yihun is working alongside WSU’s Nils Hakansson, associate professor of biomedical engineering, and Jaydip Desai, assistant professor in biomedical engineering.

The project will also support two graduate students, and three K-12 students will be sponsored to participate in summer camps as part of the outreach activities of the project.

The team is collaborating with the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation for human subject recruitment and testing.

The team’s goal is to improve the ability and comfort associated with wearing exoskeleton devices. If successful, the outcome of the project can provide substantial improvement to the quality of manufactured exoskeletons.

“It can have a positive impact on the well-being, life quality and rehabilitation techniques for patients,” Yihun says.

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