Wearable Ultrasound Systems to Monitor Recovery from Musculoskeletal Injury
This project focuses on developing technologies that help prevent, treat, and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs). Our goal is to develop novel solutions to help individuals recover and return to physical activity faster. We propose to achieve this by developing innovative wearable ultrasound patch technologies. These systems, integrated with advanced ultrasound electronics, will allow us to monitor and assess the health and performance of muscles and joints during dynamic movement, exercise, and rehabilitation in real time.
Investigating Parkinsonian Gait and Assistive Devices for Freezing of Gait
Freezing of gait is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease, which causes individuals to “freeze” while trying to walk and feel as though their feet are glued to the floor. This presents a large fall risk to individuals with Parkinson’s disease. We are investigating the muscle contraction dynamics and biomechanics of lower limbs in individuals with Parkinson’s disease while walking. Using the results from this investigation, novel assistive devices and exoskeletons will be developed alongside new management methods tailored to unique needs of each individual experiencing freezing of gait.
