Figure: Robot-guided proprioception recovery
Dr. Menon’s lab utilizes biomechatronics and robotic structures to improve quality in life of those who suffer from restricted movement due to neurological injuries. This research combines electronic implementations guided by human interfacing to regain self-sufficiency and recovery in its users.
One of the key factors involved in controlling body movements and performing daily activities is proprioception, the ability to sense body position and limb movements without visual feedback. Dr. Menon focuses on how this function might be affected after a neurological injury, such as a stroke. Robotic devices can be used to track and facilitate arm movements, and therefore can help establish recovery protocols aimed at enhancing proprioception.
B. A. Valdes, M. Khoshnam, J. L. Neva, C. Menon, Robot-aided upper-limb proprioceptive training in three-dimensional space, IEEE 16th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR), 2019, 18920185