Systems approaches for understanding and restoring the control of human arm function
Dr. Eric J. Perreault, Dept. Biomedical Engineering and Dept. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Northwestern University
We are capable of using our arms for a wide range of functional tasks. This ability involves continuously adapting the mechanical properties of the arm to meet the needs of the specific task being performed. Our laboratory is focused on understanding how the human nervous system regulates arm mechanics in a task-dependent manner and using that knowledge to develop novel approaches for restoring arm control following injury. This presentation will summarize two facets of our recent work. The first will focus on the neural and biomechanical factors contributing to the abilities of the unimpaired arm. The second will highlight our recent efforts to restore those abilities to those who have suffered a spinal cord injury. Both components of the presentation will emphasize how systems engineering approaches have lead to breakthroughs in each of these areas.