Biomechanics and Ergonomics

The aim of this project is to contribute to the creation of benchmarks for a holistic assessment of assistive HEs, both for the design phase and for the posterior validation of prototypes, considering as target populations: a neurological condition without compromise of the kinematic chain (recovered stroke patients) and a non-neurological condition with joint deformity (HOA patients), as well as elders with muscle weakness and joint stiffness due to aging.

In particular, we will contribute to create virtual assessment tools for the design phase by: (i) Providing dynamic anthropometric data and 3D scanned models hands of the two target populations. (ii) Establishing guidelines to model each type of HE, rigid, soft or hybrid within open-source biomechanical musculoskeletal models, and providing indications about how to use them to analyse the main functional requirements (ROM, grasp performance and performance of representative ADL) for both target pathologies.

And we will contribute to create assessment tools of prototypes by: (i) Defining protocols for assessing the HEs performance in terms of ROM, grasp performance and performance of ADL. (ii) Adapting existing lower limb exoskeleton standards and protocols of usability and acceptance to HEs, and defining new protocols for cognitive workload assessment of HEs.