I am leading a project to understand the effects of exosuit assisted locomotion on gait automaticity, cortical activation, and cognitive load, with the use of functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). I am also interested in the relationship of these outcomes to metabolic and biomechanical changes.
Development and optimization of exosuit technology through multi-modal assessment
I provide clinical support for several projects focused on understanding, developing, and optimizing the exosuit technology for individuals post-stroke. Select work includes the following:
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Measuring effects of ankle exosuit-assisted walking on metabolic, biomechanics, muscle activation, and clinical outcomes
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Developing hip flexion and knee extension assistance devices for acute and chronic stroke populations
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Incorporating use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) with exosuit technology
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Evaluating immediate effects of exosuit-assisted locomotion on muscle synergy patterns
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Examining the effects of exosuit-assisted locomotion on exercise intensity
I perform clinical screenings including assessment of various cognitive, sensorimotor, balance, and clinical performance outcome measures for inclusion, characterization, and longitudinal assessment of participants across multiple projects. As part of this work, I communicate with referring physicians and present findings to our multidisciplinary team.
Participant screening and clinical evaluations
I was the lead PT and project coordinator for Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, which was the inaugural site of a multi-site clinical trial to evaluate safety and efficacy of the ReWalk ReStore ankle exosuit for individuals post-stroke.
ReWalk Restore safety and feasibility clinical trial
I was the project coordinator and clinical support for a safety and feasibility pilot study using a music based digital therapeutic. The results of this work informed the development of a pivotal multi-site randomized controlled trial to evaluate efficacy of this novel technology.