Abstract: An apparatus comprising an electromyographic (EMG) control module is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electromyographic (EMG) control module configured to receive EMG information generated by an individual; identify a gesture class based on the EMG information, and train using the received EMG information and the gesture class. The gesture class corresponds to an intended gesture made by the individual.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a powered ankle prosthesis. The prosthesis may comprise a polycentric mechanism having a defined path for an instantaneous center of rotation. The path of the instantaneous center of rotation may be defined by a trajectory substantially equal to an arc positioned over a joint of the polycentric mechanism.

Abstract: Catapult ankles and related methods are disclosed. An example ankle prosthesis for operation in a swing phase and in a stance phase includes a motor, wherein the motor is configured to store energy with a first spring during the swing phase and plantarflex the ankle prosthesis during a push off portion of the stance phase.

Abstract: A medical evaluation system includes an I/O module, a processing module, and an analysis module. The I/O module receives sensory data obtained by a motion sensor disposed in a mobile device carried by a patient at least when the patient is in a non-clinical environment. The processing module extracts medically relevant data from the sensory data received from the sensor in the mobile device. The relevant data includes one or more features of interest in the sensory data. The analysis module derives one or more surrogate biomarkers from the relevant data. The surrogate biomarkers represent at least one of a state or a progression of a medical condition of the patient. The mobile device may be a mobile phone carried by the patient and the sensor may include at least one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope that generates the sensory data to represent movements of the patient.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing or assessing risk of a tauopathy in a person is disclosed. The method may comprise collecting a nasal sample of exhaled breath from the person's nose, analyzing the nasal sample to detect the presence of tau protein in the sample, and determining the concentration of tau protein in the nasal sample, wherein the tau protein concentration in the nasal sample indicates susceptibility to the tauopathy.

Abstract: A magnetic and electrical interface that may be used with an assistive device. The interface comprises a proximal connector and a distal connector. The proximal connector may be attached to a liner for a residual limb and the distal connector may be attached to a hard socket or other aspect of an assistive device. Other aspects of and uses for the connector interface are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a platform for providing electromyographic biofeedback are disclosed. The platform includes a sensor device having an IMU and electrodes for simultaneous tracking of IMU and EMG activity. The IMU and EMG data may be generated and leveraged in conjunction with a gaming application provided to a user while engaged to the sensor device to provide biofeedback therapy for rehabilitation.

Abstract: An actuated glove orthosis comprises a plurality of digits, each digit configured to be coupled to a finger, each digit defining at least one mechanical stop for preventing hyperextension. The orthosis may further comprise at least one actuator, and a plurality of cables, each cable coupled between a digit and the actuator. Activation of the actuator may increase tension on the plurality of cables to extend the plurality of digits. The device is entirely portable and leaves the hand free to grasp real objects, including as part of a standard therapy session.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring muscle sarcomere length are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises illuminating a set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, measuring an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers, the measuring occurring as a function of wavelength, determining wavelengths corresponding to maximums of reflected intensity, and correlating the determined wavelengths with respective muscle sarcomere lengths. In an embodiment, a system comprises an illumination source system for illuminating the set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, and an analyzer for measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for prosthetic devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first section attachable to an abutment screw of a percutaneous implant; a second section attachable to a prosthetic limb; a latch for coupling the first section with the second section, the latch releasable in response to an overload on the prosthetic limb. A compliance component may be positioned between the first section and the second section, such that when the latch releases in response to the overload, the compliance component provides a tension between the first section and the second section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to the control of a powered lower limb assistive device with one or more joints, where a controller of the assistive device is configured to receive one or more user-generated signals, determine control information using information in the one or more user-generated signals, select one or more joint impedance parameters of the assistive device for adjustment, and, for a mode and state of the assistive device, adjust the selected joint impedance parameters as a function of the control information. Additionally, systems and methods are described that relate to the control of such an assistive device, where a controller of the assistive device is configured to receive one or more user-generated signals containing information about the ankle angle of the assistive device, and adjust the stiffness of the ankle joint of the assistive device as a function of the ankle angle.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices and, more particularly, modular myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods, are described. In one embodiment, a hand for a prosthetic limb may comprise a rotor-motor; a transmission, comprising a differential roller screw; a linkage coupled to the transmission; and at least one finger coupled to the linkage. In one embodiment, a component part of a wrist of a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, a planetary gear transmission, a clutch, and a cycloid transmission. In one embodiment, an elbow for a prosthetic limb may comprise an exterior-rotor motor, and a transmission comprising a planetary gear transmission, a non-backdrivable clutch, and a screw.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing torque to an assistive device are disclosed. In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a material arranged to define a volume of space. The material may comprise a flexible portion and having a first surface and a second surface. The material may have a first position, in which the material is bent along the flexible portion and the first surface contacts the second surface. When the material is in the first position, an increase in pressure to the space creates a force between the first surface and the second surface. The material transitions from the first position to a second position in response to the force between the first surface and the second surface. The apparatus may be attached to an assistive device or other machine, such as an orthosis or prosthesis, in order to provide a torque.

Abstract: An orthosis for supporting a human ankle joint is described. The orthosis may include a foot section and a tibial section, with a tensioning mechanism configured to adjust the tension between the foot section and the tibial section in order to change the range of motion of the joint. Methods for assembling and using an orthosis are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a prosthesis guided training system that includes a plurality of sensors for detecting electromyographic activity. A computing device, which can include a processor and memory, can extract data from the electromyographic activity. A real-time pattern recognition control algorithm and an autoconfiguring pattern recognition training algorithm can be stored in the memory. The computing device can determine movement of a prosthesis based on the execution of the real-time pattern recognition control algorithm. The computing device can also alter operational parameters of the real-time pattern recognition control algorithm based on execution of the autoconfiguring pattern recognition training algorithm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved control of a lower limb device are disclosed. The lower limb may have one or more joints and one or more corresponding motors. In some embodiments, a center of pressure is calculated in order to enforce virtual constraints at the one or more joints of the lower limb device. The system utilizes one or more effective shapes, and each effective shape's corresponding error, in order to cause each joint motor to produce a torque that causes the joint to move according to a virtual constraint. The systems and methods result in improved control of lower limb devices.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a wheelchair may include a hand grip having a continuous track that moves over a drive rotator. The hand grip may have a flat, top surface that extends ventrally from the wheelchair. The drive mechanism may include a drivetrain connected to the drive rotator, such that movement of the hand grip in a dorsal or a ventral direction causes the drive rotator to rotate, and such rotation actuates the drivetrain. The drive mechanism may further comprise a switch. When the switch is in a first position, actuation of the drivetrain drives the wheels of the wheelchair. When the switch is in a second position, actuation of the drivetrain drives a mechanism that lifts the wheelchair into a standing position.