My research aims to elucidate the best methods for locomotor rehabilitation after neurological injury using principles of biomechanics, motor learning and motor control. I am also interested in the role of sensory function in the recovery of balance and skilled walking after spinal cord injury. I use robotic devices to help achieve my goals, and seek to optimize the use of these devices in rehabilitation settings. I also am interested in improving health and wellness of disabled populations using wearable sensors.
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Laboratory DirectorAntoinette Domingo, PT, PhD |
Facility
The 1,000 ft2 Rehabilitation Biomechanics Laboratory (RBL) is located in Peterson Gym, Room 181. The laboratory includes a dedicated space for an integrated motion capture system with 16 high-resolution cameras (Qualisys, Inc), 5 integrated force platforms (AMTI), a 16-channel wireless EMG/IMU system (Delsys) with electro-goniometers (Biometrics), portable sensors for kinematic assessment outside the laboratory, and an 80” display monitor that can be integrated with the motion capture system or other devices for the purpose of providing visual feedback to the participant for rehabilitation purposes. The lab also is equipped with an overhead track and harness system (Solo-Step, Inc.) and treadmill for gait and balance research. Further, for the study of overground walking, the lab is equipped with an Ekso bionic suit (Ekso Bionics). The Ekso is a wearable robot that allows those with paralysis or weakness to stand and walk, with full weight bearing and reciprocal gait. The RBL has one of only 2 Ekso suits in the San Diego area, and the only one dedicated for gait rehabilitation research. The space also includes a clinical examination room with a treatment table and storage, a workbench for small equipment fabrication and repair, desk spaces for research assistants and graduate students, and a conference area for lab meetings.
Lab Members
DPT Class of 2019
- Breanna Blancher
- Kevin Carey
- Casey Conner
- Matt Hemphill
- Sophia Kanakaris
- Caitlin Segelke
- Sydney Strom
Projects
- Effects of over ground bionic ambulation on health and function after incomplete spinal cord injury
- Optimizing physical guidance and practice for motor learning of walking
- Physical activity monitoring in disabled populations