Event-based control for sit-to-stand transition using a wearable exoskeleton

Sit-to-stand transition is an essential step in a lower limb rehabilitation therapy, mainly for assisting the patient to transit from wheel chair to the next level of therapy. A mixed stiffness-damping control adaptation is proposed for this task which will help in reaching the final position with a constant velocity. A combination of control model is proposed to ensure the initiation and the final stage of the transition, such as to ensure stability and to maintain the equilibrium. The combined control model helps in reaching the goal position with equal participation from the user. For patient studies, such as with paraplegic patients, a combinational control model with muscle stimulation can be included to provide a complete assistance. The role of muscle stimulation and joint movement assistance is also considered in this control model. Further, final stage of this transition must ensure keeping or helping the user to maintain the upright position.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

New Trends in Neuromechanics and Motor Rehabilitation

Neuromechanics has been used to identify optimal rehabilitation protocols that successfully improve motor deficits in various populations, such as elderly people and individuals with neurological diseases (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and essential tremor). By investigating structural and functional changes in the central and peripheral nervous systems based on neuromechanical theories and findings, we can expand our knowledge regarding underlying neurophysiological mechanisms and specific motor impairment patterns before and after therapies to further develop new training programs (e.g., non-invasive brain stimulation). Thus, the aim of this Special Issue is to present the main contributions of researchers and rehabilitation specialists in biomechanics, motor control, neurophysiology, neuroscience, and rehabilitation science. The current collection provides new neuromechanical approaches addressing theoretical, methodological, and practical topics for facilitating motor recovery progress