Organizers:

Sunil Agrawal, Columbia University, USA – [email protected]

Haohan Zhang, Columbia University, USA – [email protected]

Event goals and objectives:

This workshop aims to discuss novel developments of robotic head-neck braces for different clinical use and interventions in patients with poor head-neck control.

Abstract:

Head-neck movement is cornerstone of daily life activities. Head-hand control is critical for vital survival task such as feeding. Head-eye control is also critical for social communication and community participation. However, some people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or cerebral palsy (CP) present with deficits in head-neck control that reduce their motor functions and hamper their active community participation. Current intervention options are limited to the use of static neck braces which may be highly constraining for these individuals. Therapeutic exercises are also challenging to deliver in the most severe cases.

In this workshop, we invite experts in neurology, physical therapy, and robotics to discuss this unmet clinical need for people with ALS and CP. We present the state-of-the-art robotic technology, some initial successes, and potential challenges in using robotics for head-neck rehabilitation. Additionally, videos of robotic neck braces designed at Columbia University Rehabilitation and Robotics (ROAR) Laboratory and human studies with ALS patients will be described. We envision this workshop to raise awareness of the head-neck robotic rehabilitation and motivate researchers to join this emerging and important field.

Speakers and Agenda: