Body Computer Interface (BCI) is the idea that one can control a robot simply by thinking about it. In this study, we are laying the groundwork for further BCI and robotic development for individuals to control a hand opening device called the Electro encephalographic mediated glove (or Eglove) using an EEG cap connected to a motorized glove.

Sensory inputs such as vision, proprioception, and touch play a crucial role in post-stroke recovery. Our research delves into how these sensory contributions can be assessed to develop effective, personalized therapy strategies. Enhancing and tailoring sensory inputs to an individual’s needs allows us to explore how learning outcomes can be improved and errors reduced. Through synthetic simulations that combine muscular, visual, and proprioceptive inputs, we aim to understand better the complex processes involved in motor learning.

True behavioral restitution, a return to normal motor patterns with the affected limb post-stroke, requires the recruitment and restoration of the residual ipsilesional hemisphere/corticospinal tract (CST). Following stroke, the spontaneous recovery mechanism selectively and continuously uses a more optimized neural network for motor execution, depending on the degree of CST damage.

Stroke survivors vary greatly in their motor deficits and rehabilitative needs. Here, we gather unstructured upper limb movement data and seek to understand if there are patterns in their kinetics that reflect the underlying neuromuscular alterations. In doing so, we can improve our abilities to evaluate patients and design personalized rehab therapy.

This study utilizes a wearable data glove system that translates hand movements into signals that control a cursor on a screen. We examined how participants learn a redundant novel task, which can be completed through various solutions.

Women’s Health & Fitness Day is celebrated every year to promote the importance of health awareness and physical activity in women. In recognition, here is a roundup of articles about pelvic floor health, exercise, bone density and more by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s women’s health experts.

Megan lived with chronic pain for over 20 years. She participated in our four-week pain program to learn strategies and techniques to help navigate daily pain.

Science has come a long way in helping individuals understand the experience of pain. Previously, pain was believed to be a result of a purely physical or anatomical issue, stemming from injury, illness or tissue damage.

Fortunately, a newer understanding of how pain works — pain science — takes a far more complex and nuanced view. Pain science moves away from the idea that tissue damage alone equates to pain. Rather, pain science suggests that the whole sum of a person — including biological, social and psychological factors — must be taken into account in order to fully understand their pain experience.

Three Shirley Ryan AbilityLab nurses — Rachel Adekoya, RN, nurse manager; Katie Earnest, RN, director, Nursing Research; and Lindsay Hong, RN, nurse manager — have been recognized by the Illinois Nurses Foundation with the 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award.