Title:  Gait Optimization with a Real-time Closed-loop Artificial Sensory Feedback

Committee: 

Dr. DeWeerth, Advisor

Dr. Prilutsky, Co-Advisor        

Dr. Butera, Chair

Dr. Chang

Abstract: The objective of the proposed research is to improve gait when there is incomplete tactile sensation from the foot, by providing optimized closed-loop artificial sensory feedback. Currently, people with unilateral loss of tactile sensation from the plantar surface of the foot or unilateral lower limb amputees with a prosthesis demonstrate asymmetric walking. This asymmetry might be caused in part by the lack of cutaneous afferent feedback from the foot or prosthesis. Recent studies have shown the feasibility of providing tactile sensations from the amputated, phantom limb by applying electrical stimulation to residual cutaneous nerves. I hypothesize that asymmetric gait caused by the lack of tactile sensation from the cat hindpaw can be compensated by providing optimized motion-dependent electrical stimulation of sensory nerves innervating plantar surface of the foot.