Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc, 2006 · DOI: 10.1109/IEMBS.2006.259633 · Published: January 1, 2006
The study explores robotic rehabilitation and assessment of spinalized rats using robot-applied forces at the pelvis. An isotropic elastic field of constant stiffness is applied, and the equilibrium is adjusted to provide a ‘natural’ trunk posture. The interaction force assessments from the robot reveal significant differences between spinalized control rats, and rats receiving implants of E14 dorsal raphe tissue to provide a serotonin source.
Pelvic force application can be a valuable approach for rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.
Robotic systems can be used to assess the adaptation processes during rehabilitation.
Serotonergic transplants can alter the biomechanical adaptation process in spinalized rats.