Current Research Projects

Just-in-time adaptive feedback systems to assist individuals with SCI

Lack of regular physical activity in the general population is a top public health concern, and this problem is even more acute among individuals with spinal cord injury. Research has shown that only a small percentage (<20%) of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) reported consistent physical activity. Individuals with SCI also experience secondary conditions such as pain, fatigue, weight gain, and deconditioning, conditions that are considered preventable through physical activity and exercise interventions.

In this study we will develop smartphone applications that incorporate each individual’s physical activity level and a clinician’s physical activity level recommendation to help a person set safe and highly personalized physical activity goals. By adapting the goals based on the person’s actual physical activity behavior, the smartphone application aims to keep the individual feeling positive and motivated towards a change in the physical activity behavior.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggxyao6rafw&feature=youtu.be

 

Past Research Projects

Use of Sensory Inputs for Brain-Computer Interface Training

The objective of the proposed study was to evaluate the cortical activity pattern across the primary motor and somatosensory cortical areas of the brain during movement paradigms in individuals with epilepsy. The knowledge gained about simultaneous cortical activity pattern across larger areas will allow researchers to translate neural decoders computed in one paradigm to another by applying appropriate mathematical transformations.

Physical activity monitoring system for manual wheelchair users

The project involved research and development of physical activity monitors to assess energy expenditure in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury during varying modes and intensities of physical activity.