BMED 8813: Computational Neuromechanics of Human Sensorimotor Control
BMED 8813: Special Topics Computational Neuromechanics of Human Sensory and Motor Control
Director: Lena Ting (lting@emory.edu)
Teaching Assistant: Kyle Blum (kyleblum@gatech.edu)
Credits: 3 hours
Hours: Wednesday 2:25 - 5:10 pm
Location: Emory Health Sciences Research Building (HSRB), Room E260
Note that this course will be taught on the Emory campus in the Health Sciences Research Building (HSRB). The schedule is designed around the Emory-GT shuttle schedule, with the stop being visible from the classroom (Andrews Circle).
Course Description: This is a graduate level course using engineering and robotics methods to understand the interactions between neural control and biomechanics of human movement. We will read principles of neuromechanics from a recent textbook, implement and analyze neuromechanical models in simulations, and read relevant papers from the primary literature. The implications of neuromechanical interaction in the mechanisms and rehabilitation of neurological disorders will be discussed based on literature and a class project.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permit from the instructor. Able to perform data analysis and simulations in Matlab. Familiarity with basic concepts in linear algebra and mechanics are assumed.
Required Texts: Human Robotics: Neuromechanics and Motor Control. Etienne Burdet, David W. Franklin, and Theodore E. Milner.
Topics Include: Proprioception, multijoint mechanics, impedance control, redundancy and dimensional reduction, motor learning, applications in neurorehabilitation and rehabilitation robotics.
Tentative Course Schedule
|
Date |
Topic |
Homework |
|
Week 1 Jan 11 |
Neural signals for sensing and moving |
Read: Chapter 1, 2 Homework: Matlab toolbox |
|
Week 2 Jan 18 |
Muscle mechanics and control |
Read: Chapter 3 Homework: Hill-type muscle model |
|
Week 3 Jan 25 |
Single joint neuromechanics |
Read: Chapter 4 Read: Ting and Chiel chapter, part 1, 2 Homework: Inverted pendulum |
|
Week 4 Feb 1
|
Current topics: proprioceptive sensory feedback, muscle mechanics, altered reflexes in neurological symptoms |
Read: Dimitriou 2014 or Cui and Perreault 2008 Read: Field-Fote 2008 or Hallett 2008 Homework: Simulate a stretch reflex |
|
Week 5 Feb 8 |
Multijoint, multimuscle kinematics and impedance |
Read Chapter 5 Homework: Multijoint jacobian model, feasible force set |
|
Week 6 Feb 15 |
Multijoint, multimuscle kinematics and impedance |
Read: Ting and Chiel chapter part 3 Homework: Optimization of muscle coordination Randy Trumbower |
|
Week 7 Feb 22 |
Multijoint dynamics and control |
Read Chapter 6 Homework: Dynamic limb model, interaction torques |
|
Week 8 Feb 29 |
Redundancy and dimensional reduction |
Read: Ting 2012 Homework: Feasible vs. optimal solutions |
|
Week 9 Mar 7 |
Current topics: Interjoint coordination, robotic rehabilitation Simulation packages – existing with strengths and weaknesses |
Read: Dukelow and Scott 2014, Riener 2013 Homework: Project proposal. Simulate a published neuromechanical phenomenon and explore effects of neurological impairment |
|
Week 10 Mar 14 |
Motor learning and Memory |
Read: Chapter 7 Homework: Motor adaptation model |
|
Break |
Project selection approved |
|
|
Week 11 Mar 29 |
Motor learning in unstable and unpredictable conditions |
Read: Chapter 8 Homework: Limb stability model |
|
Week 12 Apr 5 |
Motion Planning and Online control |
Read: Chapter 9 Homework: Dynamic optimization of hand path |
|
Week 13 Apr 12 |
Multisensory Integration |
Read: Chapter 10 Homework: Bayesian sensory integration |
|
Week 14 Apr 19 |
Applications in Neurorehabilitation |
Read: Chapter 11 Homework: Project topic |
|
Week 15 Apr 26 |
Current topics in neuromechanics |
Homework: present projects |
|
Finals Week |
Written project reports due May 3 |