Musculoskeletal Simulation Based Optimization of Rehabilitation Program

Rehabilitation is a complex multifaceted process with complexity and variability that depends not only on human patients and/or specialized equipment but also on the nature of their functional interaction. Rapid and effective customization of the functional interactions between the patient and the rehabilitation device thus becomes critical for any rehabilitation program. Two principal dimensions govern the effectiveness of such functional interactions: geometric placement of user-device (ergonomics) and exercise selection and performance (regimen). In this paper, we discuss aspects of creation of a virtual design environment, leveraging tools from musculoskeletal analysis, optimization, and simulation-based design, which will permit a therapist to rapidly evaluate and systematically customize various candidate rehabilitation programs. Specifically, this framework: (i) permits study of parametric performance variability due to ergonomic or regimen variability; and (ii) facilitates use of all design tools such as optimization to determine the best program. We illustrate various aspects of this customization using an illustrative case-study of a motor-rehabilitation haptic virtual driving environment