Traumatic Brain Injury Research

Study Overview

The Dukelow Neuro Robot Lab is also interested in using the robotic exoskeleton in assessment of neurological function for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Unlike a stroke, a TBI is caused by some type of external mechanical force; such as a forceful head impact, exposure to a blast wave, or penetration of the cranium by a projectile or other object.

Similar to a stroke, when someone suffers a TBI there can be many changes to neurological function, such as changes in movements, sensation, and cognition. Changes in these functions can be very profound or so mild that they may not be detectable with current clinical assessment tools. The Dukelow Neuro Robot Lab is interested in determining how a individual's movement, sensation, and cognition have been affect by their TBI, to help determine the course of their rehabilitation. 

Using our Kinarm robotic exoskeleton, participants with TBI go through a series of tasks to assess their neurological function, similar to our stroke study RESTART. Through the use of robotic assessments of participants with TBI's, we hope to determine how neurological function changes when different areas of the brain are injured, and hope to better predict the course of an individual's recovery.  

Team Members Involved

Trainees:

• Leah Mercier

Collaborators:

• Dr. Chantel Debert (Co-Investigator, Calgary AB)