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Dr. Kamper’s research focuses on sensorimotor control of the hand and its rehabilitation following neuromuscular injury, such as stroke. Toward this end, he and his research group are pursuing three interdependent lines of research in the Hand Rehabilitation Laboratory.
Description of Hand Neuromechanics
To better assist those with hand impairment, it is necessary to first understand how the hand is controlled. Dr. Kamper and his research group are conducting kinematic and kinetic studies with human subjects and cadaveric tissue at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) and the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in order to determine the neural and biomechanical properties of the hand. The results of these studies will be used to construct a computer model of the hand for predicting the outcome of interventions.
Quantification of Mechanisms of Hand Impairment
The true mechanisms of impairment may be difficult to detect as they typically result from secondary changes derived from the original brain infarct. Dr. Kamper’s research involves the development of methods and instrumentation to ascertain the relative contributions of these changes to impairment. For example, Dr. Kamper’s group is collaborating with researchers at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation to develop a wireless sensing glove.
Development of Devices for Rehabilitation
The ultimate goal of this research is to promote hand rehabilitation. Dr. Kamper’s group is developing mechatronic devices and virtual reality environments for use in rehabilitative training. Clinical trials are being performed with stroke survivors at RIC.
» Current Projects
Multi-joint sensorimotor dysfunction of the stroke arm
Examination of finger motor control
Design and evaluation of a coordinated system for assisting reach-to-grasp movements following stroke
Rehabilitation of finger extension in chronic hemiplegia. | 