Project financed by CNMP type PNII        SINPHA - D11-068/2007

Goal: The proposed interdisciplinary project (automation, mechatronics, applied informatics, neurology, rehabilitation, advanced control theory) aims to propose new neuroprosthesis-type embedded systems to be used to the treatment of central nervous disorders that affect movement. 

The main beneficiaries of these new designed neuroprostheses are the people with impairment to their motor functions as a consequence of damage to the central nervous system (stroke, multiple sclerosis, SCI, Parkinson, etc.). These new devices will improve their mobility and rehabilitation processes, allowing the patients to lead more productive, socially integrated and independent lives, and reducing the burden that they currently represent for health care and support services. The proposed research has a second role improving the competitiveness and creativity of the young researchers, leading to an increased visibility of our research team at the European level and facilitating our integration within European technological platforms.

Expanding the generic knowledge base required for the development of neuprosthesis, brings on scientific and technological challenges in the following research areas: sensing (optimal sensorial system, computer supported methods need to be developed to design minimal configurations of sensors), biomechanics (human body complex model to be used in simulation), advanced control methods (Patient-driven, adaptive and robust methods), methods to quantify the results of the rehabilitative process, clinical tests procedures.

General objective: Creation of an innovative product – neuroprosthesis-type embedded system – useful in recovering the neuromotor handicapped persons due to injuries at the level of the central nervous system.

Specific objectives of SINPHA:

• development of neuroprosthesis-type embedded system (hardware platforms and peripheral systems),

• development of some human body models and algorithms useful in simulation,

• development of a man-computer natural-interaction device, attached to the neroprosthesis, useful for the paralyzed patients,

• development of a textile-material sensorial system (incorporating sensorial natural- or artificial- feedback and textile electrodes),

• proposal of new electrophysiological evaluation methods, based on the motor-area cartography,

• miniaturization and optimization of the proposed system for ambulatory utilization.