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The Biomechanics of Human Movement Group at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta (Edmonton, Canada), and the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, invites applications for Master’s and Ph.D. positions commencing in September 2013 or January 2014.
Project Theme:
Use of Stochastic Resonance (SR) for Improving Postural Control in the Elderly and Individuals with Stroke
Description:
Elderly people and people with stroke are generally more prone to falling than healthy and young individuals. Consequences of falling can be severe and even fatal. Moreover, an increased risk of falling oftentimes results in restricted participation in everyday activities. Reduced physical activity is, however, a serious problem as it can lead to further de-conditioning and initiate or aggravate physical and psychosocial health problems. A variety of factors contribute to the increased risk of falling in the elderly and post-stroke. They include environmental hazards, balance control and cognitive abilities as well as medication use. To avoid falls, the integration of the central and peripheral nervous, sensory, and musculoskeletal systems is needed in order to generate an appropriate and timely response to maintain stability.
In this context, it has been shown that noise can enhance the detection and transmission of weak signals in sensory systems, via a mechanism known as stochastic resonance (SR). The phenomenon of SR is based on the concept that the detection and transmission of information through the human body can be improved by the presence of a particular non-zero level of noise. Recently, SR – and in particular imperceptible electrical or mechanical noise – has been used to enhance joint proprioception or cutaneous sensation, with the effect of improved balance control during quiet standing. While results are very promising, our understanding of the responsible mechanisms in healthy individuals and post-stroke is still limited. In addition, clinical SR-based paradigms have primarily focused on single sites within the lower limbs.
Based on these considerations, the objective of the overall project is three-fold:
1) to investigate whether SR solely improves the detection of sensory inputs or whether it also facilitates the activity of the sensory-motor system. For this purpose, fundamental studies in healthy individuals as well as clinical studies in individuals with stroke will be performed;
2) to develop a multi-modality SR system for assessing the effect of SR on postural control during gait and posture. For this purpose, ideal sites and modes of stimulation will be identified as well as different noise generators evaluated; and
3) to develop a mathematical model of the effect of SR on signal detection and transmission.
Particular Master’s and Ph.D. themes will be formulated in accordance with the candidate’s qualifications and interests.
Research Environment:
The University of Alberta and the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital provide an excellent environment for performing world-class research that is located at the interface between biomechanics and neuroscience. Biomechanics and rehabilitation facilities at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital include the Syncrude Centre for Motion and Balance (SCMB), The Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre (BTACC), and one of two CAREN systems in Canada (http://www.motekmedical.com/products/caren/). Interdisciplinary training and collaborations with other units at the University of Alberta – such as the Centre for Neuroscience or the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine – are highly encouraged and supported.
Candidates’ profile:
- Master’s level: Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics or Engineering (preferably in Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical or Rehab) – or students with a solid Biomechanics background
- Ph.D. level: Master’s degree in Applied Physics or Engineering (preferably in Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, or Rehab) – or students with a solid Biomechanics background
Recommended skills:
- Experience in experimental measurements and/or mathematical modeling
- Experience in System Design and Programming
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- Good knowledge of the English language
Application:
Send your detailed CV, a letter of interest, Bachelor’s and/or Master's transcript of records to:
Dr. Albert Vette (albert.vette@ualberta.ca)
Contact for more information:
Albert Vette, Ph.D.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Alberta
Email: albert.vette@ualberta.ca
Project Theme:
Use of Stochastic Resonance (SR) for Improving Postural Control in the Elderly and Individuals with Stroke
Description:
Elderly people and people with stroke are generally more prone to falling than healthy and young individuals. Consequences of falling can be severe and even fatal. Moreover, an increased risk of falling oftentimes results in restricted participation in everyday activities. Reduced physical activity is, however, a serious problem as it can lead to further de-conditioning and initiate or aggravate physical and psychosocial health problems. A variety of factors contribute to the increased risk of falling in the elderly and post-stroke. They include environmental hazards, balance control and cognitive abilities as well as medication use. To avoid falls, the integration of the central and peripheral nervous, sensory, and musculoskeletal systems is needed in order to generate an appropriate and timely response to maintain stability.
In this context, it has been shown that noise can enhance the detection and transmission of weak signals in sensory systems, via a mechanism known as stochastic resonance (SR). The phenomenon of SR is based on the concept that the detection and transmission of information through the human body can be improved by the presence of a particular non-zero level of noise. Recently, SR – and in particular imperceptible electrical or mechanical noise – has been used to enhance joint proprioception or cutaneous sensation, with the effect of improved balance control during quiet standing. While results are very promising, our understanding of the responsible mechanisms in healthy individuals and post-stroke is still limited. In addition, clinical SR-based paradigms have primarily focused on single sites within the lower limbs.
Based on these considerations, the objective of the overall project is three-fold:
1) to investigate whether SR solely improves the detection of sensory inputs or whether it also facilitates the activity of the sensory-motor system. For this purpose, fundamental studies in healthy individuals as well as clinical studies in individuals with stroke will be performed;
2) to develop a multi-modality SR system for assessing the effect of SR on postural control during gait and posture. For this purpose, ideal sites and modes of stimulation will be identified as well as different noise generators evaluated; and
3) to develop a mathematical model of the effect of SR on signal detection and transmission.
Particular Master’s and Ph.D. themes will be formulated in accordance with the candidate’s qualifications and interests.
Research Environment:
The University of Alberta and the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital provide an excellent environment for performing world-class research that is located at the interface between biomechanics and neuroscience. Biomechanics and rehabilitation facilities at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital include the Syncrude Centre for Motion and Balance (SCMB), The Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre (BTACC), and one of two CAREN systems in Canada (http://www.motekmedical.com/products/caren/). Interdisciplinary training and collaborations with other units at the University of Alberta – such as the Centre for Neuroscience or the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine – are highly encouraged and supported.
Candidates’ profile:
- Master’s level: Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics or Engineering (preferably in Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical or Rehab) – or students with a solid Biomechanics background
- Ph.D. level: Master’s degree in Applied Physics or Engineering (preferably in Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, or Rehab) – or students with a solid Biomechanics background
Recommended skills:
- Experience in experimental measurements and/or mathematical modeling
- Experience in System Design and Programming
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- Good knowledge of the English language
Application:
Send your detailed CV, a letter of interest, Bachelor’s and/or Master's transcript of records to:
Dr. Albert Vette (albert.vette@ualberta.ca)
Contact for more information:
Albert Vette, Ph.D.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Alberta
Email: albert.vette@ualberta.ca
