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SEMESTER II EXAMINATIONS - 2018/2019

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School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

EEEN 40350 – Rehabilitation Engineering

Dr. Vanessa Diaz

Prof. Peter Kennedy

Prof. Madeleine Lowery

Dr Giacomo Severini*

Time Allowed: 2 hours

Instructions for Candidates

All questions should be answered. The numbers in the bracket after each
question represent the proportion of the final exam’s mark for that question.

Instructions for Invigilators

Non-programmable calculators are permitted.

No rough-work paper is to be provided for candidates.

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1. Explain the difference between impairment, disability and handicap (5/100)

2. Briefly describe the most common motor impairments in the upper and lower
limbs that are observed after a stroke (5/100)

3. Briefly explain what is meant by the term ‘neuroplasticity (5/100)

4. Briefly describe what is the function of the Central Pattern Generators (5/100)

5. Define spasticity and its effect on voluntary movements. Name two conditions
where spasticity is a common movement-related symptom. (5/100)

6. Briefly describe Hebbian learning and explain how this concept relates to
rehabilitation practice (5/100)

7. Universal Design - What is meant by the term ‘Universal Design’ and what are
considered to be the primary social drivers and benefits arising from its use?
(5/100)

8. Describe two possible uses of wearable sensors in rehabilitation. Explain the most
appropriate sensor to be used for each application (10/100)

9. Explain the difference between passive and active prosthesis. Explain the different
way in which an active and a passive prosthesis would work for a specific joint
(upper or lower limb) of your choice (10/100)

10. What are the three main drivers behind the use of robots in rehabilitation? (5/100)

11. David is recovering from a mild stroke that left him impaired on the left side of
his body. In particular, David suffers from drop-foot. What choice of assistive
devices David has to limit the impact of his impairment? Which device would be
the best solution for him? (10/100)

12. A patient is paralyzed from the waist down. A team of scientists developed a BCI-
controlled exoskeleton for her. Would it make sense to develop the BCI system by
using a “P300” design or would it be better to use a “Motor Imagery” design?
Explain your reasoning (5/100)

13. Individuals, after a stroke, often walk in a non-optimal way. The way they walk is
often overconservative and depends on their perceived stability. One of the aims
of therapy is to show to the patients achievable and more optimal walking
patterns. Design an experiment/technology that would trick a patient to actively
walk in different way. (15/100)

14. Explain what are the reasons behind the limited success of Robot-Assisted gait
training and describe two methodologies that could be used to improve this kind
of therapy (10/100)
“oOo”

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