Hands-on workshops or interactive activities will allow students to understand the basic principles of the technologies, plan clinical interventions and experiments and use the devices and tools in real applications.

Students will complete two tracks of workshops (one in the early afternoon and one during the late afternoon) on June 9 (Monday), June 10 (Tuesday), and June 12 (Thursday), based on selected preference and workshop availability. The content of each workshop will span all three days, so it is necessary to attend the three days to make the most of the workshop.

Preliminary workshop descriptions have been posted below; sign up to our mailing list here to be notified about updated descriptions!

WS1 – Synergy-based multichannel functional electrical stimulation (FES) in gait rehabilitation
This workshop will introduce the application of multichannel functional electrical stimulation (FES) for gait rehabilitation. Students will learn how muscle synergy quantification can be used to drive FES and assess rehabilitation outcomes. The workshop will also introduce methods for designing a personalized synergy-based FES strategy. Through hands-on activities, Students will record and process electromyography (EMG) signals, compute muscle synergies, and reconstruct activation profiles targeting specific muscle synergies. They will also gain practical experience applying synergy-based FES using advanced devices provided by the organizers. Additionally, the workshop will provide clinical perspectives on the use of synergy-based FES, including its potential and challenges for improving gait rehabilitation in individuals with neurological disorders.
Hosted by: The Chinese University of Hong Kong: Prof. Vincent Cheung; Politecnico di Milano: Prof. Emilia Ambrosini; Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAlab) – Dr. José L. Pons’ lab: Jackson Levine, Xin Yu;
Techniques involved: FES, EMG

WS1 Day 1: Muscle Synergies During Gait
(Hosted by The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
– What are muscle synergies?
– Signal processing of EMG
– Hands-on recording EMG/(IMU or footswitch) during gait
– How to compute muscle synergies from the collected data

WS1 Day 2: Muscle Synergies as a Biomarker of Impairment
(Hosted by The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
– Impairments of muscle synergy in neurological diseases
– Hands-on: Identification of impaired muscle synergies
– Walk through of methods and metrics to directly compare impaired synergies to healthy synergies
– How are these biomarkers being used today to track and monitor impairment?
– Clinical perspectives of muscle synergies as a biomarker and their clinical relevance

WS1 Day 3: Muscle Synergies as a Driver of Personalized Precision Rehabilitation
(Hosted by Dr. Emilia Ambrosini)
– Introduction of FES and neuromodulation
– Hands-on development of 3 different stimulation profiles
– Important FES parameters to consider
– Coding FES stimulation profiles into the software
– Clinical applications and the future of personalized stimulation strategies

WS2 – Neuromusculoskeletal Modeling Pipeline Training Workshop
This hands-on workshop will introduce the Neuromusculoskeletal Modeling (NMSM) Pipeline (https://nmsm.rice.edu), which is open source Matlab-based software that adds Model Personalization and Treatment Optimization toolsets to the OpenSim musculoskeletal modeling software. Attendees will learn how to use the four tools available in the Model Personalization toolset and the three tools available in the Treatment Optimization toolset. Starting with a scaled generic OpenSim model and experimental motion capture, ground reaction, and EMG data, the Model Personalization toolset allows users to personalize 1) joint functional axes, 2) muscle-tendon model properties, 3) neural control model properties using muscle synergies, and 4) foot-ground contact model properties. Next, starting with this personalized model and the same experimental data, the Treatment Optimization toolset allows users to perform 1) Tracking Optimizations that closely reproduce a subject’s experimental joint motion, ground reaction, joint moment, and EMG data simultaneously using muscle synergy and/or joint torque controls, 2) Verification Optimizations that verify the muscle synergy and/or joint torque controls found by a Tracking Optimization can reproduce all available experimental data without tracking it, and finally, 3) Design Optimizations that perform predictive simulations to design a clinical intervention. The first day of the workshop will focus on the Model Personalization toolset, the second day will focus on the Treatment Optimization toolset, and the final day will focus on mini-simulation projects where students can explore the functionality of one or more tools more deeply.
Hosted by: Rice University – Prof. B.J. Fregly
Techniques involved: Modeling, simulation

WS2 Day 1: Model Personalization toolset
– Introduction to the Model Personalization toolset
– Overview of the Model Personalization Toolset
– Details and Tutorials for each Model Personalization Tool:
    1. Joint Model Personalization Tool
    2. Muscle-tendon Model Personalization Tool
    3. Neural Control Model Personalization Tool
    4. Foot-ground Contact Model Personalization Tool
– Example Model Personalization Use Case

WS2 Day 2: Treatment Optimization toolset
– Overview of the Treatment Optimization Toolset
– Details and Tutorials for Each Treatment Optimization Tool
    1. Tracking Optimization
    2. Verification Optimization
    3. Design Optimization
– Example Treatment Optimization Use Case

WS2 Day 3: Mini-simulation Projects using both Toolsets
– Stroke Neurorehabilitation Project
– Knee Osteoarthritis Rehabilitation Project
– Bring-Your-Own Project

WS3 – Control of lower limb rehabilitation robotics
This workshop focuses on the control and interconnectivity of ankle robotic devices for rehabilitation. The workshop introduces the basic principles of the design of the lower limb robotics used, modifications made, software used and solutions adopted. Students will explore BusCan and ROS data transmission protocols, interconnection of external control devices to rehabilitation robotics, control drivers, rehabilitation robotic device parameter sharing, feedback, and parameters.
Hosted by: Hospital Los Madroños (HLM) – Alberto Canton Gonzalez, Javier Castilla Gomez; Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAlab) – Dr. José L. Pons’ lab: Lorenzo Vianello; Technaid
Techniques involved: Robotics

WS3 Day 1: External control and data feedback of ankle rehabilitation devices
– Introduction to M1 and CAN protocol
– Configure and test external control
– Interconnection of external control and M1
– Function test and parameter tuning

WS3 Day 2: Interconnection and parameter sharing between wearable and non-wearable robotics
– Introduction to haptic connection
– Configure M1 bridge
– Configure external control
– Function test and parameter tuning

WS3 Day 3: To be announced
(Hosted by Technaid)

WS4 – Natural Integration of Bionic Limbs via Spinal Interfacing
Natural BionicS aims to create a fully integrated, symbiotic replacement for missing or damaged parts of the human body with artificial limbs that the user will feel and command as a true part of their body. This is achieved by the breakthrough concept of surgically creating bio-connectors to bidirectionally access the spinal cord circuitries. The bio-connector enables to extract information from spinal motor neurons, unravelling the neural code for movement, and to deliver information into the spinal circuitries by stimulating transplanted biological organs. The deciphered neural code provides the ability to replicate the movement of the missing limb on revolutionary robotic limbs that are designed for soft and natural mechanical interaction with the environment. The encoded stimulation will re-establish sensory input as occurring during natural movement, thereby closing the sensory-motor loop. This workshop will cover key aspects of sensory-motor integration, from impact of amputation of the sensory-motor system and the Bio-hub to state-of-the-art techniques in bionic limb design and interface methods. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on sessions, including electromyography (EMG) signal analysis, motor unit decomposition, and real-time prosthetic control. Moreover, interactive demonstrations will showcase cutting-edge developments in sensorized prostheses, soft robotics, adaptive artificial feet, and compensatory control methods. Participants will experience live testing of wearable haptic devices, supernumerary robotic limbs, and innovative prosthetic control approaches. Through this combination of theoretical insights, practical applications, and live demonstrations, the workshop aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements in neural systems, prosthetic design and interface, control strategies, and assistive technologies.
Hosted by:
Imperial College London (ICL) – Prof. Dario Farina, Laura Ferrante, Jumpei Kashiwakura, Balint Hodossy, Patric Sagastegui Alva
Instituto Italiano di Technologia (IIT) – Prof. Antonio Bicchi, Giuseppe Milazzo, Eleonora Fontana, Alessia Silvia Ivani, and Emanuele De Bonis
Medical University of Vienna (MUW) – Prof. Oskar Aszmann, Dominik Dotzauer, Anna Boesendorfer
Relevant populations: Limb Loss, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury
Techniques involved: mechatronic design and interfacing, variable stiffness, control of assistive devices based on residual motion capabilities, haptic feedback, SoftFoot Pro, SoftHand X

WS4 Day 1: Soft Bionics for Rehabilitation: Advances and Perspectives
(Hosted by IIT)
– Upper and Lower Limb Prosthesis
– Hand-on testing of prostheses with EMG control
– Haptic Feedback and Wearable Devices for Prosthetic Users
– Hands-on testing of developed haptic devices
– Upper Limb Rehabilitation
– Upper Limb Assistance
– Hands-on testing of the SoftHand-X with occupational therapy objects

WS4 Day 2: Reintegration of sensory-motor stimuli
(Hosted by the Medical University of Vienna)
– Bionic Limb reconstruction
– Biohub
– Non-invasive methods for stimulation to trigger spinal reflexes
– Hands-on Experience of disrupting the feedback

WS4 Day 3: Technology and methods for interfacing the neural system
(Hosted by Imperial College London)
– Electromyography (EMG)
– Human-machine interfacing
– Surface/intramuscular low/high-density EMG
– Motor units
– Interfacing reinnervated muscle
– Natural bionicS experiments
– Hands-on on motor units properties
– MUEdit
– Neural synergies
– Simulated environments for assistive technology

WS5 – How to use ROS and ROS-Neuro with a brain-computer interface (BCI) system to connect external devices for rehabilitation and assistance
In this workshop, we want to present the steps in order to build a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) that allows users to control an external device. This technology can be used in the rehabilitation field using the EEG signals. We will use our open-source framework based on ROS called ROSNeuro, which facilitates the building of a BCI system. The workshop will be subdivided into three days to provide examples of BCI and the knowledge of a motor imagery BCI (MI-BCI) system.
Hosted by: University of Padua – Piero Simonetta, Paolo Forin, Luca Tonin
Tentative contributions by: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAlab) – Dr. José L. Pons’ lab: Lorenzo Vianello
Techniques involved: BCI systems based on EEG signals, MI-BCI

WS5 Day 1: Introducing BCI systems based on EEG signals
– EEG motor imagery paradigm used to control an external device
– What is a BCI system and how it works
– Record EEG signals, investigate signal quality and main signal characteristics

WS5 Day 2: Learning the organization and implementation of MI-BCI paradigm
– What are BCI paradigms
– How does ROS and ROS-Neuro implementation work
– Work on pre-compiled code and test the BCI paradigm with an MI-BCI system
– Place an EEG cap, analyze signals, perform a calibration, and evaluate the overall system

WS5 Day 3: Add an external device to a BCI system
– Introduction of an external robot (e.g. LEGO spike)
– Work on pre-compiled code and test the overall MI-BCI system to control the external robot.

WS6 – Sensorless Assessment of Motor Function
MOVE 4D is a 4D scanning tool for biomechanics and functional assessment. It allows dynamic analysis of shape in movements and provides insightful clinical information. It can be used as a reliable markerless device for human movement analysis. It can also be used as a contactless system to monitor muscle activation for the assessment of pathologies and rehabilitation. The workshop will provide applications for the analysis of gait in people with cerebral palsy and stroke.
Hosted by: Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia – Prof. Juanma Belda-Lois, Rosa Porcar Seder
Techniques involved: markerless movement analysis

WS6 Day 1: 4D scanning with Move4D
– Acquisition of data
– Raw information from Move4D scanners
– Automatic construction of a homo model

WS6 Day 2: From 4D scanning to biomechanics
– Automatic fitting of and skeleton to the mesh
– Anatomical landmarks and homo-models
– Kinematic analysis of movement from dynamical meshes
– Volume changes and dynamic inertial parameters

WS6 Day 3: Advanced analysis. Towards sensorless muscle activation analysis
– Dynamical analysis of shape
– Changes of shape and muscle activation
– Assessment of pathological gait

WS7 – Collecting and interpreting end-user feedback: Introduction to methods in design and implementation science
Many innovative devices go unused—how can you ensure yours is adopted by end-users? This workshop explores the intersection of Implementation Science and User-centered design, focusing on the critical role of end-user feedback on device development. Participants will learn practical methods for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting end-user feedback to refine their designs. Each session will begin with a didactic overview of feedback methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and think-aloud or near-live testing. Following the introduction to each method, we will conduct interactive exercises where students will apply these techniques in real-time, and conclude with hands-on introduction to data analysis and interpretation to inform device improvements. Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in discussions, hands-on activities, and expert guidance to deepen their understanding of user-centered development. Break out of the research silo and discover how to effectively integrate end-user feedback to create devices that truly meet user needs.
Hosted by: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAlab) – Prof. Miriam Rafferty, Courtney Celian
Techniques involved: End-user feedback methodologies, surveys, focus groups

WS7 Day 1: Surveys
– Introduction to Implementation Science and User-Centered Design
– Overview of validated surveys to collect feedback
– Hands-on practice: using the surveys and rating FDA-approved devices
– Interpreting survey results to inform device development

WS7 Day 2: Focus Groups and Interviews
– Differences, advantages, and limitations of focus groups vs. interviews
– Live demonstration of a focus group session
– Data interpretation from qualitative feedback

WS7 Day 3: Think Aloud and Near-live testing
– Exploring Think Aloud protocols for real-time user insights
– Conducting near-live testing to evaluate usability in real-world conditions
– Analyzing and integrating feedback into device development.

Updated: March 21, 2025