In clinical populations lower limb assistive devices, such as orthopedic shoes, orthoses or prostheses are provided to improve functioning in daily life. Despite technological developments, the effectiveness of these devices often does not live up to expectations. Key to this problem is the lack of tuning of these devices to the individual user. Currently, such tuning is a time- and labor-intensive process that relies on the subjective expertise of the provider, which oftentimes results in suboptimal outcomes. A novel approach towards individualized tuning of assistive devices is Human-in-the-Loop optimization (HILO). Using HILO, properties of assistive device, for example orthosis stiffness or prosthetic alignment are continuously changed. Simultaneously, objective measurements of relevant performance criteria during walking and an AI optimization algorithm efficiently guide the selection of the properties towards maximal performance.
In this mini-symposium we will demonstrate the potential of HILO optimization for prosthetic and orthotic care. After a general introduction about HILO optimization and how this may revolutionize prosthetic and orthotic care, three use cases in different clinical populations will be presented. The use cases consist of how HILO can be used to 1) optimize rocker shoes apex parameters for plantar pressure distribution (Juha Hijmans&Rifko Kurnianto), 2) optimize ankle-foot orthosis stiffness in neuromuscular diseases (Merel Brehm&Niels Waterval) and 3) tune stiffness and alignment of a prosthetic foot (Han Houdijk&Thijs Tankink). The symposium will be finished with time for questions and panel discussion on steps to take to revolutionize prosthetic and orthotic care through HILO.
Statement of the objective / learning objectives
- Understand the potential of Human-in-the-Loop optimization for individualized tuning of lower limb assistive devices.
- Gain insights into the current developments of Human-in-the-Loop optimization in tuning of rocker shoes, lower limb orthoses and prostheses.
