Capabilities
Capabilities is a free quarterly publication issued by the Northwestern University Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Prosthetics and Orthotics. Capabilities is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) of the Department of Education under grant number H133E080009. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the grantee and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Education.
Published since 1991, Capabilities is available by internet or post to individuals and institutions who are interested in prosthetics and orthotics. Capabilities provides information about research and education activities at the Northwestern University Prosthetics/Orthotics Center (NUPOC). Clinicians, manufacturers, consumers, and fellow investigators who are involved in prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) will find articles about the research, presentations, publications, and other activities conducted by NUPOC staff and students.
To read Capabilities, visit this site often or send your subscription request to Capabilities, Northwestern University Prosthetics/Orthotics Center, 680 North Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611. You may e-mail your request to reiu@northwestern.edu or call 312-503-5700.
NOTE: All Capabilities are in the Adobe PDF format. You will need the Adobe Reader, which is available for FREE, to view these documents.
Spring 2012
This issue of Capabilities highlights experiences of NUPOC volunteers who provided P&O services in Guatemala; reports on Seminar in Technical Orthopedics with speakers from German-speaking countries and Loyola University; reports on Megan Carroll, Library Information Science Practicum student, who is organizing the NUPOC Special Collection; Freek Verbakel, an extern from Delft, who is analyzing NUPOC’s data about center of pressure progression in ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs); Craig Heckathorne, MSc, and Erin Boutwell, MS, who presented biomedical engineering opportunities at the 41st Annual Career Day for Girls; and honors the memory of James Russ, former director of the NUPOC Orthotics program.
Winter 2012
Featured articles: In this issue of Capabilities, BJ Johnson, PhD, writes about designing portable equipment to measure human movement and collaborating with off-site orthotists to recruit subjects for participation in his doctoral research project. Other articles examine Dr. Johnson’s successful dissertation defense about RGO-assisted gait; new instructional team member Shenan Hoppe-Ludwig, CO; a didactic tour of NUPOC for high school science students; NUPOC graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who serve as judges at science fairs; and preparations to launch NUPOC’s Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MPO).
Autumn 2011
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities features an article by Azucena Rodriguez, PhD, et al., about NIDRR-funded research that investigates spinal motion during walking in persons with transfemoral amputation. NUPOC appreciates sponsorship of a faculty office, generously presented by Judith Rubin in memory of her late father, David Rubin, MD. NUPOC welcomes NIDRR Scholar Shingo Takemoto and research extern Tina Amirtha. Public education activities at NUPOC include presentations to the National Student Leadership Conference, the Rush Occupational Therapy program, and visiting researchers from Japan. NUPOC News reports on research publications, presentations, patents, defenses, and more.
Summer 2011
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities offers a tribute to NUPOC Educational Models and Research Subjects. Read about the lifetime contributions of Prosthetics Educational Model George Wedel and Orthotics Educational Model Clarence Coakley. An article by Samuel Kwak (and Stefania Fatone, PhD(Hons), evaluates a case study of a bilateral transtibial prosthesis user walking with the NUPOC mechanically adapting prosthetic ankle. As a dissemination activity, NUPOC hosted groups from Northwestern University's Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work. Groups of children interested in science visited NUPOC to learn about upper limb prostheses, motion analysis, and orthoses.
Spring 2011
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities updates the CROR-NURERC collaborative project that helps prosthetists measure outcome and improve quality of care. Eric Nickel, MS, offers a summary of his master’s thesis about a prosthetic ankle-foot system that automatically adapts to sloped surfaces. Charles Wang, MS, reflects on his dual training in biomedical engineering and prosthetics. NUPOC welcomes postdoctoral fellow, Oluseeni Komolafe, PhD; congratulates Instrument Maker Dilip Thaker; and appreciates Margaret Parker. Reports about NUPOC outreach activities include participation in health professional recruitment for the U.S. Army and NU Career Day for Girls. NUPOC hosted tours for professional prosthetists and orthotists, and for Bateman School science students. Read about NUPOC publications, presentations, and photographer Scot Wittman, MFA, who focused on NUPOC prosthetists.
Featured articles: Capabilities highlights NUPOC’s Ribbon Cutting and Open House; donors who made major gifts to NUPOC; the conceptual design for NUPOC’s new space; and the dedication of the Childress Commons. We introduce postdoctoral fellow, Azucena Rodriguez, and consider the importance of collaborative research. NUPOC spearheaded a P&O service trip to Zacapa, Guatemala. Awards and honors went to Stefania Fatone, who was guest editor of Prosthetics and Orthotics International; Christopher Robinson who received a 2010 OPERF Educator Award and was recognized Fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists; Eric Nickel, who successfully defended his master’s thesis; and Tom Karolewski, who completed his master’s degree in Education. As a dissemination activity, NUPOC hosted an educational tour about rehabilitation engineering and P&O for high school science students.
Autumn 2010
Featured articles: Capabilities features NUPOC’s successful move and unification of research and education programs; and announces the honor of having Northwestern University President and Professor Morton O. Schapiro preside at the NUPOC Ribbon Cutting and rededication ceremony. Learn about a major Department of Defense (DoD) research grant awarded to Principal Investigator Stefania Fatone and Co-Investigator Steven A. Gard for the development of a sub-ischial prosthetic socket. Kudos to NURERC Advisory Panel recognizes consumers, clinicians, and researchers who serve on the Panel. Spotlighted are Stefania Fatone, an Impresa Award recipient; Tom Karolewski, a member of the Feinberg Academy of Medical Educators (FAME); Matthew J. Major, PhD, a Postdoctoral Fellow; Sam Kwak, a student mentee in P&O; and recent visitors to NUPOC. Read summaries of recent publications, presentations, and defenses.
Summer 2010
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities publicizes the historic merger between NUPRL and NUPOC. Going forward, the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC) will represent the dual missions of P&O education and research. From September, the Center will move into custom-designed facilities adjacent to the NU campus at 680 North Lake Shore Drive. Read Practice Makes Perfect to learn about the experiences of P&O clinicians who have used the Orthotics and Prosthetics User Survey (OPUS) in their practice. Other articles detail NURERC presentations at the ISPO Conference, patent applications, and awards. Read about VA-associated activities that support amputee surfing and the fabrication of a surf leg. The article, Brian Ruhe: Bioengineer, Prosthetist, Hockey Champ…Gnarly Surfer!, identifies a confluence among prosthetics, biomechanics and surfing. Finally, this issue marks the departure of Joshua Rolock, PhD, and welcomes summer intern, Colleen Farrell.
Spring 2010
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities announces the merger between NUPRL and NUPOC and the entity’s planned relocation to a new research center. Articles feature awards to NURERC personnel, Stefania Fatone, PhD, Dudley S. Childress, PhD, and John Michael, CPO. Also, read about NURERC presentations at the 36th American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Scientific Symposium. We welcome new personnel Jared Howell, CPO, and Pranitha Gottipati, PhD. Read about collaborative projects in spine research and the first meeting of the NURERC Advisory Panel. Recent NURERC visitors include Ms. Yasmin Othman (University of Jordan); orthopedic surgeons from German-speaking countries sponsored by Initiative ’93; and the Science Club of the McCormick Boys and Girls Club. Finally, Eric Nickel, BSc, demonstrates the importance of science mentorship and role modeling for Science Club students.
Winter 2010
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities introduces Felix Starker as Visiting Scholar at NURERC. His article, “Remaking the Mauch Hydraulic Ankle,” examines the hydraulic mechanism that allows the prosthetic ankle to adapt passively to different terrain. Other articles welcome John W. Michael, MEd, CPO, as Associate Director of NUPOC; bid farewell to Andrew Hansen, PhD, who has transferred to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center; summarize the collaboration of NUPOC graduates with the Range of Motion Project (ROMP) to provide P&O services to Guatemalans; and review NURERC’s outreach and dissemination activities educating high school science students about career opportunities in rehabilitation engineering and P&O.
Autumn 2009
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities examines education and outreach by NURERC staff. Sara Koehler, MS, Lexyne Jackson, MS, and Angelika (Kiki) Zissimopoulos, MS, discuss their educational experiences and the benefits of mentorship in Northwestern University’s Graduate Teaching Certificate Program. Articles by R. J. Garrick, PhD, review NURERC outreach presentations to the National Youth Leadership Forum Medical Group, the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Science Minors, and the Rush University School of Nursing. Dr. Garrick reports on NURERC interactions with international researchers, such as an invited speech by Andrew Hansen, PhD, at the Asian Prosthetic and Orthotic Scientific Meeting in Hong Kong; and visits to NURERC from Liang-Wey Chang, PhD, CO, PE, (Taiwan); Hyun Sub Park, PhD, (Korea); and Urs Schneider, MD, (Germany). Articles about student achievements include successful doctoral dissertation defense by Brian L. Ruhe, PhD; and the selection of Sara Koehler, MS, to receive a 2009 Orthotic and Prosthetic Education & Research Foundation award. See NURERC News for updates about meetings, promotions, and final patent applications.
Summer 2009
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities reviews a keynote address delivered by Andrew Hansen, Ph.D., in Amsterdam; workshops about lower limb orthotics presented by Stefania Fatone, Ph.D., BPO(Hons) and Bryan Malas, MHPE, CO, CPed at RIC; and presentations by Steven A. Gard, Ph.D., Stefania Fatone, Ph.D. and other NURERC researchers at the Midwest AAOP meeting. Articles by R. J. Garrick, Ph.D., discuss Dr. Hansen’s visit to The Center for the Intrepid and visits to NURERC by LTC Rachel Evans from The Center for the Intrepid to NURERC and Troy Turner from the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC). News from the VA includes a report on upgrades to software used in VACMARL research; and the value of VA adaptive sports programs to holistic rehabilitation and their connection with the Paralympics. Erin Boutwell, M.S., and Charles C. Wang, M.S., reprise their recent thesis defenses.
Spring 2009
Featured articles: R. J. Garrick, Ph.D., reviews evidence based practice and outcomes research as systematic efforts to incorporate objective, measureable, standardized data in medical and P&O treatment. Allen Heinemann, Ph.D., et al., of the Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR), offer insights into improving P&O patient care; Stefania Fatone, Ph.D., discusses the initiation and development of Evidence Notes for P&O; R. J. Garrick, Ph.D., recaps the use of Clinical Practice Guidelines at VA/DoD. William B. Johnson, M.S., reprises his Thranhardt Lecture about reciprocating gait orthoses. Also, read articles about James L. Del Bianco who, under the guidance of Stefania Fatone, Ph.D., conducted award-winning research about orthoses for Charcot-Marie-Tooth; NURERC participation in the 38th annual Career Day for Women; and others.
Winter 2009
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities features articles about new equipment awarded to laboratory researchers by VA Research and Development. Three instruments will augment ongoing modeling projects and promote new knowledge about human balance. Joshua Rolock, Ph.D, introduces the Stratasys Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)TM 400mc Rapid Prototyping Machine and the Inspeck Dual Field 3-D Optical Digitizer. Andrew Hansen, Ph.D., and R. J. Garrick, Ph.D., introduce the NeuroCom® Balance Manager® SMART EquiTest® Clinical Research SystemTM and the VA Chicago Laboratory for the Assessment of Balance (VACLAB). R. J. Garrick, Ph.D., examines “Accidental Falls,” their risk assessment and prevention through balance studies. Other articles highlight Thomas Karolewski, CP, FAAOP, Director of Prosthetics Education at NUPOC; recent student defenses; and public education activities.
Autumn 2008
Featured articles: Editor R. J. Garrick, PhD, notes the importance of renewed NIDRR funding for the laboratory as a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) for Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O). NURERC’s new collaboration with AgrAbility examines prosthetic durability among farmers with an amputation. “Overcoming Adversity” chronicles Brenda Besse’s success farming with an amputation. Other articles underscore NURERC’s international dissemination and educational activities. Read about prosthetic challenges for a Vietnamese child in “Where People Seek to Do Good;” the global work of Julien Pasquier and Handicap International in “Standing Tall;” and a translational engineering design process used at Fraunhofer Technologie-Entwicklungsgruppe in “Design Process.”
Summer 2008
Featured articles: In this issue of Capabilities, Lexyne McNealy Jackson, M.S., reviews ways to evaluate balance and stability. An article about Mrs. Tatjana Mauch notes with regret her passing and remembers her philanthropic work supporting prosthetics engineering research at the Northwestern University Prosthetics Research Laboratory. R. J. Garrick, Ph.D., spotlights new opportunities in biomedical engineering research through the role of John H. Linehan, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Translational Innovation at Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS). Read other articles that focus on the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) and Joann Williams, who is one of its Soldier Family Management Specialists; the departure of NUPOC’s Mark L. Edwards to accept a position with Otto Bock Healthcare; the experiences of prosthetists in training at NUPOC, and NURERC graduate student, Charles Wang.
Spring 2008
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities features “Model Simulations of Partial Foot Amputation Gait While Wearing Shoes” written by NURERC’s Andrew Hansen, Ph.D., and Stefania Fatone, Ph.D., and La Trobe University’s Michael Dillon, Ph.D. Discover how marker placement on the shoe may result in exaggerated range of motion measurements at the ankle during dorsiflexion at three levels of partial foot amputation. “Where Education and Engineering Meet” by R. J. Garrick, Ph.D., reports on NURERC graduate students who participated in Get-a-Grip, the educational outreach program that teaches prosthetics engineering concepts to eighth graders. Other articles chronicle an exchange of research interests between NURERC and visitors from the Nacional Autónoma Universidad de México (UNAM), University of Illinois, and MIT-Harvard.
Winter 2008
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities features “Bionic Arms and Human Performance,” written by NURERC research engineer, Craig Heckathorne, M.Sc., who compares the performance of physiologic and prosthetic hands and elbows. The next article “Step Length Modulation in Able-Bodied Persons” is written by biomedical engineering doctoral student, Pinata Sessoms, M.S., and NURERC director, Steven A. Gard, Ph.D., who discuss ways able-bodied walkers alter their step length and speed. R. J. Garrick, Ph.D., editor of Capabilities, offers a ten year retrospective in memory of Margaret C. Pfrommer. Also, read articles about outreach and educational activities conducted by NURERC researchers.
Autumn 2007
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities features “Models and Measurements of Spinal Motion during Ambulation,” written by biomedical engineering graduate, Regina J. Konz, Ph.D. The next two articles examine vascular insufficiency, advanced diabetes and partial foot amputation. Stefania Fatone, Ph.D., reviews "Studies of the Biomechanics of Gait of Persons with Partial Foot Amputation," while an associated article emphasizes VA programs that prevent limb loss due to diabetes. Also, read about visits to NUPRL & RERP by distinguished scientists such as NSF’s Robert J. Jaeger, Ph.D., and La Trobe University’s Michael Dillon, Ph.D., BPO(Hons).
Summer 2007
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities features articles by two NUPRL & RERP graduate students. The first article is “Investigating the Effects of Surface Inclination and Prosthetic Alignment on the Biomechanics of Standing” by Brian Ruhe, M.S. The second article is "Prosthetic Foot and Ankle with Mechanical Adaptation for Inclined Surfaces" by Ryan Williams, B.S. Learn more about Mr. Ruhe and his work in this issue’s “Brian Ruhe: Mind, Body, Spirit” and “Eager Students Attend NURERC’s Outreach Program.”
Spring 2007
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities features articles by two NUPRL & RERP graduate students. The first article is entitled "Stance-Control Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses" by Angelika Zissimopoulos, M.S., and the second is entitled "Preliminary Findings for a Study of the Dynamics of RGO Gait" by William Johnson, B.E.
Winter 2007
Featured article: This issue of Capabilities describes the recent celebration held to honor the 40-year career of Dudley S. Childress, Ph.D.
Winter 2007 (extra)
Featured article: This supplemental issue of Capabilities emphasizes Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center's (NUPOC) continued commitment to hands-on training as an important component in their new blended learning curriculum for training future prosthetists and orthotists.
Autumn 2006
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities focuses on the new blended learning curriculum for prosthetics and orthotics education at the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC).
Summer 2006
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities focuses on a recent visit by Edward Pennington-Ridge, President of Elegant Design and Solutions Ltd., located in Wales, UK. The article discusses his work on new prosthetic technologies and landmine removal. Also, another article summarizes the results of our online survey and forum on the state of prosthetics and orthotics research.
Spring 2006
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities provides an overview of NUPRL & RERP's State of the Science Meeting in Prosthetics and Orthotics Research, which was held on February 28, 2006. This issue also features an article about the life and career of Dr. Ken Akashi who was instrumental in the development and promoting of clinical rehabilitation medicine in Japan.
Winter 2006
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities highlights the research being conducted at NUPRL & RERP by graduate students.
Autumn 2005
Featured article: This issue of Capabilities features an article on the recent IEEE 9th International Congress on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR): Frontiers of the Human-Machine Interface (June 28 - July 1, 2005) held in Chicago, IL. Dr. Richard Weir was a co-chair for the international conference. In this article, Dr. Weir reports on the purpose of the conference and highlights the many innovations presented.
Summer 2005
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities features an article by Andrew Hansen, PhD titled, "A Learning Experience in India." This article describes Dr. Hansen's (far right in picture) trip to India where he learned about the technologies available for fabricating lower-limb prostheses. Also, Michael Yoshida, MD, PhD and R. J. Garrick, PhD have written an article entitled, "Long Term Care in Japan". Their article details efforts in Japan to provide long-term treatment to the severely disabled.
Spring 2005
Featured articles: This issue of Capabilities spotlights the work of two individuals, Jonathon W. Sensinger, MS and Po-Fu Su, MS, both of whom recently defended their Master's theses in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University. Jon Sensinger's work focuses on nonbackdrivable impedance control for use as a control paradigm in prostheses. Po-Fu Su's work focuses on prosthetic ankle motion and its affects on bilateral transtibial amputees.
Winter 2005
Featured articles: Articles dedicated to the memory of Jan Little and her life spent breaking new ground, promoting assistive technology, and opening new horizons for people with disabilities. Also, an article by Stefania Fatone, PhD entitled, "AFO Study Draws to a Close: An Investigation of the Effect on Gait of Ankle Alignment and Foot-plate Length" is featured.
