OVERVIEW

This is an introductory course to methods and technologies for helping people with disabilities to regain lost cognitive, sensory and/or motor functions.

The course is intended to provide the basic knowledge behind technological solutions (i) to evaluate and monitor the impairment, (ii) to assist individuals with disabilities, (iii) to promote the recovery of missing limbs or lost functions.

In addition to learning theoretical concepts, students will engage in practical activities such as software development and scientific discussions.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This is an introductory course to methods and technologies for helping people with disabilities to regain lost cognitive, sensory and/or motor functions. The course is intended to provide the basic knowledge behind technological solutions(i) to evaluate and monitor the impairment, (ii) to assist individuals with disabilities (iii) to promote the recovery of the missing limbs and/or lost functions. The course aims to provide an overview of the most advanced techniques of functional assessment, prosthetics, sensory substitution, neurorehabilitation and assistive technologies

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This is an introductory course on methods and technologies designed to support individuals with disabilities in regaining lost cognitive, sensory, and/or motor functions. The course is intended to provide the basic knowledge behind technological solutions to (i)  evaluate and monitor impairments, (ii) assist individuals with disabilities, and  (iii) promote the recovery of missing limbs or lost functions. The course aims to provide an overview of the most advanced techniques for functional assessment, prosthetics, sensory substitution, neurorehabilitation and assistive technologies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

-  Develop the analytical and experimental skills necessary to design and implement methods and technologies (i) to help people with disabilities regain lost cognitive, sensory and/or motor functions; (ii) to evaluate the loss of cognitive, sensory and/or motor functions and their evolution with time or their change due to treatment

-   Demonstrate familiarity with current clinical and research applications in rehabilitation engineering

-   Know basic concepts of kinematics, dynamics, and control relevant to rehabilitation engineering

-   Know the state of the art and the basic concepts related to prostheses (for missing limb replacement)

-  Analyze and evaluate motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments using appropriate tools

-  Design experimental protocols for data collection and analysis in rehabilitation contexts

-  Critically assess research articles and ongoing innovations in the field.

Additionally, students will learn to

-  Demonstrate autonomy in managing small group projects related to assessment, rehabilitative or assistive   technologies

-  Communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team in clinical or research settings

-  Demonstrate decision-making autonomy, collaborative attitude, and coordination

-  Develop other transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and ability to menage their social interactions with a collaborative attitude, and constructive communication, in different contexts

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of Biomechanics and Signal Processing is required.

TEACHING METHODS

The course aims to strike an appropriate balance between foundational knowledge and real-world applications.

In addition to attending lectures delivered by the professor, students will participate in discussions with invited experts covering specific course-related topics. Active involvement is expected through various individual and group activities, including:

• software development

• presentations

• and/or the design of research projects.

Working groups will be organized to allow students to apply the methods and concepts covered during the course. At the end of the term, each group will present a portion of their work for in-class discussion and peer feedback.

These activities are designed to strengthen transversal skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are essential in both academic and professional contexts.

Specific learning support strategies can be arranged for students with certified learning disorders (DSA). Students in this condition, or students with specific needs such as work commitments, are encouraged to contact the instructor and the relevant UniGe support services to agree on personalized learning strategies.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

This is an introductory course to methods and technologies designed to help people with disabilities regain lost cognitive, sensory, and/or motor functions. It provides foundational knowledge of technological solutions aimed at:
(i) evaluating and monitoring impairments,
(ii) assisting individuals with disabilities, and
(iii) promoting the recovery of lost functions or missing limbs.

Part I – Overview of Technologies and Methods

The first part of the course presents an overview of the most advanced techniques in the field, including:

• functional assessment methods and tools

• training and neurorehabilitation protocols and technologies

• assistive technologies

• sensory substitution strategies

• prosthetics (missing limbs)

These topics will be explored from a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating elements of neurology, biomechanics, and robotics.

Part II – Clinical and Functional Applications

The second part focuses on real-world applications of the above technologies, especially in the context of:

• neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury)

• sensory and cognitive impairments

• motor deficits in infants and older adults.

Students will analyze how engineering solutions are adapted to support different functional needs.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Materials and readings will be made available on the course website (AulaWeb).
The course will include the review and discussion of selected research articles recently published in international peer-reviewed journals.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/11159/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Students will be evaluated based on the following components:

a) Assignments / Project work
Students will analyze and discuss data related to individuals with disabilities or rehabilitation technologies. The goal is to assess their ability to apply course concepts to real-world scenarios.

b) Active participation
Students are expected to actively participate in class by presenting research articles on specific applications and/or engaging in discussions with invited experts in the field.

c) Final exam
The final exam will assess the overall understanding and critical use of the course contents.

Components a) and b) are considered ongoing assessments (continuous evaluation), while c) is the final summative evaluation.
For students who do not attend classes, both a) and b) must still be completed before taking the final exam. Participation in b) may also be included as part of the final exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment methods refer to the components described above:

a) Assignments / Project work
These are intended to evaluate the student’s ability to understand, explain, and solve problems related to Rehabilitation Engineering topics.

b) Active participation
This assesses the student’s ability to learn, explore in depth, and explain course topics, particularly through presentations and discussions based on scientific literature or expert seminars.

c) Final exam
The final exam evaluates whether the student has assimilated the course content, can use it critically, and is able to communicate it effectively.

In addition to content knowledge, the following aspects will be assessed throughout the course:

• the quality and clarity of presentations

• the correct use of specialized terminology

• the ability to think critically and apply acquired knowledge

• participation in group activities and the ability to collaborate effectively.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule