Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Motor Learning

Presenter(s): Sydney Bright − Human Physiology

Faculty Mentor(s): Mike Hahn

Poster 25

Research Area: Human Physiology

Motor control of the forearm flexors and extensors can be impaired due to trauma, such as a stroke, which can hinder the ability to perform daily tasks. In this study, the effects of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) controller on the ability of healthy subjects to learn a novel computer game control task were examined. By using the electromyography sensors of a Myoband in tandem with a Scratch program of Flappy bird, a program was created that adapts to player specific skills. Purpose: The purpose of this experiment was to determine the motor learning outcomes given an adaptive AI motor learning environment. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that an adaptive AI will result in less motor learning. Methods: Subjects played a modified Flappy Bird game with a multi-channel EMG sensor that fits around the forearm (Myoband). The experiment requires two consecutive days of participation. During the first day, subjects had a 2-minute warm up period followed by 20 rounds of playing the game. The second day consisted of a similar 2-minute warm up period followed by 3 rounds of the game. Results: 46 of 48 subjects have been recorded. So far, the AI group has an average 17 point improvement, linear group has 31 points and the random group has 33 point improvement. Discussion: No statistical test have been done, but from preliminary analysis of the data, the hypothesis seems to be supported.

Metatarsophalangeal Joint Mechanics Differ Between Overground and Treadmill Running

Presenter(s): Joseph Smits

Faculty Mentor(s): Mike Hahn & Evan Day

Poster 35

Session: Sciences

Treadmills are commonly used in fitness centers and physical therapy clinics for training and monitoring gait mechanics during return-to-running programs. Previous work has established kinematic and kinetic differences between treadmill and overground running. This study sought to investigate how metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) mechanics differ between the two conditions. Running trials were conducted on an instrumented treadmill (Bertec, Inc.) and on a 20-m overground runway at 4.0 m/s. Overground running velocity was monitored by calculating the average anterior-posterior velocity of a sacral marker during stance. Data were collected for five foot strikes and averaged for each condition for analysis. Participants all wore the same neutral footwear (Nike Streak 6 Flyknit) for both conditions. Range of motion, peak moment, and joint stiffness of the MTPJ were significantly different between overground and treadmill running. There was no significant difference in duration of the forefoot serving as the base of support (p=.18). Initial examination of these findings reveals that MTPJ kinematics and kinetics are different during overground and treadmill running. Clinicians and footwear scientists should be aware that treadmill evaluation may lead to inadequate translation to overground running.