Restoring motor functions has been an exciting yet frustrating research topic for the last several decades. While significant progress has occurred in the design, construction, and low level control of rehabilitation devices, researchers are up against fundamental problems in multi-sensory processing and motor control. The aim of this book is to explore parallels in sensorimotor integration of rehabilitation devices and human extremities, addressing the basic question on how the next generation of rehabilitation devices should evolve. By bringing together experimental physiology, kinesiology, rehabilitation therapy, computer and electrical engineering, this book discusses a range of issues starting from natural and ending with artificial control. While the ultimate goal of capturing able-bodied versatility remains elusive, this book makes an important contribution to a better understanding and design of future rehabilitation methods and devices via a simple underlying message: a topic as complex as restoration of human movements would be best addressed by collaborative, interdisciplinary research, combining high level and low level views, drawing parallels between human studies, analytic and non-analytic approaches, and integrating sensory data with motor commands. The future will hold up the expectations only as researchers become aware of advances in parallel fields, and a common vocabulary emerges.

FROM THE REVIEWS:

IEEE CONTROL SYSTEMS MAGAZINE
"This text is a good reference for those interested in the nervous system and control of movement, particularly the second part, which deals with tracking of movement and control."

TAglich bieten medizinische Erkenntnisse eine FA1/4lle von neuen Einblicken in die A"tiologie und Pathogenese von Erkrankungen. Doch diese Informationen sind nur schwer in die tAgliche Praxis umzusetzen. Exakte Hilfen anzubieten, ohne auf den wissenschaftlichen Hintergrund zu verzichten, ist das Ziel dieses topographischen Atlanten zu VerAnderungen an Hand- und Fingergelenken. Wichtige Topographien aus dem weiten Feld der Rheumatologie werden dargestellt. Auf die Gliederung typischer rheumatischer Krankheitsbilder in ihrem Verlauf wird bewuAt nicht eingegangen. Vielmehr ist es das Anliegen der Autoren, mit diesem Bildatlas differentialdiagnostische Hinweise zu geben, die dem Medizinstudenten, dem Arzt in Ausbildung zum Rheumatologen sowie dem Spezialisten in Praxis oder Klinik die Diagnosestellung erleichtern. Die Hand ist in vielerlei Hinsicht das Spiegelbild des Menschen, insbesondere aber des Patienten.

This book provides comprehensive and essential knowledge of practical skills required by rehabilitation therapists working with people with physical impairments and disabilities. Modern approaches to basic assessment and treatment techniques are detailed. This book will serve as a valuable reference for physical and occupational therapists.