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Background

In prosthetic device technology, there is much more to consider beyond the mechanical functionality of the prosthesis and sensors. Mental workload, or the subjective cognitive experience of a given taskload, is an important factor that influences performance. Mental workload can be measured physiologically or behaviorally. As a task becomes easier and more natural, the mental workload should subsequently decrease as performance improves.

Our Research

Team REACH is exploring the relationship between mental workload and performance during long term learning of a novel motor task. To investigate this topic, participants will learn to control a prosthetic arm over several training sessions, and data will be collected regarding different aspects of learning throughout the study.

Applications

This research is directly applicable for people with an injury which requires them to use a prosthetic device. Much of the current research on assistive devices focuses on engineering and design, whereas our research will explore the human aspects of learning to control these devices.

Project Timeline

2020

  • Apply for IRB approval and conduct lab training

  • Apply for grants

  • Defend proposal

  • Recruit participants and begin data collection

2021

  • Collect data

  • Present data at Gemstone Do Good Showcase

  • Present data at Undergraduate Research Day

2022

  • Analyze data

  • Defend thesis

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