Amélie Chevalier tenure track asst. professor

Research Amélie Chevalier

Research team

Expertise

The research of Professor Chevalier is described as Control-systems co-design for biomechanics. Here, electromechanical machines are designed to be used in biomechanical research. The focus is on the design of control loops and mechanical design. The application area mainly focusses on the human biomechanics, specifically the knee, ankle and hip joint. The studies include kinematic measurements in-vitro using infra-red cameras and fluoroscopy measurements in-vivo using 2D X-ray imaging. Analysis of the data is done using insights in the field of mechanics, control theory and medical imaging.

The role of the hip capsule in patient outcome after hip arthroplasty. 01/01/2024 - 31/12/2027

Abstract

Passive energy storage and return has long been recognized as one of the central mechanisms for minimizing the energy cost needed for terrestrial locomotion. Although the hip capsule resides the strongest ligaments in the body, its potential role in energy-efficient walking remains unexplored. Increasing our understanding of soft-tissue balancing following THA could help prevent instability and improve early and long-term hip function. Clearly, our understanding of the hip capsule and its role in human mechanics remains largely incomplete. This research proposal aims to address this important gap by investigating the active and passive role of the hip capsule in hip functioning by examining the impact of implant design, anatomical variance and surgical handling on the properties of the hip capsule. This research will inform the development of improved surgical techniques and implant designs that can optimize patient outcomes and enhance long-term performance following hip arthroplasty.

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  • Research Project

Lower limb instability: the missing link between knee and ankle. 01/01/2024 - 31/12/2027

Abstract

Sport injuries account for 10-20% of all acute injuries treated in the emergency room. From this, the most common injuries are knee and ankle injuries. Injury-prevention techniques rely on understanding the injury mechanisms. The focus in this project will be on anterior-cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in the knee joint and high ankle sprains (syndesmosis injury) as they are difficult to diagnose and often are misdiagnosed potentially leading to chronic instability. To improve diagnosis, a novel imaging technique, standing CT, is used as knee and ankle joints can be imaged under standing conditions rather than the currently used supine position. A novel medical device is developed to extend the standing CT from static testing to dynamic testing. The prototype allows for internal/external rotation and varus/valgus rotation in the ankle joint to simulate different positions of the foot. Kinematic measurements allow for measurement of the joint laxity in the knee and ankle, which has been focus of the PI's previous research. ACL deficient knees will be tested in-vitro to define when ACL rupture occurs. Ankle syndesmosis conditions will be simulated in an in-vitro test validating the new prototype. The final step in this research is a first-in-human test in the standing CT to evaluate if the position of the foot is inducing ACL rupture or high ankle sprains. As follow up of this project, an IOF project will be taken on to bring the device on the market.

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  • Research Project

Creating Harmony Between Prosthesis, User and Control Theory. 01/11/2023 - 31/10/2025

Abstract

Lower limb amputations often severely restrict patients when trying to perform activities of daily living, even when using prostheses. Active lower limb prostheses are a promising alternative to the more common passive prostheses but even those still have significant limitations and shortcomings. This project aims to overcome a number of those limitations and shortcomings through the development of a novel control strategy for active lower limb prostheses. The novel control strategy will be widely applicable and will consist of a novel classifier, a novel variable impedance control and novel 'amputee in the loop' learning algorithms. The strategy will be tested on two different hardware platforms and for varying activity patterns and contexts. Performance in each setting will be measured via well-designed evaluation processes with a focus on patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). The hypothesised outcomes with respect to the state-of-the-art are: a higher number of supported activity scenarios, high classification accuracy, a more natural switching of modes, high anti-interference capability, a reduced need for parameter tuning, increased system simplicity and reliability. This will bring significant improvements of the quality of life for active prosthesis users as well as socio-economic benefits in the prosthetics sector.

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  • Research Project

Nexor - Cyber-Physical Systems for the Industry 4.0 era 01/01/2021 - 31/12/2026

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0 as it is commonly referred to) is driven by extreme digitalization, enabled by tremendous computing capacity, smart collaborating machines and wireless computer networks. In the last six years, Nexor — a multi-disciplinary research consortium blending expertise from four Antwerp research labs — has built up a solid track record therein. We are currently strengthening the consortium in order to establish our position in the European eco-system. This project proposal specifies our 2021 - 2026 roadmap, with the explicit aim to empower industrial partners to tackle their industry 4.0 challenges. We follow a demand driven approach, convincing industrial partners to pick up our innovative research ideas, either by means of joint research projects (TRL 5—7) or via technology licenses.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

  • Research Project