Graduate Students
Matthew Chang
M.A.Sc. Candidate
Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering
University of Toronto
Advisors: Dr. Tom Chau & Dr. Virginia Wright
E-mail: matthew[dot]chang[at]utoronto[dot]ca
Education and Training:
Matthew received his Bachelors of Science with Honours in Physiology at the University of Toronto in 2007. His research experiences started with a summer opportunity in a computational biochemistry lab at UofT studying molecular affinities. In the following year, he was trained in electrophysiology at the Toronto Western Hospital, and in 2006, he conducted research in the field of neuroscience (specifically in spatial memory formation and consolidation) at Sick Kids Hospital. He is currently pursuing his M.A.Sc. in biomedical engineering at the University of Toronto. His major interest is in studying techniques to improve rehabilitative strategies for children with cerebral palsy including treadmill training and biofeedback.
Research Title:
Effect of handrail-supported treadmill training on walking ability and fractal dynamics of stride interval fluctuations on children with cerebral palsy.
Research Abstract:
Treadmill training studies on children with cerebral palsy (CP) have reported potential for improving walking ability. However, very few systematic studies have been initiated to verify this concept. My main goal is to bridge this gap with a controlled treadmill training intervention program.
Preliminary results in able-bodied subjects display healthier walking fractal dynamics during handrail use. However, handrail use during treadmill training in children with CP has been variable between studies. Thus, I will also be investigating if there is a correlation between improvements in walking ability and handrail use. The results will allow physiotherapists to choose the most effective rehabilitative strategy for children with cerebral palsy as well as have implications on other treadmill rehabilitative programs such as for patients with spinal cord injuries.
In addition, the fractal scaling exponent (a) of the stride interval time series will be analyzed for correlations to walking ability. If a correlation is found between a and walking ability, a may be established as a standard quantifier for walking ability and even a predictor for walking impairment before visible signs are observed allowing the patient early rehabilitation strategies to prevent symptoms from manifesting.
As a secondary study, I will explore the feasibility of utilizing the hemoencephalography (HEG) system to measure the cortical activity during the learning/training of gait. If the data from the HEG system can be efficiently analyzed with a generalized algorithm, it supports the idea of future development of a biofeedback rehabilitative game utilizing HEG signals as input.
Other interests:
Matthew is a seasoned melee fighter in Super Smash Bros and a fan of RPG games. He also enjoys martial arts (Aikido, Tae Kwon Doe & Wushu), tennis, basketball, squash, and table-tennis. In winter, he believes that snowboarding is the key to enjoying northern continental weather! Matthew also has interests in prosthetic technologies and his motivation is inspired by the strength and straightforward emotions of the children he volunteers with at Bloorview.
