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About

Imelda J. M. de Groot is a leading researcher in assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering, with a primary focus on improving quality of life for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Her work centers on developing and validating wearable dynamic arm supports that restore functional independence for those with progressive muscular weakness. Her most cited paper, "Design and pilot validation of A-gear: a novel wearable dynamic arm support" (2015, 62 citations), introduces a groundbreaking device that enables users to perform daily activities and enhances social participation. De Groot also co-organized the "1st Workshop on Upper-Extremity Assistive Technology for People with Duchenne" (2016, 21 citations), which synthesized state-of-the-art approaches and identified emerging challenges in the field. Additionally, her case study on "Surface EMG signals in very late-stage of Duchenne muscular dystrophy" (2017, 16 citations) explores control interfaces for robotic arm supports, demonstrating that even in advanced disease stages, residual muscle signals can be harnessed for human-machine interaction. Through these contributions, de Groot has advanced both the technical design and clinical application of assistive devices, directly impacting the autonomy and well-being of individuals with DMD.