Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 2025 · DOI: 10.1177/20556683251329789 · Published: March 10, 2025
This study introduces an Advanced Medial Linkage Reciprocal Gait Orthosis (MLRGO) designed to improve walking ability for people with spinal cord injuries. The new device aims to overcome the limitations of traditional orthoses by enhancing mobility and stability. The Advanced MLRGO was compared against existing orthoses (Prime-Walk and standard MLRGO) in a clinical trial. The study measured walking speed, distance traveled, and the time it took participants to put on and take off the devices. The results showed that the Advanced MLRGO improved walking speed and distance compared to the other orthoses, and it also reduced the time needed to put the device on. This suggests the Advanced MLRGO could significantly enhance mobility and independence for individuals with thoracic spinal cord injuries.
The Advanced MLRGO provides a significant improvement in walking speed and distance for individuals with thoracic SCI, potentially increasing their functional independence and quality of life.
The reduced donning time of the Advanced MLRGO makes it more user-friendly and convenient, encouraging consistent use and adherence to rehabilitation programs.
The study highlights the importance of biomechanical and orthopedic principles in orthosis design, emphasizing the need for precise joint alignment and energy transfer to maximize mobility and stability.