Changes in Distance between a Wearable Robotic Exoskeleton User and Four-Wheeled Walker during Gait in Level and Slope Conditions: Implications for Fall Prevention Systems

Biomimetics, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics8020213 · Published: May 23, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how the distance between a person using a wearable robotic exoskeleton (WRE) and a four-wheeled walker (4WW) changes when walking on level ground versus slopes. The research involved 12 healthy individuals who used a WRE and 4WW on both level and sloping surfaces to understand how the distance between them varies under different conditions. The findings suggest that the distance increases on uphill slopes and decreases on downhill slopes, potentially increasing the risk of falls. This information can be used to develop better fall prevention systems for WRE users.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

12 healthy subjects

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
The distance between the WRE user and the 4WW increased significantly during uphill conditions compared to level ground.
2
The distance between the WRE user and the 4WW decreased significantly during downhill conditions compared to level ground.
3
Changes in distance may increase the risk of falling forward on an uphill slope and backward on a downhill slope.

Research Summary

This study aimed to clarify the changes in distance between a WRE user and a 4WW while walking on level and sloping surfaces to inform the development of fall prevention systems. Results indicated that the distance between the user and the walker increased on uphill slopes and decreased on downhill slopes, suggesting a potential increase in fall risk. These findings can be used to develop feedback systems for WREs to alert users to changes in distance, potentially preventing falls during slope walking.

Practical Implications

Fall Prevention Systems

The study's results can be used to develop new feedback systems for WREs that alert users to changes in distance between themselves and the 4WW, helping to prevent falls.

Gait Training

The findings emphasize the need for specific gait training protocols that address the challenges of walking on slopes with WREs, focusing on maintaining a safe distance from the walker.

Exoskeleton Design

The results suggest design improvements for WREs and 4WWs to automatically adjust the distance between the user and the walker, adapting to different slope conditions for increased stability.

Study Limitations

1
The mechanisms of the present results are unclear.
2
The present study examined only one type of 4WW.
3
The present study did not examine time-course changes in the distance between the WRE user and the 4WW during the process of motor learning because the study only recruited healthy volunteers who had experienced WPAL walking.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Assistive Technology