G-Exos: A wearable gait exoskeleton for walk assistance

This research introduces the G-Exos, a low-cost, wearable ankle exoskeleton designed to aid individuals with foot drop, a common gait disorder. The device assists with dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and ankle stability, employing a hybrid system that combines active (motorized) and passive (elastic band) assistance. The G-Exos aims to improve motor capability and facilitate a more natural gait. The G-Exos system was tested on ten volunteers with foot drop resulting from stroke, spinal cord injury, and transverse myelitis. The results indicated a significant improvement in dorsiflexion amplitude and ankle eversion/inversion control when using the G-Exos compared to walking without it. The device's design prioritizes robustness, lightweight construction, and flexibility to enhance human-machine interaction. The G-Exos is intended to serve as an assistive technology that can improve the quality of life for individuals with gait disorders. By providing gait assistance, the exoskeleton contributes to motor and functional recovery, enabling users to participate more effectively in activities of daily living and reduce public health costs.

• 1
  The G-Exos demonstrated assistive functionality for gait movement, specifically improving dorsiflexion amplitude in individuals with foot drop.
• 2
  Significant differences were observed in ankle eversion and inversion when comparing walking with and without the G-Exos, indicating improved ankle stability.
• 3
  The G-Exos was found to be a robust, lightweight, and flexible assistive technology device capable of accurately detecting the gait phase and facilitating better human-machine interaction.