Neuromechanical adaptations during a robotic powered exoskeleton assisted walking session

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1314900 · Published: September 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examines how people's bodies adjust when they walk with the assistance of a robotic exoskeleton. The research looks at both individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and able-bodied (AB) individuals. The AB individuals walked with and without the exoskeleton, while the SCI individuals used the exoskeleton for walking. The study measured several factors, including walking speed, muscle activity, and how the body moved during walking. The results showed that using an exoskeleton affects walking speed and muscle activation patterns in both AB and SCI individuals. These findings can help in developing better rehabilitation strategies for people with SCI.

Study Duration

Single-session

Participants

4 able bodied (AB) individuals and 4 individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Level IV; Case series

Key Findings

1
AB individuals in exoskeleton showed greater stance time and a significant reduction in walking velocity compared to non-EXO walking.
2
When AB individuals voluntarily assisted the exoskeleton movements, they walked with an increased velocity and lowered stance time.
3
For SCI individuals, mean percent stance time was higher and walking velocity was lower compared to all AB walking conditions.

Research Summary

This single-session study evaluated gait parameters and neuromuscular profiles of exoskeleton-assisted walking under Max Assist condition for able-bodied (AB) and spinal cord injury (SCI) individuals. AB individuals experienced reduced walking velocity and altered muscle activation while using the exoskeleton. Voluntary control improved temporal-spatial responses. SCI individuals showed neuromuscular responses while walking in the exoskeleton, with differences in muscle firing patterns compared to AB individuals.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Findings can inform the development of targeted rehabilitation programs using powered exoskeletons.

Exoskeleton Design

Understanding neuromuscular adaptations can help optimize exoskeleton design for improved user experience.

Voluntary Control

Encouraging voluntary control during exoskeleton-assisted walking may improve gait parameters.

Study Limitations

1
The able bodied group used EksoGTTM while the individuals with SCI were tested using EksoTM (version 1.1).
2
For the SCI group, there was variation in the time post injury, neurological level, and the number of training sessions before testing
3
The individual either used a walker or bilateral crutches as an ambulation aid for walking with the exoskeleton.

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