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  4. Vertical ground reaction force-based analysis of powered exoskeleton-assisted walking in persons with motor-complete paraplegia

Vertical ground reaction force-based analysis of powered exoskeleton-assisted walking in persons with motor-complete paraplegia

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2013 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772313Y.0000000126 · Published: July 1, 2013

Spinal Cord InjuryAssistive TechnologyRehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how people with complete spinal cord injuries walk using a powered exoskeleton, specifically focusing on the forces exerted on the ground. The study compares the forces generated during exoskeleton-assisted walking to those of able-bodied individuals to understand the mechanical loading experienced by the lower extremities. By analyzing these forces, researchers aim to determine if powered exoskeletons can provide a means of mechanical loading to the lower extremities, which could have implications for rehabilitation and bone health.

Study Duration
5-6 Months
Participants
6 persons with thoracic motor-complete SCI and 3 age-, height-, weight- and gender-matched able-bodied volunteers
Evidence Level
Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

  • 1
    Participants with motor-complete SCI, ambulating independently with a ReWalk™, demonstrated mechanical loading magnitudes and patterns similar to able-bodied gait.
  • 2
    Participants requiring minimal assistance from trainers exhibited lower vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) compared to those with no assistance.
  • 3
    Harmonic analysis revealed differences in gait patterns, with exoskeletal gait showing a greater presence in the first harmonic and able-bodied gait in the second harmonic.

Research Summary

The study investigated the vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) during powered exoskeleton-assisted walking in individuals with motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers compared vGRF profiles of SCI participants using a ReWalk™ exoskeleton with those of able-bodied individuals walking without assistance, using the F-Scan™ in-shoe pressure mapping system. The study found that powered exoskeleton-assisted walking can generate vGRF similar in magnitude and pattern to able-bodied walking, suggesting its potential to provide mechanical loading to the lower extremities.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Potential

Powered exoskeletons can provide a mechanism for mechanical loading to the lower extremities in individuals with motor-complete SCI, which could have benefits for rehabilitation.

Gait Analysis Tool

vGRF profile can be used to examine both the magnitude of loading and gait mechanics of powered exoskeleton-assisted walking, allowing for comparisons among participants of different weights, gait speeds, and levels of assist.

Bone Health

The mechanical loading achieved during exoskeleton-assisted walking may have implications for preserving bone health in individuals with SCI, warranting further investigation.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Relatively small sample size (n=6) comprised predominantly of men.
  • 2
    vGRF profiles of persons with varying levels and completeness of injury were not determined.
  • 3
    Measurements were obtained at varying points in the training cycle.

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