Design and Preliminary Assessment of a Passive Elastic Leg Exoskeleton for Resistive Gait Rehabilitation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This article aimed to develop a unique exoskeleton to provide different types of elastic resistances (i.e., resisting flexion, extension, or bidirectionally) to the leg muscles during walking.

Methods

We created a completely passive leg exoskeleton, consisting of counteracting springs, pulleys, and clutches, to provide different types of elastic resistance to the knee. We first used a benchtop setting to calibrate the springs and validate the resistive capabilities of the device. We then tested the device's ability to alter gait mechanics, muscle activation, and kinematic aftereffects when walking on a treadmill under the three resistance types.

Results

Benchtop testing indicated that the device provided a nearly linear torque profile and could be accurately

SUBMITTER: Washabaugh EP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8223742 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature