A Brake-Based Overground Gait Rehabilitation Device for Altering Propulsion Impulse Symmetry.

ABSTRACT: This paper introduces a new device for gait rehabilitation, the gait propulsion trainer (GPT). It consists of two main components (a stationary device and a wearable system) that work together to apply periodic stance-phase resistance as the user walks overground. The stationary device provides the resistance forces via a cable that tethers the user's pelvis to a magnetic-particle brake. The wearable system detects gait events via foot switches to control the timing of the resistance forces. A hardware verification test confirmed that the GPT functions as intended. We conducted a pilot study in which one healthy adult and one stroke survivor walked with the GPT with increasing resistance levels. As hypothesized, the periodic stance-phase resistance caused the healthy participant to walk as

SUBMITTER: Hu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8512803 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature