Biomechanical differences between able-bodied and spinal cord injured individuals walking in an overground robotic exoskeleton.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Robotic assisted gait training (RAGT) uses a powered exoskeleton to support an individual's body and move their limbs, with the aim of activating latent, pre-existing movement patterns stored in the lower spinal cord called central pattern generators (CPGs) to facilitate stepping. The parameters that directly stimulate the stepping CPGs (hip extension and ipsilateral foot unloading) should be targeted to maximise the rehabilitation benefits of these devices.

Aim

To compare the biomechanical profiles of individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) and able-bodied individuals inside the ReWalkTM powered exoskeleton and to contrast the users' profiles with the exoskeleton.

Methods

Eight able-bodied and four SCI individuals donned a ReWalkTM and walked along a 1

SUBMITTER: Hayes SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8794144 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature