Asymmetric adaptation in human walking using the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (TPAD)

Human nervous system is capable of modifying motor commands in response to alterations in walking conditions. Previous research has shown that external perturbations that induce gait asymmetry can lead to adaptation in gait parameters. Such strategies have also been shown to temporarily restore gait symmetry in subjects with post stroke hemiparesis. This work aims to develop an experimental paradigm to induce gait asymmetry in human subjects by applying external asymmetric forces on the pelvis through the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (TPAD). These external forces on the pelvis have the potential to influence the swing and the stance phases of both legs. Eight healthy subjects participated in the experiment where a higher resistive force was applied on the pelvis during the swing phase of the left leg as compared to the right leg. We hypothesized that such asymmetrically applied forces on the pelvis will lead to asymmetric adaptation in the human walking.