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Changes in postural strategy during exercise against perturbation using the balance exercise assist robot: a pilot
Norihide Itoh1, Shigeo Tanabe2, Satoshi Hirano3
1Department of Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine: 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan; Faculty of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Japan.
Continuous exercise using the Balance Exercise Assist Robot (BEAR) improved postural control by reducing hip movement and enhancing the ankle strategy for maintaining balance.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Robotics
- Human Motor Control
Background:
- Postural control is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls.
- Robotic devices offer novel approaches for rehabilitation and training of postural strategies.
- Understanding how continuous exercise against perturbation affects postural adjustments is important for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in postural strategy during continuous exercise against robotic perturbation.
- To evaluate the effects of the Balance Exercise Assist Robot (BEAR) on leg joint motion and muscle activity.
- To determine if BEAR training enhances the ability to maintain an upright stance.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy subjects performed continuous postural perturbation exercises using the BEAR robot.
- Participants maintained an upright position while the robot applied automatic leaning and moving perturbations.
- Kinematic data (joint range of motion) and electromyographic data (muscle activity) were compared between the first and fifth trials.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in the total movement distance of the BEAR robot from the first to the fifth trial.
- Significant decrease in the range of motion of the hip joint was observed.
- No significant changes were found in the muscle activity of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, or gastrocnemius.
Conclusions:
- Continuous exercise against perturbation using BEAR may enhance the ankle strategy for postural control.
- BEAR shows potential as a tool for improving standing balance and postural stability.
- Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and clinical applications of BEAR training.
