HYBRID: Ambulatory Robotic Gait Trainer with Movement Induction and Partial Weight Support

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Robotics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Current robotic exoskeletons for lower body rehabilitation have limitations in gait patterns, stabilization, and sensory system stimulation.
• Partial body weight support (PBWS) systems aid rehabilitation by reducing muscular effort and improving locomotion.
• Existing systems often immobilize the patient, hindering natural movement and sensory feedback.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the HYBRID system, a novel integrated solution for lower body rehabilitation.
• To address the limitations of current rehabilitation technologies by combining an exoskeleton with PBWS.
• To provide a clinically applicable system that enhances patient mobility, sensory feedback, and user experience.

Main Methods:

• Development of the HYBRID system, combining a 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) lower body exoskeleton (H1) with a PBWS system (REMOVI).
• Incorporation of a gait cycle derived from kinematic analysis of healthy users.
• Integration of patient transfer capabilities (wheelchair to standing) and session data recording.
• System development with input from clinical therapists and measurement of response times.

Main Results:

• The HYBRID system offers a comprehensive solution for lower body rehabilitation, improving upon existing devices.
• It provides dynamic movement synchronized with the patient, unlike static systems.
• The system successfully integrates gait assistance, stabilization, proprioceptive stimulation, and patient transfer functionalities.

Conclusions:

• The HYBRID system represents a significant advancement in lower body rehabilitation technology.
• Its integrated approach enhances therapeutic outcomes by providing naturalistic movement and improved sensory feedback.
• The system is designed for clinical practice, offering a versatile and effective tool for therapists and patients.