Brain Functional Connectivity in Unconstrained Walking With and Without an Exoskeleton.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Exoskeletons restore motor function in amputees and aid rehabilitation.
• Understanding exoskeleton's brain impact is crucial for optimizing use.
• Previous studies often used constrained walking conditions, limiting real-world applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the brain's functional connectivity during unconstrained walking with and without an exoskeleton.
• To compare individual connections and graph metrics between walking conditions.
• To elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying exoskeleton-assisted locomotion.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of brain functional connectivity during unconstrained walking.
• Exploration of individual neural connections and graph theory metrics.
• Investigation of connection length and clustering in functional networks.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in functional connections were observed between walking conditions, particularly between left centroparietal and right frontal regions.
• Connective strength increased in low-order functional connections (LOFC) and decreased in associated high-order functional connections (aHOFC) with exoskeleton assistance.
• Exoskeleton-aided walking showed increased connectivity clustering, especially with lower assistance forces, and predominantly involved long-distance neural pathways.

Conclusions:

• Exoskeleton use significantly alters brain functional connectivity during unconstrained walking.
• Findings highlight the role of specific neural pathways and network properties in exoskeleton-assisted movement.
• This research provides insights for developing more effective exoskeletons and optimizing rehabilitation strategies.