Exploiting telerobotics for sensorimotor rehabilitation: a locomotor embodiment

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Manual treadmill training for locomotor impairments is demanding for trainers.
• Existing robotic systems lack trainer adaptability and judgment.
• Telerobotics offers a solution for remote, adaptable physical assistance in gait rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility of a telerobotics approach for locomotor training.
• To enable remote physical assistance from trainers to patients.
• To assess the system's transparency and effectiveness in altering gait features.

Main Methods:

• A trainer manipulates a robotic device that controls a larger robotic arm attached to the patient's leg.
• System transparency was evaluated by measuring unwanted interaction forces during unassisted walking.
• A feasibility study involved stroke survivors receiving gait assistance from trainers via the telerobotic system.

Main Results:

• Low unwanted interaction forces (2-4 N) were observed during unassisted walking in unimpaired individuals and stroke survivors.
• Forces increased with treadmill speed and patient height.
• Patients showed a significant increase in affected leg swing length (20%) over six sessions.

Conclusions:

• The telerobotics approach is feasible for providing locomotor assistance.
• The system allows for simultaneous measurement of trainer actions and patient responses, aiding research.
• Further clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.