Locomotion Synchronization and Gait Performance While Walking With an Overground Body Weight Support System

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Robotics
• Biomechanics
• Gait Analysis

Background:

• Rehabilitation robotics, particularly Body Weight Support (BWS) systems, offer innovative solutions for gait training.
• Automating the locomotion of overground BWS systems can reduce therapist burden.
• The impact of BWS locomotion control strategies on patient gait performance requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and investigate locomotion synchronization as a control criterion for overground BWS systems.
• To assess the effect of this synchronization on participant gait performance.
• To explore the clinical relevance of synchronized BWS locomotion in gait rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Developed a control strategy based on locomotion synchronization between participant, therapist, and BWS system.
• Conducted experiments with four healthy participants using an overground BWS system.
• Varied Body Weight Support (BWS) levels and included conditions with and without orthosis to simulate asymmetric gait.

Main Results:

• Observed a significant relationship between locomotion synchronization and key gait parameters.
• Demonstrated significant correlations with walking speed and step time.
• Highlighted the influence of BWS control on gait dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Locomotion synchronization is a viable control strategy for overground BWS systems.
• Synchronized control has the potential to enhance gait rehabilitation outcomes.
• This approach may improve the efficacy of robotic-assisted walking training.