Mechanism design and human-machine coupling analysis for a lumbar rehabilitation robot
Yuan Tian1, Fengping Chen2, Zixu Zhao3
1Electromechanical College, Changchun Polytechnic University, Changchun, China.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|October 17, 2025
Summary
A novel low back rehabilitation robot aids patients with low back pain by standardizing exercises. This robot, validated through kinematic and kinetic analysis, enhances rehabilitation training and uncovers lumbar movement patterns.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Biomechanics
- Robotics
Background:
- Superman Exercise is recommended for low back pain but lacks standardization.
- Patients struggle with maneuver consistency during rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a low back rehabilitation robot.
- To analyze human waist mobility and muscle force for improved rehabilitation.
- To provide a reference for future control system design.
Main Methods:
- Kinematic and kinetic analysis of a novel rehabilitation robot.
- Development of a human-machine coupling model using OpenSim.
- Comparison of robot-assisted movements with natural lumbar rehabilitation.
Main Results:
- The robot was fully modeled and its accuracy verified.
- Human waist joint angles and muscle force ranges were determined.
- The robot effectively mimics natural rehabilitation movements.
Conclusions:
- The rehabilitation robot meets patient needs and standardizes training.
- The study provides insights into lumbar rehabilitation patterns.
- This research serves as a foundation for future optimization and control design.
