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Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Research

Clustering trunk movements of children and adolescents with neurological gait disorders undergoing robot-assisted gait therapy: the functional ability determines if actuated pelvis movements are clinically useful

Authors: Florian van Dellen, Tabea Aurich-Schuler, Nikolas Hesse, Rob Labruyère

Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Introduction

Robot-assisted gait therapy is frequently used for gait therapy in children and adolescents but has been shown to limit the physiological excursions of the trunk and pelvis. Actuated pelvis movements might support more physiological trunk patterns during robot-assisted training. However, not every patient is expected to react identically to actuated pelvis movements. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify different trunk movement patterns with and without actuated pelvis movements and compare them based on their similarity to the physiological gait pattern.

Methods and results

A clustering algorithm was used to separate pediatric patients into three groups based on different kinematic reactions of the trunk to walking with and without actuated pelvis movements. The three clusters included 9, 11 and 15 patients and showed weak to strong correlations with physiological treadmill gait. The groups also statistically differed in clinical assessment scores, which were consistent with the strength of the correlations. Patients with a higher gait capacity reacted with more physiological trunk movements to actuated pelvis movements.

Conclusion

Actuated pelvis movements do not lead to physiological trunk movements in patients with a poor trunk control, while patients with better walking functions can show physiological trunk movements. Therapists should carefully consider for whom and why they decide to include actuated pelvis movements in their therapy plan.

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Title: Clustering trunk movements of children and adolescents with neurological gait disorders undergoing robot-assisted gait therapy: the functional ability determines if actuated pelvis movements are clinically useful
Authors: Florian van Dellen
Tabea Aurich-Schuler
Nikolas Hesse
Rob Labruyère
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-023-01200-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Clustering trunk movements of children and adolescents with neurological gait disorders undergoing robot-assisted gait therapy: the functional ability determines if actuated pelvis movements are clinically useful

Abstract

Introduction

Methods and results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods and results

Conclusion

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