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Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Gait performance and foot pressure distribution during wearable robot-assisted gait in elderly adults

Authors: Su-Hyun Lee, Hwang-Jae Lee, Won Hyuk Chang, Byung-Ok Choi, Jusuk Lee, Jeonghun Kim, Gyu-Ha Ryu, Yun-Hee Kim

Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

A robotic exoskeleton device is an intelligent system designed to improve gait performance and quality of life for the wearer. Robotic technology has developed rapidly in recent years, and several robot-assisted gait devices were developed to enhance gait function and activities of daily living in elderly adults and patients with gait disorders. In this study, we investigated the effects of the Gait-enhancing Mechatronic System (GEMS), a new wearable robotic hip-assist device developed by Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd., Korea, on gait performance and foot pressure distribution in elderly adults.

Methods

Thirty elderly adults who had no neurological or musculoskeletal abnormalities affecting gait participated in this study. A three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system, surface electromyography and the F-Scan system were used to collect data on spatiotemporal gait parameters, muscle activity and foot pressure distribution under three conditions: free gait without robot assistance (FG), robot-assisted gait with zero torque (RAG-Z) and robot-assisted gait (RAG).

Results

We found increased gait speed, cadence, stride length and single support time in the RAG condition. Reduced rectus femoris and medial gastrocnemius muscle activity throughout the terminal stance phase and reduced effort of the medial gastrocnemius muscle throughout the pre-swing phase were also observed in the RAG condition. In addition, walking with the assistance of GEMS resulted in a significant increase in foot pressure distribution, specifically in maximum force and peak pressure of the total foot, medial masks, anterior masks and posterior masks.

Conclusion

The results of the present study reveal that GEMS may present an alternative way of restoring age-related changes in gait such as gait instability with muscle weakness, reduced step force and lower foot pressure in elderly adults. In addition, GEMS improved gait performance by improving push-off power and walking speed and reducing muscle activity in the lower extremities.

Trial registration

NCT02843828.

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Title: Gait performance and foot pressure distribution during wearable robot-assisted gait in elderly adults
Authors: Su-Hyun Lee
Hwang-Jae Lee
Won Hyuk Chang
Byung-Ok Choi
Jusuk Lee
Jeonghun Kim
Gyu-Ha Ryu
Yun-Hee Kim
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-017-0333-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Gait performance and foot pressure distribution during wearable robot-assisted gait in elderly adults

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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