A new lower limb portable exoskeleton for gait assistance in neurological patients: a proof of concept study.

Journal: Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation
Published Date:

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Few portable exoskeletons following the assist-as-needed concept have been developed for patients with neurological disorders. Thus, the main objectives of this proof-of-concept study were 1) to explore the safety and feasibility of an exoskeleton for gait rehabilitation in stroke and multiple sclerosis patients, 2) to test different algorithms for gait assistance and measure the resulting gait changes and 3) to evaluate the user's perception of the device.

Authors

  • G Puyuelo-Quintana
    Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
  • R Cano-de-la-Cuerda
    Department of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Avda. Atenas s/n, 28922, Madrid, Spain. roberto.cano@urjc.es.
  • A Plaza-Flores
    MarsiBionics S.L., Madrid, Spain.
  • E Garces-Castellote
    MarsiBionics S.L., Madrid, Spain.
  • D Sanz-Merodio
    MarsiBionics S.L., Madrid, Spain.
  • A Goñi-Arana
    Centre of Automation and Robotics, CSIC-UPM, Madrid, Spain.
  • J Marín-Ojea
    Aita-Menni Hospital, Bilbao, Spain.
  • E García-Armada
    MarsiBionics S.L., Madrid, Spain.