Characterization of spatio-temporal parameters of human gait assisted by a robotic walker

Abstract

Investigations of the biomechanical parameters of robotic walker assisted gait are needed to allow modern rehabilitation strategies and to improve further technological developments. In this study, spatio-temporal gait parameters were assessed during normal and assisted ambulation with the Simbiosis walker model, a robotic walker with forearm supports. Six infra-red video cameras, integrated in a movement analysis system, were used for three-dimensional reconstruction of body segments and measurement of biomechanical variables during assisted ambulation. Results showed that walker-assisted gait was marked by an overall reduction of spatio-temporal parameters, especially gait speed, without modification in cadence-speed and stride length-speed relationships. Future work investigating such modality of assisted gait in clinical conditions are warranted and may contribute for a better understanding of user-device interaction forces and its impact over gait biomechanics.