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Livolsi C, Sanz-Morere CB, Pergolini A, Giffone A, Giovacchini F, Frioriksson P, Alexandersson A, Macchi C, Trigili E, Crea S, Vitiello N. Enhancing Walking Performance With a Bilateral Hip Exoskeleton Assistance in Individuals With Above-Knee Amputation. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2024; 32:2553-2563. [PMID: 38980789 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2024.3425436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Transfemoral amputation is a debilitating condition that leads to long-term mobility restriction and secondary disorders that negatively affect the quality of life of millions of individuals worldwide. Currently available prostheses are not able to restore energetically efficient and functional gait, thus, recently, the alternative strategy to inject energy at the residual hip has been proposed to compensate for the lack of energy of the missing leg. Here, we show that a portable and powered hip exoskeleton assisting both the residual and intact limb induced a reduction of walking energy expenditure in four individuals with above-knee amputation. The reduction of the energy expenditure, quantified using the Physiological Cost Index, was in the range [-10, -17]% for all study participants compared to walking without assistance, and between [-2, -24]% in three out of four study participants compared to walking without the device. Additionally, all study participants were able to walk comfortably and confidently with the hip exoskeleton overground at both their self-selected comfortable and fast speed without any observable alterations in gait stability. The study findings confirm that injecting energy at the hip level is a promising approach for individuals with above-knee amputation. By reducing the energy expenditure of walking and facilitating gait, a hip exoskeleton may extend mobility and improve locomotor training of individuals with above-knee amputation, with several positive implications for their quality of life.
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Daliri M, Ghorbani M, Akbarzadeh A, Negahban H, Ebrahimzadeh MH, Rahmanipour E, Moradi A. Powered single hip joint exoskeletons for gait rehabilitation: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:80. [PMID: 38245729 PMCID: PMC10799403 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gait disorders and as a consequence, robotic rehabilitation techniques are becoming increasingly prevalent as the population ages. In the area of rehabilitation robotics, using lightweight single hip joint exoskeletons are of significance. Considering no prior systematic review article on clinical outcomes, we aim to systematically review powered hip exoskeletons in terms of gait parameters and metabolic expenditure effects. METHODS Three databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of science were searched for clinical articles comparing outcomes of gait rehabilitation using hip motorized exoskeleton with conventional methods, on patients with gait disorder or healthy individuals. Of total number of 37 reviewed articles, 14 trials were quantitatively analyzed. Analyses performed in terms of gait spatiotemporal parameters like speed (self-speed and maximum speed), step length, stride length, cadence, and oxygen consumption. RESULTS Improved clinical outcomes of gait spatiotemporal parameters with hip joint exoskeletons are what our review's findings show. In terms of gait values, meta-analysis indicates that rehabilitation with single hip joint exoskeleton enhanced parameters of maximum speed by 0.13 m/s (0.10-0.17) and step length by 0.06 m (0.05-0.07). For the remaining investigated gait parameters, no statistically significant difference was observed. Regarding metabolic parameters, oxygen consumption was lower in individuals treated with hip exoskeleton (- 1.23 ml/min/kg; range - 2.13 to - 0.32). CONCLUSION Although the analysis demonstrated improvement with just specific gait measures utilizing powered hip exoskeletons, the lack of improvement in all parameters is likely caused by the high patient condition heterogeneity among the evaluated articles. We also noted in patients who rehabilitated with the hip exoskeleton, the oxygen cost was lower. More randomized controlled trials are needed to verify both the short- and long-term clinical outcomes, including patient-reported measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level I (systematic review and meta-analysis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahla Daliri
- Orthopedics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghorbani
- Orthopedics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Health Policy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Akbarzadeh
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Negahban
- Orthopedics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Paramedical and Rehabilitation Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Elham Rahmanipour
- Orthopedics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Health Policy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Moradi
- Orthopedics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Diaz MA, Vos M, Dillen A, Tassignon B, Flynn L, Geeroms J, Meeusen R, Verstraten T, Babic J, Beckerle P, De Pauw K. Human-in-the-Loop Optimization of Wearable Robotic Devices to Improve Human-Robot Interaction: A Systematic Review. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CYBERNETICS 2023; 53:7483-7496. [PMID: 37015459 DOI: 10.1109/tcyb.2022.3224895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
This article presents a systematic review on wearable robotic devices that use human-in-the-loop optimization (HILO) strategies to improve human-robot interaction. A total of 46 HILO studies were identified and divided into upper and lower limb robotic devices. The main aspects from HILO were identified, reviewed, and classified in four areas: 1) human-machine systems; 2) optimization methods; 3) control strategies; and 4) experimental protocols. A variety of objective functions (physiological, biomechanical, and subjective), optimization strategies, and optimized control parameters configurations used in different control strategies are presented and analyzed. An overview of experimental protocols is provided, including metrics, tasks, and conditions tested. Moreover, the relevance given to training or adaptation periods was explored. We outline an HILO framework that includes current wearable robots, optimization strategies, objective functions, control strategies, and experimental protocols. We conclude by highlighting current research gaps and defining future directions to improve the development of advanced HILO strategies in upper and lower limb wearable robots.
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Sarkisian SV, Gabert L, Lenzi T. Series-elastic actuator with two degree-of-freedom PID control improves torque control in a powered knee exoskeleton. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 4:e25. [PMID: 38510590 PMCID: PMC10952049 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2023.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Powered exoskeletons need actuators that are lightweight, compact, and efficient while allowing for accurate torque control. To satisfy these requirements, researchers have proposed using series elastic actuators (SEAs). SEAs use a spring in series with rotary or linear actuators. The spring compliance, in conjunction with an appropriate control scheme, improves torque control, efficiency, output impedance, and disturbance rejection. However, springs add weight to the actuator and complexity to the control, which may have negative effects on the performance of the powered exoskeleton. Therefore, there is an unmet need for new SEA designs that are lighter and more efficient than available systems, as well as for control strategies that push the performance of SEA-based exoskeletons without requiring complex modeling and tuning. This article presents the design, development, and testing of a novel SEA with high force density for powered exoskeletons, as well as the use of a two degree-of-freedom (2DOF) PID system to improve output impedance and disturbance rejection. Benchtop testing results show reduced output impedance and damping values when using a 2DOF PID controller as compared to a 1DOF PID controller. Human experiments with three able-bodied subjects (N = 3) show improved torque tracking with reduced root-mean-square error by 45.2% and reduced peak error by 49.8% when using a 2DOF PID controller. Furthermore, EMG data shows a reduction in peak EMG value when using the exoskeleton in assistive mode compared to the exoskeleton operating in transparent mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei V. Sarkisian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Utah Robotics Center at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lukas Gabert
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Utah Robotics Center at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Tommaso Lenzi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Utah Robotics Center at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Eagen FG, Fey NP. Model Predictions that Consider Individualized Gait Patterns and Patient Mobility Level for the Use of Passive Hip-Flexion Exosuits by Persons with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation. IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2023; 2023:1-6. [PMID: 37941268 DOI: 10.1109/icorr58425.2023.10304783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The muscular remodeling that occurs during a transfemoral amputation surgery and subsequent long-term use of mechanically-passive prostheses have significant impacts on the mobility and gait pattern of the patient. At toe-off and during the subsequent swing phase, this behavior is characterized by increased hip flexion moment and power provided by the biological limb. In other patient populations (e.g., individuals with multiple sclerosis) passive tension-generating assistive elements have been shown to restore altered hip flexion mechanics at toe off. We hypothesized that an exosuit of the same basic architecture could be well applied to individuals with transfemoral amputation. In this paper, we simulate the effects of such a device for 18 patients of K2 and K3 Medicare functional classification levels. The device consists of two parallel elastic bands. Our approach considers the wrapping and geometric behavior of these elements over the residual limb in full-body patient-specific kinematic simulations of level ground walking. A nonlinear least squares problem was solved via the Levenberg-Marquardt method to find the band properties that best match (in order to offset) the intrinsic power delivery of the muscles during the swing phase. We found higher mobility patients (K3) often require a stiffer device, which leads to a greater error in the kinetic match between the biological limb and exosuit. In contrast, this method appears to be effective for K2 patients, which suggests that a different means of parameter selection or power delivery (e.g., active devices) may be necessary for higher mobility levels.
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Fang S, Vijayan V, Reissman ME, Kinney AL, Reissman T. Effects of Walking Speed and Added Mass on Hip Joint Quasi-Stiffness in Healthy Young and Middle-Aged Adults. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23094517. [PMID: 37177721 PMCID: PMC10181717 DOI: 10.3390/s23094517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Joint quasi-stiffness has been often used to inform exoskeleton design. Further understanding of hip quasi-stiffness is needed to design hip exoskeletons. Of interest are wearer responses to walking speed changes with added mass of the exoskeleton. This study analyzed hip quasi-stiffness at 3 walking speed levels and 9 added mass distributions among 13 young and 16 middle-aged adults during mid-stance hip extension and late-stance hip flexion. Compared to young adults, middle-aged adults maintained a higher quasi-stiffness with a smaller range. For a faster walking speed, both age groups increased extension and flexion quasi-stiffness. With mass evenly distributed on the pelvis and thighs or biased to the pelvis, both groups maintained or increased extension quasi-stiffness. With mass biased to the thighs, middle-aged adults maintained or decreased extension quasi-stiffness while young adults increased it. Young adults decreased flexion quasi-stiffness with added mass but not in any generalizable pattern with mass amounts or distributions. Conversely, middle-aged adults maintained or decreased flexion quasi-stiffness with even distribution on the pelvis and thighs or biased to the pelvis, while no change occurred if biased to the thighs. In conclusion, these results can guide the design of a hip exoskeleton's size and mass distribution according to the intended user's age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanpu Fang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
| | - Vinayak Vijayan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
| | - Megan E Reissman
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
| | - Allison L Kinney
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
| | - Timothy Reissman
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
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Sawers A, Fatone S. After scaling to body size hip strength of the residual limb exceeds that of the intact limb among unilateral lower limb prosthesis users. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:50. [PMID: 37098570 PMCID: PMC10131313 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01166-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hip muscles play a prominent role in compensating for the loss of ankle and/or knee muscle function after lower limb amputation. Despite contributions to walking and balance, there is no consensus regarding hip strength deficits in lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users. Identifying patterns of hip muscle weakness in LLP users may increase the specificity of physical therapy interventions (i.e., which muscle group(s) to target), and expedite the search for modifiable factors associated with deficits in hip muscle function among LLP users. The purpose of this study was to test whether hip strength, estimated by maximum voluntary isometric peak torque, differed between the residual and intact limbs of LLP users, and age- and gender-matched controls. METHODS Twenty-eight LLP users (14 transtibial, 14 transfemoral, 7 dysvascular, 13.5 years since amputation), and 28 age- and gender-matched controls participated in a cross-sectional study. Maximum voluntary isometric hip extension, flexion, abduction, and adduction torque were measured with a motorized dynamometer. Participants completed 15 five-second trials with 10-s rest between trials. Peak isometric hip torque was normalized to body mass × thigh length. A 2-way mixed-ANOVA with a between-subject factor of leg (intact, residual, control) and a within-subject factor of muscle group (extensors, flexors, abductors, adductors) tested for differences in strength among combinations of leg and muscle group (α = 0.05). Multiple comparisons were adjusted using Tukey's Honest-Difference. RESULTS A significant 2-way interaction between leg and muscle group indicated normalized peak torque differed among combinations of muscle group and leg (p < 0.001). A significant simple main effect of leg (p = 0.001) indicated peak torque differed between two or more legs per muscle group. Post-hoc comparisons revealed hip extensor, flexor, and abductor peak torque was not significantly different between the residual and control legs (p ≥ 0.067) but torques in both legs were significantly greater than in the intact leg (p < 0.001). Peak hip abductor torque was significantly greater in the control and residual legs than the intact leg (p < 0.001), and significantly greater in the residual than control leg (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that it is the intact, rather than the residual limb, that is weaker. These findings may be due to methodological choices (e.g., normalization), or biomechanical demands placed on residual limb hip muscles. Further research is warranted to both confirm, expand upon, and elucidate possible mechanisms for the present findings; and clarify contributions of intact and residual limb hip muscles to walking and balance in LLP users. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Sawers
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 West Taylor Street, Rm. 646, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Stefania Fatone
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Hu M, Kobayashi T, Hisano G, Murata H, Ichimura D, Hobara H. Sprinting performance of individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation: compensation strategies for lower limb coordination. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221198. [PMID: 36908994 PMCID: PMC9993038 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the sprinting patterns of individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation (uTFA) is important for designing improved running-specific prostheses and for prosthetic gait rehabilitation. Continuous relative phase (CRP) analysis acquires clues from movement kinematics and obtains insights into the sprinting coordination of individuals with uTFA. Seven individuals with uTFA sprinted on a 40 m runway. The spatio-temporal parameters, joint and segment angles of the lower limbs were obtained, and CRP analysis was performed on thigh-shank and shank-foot couplings. Subsequently, the asymmetry ratios of the parameters were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed between the lower limbs. Significant differences in the stance time, stance phase percentage, ankle joint angles and CRP of the shank-foot coupling (p < 0.05) were observed between the lower limbs. The primary contributor to these differences could be the structural differences between the lower limbs. Despite the presence of different coordination features in the stance and swing phases between the lower limbs, no significant difference in the coordination patterns of the thigh-shank coupling was observed. This may be a compensation strategy for achieving coordination patterns with improved symmetry between the lower limbs. The results of this study provide novel insights into the sprinting movement patterns of individuals with uTFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Toshiki Kobayashi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Genki Hisano
- Department of Systems and Control Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
- Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo 135-0014, Japan
| | - Hiroto Murata
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ichimura
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo 135-0014, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Hobara
- Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan
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Johnson WB, Young A, Goldman S, Wilson J, Alderete JF, Childers WL. Exoskeletal solutions to enable mobility with a lower leg fracture in austere environments. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 4:e5. [PMID: 38487779 PMCID: PMC10936379 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2022.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The treatment and evacuation of people with lower limb fractures in austere environments presents unique challenges that assistive exoskeletal devices could address. In these dangerous situations, independent mobility for the injured can preserve their vital capabilities so that they can safely evacuate and minimize the need for additional personnel to help. This expert view article discusses how different exoskeleton archetypes could provide independent mobility while satisfying the requisite needs for portability, maintainability, durability, and adaptability to be available and useful within austere environments. The authors also discuss areas of development that would enable exoskeletons to operate more effectively in these scenarios as well as preserve the health of the injured limb so that definitive treatment after evacuation will produce better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Brett Johnson
- Research and Surveillance Division, Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center for Excellence, San Antonia, TX78234, USA
- Center for the Intrepid, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonia, TX78219, USA
| | - Aaron Young
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332, USA
| | - Stephen Goldman
- Research and Surveillance Division, Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center for Excellence, San Antonia, TX78234, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814, USA
| | - Jon Wilson
- Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, AL36303, USA
| | | | - W. Lee Childers
- Research and Surveillance Division, Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center for Excellence, San Antonia, TX78234, USA
- Center for the Intrepid, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonia, TX78219, USA
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Tran M, Gabert L, Lenzi T. Analysis and Validation of Sensitivity in Torque-Sensitive Actuators. ACTUATORS 2023; 12:80. [PMID: 37008252 PMCID: PMC10065460 DOI: 10.3390/act12020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Across different fields within robotics, there is a great need for lightweight, efficient actuators with human-like performance. Linkage-based passive variable transmissions and torque-sensitive transmissions have emerged as promising solutions to meet this need by significantly increasing actuator efficiency and power density, but their modeling and analysis remain an open research topic. In this paper, we introduce the sensitivity between input displacement and output torque as a key metric to analyze the performance of these complex mechanisms in dynamic tasks. We present the analytical model of sensitivity in the context of two different torque-sensitive transmission designs, and used this sensitivity metric to analyze the differences in their performance. Experiments with these designs implemented within a powered knee prosthesis were conducted, and results validated the sensitivity model as well as its role in predicting actuators' dynamic performance. Together with other design methods, sensitivity analysis is a valuable tool for designers to systematically analyze and create transmission systems capable of human-like physical behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Tran
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Robotics Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Lukas Gabert
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Robotics Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
| | - Tommaso Lenzi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Robotics Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Zhou T, Zhou Z, Zhang H, Chen W. Modulating Multiarticular Energy during Human Walking and Running with an Unpowered Exoskeleton. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:8539. [PMID: 36366237 PMCID: PMC9653640 DOI: 10.3390/s22218539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have made advances in reducing the metabolic rate of both walking and running by modulating mono-articular energy with exoskeletons. However, how to modulate multiarticular energy with exoskeletons to improve the energy economy of both walking and running is still a challenging problem, due to the lack of understanding of energy transfer among human lower-limb joints. Based on the study of the energy recycling and energy transfer function of biarticular muscles, we proposed a hip-knee unpowered exoskeleton that emulates and reinforces the function of the hamstrings and rectus femoris in different gait phases. The biarticular exo-tendon of the exoskeleton assists hamstrings to recycle the kinetic energy of the leg swing while providing hip extension torque in the swing phase. In the following stance phase, the exo-tendon releases the stored energy to assist the co-contraction of gluteus maximus and rectus femoris for both hip extension and knee extension, thus realizing the phased modulation of hip and knee joint energy. The metabolic rate of both walking (1.5 m/s) and running (2.5 m/s) can be reduced by 6.2% and 4.0% with the multiarticular energy modulation of a hip-knee unpowered exoskeleton, compared to that of walking and running without an exoskeleton. The bio-inspired design method of this study may inspire people to develop devices that assist multiple gaits in the future.
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Cognitive benefits of using non-invasive compared to implantable neural feedback. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16696. [PMID: 36202893 PMCID: PMC9537330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21057-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A non-optimal prosthesis integration into an amputee’s body schema suggests some important functional and health consequences after lower limb amputation. These include low perception of a prosthesis as a part of the body, experiencing it as heavier than the natural limb, and cognitively exhausting use for users. Invasive approaches, exploiting the surgical implantation of electrodes in residual nerves, improved prosthesis integration by restoring natural and somatotopic sensory feedback in transfemoral amputees. A non-invasive alternative that avoids surgery would reduce costs and shorten certification time, significantly increasing the adoption of such systems. To explore this possibility, we compared results from a non-invasive, electro-cutaneous stimulation system to outcomes observed with the use of implants in above the knee amputees. This non-invasive solution was tested in transfemoral amputees through evaluation of their ability to perceive and recognize touch intensity and locations, or movements of a prosthesis, and its cognitive integration (through dual task performance and perceived prosthesis weight). While this managed to evoke the perception of different locations on the artificial foot, and closures of the leg, it was less performant than invasive solutions. Non-invasive stimulation induced similar improvements in dual motor and cognitive tasks compared to neural feedback. On the other hand, results demonstrate that remapped, evoked sensations are less informative and intuitive than the neural evoked somatotopic sensations. The device therefore fails to improve prosthesis embodiment together with its associated weight perception. This preliminary evaluation meaningfully highlights the drawbacks of non-invasive systems, but also demonstrates benefits when performing multiple tasks at once. Importantly, the improved dual task performance is consistent with invasive devices, taking steps towards the expedited development of a certified device for widespread use.
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Zhang T, Ning C, Li Y, Wang M. Design and Validation of a Lightweight Hip Exoskeleton Driven by Series Elastic Actuator With Two-Motor Variable Speed Transmission. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2022; 30:2456-2466. [PMID: 36001514 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2022.3201383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
To overcome the different requirements of torque-velocity characteristics for walking, running, stand-to-sit, sit-to-stand, and climbing stairs, we propose a novel concept for actuator design, namely, a series elastic actuator with two-motor variable speed transmission. The two-motor variable speed transmission can be adjusted in real-time to realize variable torque-velocity characteristics. A novel lightweight wearable hip exoskeleton driven by a series elastic actuator with two-motor variable speed transmission, named SoochowExo, has been developed in this paper for use in the elderly population. The weight of the whole hip exoskeleton is 2.85 kg (excluding batteries), including two actuators and the frame. The proposed hip exoskeleton can match the weight of the state-of-the-art hip exoskeleton while offering suitable torque and velocity for sitting-to-standing, walking, running on level ground, and climbing stairs. The benchtop tests and the preliminary human subject tests further confirm the design.
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Chee L, Valle G, Marazzi M, Preatoni G, Haufe FL, Xiloyannis M, Riener R, Raspopovic S. Optimally-calibrated non-invasive feedback improves amputees' metabolic consumption, balance and walking confidence. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 35944515 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac883b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lower-limb amputees suffer from a variety of health problems, including higher metabolic consumption and low mobility. These conditions are linked to the lack of a natural sensory feedback from their prosthetic device, which forces them to adopt compensatory walking strategies that increase fatigue. Recently, both invasive (i.e. requiring a surgery) and non-invasive approaches have been able to provide artificial sensations via neurostimulation, inducing multiple functional and cognitive benefits. Implants helped to improve patient mobility and significantly reduce their metabolic consumption. A wearable, non-invasive alterative that provides similar useful health benefits, would eliminate the surgery related risks and costs thereby increasing the accessibility and the spreading of such neurotechnologies. APPROACH Here, we present a non-invasive sensory feedback system exploiting an optimally-calibrated (JND-based) electro-cutaneous stimulation to encode intensity-modulated foot-ground and knee angle information personalized to the user's just noticeable perceptual threshold. This device was holistically evaluated in three transfemoral amputees by examination of metabolic consumption while walking outdoors, walking over different inclinations on a treadmill indoors, and balance maintenance in reaction to unexpected perturbation on a treadmill indoors. We then collected spatio-temporal parameters (i.e. gait dynamic and kinematics), and self-reported prosthesis confidence while the patients were walking with and without the sensory feedback. MAIN RESULTS This non-invasive sensory feedback system, encoding different distinctly perceived levels of tactile and knee flexion information, successfully enabled subjects to decrease metabolic consumption while walking and increase prosthesis confidence. Remarkably, more physiological walking strategies and increased stability in response to external perturbations were observed while walking with the sensory feedback. SIGNIFICANCE The health benefits observed with the use of this non-invasive device, previously only observed exploiting invasive technologies, takes an important step towards the development of a practical, non-invasive alternative to restoring sensory feedback in leg amputees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Chee
- ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 1, Zurich, Zürich, 8092, SWITZERLAND
| | - Giacomo Valle
- ETH Zürich, Tannenstrasse 1, TAN E2, Zurich, Zurich, 8092, SWITZERLAND
| | - Michele Marazzi
- ETH Zürich, Tannenstrasse 1, Zurich, Zurich, 8092, SWITZERLAND
| | - Greta Preatoni
- ETH Zürich, Tannenstrasse 1, TAN E2, Zurich, Zurich, 8092, SWITZERLAND
| | - Florian L Haufe
- ETH Zürich, Tannenstrasse 1, TAN E5, Zurich, Zurich, 8092, SWITZERLAND
| | | | - Robert Riener
- ETH Zürich, Tannenstrasse 1, TAN E5, Zurich, Zurich, 8092, SWITZERLAND
| | - Stanisa Raspopovic
- ETH Zürich, Tannenstrasse 1, TAN E2, Zurich, Zurich, ZH, 8092, SWITZERLAND
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15
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Abstract
The exoskeleton is often regarded as a tool for rehabilitation and assistance of human movement. The control schemes were conventionally implemented by developing accurate physical and kinematic models, which often lack robustness to external variational disturbing forces. This paper presents a virtual neuromuscular control for robotic ankle exoskeleton standing balance. The robustness of the proposed method was improved by applying a specific virtual neuromuscular model to estimate the desired ankle torques for ankle exoskeleton standing balance control. In specialty, the proposed control method has two key components, including musculoskeletal mechanics and neural control. A simple version of the ankle exoskeleton was designed, and three sets of comparative experiments were carried out. The experimentation results demonstrated that the proposed virtual neuromuscular control could effectively reduce the wearer’s lower limb muscle activation, and improve the robustness of the different external disturbances.
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16
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Yang C, Yu L, Xu L, Yan Z, Hu D, Zhang S, Yang W. Current developments of robotic hip exoskeleton toward sensing, decision, and actuation: A review. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2022; 3:e15. [PMID: 38486916 PMCID: PMC10936331 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2022.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The aging population is now a global challenge, and impaired walking ability is a common feature in the elderly. In addition, some occupations such as military and relief workers require extra physical help to perform tasks efficiently. Robotic hip exoskeletons can support ambulatory functions in the elderly and augment human performance in healthy people during normal walking and loaded walking by providing assistive torque. In this review, the current development of robotic hip exoskeletons is presented. In addition, the framework of actuation joints and the high-level control strategy (including the sensors and data collection, the way to recognize gait phase, the algorithms to generate the assist torque) are described. The exoskeleton prototypes proposed by researchers in recent years are organized to benefit the related fields realizing the limitations of the available robotic hip exoskeletons, therefore, this work tends to be an influential factor with a better understanding of the development and state-of-the-art technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canjun Yang
- Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, China
| | - Linfan Yu
- Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linghui Xu
- Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zehao Yan
- Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongming Hu
- School of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, China
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17
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Sarkisian SV, Gunnell AJ, Bo Foreman K, Lenzi T. Knee Exoskeleton Reduces Muscle Effort and Improves Balance During Sit-to-Stand Transitions After Stroke: A Case Study. IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2022; 2022:1-6. [PMID: 36176078 DOI: 10.1109/icorr55369.2022.9896571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
After a stroke, the weight-bearing asymmetry often forces stroke survivors to compensate with overuse of the unaffected side muscles to stand up. Powered exoskeletons can address this problem by assisting the affected limb during sit-tostand transitions. However, there is currently no experimental evidence demonstrating the efficacy of this intervention with the target population. This study explores controlling a powered knee exoskeleton with EMG signals to assist a stroke patient during sit-to-stand transitions. Our results show decreased peak knee torques by 6.24% and 11.9% on their unaffected and affected sides, respectively, while wearing the exoskeleton. Additionally, the peak value of the EMG signal decreased by 29.3% and 21.9%, and the integrated EMG signal value decreased by 46.7% and 36.1% on their affected vastus medialis and lateralis while wearing the exoskeleton, respectively. Finally, our results indicate improved medial-lateral balance by 61.2%, 81.6%, and 70.0% based on the degree of asymmetry (DOA), the center of pressure (COP), and the center of mass (COM), respectively. These results support the efficacy of using powered exoskeletons for high-torque tasks such as sit-to-stand transitions with stroke survivors.
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18
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Pergolini A, Livolsi C, Trigili E, Chen B, Giovacchini F, Forner-Cordero A, Crea S, Vitiello N. Real-Time Locomotion Recognition Algorithm for an Active Pelvis Orthosis to Assist Lower-Limb Amputees. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2022.3183936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Livolsi
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emilio Trigili
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Baojun Chen
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Arturo Forner-Cordero
- Biomechatronics Laboratory Department of Mechatronics and Mechanical Systems of the Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simona Crea
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Vitiello
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
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19
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Archangeli D, Ishmael MK, Lenzi T. Assistive Powered Hip Exoskeleton Improves Self-Selected Walking Speed in One Individual with Hemiparesis: A Case Study. IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2022; 2022:1-6. [PMID: 36176109 DOI: 10.1109/icorr55369.2022.9896568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Most individuals suffering a stroke have permanent weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis) that reduces their ability to ambulate. Autonomous powered exoskeletons have been proposed as a possible solution to this problem. Studies with healthy subjects show that assistive powered exoskeletons have the potential to improve gait, for example, by reducing the metabolic cost of walking. However, only a handful of studies have been conducted with individuals with hemiparesis. Thus, the ability of autonomous exoskeletons to improve gait in this population remains largely unknown. In this study, we assess self-selected walking speed with and without an autonomous powered hip exoskeleton in one individual with hemiparesis walking on level ground. Results show that the proposed exoskeleton improves self-selected walking speed by ~30%. The biomechanical analysis suggest that the increased walking speed is the result of the powered hip exoskeleton enabling the subject to take longer strides on the hemiparetic side. This case study provides important information to inform future exoskeleton development and clinical study design.
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20
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Nalam V, Huang HH. Empowering prosthesis users with a hip exoskeleton. Nat Med 2021; 27:1677-1678. [PMID: 34635853 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01529-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Varun Nalam
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - He Helen Huang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA. .,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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