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Tang X, Wang X, Xue Y, Wei P. An Unpowered Knee Exoskeleton for Walking Assistance and Energy Capture. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1812. [PMID: 37893249 PMCID: PMC10608919 DOI: 10.3390/mi14101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
In order to reduce the energy consumption of human daily movement without providing additional power, we considered the biomechanical behavior of the knee during external impedance interactions. Based on the theory of human sports biomechanics, combined with the requirements of human-machine coupling motion consistency and coordination, an unpowered exoskeleton-assisted device for the knee joint is proposed in this paper. The effectiveness of this assisted device was verified using gait experiments and distributed plantar pressure tests with three modes: "not wearing exoskeleton" (No exo.), "wearing exoskeleton with assistance " (Exo. On), and "wearing exoskeleton without assistance" (Exo. Off). The experimental results indicate that (1) This device can effectively enhance the function of the knee, increasing the range of knee movement by 3.72% (p < 0.001). (2) In the early stages of the lower limb swing, this device reduces the activity of muscles in relation to the knee flexion, such as the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and soleus muscles. (3) For the first time, it was found that the movement length of the plantar pressure center was reduced by 6.57% (p = 0.027). This basic principle can be applied to assist the in-depth development of wearable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyao Tang
- School of Mechanical and Precision Instrument Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China
- Research Center for Civil-Military Integration and Protection Equipment Design Innovation, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Xupeng Wang
- School of Mechanical and Precision Instrument Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China
- Research Center for Civil-Military Integration and Protection Equipment Design Innovation, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Yanmin Xue
- School of Mechanical and Precision Instrument Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China
- Research Center for Civil-Military Integration and Protection Equipment Design Innovation, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Pingping Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710043, China
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Lora-Millan JS, Nabipour M, van Asseldonk E, Bayón C. Advances on mechanical designs for assistive ankle-foot orthoses. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1188685. [PMID: 37485319 PMCID: PMC10361304 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1188685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Assistive ankle-foot orthoses (AAFOs) are powerful solutions to assist or rehabilitate gait on humans. Existing AAFO technologies include passive, quasi-passive, and active principles to provide assistance to the users, and their mechanical configuration and control depend on the eventual support they aim for within the gait pattern. In this research we analyze the state-of-the-art of AAFO and classify the different approaches into clusters, describing their basis and working principles. Additionally, we reviewed the purpose and experimental validation of the devices, providing the reader with a better view of the technology readiness level. Finally, the reviewed designs, limitations, and future steps in the field are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahdi Nabipour
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Edwin van Asseldonk
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Cristina Bayón
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
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The Effects of Unpowered Soft Exoskeletons on Preferred Gait Features and Resonant Walking. MACHINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/machines10070585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Resonant walking with preferred gait features is a self-optimized consequence of long-term human locomotion. Minimal energy expenditure can be achieved in this resonant condition. This unpowered multi-joint soft exoskeleton is designed to test whether: (1) there is an obvious improvement in preferred speed and other gait features; (2) resonant walking still exists with exoskeleton assistance. Healthy participants (N = 7) were asked to perform the following trials: (1) walking at 1.25 m/s without assistance (normal condition); (2) walking at 1.25 m/s with assistance (general condition); (3) walking at preferred speed with assistance (preferred condition); (4) walking at the speed in trial (3) without assistance (comparison condition). Participants walked at the preferred frequency and ±10% of it. An average 21% increase in preferred speed was observed. The U-shaped oxygen consumption and lower limb muscle activity curve with the minimum at preferred frequency indicated that the resonant condition existed under the preferred condition. Average metabolic reductions of 4.53% and 7.65% were found in the preferred condition compared to the general and comparison condition, respectively. These results demonstrate that the resonant condition in assisted walking could benefit energy expenditure and provide a new perspective for exoskeleton design and evaluation.
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A Wearable Lower Limb Exoskeleton: Reducing the Energy Cost of Human Movement. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13060900. [PMID: 35744514 PMCID: PMC9229674 DOI: 10.3390/mi13060900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Human body enhancement is an interesting branch of robotics. It focuses on wearable robots in order to improve the performance of human body, reduce energy consumption and delay fatigue, as well as increase body speed. Robot-assisted equipment, such as wearable exoskeletons, are wearable robot systems that integrate human intelligence and robot power. After careful design and adaptation, the human body has energy-saving sports, but it is an arduous task for the exoskeleton to achieve considerable reduction in metabolic rate. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the biomechanics of human sports, the body, and its weaknesses. In this study, a lower limb exoskeleton was classified according to the power source, and the working principle, design idea, wearing mode, material and performance of different types of lower limb exoskeletons were compared and analyzed. The study shows that the unpowered exoskeleton robot has inherent advantages in endurance, mass, volume, and cost, which is a new development direction of robot exoskeletons. This paper not only summarizes the existing research but also points out its shortcomings through the comparative analysis of different lower limb wearable exoskeletons. Furthermore, improvement measures suitable for practical application have been provided.
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Huang HH, Hsieh YH, Chang CH, Tsai WY, Huang CK, Chen CL. Ride-on car training using sitting and standing postures for mobility and socialization in young children with motor delays: a randomized controlled trial. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 45:1453-1460. [PMID: 35417316 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2063418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the effects of ride-on car (ROC) training using different postures on mobility and social function in children with motor delays in comparison with conventional therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-eight children (22 males, 16 females) with motor delays were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups: ROC training while sitting (ROC-Sit, n = 15; mean age, 20.25 months; standard deviation [SD], 5.29), ROC training while standing (ROC-Stand, n = 12; mean age, 24.80 months; SD, 8.42), and conventional therapy (control, n = 11; mean age: 20.25 months, SD: 5.37). All groups underwent 2-h training sessions twice weekly over a 12-week intervention phase. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory and Goal Attainment Scaling were performed before and after the intervention and at follow-up sessions after 12 weeks. RESULTS Mobility and goal achievement improved significantly in all groups after the intervention (p < 0.001; p < 0.0001). However, social function improved significantly only in the ROC-Stand group (p = 0.001), which had the highest number of participants showing clinically meaningful changes in mobility and social function. CONCLUSION Increased practice and caregivers' involvement can improve children's mobility and goal achievement. Adopting a standing posture in an ROC can enhance social function.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONProviding active exploratory experience through ride-on cars or practicing specific skills can improve children's mobility function.Ride-on car training in a standing posture allows children to access their distal environment visually, resulting in improved social function.Setting goals with caregivers maximizes the effects of treatment on goal achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiang-Han Huang
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,bDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsin Hsieh
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hao Chang
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chen Yang Clinic, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ying Tsai
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shi Yuan Poly Clinic, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Kai Huang
- bDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Chen
- bDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Early Intervention, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Meng Q, Zeng Q, Xie Q, Fei C, Kong B, Lu X, Wang H, Yu H. Flexible lower limb exoskeleton systems: A review. NeuroRehabilitation 2022; 50:367-390. [PMID: 35147568 DOI: 10.3233/nre-210300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an emerging exoskeleton robot technology, flexible lower limb exoskeleton (FLLE) integrates flexible drive and wearable mechanism, effectively solving many problems of traditional rigid lower limb exoskeleton (RLLE) such as higher quality, poorer compliance and relatively poor portability, and has become one of the important development directions in the field of active rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE This review focused on the development and innovation process in the field of FLLE in the past decade. METHOD Related literature published from 2010 to 2021 were searched in EI, IEEE Xplore, PubMed and Web of Science databases. Seventy target research articles were further screened and sorted through inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS FLLE is classified according to different driving modes, and the advantages and disadvantages of passive flexible lower limb exoskeletons and active flexible lower limb exoskeletons are comprehensively summarized. CONCLUSION At present, FLLE's research is mainly based on cable drive, bionic pneumatic muscles followed and matured, and new exoskeleton designs based on smart material innovations also trend to diversify. In the future, the development direction of FLLE will be lightweight and drive compliance, and the multi-mode sensory feedback control theory, motion intention recognition theory and human-machine interaction theory will be combined to reduce the metabolic energy consumption of walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoling Meng
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Assistive Devices, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Neural-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineeringof the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingxin Zeng
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Assistive Devices, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Neural-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineeringof the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaolian Xie
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Assistive Devices, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Neural-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineeringof the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuizhi Fei
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Assistive Devices, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Neural-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineeringof the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Bolei Kong
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Assistive Devices, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Neural-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineeringof the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuhua Lu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongliu Yu
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Assistive Devices, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Neural-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineeringof the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Shanghai, China
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Mo F, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Long J, Wang Y, Chen G, Ye J. A simulation-based framework with a proprioceptive musculoskeletal model for evaluating the rehabilitation exoskeleton system. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 208:106270. [PMID: 34271263 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Various rehabilitation exoskeletons have been designed to help people regain normal gait from stroke effects. However, the evaluation and further optimization of these exoskeletons are not convenient and usually need complicated experimental works. The present study aims to establish a simulation-based method with a proprioceptive musculoskeletal model to conveniently evaluate the efficiency of a self-developed exoskeleton for further optimization. METHODS Three volunteers who suffer from dyskinesia due to stroke were recruited for gait experiments with and without the self-develop exoskeleton. The corresponding simulations were implemented based on the proprioceptive model, the exoskeleton model, and the input kinematic data obtained from the experiments. The joint angles, muscle activations, and metabolic costs as well as the proprioceptor feedback stimulation were extracted for comparative analysis. RESULT Several positive effects of the exoskeleton were noted based on the simulation results when using it to aid the patients' rehabilitation during the gait training. The CORA scores of the patients' joint angle to the normal data increased by 11.6~37.8% with the assistance of the exoskeleton. The wave frequency of proprioceptive feedback stimulation that can be directly correlated to the neural rehabilitation obviously inclined during a gait cycle. The muscle activations were also rearranged to better support the patient's walk when using the exoskeleton, while the metabolic costs were reduced for all the patients. CONCLUSION In summary, the present simulation-based method can be practical for pre-evaluation and optimization of various exoskeleton design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhao Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacture for Vehicle Body, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacture for Vehicle Body, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China.
| | - Haotian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacture for Vehicle Body, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China.
| | - Jianjun Long
- Rehabilitation Center, Shenzhen University First Affiliated Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China.
| | - Yulong Wang
- Rehabilitation Center, Shenzhen University First Affiliated Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China.
| | - Gong Chen
- MileBot Robotics Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China; Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China.
| | - Jing Ye
- MileBot Robotics Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China; Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China.
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Qin T, Yang Y, Wen B, Chen Z, Bao Z, Dong H, Dou K, Yang C. Research on human gait prediction and recognition algorithm of lower limb-assisted exoskeleton robot. INTEL SERV ROBOT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11370-021-00367-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Zhang B, Liu T, Zhang B, Pecht MG. Recent Development of Unpowered Exoskeletons for Lower Extremity: A Survey. IEEE ACCESS 2021; 9:138042-138056. [DOI: 10.1109/access.2021.3115956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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Development of Active Lower Limb Robotic-Based Orthosis and Exoskeleton Devices: A Systematic Review. Int J Soc Robot 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12369-020-00662-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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