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Leow XRG, Ng SLA, Lau Y. Overground Robotic Exoskeleton Training for Patients With Stroke on Walking-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 104:1698-1710. [PMID: 36972746 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of solely overground robotic exoskeleton (RE) training or overground RE training with conventional rehabilitation in improving walking ability, speed, and endurance among patients with stroke. DATA SOURCES Nine databases, 5 trial registries, gray literature, specified journals, and reference lists from inception until December 27, 2021. STUDY SELECTION Randomized controlled trials adopting overground robotic exoskeleton training for patients with any phases of stroke on walking-related outcomes were included. DATA EXTRACTION Two independent reviewers extracted items and performed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 1 and certainty of evidence using the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. DATA SYNTHESIS Twenty trials involving 758 participants across 11 countries were included in this review. The overall effect of overground robotic exoskeletons on walking ability at postintervention (d=0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01, 0.42; Z=2.02; P=.04) and follow-up (d=0.37; 95% CI, 0.03, 0.71; Z=2.12; P=.03) and walking speed at postintervention (d=0.23; 95% CI, 0.01, 0.46; Z=2.01; P=.04) showed significant improvement compared with conventional rehabilitation. Subgroup analyses suggested that RE training should combine with conventional rehabilitation. A preferable gait training regime is <4 times per week over ≥6 weeks for ≤30 minutes per session among patients with chronic stroke and ambulatory status of independent walkers before training. Meta-regression did not identify any effect of the covariates on the treatment effect. The majority of randomized controlled trials had small sample sizes, and the certainty of the evidence was very low. CONCLUSION Overground RE training may have a beneficial effect on walking ability and walking speed to complement conventional rehabilitation. Further large-scale and long-term, high-quality trials are recommended to enhance the quality of overground RE training and confirm its sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Rong Gladys Leow
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Si Li Annalyn Ng
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Lau
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Mahdian ZS, Wang H, Refai MIM, Durandau G, Sartori M, MacLean MK. Tapping Into Skeletal Muscle Biomechanics for Design and Control of Lower Limb Exoskeletons: A Narrative Review. J Appl Biomech 2023; 39:318-333. [PMID: 37751903 DOI: 10.1123/jab.2023-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Lower limb exoskeletons and exosuits ("exos") are traditionally designed with a strong focus on mechatronics and actuation, whereas the "human side" is often disregarded or minimally modeled. Muscle biomechanics principles and skeletal muscle response to robot-delivered loads should be incorporated in design/control of exos. In this narrative review, we summarize the advances in literature with respect to the fusion of muscle biomechanics and lower limb exoskeletons. We report methods to measure muscle biomechanics directly and indirectly and summarize the studies that have incorporated muscle measures for improved design and control of intuitive lower limb exos. Finally, we delve into articles that have studied how the human-exo interaction influences muscle biomechanics during locomotion. To support neurorehabilitation and facilitate everyday use of wearable assistive technologies, we believe that future studies should investigate and predict how exoskeleton assistance strategies would structurally remodel skeletal muscle over time. Real-time mapping of the neuromechanical origin and generation of muscle force resulting in joint torques should be combined with musculoskeletal models to address time-varying parameters such as adaptation to exos and fatigue. Development of smarter predictive controllers that steer rather than assist biological components could result in a synchronized human-machine system that optimizes the biological and electromechanical performance of the combined system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra S Mahdian
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Huawei Wang
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | | | - Guillaume Durandau
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Massimo Sartori
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Mhairi K MacLean
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
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Karunakaran KK, Pamula SD, Bach CP, Legelen E, Saleh S, Nolan KJ. Lower extremity robotic exoskeleton devices for overground ambulation recovery in acquired brain injury-A review. Front Neurorobot 2023; 17:1014616. [PMID: 37304666 PMCID: PMC10249611 DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2023.1014616] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a leading cause of ambulation deficits in the United States every year. ABI (stroke, traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy) results in ambulation deficits with residual gait and balance deviations persisting even after 1 year. Current research is focused on evaluating the effect of robotic exoskeleton devices (RD) for overground gait and balance training. In order to understand the device effectiveness on neuroplasticity, it is important to understand RD effectiveness in the context of both downstream (functional, biomechanical and physiological) and upstream (cortical) metrics. The review identifies gaps in research areas and suggests recommendations for future research. We carefully delineate between the preliminary studies and randomized clinical trials in the interpretation of existing evidence. We present a comprehensive review of the clinical and pre-clinical research that evaluated therapeutic effects of RDs using various domains, diagnosis and stage of recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran K. Karunakaran
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Research Staff Children's Specialized Hospital New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Sai D. Pamula
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Caitlyn P. Bach
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Eliana Legelen
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, United States
| | - Soha Saleh
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Karen J. Nolan
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Research Staff Children's Specialized Hospital New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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Yaserifar M, Oliveira AS. Inter-muscular coordination during running on grass, concrete and treadmill. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:561-572. [PMID: 36342514 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05083-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Running is an exercise that can be performed in different environments that imposes distinct foot-floor interactions. For instance, running on grass may help reducing instantaneous vertical impact loading, while compromising natural speed. Inter-muscular coordination during running is an important factor to understand motor performance, but little is known regarding the impact of running surface hardness on inter-muscular coordination. Therefore, we investigated whether inter-muscular coordination during running is influenced by running surface. Surface electromyography (EMG) from 12 lower limb muscles were recorded from young male individuals (n = 9) while running on grass, concrete, and on a treadmill. Motor modules consisting of weighting coefficients and activation signals were extracted from the multi-muscle EMG datasets representing 50 consecutive running cycles using non-negative matrix factorization. We found that four motor modules were sufficient to represent the EMG from all running surfaces. The inter-subject similarity across muscle weightings was the lowest for running on grass (r = 0.76 ± 0.11) compared to concrete (r = 0.81 ± 0.07) and treadmill (r = 0.78 ± 0.05), but no differences in weighting coefficients were found when analyzing the number of significantly active muscles and residual muscle weightings (p > 0.05). Statistical parametric mapping showed no temporal differences between activation signals across running surfaces (p > 0.05). However, the activation duration (% time above 15% peak activation) was significantly shorter for treadmill running compared to grass and concrete (p < 0.05). These results suggest predominantly similar neuromuscular strategies to control multiple muscles across different running surfaces. However, individual adjustments in inter-muscular coordination are required when coping with softer surfaces or the treadmill's moving belt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Yaserifar
- Department of Exercise Physiology, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Anderson Souza Oliveira
- Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstræde 16, Building 4, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark.
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Loro A, Borg MB, Battaglia M, Amico AP, Antenucci R, Benanti P, Bertoni M, Bissolotti L, Boldrini P, Bonaiuti D, Bowman T, Capecci M, Castelli E, Cavalli L, Cinone N, Cosenza L, Di Censo R, Di Stefano G, Draicchio F, Falabella V, Filippetti M, Galeri S, Gimigliano F, Grigioni M, Invernizzi M, Jonsdottir J, Lentino C, Massai P, Mazzoleni S, Mazzon S, Molteni F, Morelli S, Morone G, Nardone A, Panzeri D, Petrarca M, Posteraro F, Santamato A, Scotti L, Senatore M, Spina S, Taglione E, Turchetti G, Varalta V, Picelli A, Baricich A. Balance Rehabilitation through Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Post-Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13010092. [PMID: 36672074 PMCID: PMC9856764 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Balance impairment is a common disability in post-stroke survivors, leading to reduced mobility and increased fall risk. Robotic gait training (RAGT) is largely used, along with traditional training. There is, however, no strong evidence about RAGT superiority, especially on balance. This study aims to determine RAGT efficacy on balance of post-stroke survivors. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane Library, and PeDRO databases were investigated. Randomized clinical trials evaluating RAGT efficacy on post-stroke survivor balance with Berg Balance Scale (BBS) or Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were searched. Meta-regression analyses were performed, considering weekly sessions, single-session duration, and robotic device used. RESULTS A total of 18 trials have been included. BBS pre-post treatment mean difference is higher in RAGT-treated patients, with a pMD of 2.17 (95% CI 0.79; 3.55). TUG pre-post mean difference is in favor of RAGT, but not statistically, with a pMD of -0.62 (95%CI - 3.66; 2.43). Meta-regression analyses showed no relevant association, except for TUG and treatment duration (β = -1.019, 95% CI - 1.827; -0.210, p-value = 0.0135). CONCLUSIONS RAGT efficacy is equal to traditional therapy, while the combination of the two seems to lead to better outcomes than each individually performed. Robot-assisted balance training should be the focus of experimentation in the following years, given the great results in the first available trials. Given the massive heterogeneity of included patients, trials with more strict inclusion criteria (especially time from stroke) must be performed to finally define if and when RAGT is superior to traditional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Loro
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, AOU Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | - Margherita Beatrice Borg
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, AOU Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Battaglia
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, AOU Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Angelo Paolo Amico
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Polyclinic of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Antenucci
- Rehabilitation Unit, Castel San Giovanni Hospital, 29015 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Paolo Benanti
- Theology Department, Pontifical Gregorian University, 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Bertoni
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Luciano Bissolotti
- Casa di Cura Domus Salutis, Fondazione Teresa Camplani, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Boldrini
- Robotic Rehabilitation Section, Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine (SIMFER), 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Bonaiuti
- Robotic Rehabilitation Section, Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine (SIMFER), 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Thomas Bowman
- Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Capecci
- Experimental and Clinic Medicine Department, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM), 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Enrico Castelli
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cavalli
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Centro Giusti, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Cinone
- Unit of Spasticity and Movement Disorders, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Lucia Cosenza
- Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Rehabilitation, “Santi Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo” National Hospital, 15122 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Rita Di Censo
- Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University Hospital of Verona, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Di Stefano
- Robotic Rehabilitation Section, Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine (SIMFER), 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Draicchio
- Dipartimento Medicina, Epidemiologia, Igiene del Lavoro e Ambientale, Istituto Nazionale Assicurazione Infortuni sul Lavoro (INAIL), 00192 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Falabella
- Italian Federation of Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries (FISH), 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Mirko Filippetti
- Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University Hospital of Verona, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Galeri
- Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Gimigliano
- Department of Physical and Mental Health and Prevention Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, 81100 Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro Grigioni
- Department of New Technologies in Public Healthcare, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Invernizzi
- Translational Medicine, Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera Santi Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15122 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Johanna Jonsdottir
- Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Carmelo Lentino
- Rehabilitation Unit, Santa Corona Hospital, 17027 Pietra Ligure, Italy
| | - Perla Massai
- Tuscany Rehabilitation Clinic, 52025 Montevarchi, Italy
| | - Stefano Mazzoleni
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Polytechnic University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Stefano Mazzon
- Azienda Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria Euganea (AULSS 6), 35100 Padua, Italy
| | - Franco Molteni
- Rehabilitation Department, Valduce Villa Beretta Hospital, 23845 Costa Masnaga, Italy
| | - Sandra Morelli
- Department of New Technologies in Public Healthcare, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Morone
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Nardone
- Pediatric, Diagnostical and Clinical-Surgical Sciences Department, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Istituto Clinico-Scientifico Maugeri SPA IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Panzeri
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Santamato
- Unit of Spasticity and Movement Disorders, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Lorenza Scotti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Michele Senatore
- Italian Association of Occupational Therapists (AITO), 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Spina
- Unit of Spasticity and Movement Disorders, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Elisa Taglione
- Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Nazionale Assicurazione Infortuni sul Lavoro (INAIL), 56048 Volterra, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Varalta
- Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University Hospital of Verona, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Picelli
- Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University Hospital of Verona, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Alessio Baricich
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, AOU Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Zhang H, Li X, Gong Y, Wu J, Chen J, Chen W, Pei Z, Zhang W, Dai L, Shu X, Shen C. Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis and sEMG Measures for Robotic-Assisted Gait Training in Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:7563802. [PMID: 37082189 PMCID: PMC10113045 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7563802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Background The efficacy of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) should be considered versatilely; among which, gait assessment is one of the most important measures; observational gait assessment is the most commonly used method in clinical practice, but it has certain limitations due to the deviation of subjectivity; instrumental assessments such as three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA) and surface electromyography (sEMG) can be used to obtain gait data and muscle activation during walking in stroke patients with hemiplegia, so as to better evaluate the rehabilitation effect of RAGT. Objective This single-blind randomized controlled trial is aimed at analyzing the impact of RAGT on the 3DGA parameters and muscle activation in patients with subacute stroke and evaluating the clinical effect of improving walking function of RAGT. Methods This randomized controlled trial evaluated the improvement of 4-week RAGT on patients with subacute stroke by 3DGA and surface electromyography (sEMG), combined with clinical scales: experimental group (n = 18, 20 sessions of RAGT) or control group (n = 16, 20 sessions of conventional gait training). Gait performance was evaluated by the 3DGA, and clinical evaluations based on Fugl-Meyer assessment for lower extremity (FMA-LE), functional ambulation category (FAC), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were used. Of these patients, 30 patients underwent sEMG measurement synchronized with 3DGA; the cocontraction index in swing phase of the knee and ankle of the affected side was calculated. Results After 4 weeks of intervention, intragroup comparison showed that walking speed, temporal symmetry, bilateral stride length, range of motion (ROM) of the bilateral hip, flexion angle of the affected knee, ROM of the affected ankle, FMA-LE, FAC, and 6MWT in the experimental group were significantly improved (p < 0.05), and in the control group, significant improvements were observed in walking speed, temporal symmetry, stride length of the affected side, ROM of the affected hip, FMA-LE, FAC, and 6MWT (p < 0.05). Intergroup comparison showed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in walking speed, temporal symmetry of the spatiotemporal parameters, ROM of the affected hip and peak flexion of the knee in the kinematic parameters, and the FMA-LE and FAC in the clinical scale (p < 0.05). In patients evaluated by sEMG, the experimental group showed a noticeable improvement in the cocontraction index of the knee (p = 0.042), while no significant improvement was observed in the control group (p = 0.196), and the experimental group was better than the control group (p = 0.020). No noticeable changes were observed in the cocontraction index of the ankle in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions Compared with conventional gait training, RAGT successfully improved part of the spatiotemporal parameters of patients and optimized the motion of the affected lower limb joints and muscle activation patterns during walking, which is crucial for further rehabilitation of walking ability in patients with subacute stroke. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2200066402.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihuang Zhang
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Li
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yichen Gong
- Department of Center for Rehabilitation Assessment and Therapy, Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianing Wu
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianer Chen
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310013 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Neurorehabilitation Department, Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weihai Chen
- Department of Hangzhou Innovation Institute, Beihang University, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongcai Pei
- Department of Hangzhou Innovation Institute, Beihang University, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanying Zhang
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Dai
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinxin Shu
- Department of Center for Rehabilitation Assessment and Therapy, Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheng Shen
- Department of Hangzhou Innovation Institute, Beihang University, 310053 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Zorkot M, Dac LH, Morya E, Brasil FL. G-Exos: A wearable gait exoskeleton for walk assistance. Front Neurorobot 2022; 16:939241. [PMID: 36439287 PMCID: PMC9684314 DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2022.939241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability in the world. According to the World Health Organization, 11 million people suffer a stroke yearly. The cost of the disease is exorbitant, and the most widely used treatment is conventional physiotherapy. Therefore, assistive technology emerges to optimize rehabilitation and functional capabilities, but cost, robustness, usability, and long-term results still restrict the technology selection. This work aimed to develop a low-cost ankle orthosis, the G-Exos, a wearable exoskeleton to increase motor capability by assisting dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and ankle stability. A hybrid system provided near-natural gait movements using active, motor, and passive assistance, elastic band. The system was validated with 10 volunteers with foot drop: seven with stroke, two with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), and one with acute inflammatory transverse myelitis (ATM). The G-Exos showed assistive functionality for gait movement. A Friedman test showed a significant difference in dorsiflexion amplitude with the use of the G-Exos compared to gait without the use of the G-Exos [x2(3) = 98.56, p < 0.001]. In addition, there was also a significant difference in ankle eversion and inversion comparing walking with and without the G-Exos [x2(3) = 36.12, p < 0.001]. The G-Exos is a robust, lightweight, and flexible assistive technology device to detect the gait phase accurately and provide better human-machine interaction. G-Exos training improved capability to deal with gait disorders, usability, and motor and functional recovery. Wearable assistive technologies lead to a better quality of life and contribute using in activities of daily living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouhamed Zorkot
- Neuroengineering Program, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaiba, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Mouhamed Zorkot
| | - Léa Ho Dac
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, School of Life Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Edgard Morya
- Neuroengineering Program, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaiba, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Lima Brasil
- Neuroengineering Program, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaiba, Brazil
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Layne CS, Malaya CA, Ravindran AS, John I, Francisco GE, Contreras-Vidal JL. Distinct Kinematic and Neuromuscular Activation Strategies During Quiet Stance and in Response to Postural Perturbations in Healthy Individuals Fitted With and Without a Lower-Limb Exoskeleton. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:942551. [PMID: 35911598 PMCID: PMC9334701 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.942551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Many individuals with disabling conditions have difficulty with gait and balance control that may result in a fall. Exoskeletons are becoming an increasingly popular technology to aid in walking. Despite being a significant aid in increasing mobility, little attention has been paid to exoskeleton features to mitigate falls. To develop improved exoskeleton stability, quantitative information regarding how a user reacts to postural challenges while wearing the exoskeleton is needed. Assessing the unique responses of individuals to postural perturbations while wearing an exoskeleton provides critical information necessary to effectively accommodate a variety of individual response patterns. This report provides kinematic and neuromuscular data obtained from seven healthy, college-aged individuals during posterior support surface translations with and without wearing a lower limb exoskeleton. A 2-min, static baseline standing trial was also obtained. Outcome measures included a variety of 0 dimensional (OD) measures such as center of pressure (COP) RMS, peak amplitude, velocities, pathlength, and electromyographic (EMG) RMS, and peak amplitudes. These measures were obtained during epochs associated with the response to the perturbations: baseline, response, and recovery. T-tests were used to explore potential statistical differences between the exoskeleton and no exoskeleton conditions. Time series waveforms (1D) of the COP and EMG data were also analyzed. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to evaluate the 1D COP and EMG waveforms obtained during the epochs with and without wearing the exoskeleton. The results indicated that during quiet stance, COP velocity was increased while wearing the exoskeleton, but the magnitude of sway was unchanged. The OD COP measures revealed that wearing the exoskeleton significantly reduced the sway magnitude and velocity in response to the perturbations. There were no systematic effects of wearing the exoskeleton on EMG. SPM analysis revealed that there was a range of individual responses; both behaviorally (COP) and among neuromuscular activation patterns (EMG). Using both the OD and 1D measures provided a more comprehensive representation of how wearing the exoskeleton impacts the responses to posterior perturbations. This study supports a growing body of evidence that exoskeletons must be personalized to meet the specific capabilities and needs of each individual end-user.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles S. Layne
- University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Charles S. Layne
| | - Christopher A. Malaya
- Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Akshay S. Ravindran
- Noninvasive Brain-Machine Interface System Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Isaac John
- Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gerard E. Francisco
- TIRR Memorial Hermann and Department of PMR, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal
- Noninvasive Brain-Machine Interface System Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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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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Assessment of a Passive Lumbar Exoskeleton in Material Manual Handling Tasks under Laboratory Conditions. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22114060. [PMID: 35684682 PMCID: PMC9185583 DOI: 10.3390/s22114060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Manual material handling tasks in industry cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Exoskeletons are being introduced to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This study investigated the effect of using a passive lumbar exoskeleton in terms of moderate ergonomic risk. Eight participants were monitored by electromyogram (EMG) and motion capture (MoCap) while performing tasks with and without the lumbar exoskeleton. The results showed a significant reduction in the root mean square (VRMS) for all muscles tracked: erector spinae (8%), semitendinosus (14%), gluteus (5%), and quadriceps (10.2%). The classic fatigue parameters showed a significant reduction in the case of the semitendinosus: 1.7% zero-crossing rate, 0.9% mean frequency, and 1.12% median frequency. In addition, the logarithm of the normalized Dimitrov’s index showed reductions of 11.5, 8, and 14% in erector spinae, semitendinosus, and gluteus, respectively. The calculation of range of motion in the relevant joints demonstrated significant differences, but in almost all cases, the differences were smaller than 10%. The findings of the study indicate that the passive exoskeleton reduces muscle activity and introduces some changes of strategies for motion. Thus, EMG and MoCap appear to be appropriate measurements for designing an exoskeleton assessment procedure.
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Afzal T, Zhu F, Tseng SC, Lincoln JA, Francisco GE, Su H, Chang SH. Evaluation of Muscle Synergy during Exoskeleton-assisted Walking in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2022; 69:3265-3274. [PMID: 35412969 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2022.3166705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gait deficit after multiple sclerosis (MS) can be characterized by altered muscle activation patterns. There is preliminary evidence of improved walking with a lower limb exoskeleton in persons with MS. However, the effects of exoskeleton-assisted walking on neuromuscular modifications are relatively unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the muscle synergies, their activation patterns and the differences in neural strategies during walking with (EXO) and without (No-EXO) an exoskeleton. METHODS Ten subjects with MS performed walking during EXO and No-EXO conditions. Electromyography signals from seven leg muscles were recorded. Muscle synergies and the activation profiles were extracted using non-negative matrix factorization. RESULTS The stance phase duration was significantly shorter during EXO compared to the No-EXO condition (p<0.05). Moreover, typically 3-5 modules were extracted in each condition. The module-1 (comprising Vastus Medialis and Rectus Femoris muscles), module-2 (comprising Soleus and Medial Gastrocnemius muscles), module-3 (Tibialis Anterior muscle) and module-4 (comprising Biceps Femoris and Semitendinosus muscles) were comparable between conditions. During EXO condition, Semitendinosus and Vastus Medialis emerged in module-5 in 7/10 subjects. Compared to No-EXO, average activation amplitude was significantly reduced corresponding to module-2 during the stance phase and module-3 during the swing phase during EXO. CONCLUSION Exoskeleton-assistance does not alter the existing synergy modules, but could induce a new module to emerge, and alters the control of these modules, i.e., modifies the neural commands indicated by the reduced amplitude of the activation profiles.
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Di Marco R, Rubega M, Lennon O, Formaggio E, Sutaj N, Dazzi G, Venturin C, Bonini I, Ortner R, Cerrel Bazo HA, Tonin L, Tortora S, Masiero S, Del Felice A. Experimental Protocol to Assess Neuromuscular Plasticity Induced by an Exoskeleton Training Session. Methods Protoc 2021; 4:48. [PMID: 34287357 PMCID: PMC8293335 DOI: 10.3390/mps4030048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exoskeleton gait rehabilitation is an emerging area of research, with potential applications in the elderly and in people with central nervous system lesions, e.g., stroke, traumatic brain/spinal cord injury. However, adaptability of such technologies to the user is still an unmet goal. Despite important technological advances, these robotic systems still lack the fine tuning necessary to adapt to the physiological modification of the user and are not yet capable of a proper human-machine interaction. Interfaces based on physiological signals, e.g., recorded by electroencephalography (EEG) and/or electromyography (EMG), could contribute to solving this technological challenge. This protocol aims to: (1) quantify neuro-muscular plasticity induced by a single training session with a robotic exoskeleton on post-stroke people and on a group of age and sex-matched controls; (2) test the feasibility of predicting lower limb motor trajectory from physiological signals for future use as control signal for the robot. An active exoskeleton that can be set in full mode (i.e., the robot fully replaces and drives the user motion), adaptive mode (i.e., assistance to the user can be tuned according to his/her needs), and free mode (i.e., the robot completely follows the user movements) will be used. Participants will undergo a preparation session, i.e., EMG sensors and EEG cap placement and inertial sensors attachment to measure, respectively, muscular and cortical activity, and motion. They will then be asked to walk in a 15 m corridor: (i) self-paced without the exoskeleton (pre-training session); (ii) wearing the exoskeleton and walking with the three modes of use; (iii) self-paced without the exoskeleton (post-training session). From this dataset, we will: (1) quantitatively estimate short-term neuroplasticity of brain connectivity in chronic stroke survivors after a single session of gait training; (2) compare muscle activation patterns during exoskeleton-gait between stroke survivors and age and sex-matched controls; and (3) perform a feasibility analysis on the use of physiological signals to decode gait intentions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, via Belzoni, 160, 35121 Padova, Italy; (E.F.); (G.D.); (C.V.); (S.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Maria Rubega
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, via Belzoni, 160, 35121 Padova, Italy; (E.F.); (G.D.); (C.V.); (S.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Olive Lennon
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, 4 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Emanuela Formaggio
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, via Belzoni, 160, 35121 Padova, Italy; (E.F.); (G.D.); (C.V.); (S.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Ngadhnjim Sutaj
- g.tec Medical Engineering GmbH, 4521 Schiedlberg, Austria; (N.S.); (R.O.)
| | - Giacomo Dazzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, via Belzoni, 160, 35121 Padova, Italy; (E.F.); (G.D.); (C.V.); (S.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Chiara Venturin
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, via Belzoni, 160, 35121 Padova, Italy; (E.F.); (G.D.); (C.V.); (S.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Ilenia Bonini
- Ospedale Riabilitativo di Alta Specializzazione di Motta di Livenza, 31045 Treviso, Italy; (I.B.); (H.A.C.B.)
| | - Rupert Ortner
- g.tec Medical Engineering GmbH, 4521 Schiedlberg, Austria; (N.S.); (R.O.)
| | | | - Luca Tonin
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.T.); (S.T.)
| | - Stefano Tortora
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.T.); (S.T.)
| | - Stefano Masiero
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, via Belzoni, 160, 35121 Padova, Italy; (E.F.); (G.D.); (C.V.); (S.M.); (A.D.F.)
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Del Felice
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, via Belzoni, 160, 35121 Padova, Italy; (E.F.); (G.D.); (C.V.); (S.M.); (A.D.F.)
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, 35129 Padova, Italy
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