Zistatsis J, Peters KM, Ballesteros D, Feldner H, Bjornson K, Steele KM. Evaluation of a passive pediatric leg exoskeleton during gait.
Prosthet Orthot Int 2021;
45:153-160. [PMID:
33094685 PMCID:
PMC8916307 DOI:
10.1177/0309364620956868]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Children with hemiparesis are commonly prescribed ankle foot orthoses to help improve gait; however, these orthoses often result in only small and variable changes in gait. Research with adult stroke survivors has suggested that orthoses that extend beyond the ankle using long, passive tendon-like structures (i.e. exotendons) can improve walking.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of an exotendon-based exoskeleton on pediatric gait.
STUDY DESIGN
Repeated-measures study.
METHODS
Two typically-developing children and two children with hemiparesis completed a gait analysis, walking without and with the exoskeleton. The exotendon was tested at three stiffness levels.
RESULTS
All children were able to walk comfortably with the exoskeleton, with minimal changes in step width. Walking speed increased and lower limb joint symmetry improved for the children with hemiparesis with the exoskeleton. Each participant had changes in muscle activity while walking with the exoskeleton, although the impact on specific muscles and response to exotendon stiffness varied.
CONCLUSION
Exotendon-based exoskeletons may provide an alternative solution for optimizing gait in therapy and in the community for children with hemiparesis. Determining the optimal stiffness and configuration for each child is an important area of future research.
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