In an effort to decrease the physical and mental burden therapists experience when re-teaching stroke patients how to walk, European researchers are in midst of developing a robot to assist them.
The robot, part of the Cognitive Control Framework for Robotic Systems research project, features motors to help with leg movement, as well as sensors that show the strength and dexterity of the stroke patient's legs. The robot will also measure things such as heart rate, brain activity, body temperature and muscle activity, all of which will enable the therapist to adjust the robot to best suit the needs of each specific patient.
“The walking robot has several settings, and the therapist selects the correct mode based on how far the patient has come in his or her rehabilitation,” Anders Liverud, a researcher at SINTEF, said in a statement. “The first step is to attach sensors to the patient’s body and let them walk on a treadmill. A therapist manually corrects the walking pattern and, with the help of the sensors, creates a model of the patient’s walking pattern.”
“The patient wears an EEG cap which measures brain activity. By using these signals combined with input from other physiological and system sensors, the robotic system registers whether the patient wants to stop, change speed or turn, and can adapt immediately. The robot continues to correct any walking pattern errors. However, since it also allows the patient the freedom to decide where and how he or she walks, the patient experiences control and keeps motivation to continue with the training.”
The robot will be able to keep up with the exercise and physical demands necessary for stroke patients to walk again.
"It is difficult to meet these requirements using today’s work-intensive manual method where two therapists [are needed to] assist the patient by lifting one leg after the other,” Liverud said in a statement.
In related news, Wolf Creek Care Center is helping stroke patients regain their ability to walk through the use of the Tibion Bionic Leg, a wearable robotic device that strengthens an impaired leg through sit-to-stand, stepping and stair climbing exercises.
Edited by
Brooke Neuman
