Low-cost active knee orthoses – a systematic evaluation

Abstract

The aging of humans induces muscle weakness. Muscle weakness results the inability to climb stairs or stand up from a chair and thus, is one of the first steps towards elderly having a less autonomous and self-sufficient life. Therefore, an accessible active knee orthosis, which especially supports these movements would be of great assistance. Recent research projects have focused on feasibility, perfection of motion control and imitation of human movement. For active knee orthoses to be accessible it must be affordable. Hence, this paper systematically evaluates the current research projects around active knee orthosis and discuss the possibilities of implementing a lowcost active knee orthosis.