Robotic Systems for Gait Rehabilitation

Abstract

Human walking is impaired by various neurological diseases such as stroke. Gait restoration is a major goal in neurological rehabilitation following stroke. Robotic devices have been developed to assist locomotor training improving gait function and thus a stroke survivor's independence. This chapter presents robotic systems that have been developed specifically for gait rehabilitation providing pelvic, hip and/or knee motion assistance. Robotic systems allow clinicians to increase the duration, intensity and specificity of treatment compared to traditional physical therapy. These factors could result in a faster and increased level of recovery of functional capability thus leading to an improvement of patient's level of independence and quality of life. In addition, robotic systems could be used to reduce the number of physical therapists involved in the treatment of each patient. In fact, there is great interest in robot-assisted rehabilitation for partially automating such therapy, to enable just one physical therapist to administer gait training instead of at least two. A major limitation in the use of robotic systems for gait rehabilitation is their high cost. Currently, commercially available robotic solutions for automation of gait rehabilitation physical therapy cost between \$60,000 and \$300,000 and thus very few clinical facilities can afford them. In addition, low cost robotic devices for gait rehabilitation could be used by post-stroke survivors at home, in order to accelerate and intensify the rehabilitation process and improve the therapeutic outcomes.