http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gogzSan8EdQ
http://www.jneuroengrehab.com/content/9/1/58/abstract
Abstract (provisional)
Background
Many techniques that compensate for locomotion problems in daily life using externally
controlled stimulation have recently been reported. These techniques are beneficial
for effortlessly supporting patients' locomotive functions, but the users of such
devices must necessarily remain dependent on them. It is possible that some individuals
with gait impairment may be prevented recovering locomotive function. From a rehabilitation
viewpoint, it may therefore be supposed that ideally, devices that can be used in
daily life to improve the locomotive functions of the body itself should be proposed.
Methods
We evaluate the effectiveness of Walk-Mate, which has been used mainly as a gait compensation
device, as a gait rehabilitation training device by analyzing improvement in locomotion
before, during and after rehabilitation in hemiparetic patients and comparing it with
a previous gait training method. Walk-Mate generates a model walking rhythm in response
to a user's locomotion in real time, and by indicating this rhythm using auditory
stimuli, provides a technology that supports walking by reducing asymmetries and fluctuations
in foot contact rhythm. If patients can use the system to learn a regulated walking
rhythm, then it may also be expected to fulfil the functions of a gait rehabilitation
training device for daily life.
Results
With regard to asymmetry, significantly improvements were seen for compensatory movement
during training using Walk-Mate, but improvements were not retained as rehabilitative
results. Regarding fluctuations in the foot contact period, significant improvement
was observed for compensatory movement during training and these significant improvements
were retained as rehabilitative results. In addition, it became clear that such improvement
could not be adequately obtained by the previously proposed training technique utilizing
constant rhythmic auditory stimulation.
Conclusions
Walk-Mate effectively compensated for locomotion problems of hemiparetic patients
by improving gait rhythm both during and after training, suggesting that locomotive
function can be effectively recovered in some patients. The interactive mechanism
of Walk-Mate may be capable of simultaneously achieving the aims of gait compensation
and gait rehabilitation training methods previously developed under individual frameworks.
Walk-Mate is a promising technology for assisting the reintegration of disabled persons
into society.
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