Pelvic Obliquity Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients Using Robotically Generated Force Fields
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Gait Re-training in Healthy Subjects
- Sponsor
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
- Enrollment
- 23
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Pelvic obliquity
- Status
- Terminated
- Last Updated
- 7 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
To test the usability and effectiveness of a robotic device, called the Robotic Gait Rehabilitation (RGR) Trainer, in (1) healthy subjects with no gait impairment and (2) patients with stroke with gait abnormalities secondary to impaired knee function.
Detailed Description
The device is designed to train stroke patients to correct abnormal gait patterns associated with exaggerated and uncoordinated movements of the pelvis by applying force fields to correct the movement of the pelvis. The focus will be on correcting hip hiking (i.e. exaggerated unilateral upward movements of one side of the pelvis) in post-stroke patients. The human-robot interface will be based on impedance control techniques so that the force-field actuators generate smooth virtual spring/damper restitution forces at the patient's pelvic area. As part of the study we will determine whether the force fields applied by the actuated components of the device can effect an acute change in gait biomechanics, primarily pelvis motion during stance and swing phases, in healthy subjects and patients with stroke during ambulation. The investigators will also evaluate the usability of the orthosis in terms of donning \& doffing, user confidence, and comfort.
Investigators
Paolo Bonato
Director, Motion Analysis Laboratory
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Can walk comfortably on a treadmill
Exclusion Criteria
- •any known orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, or gait disorder that results in an abnormal gait pattern
- •Females in the second or third trimester of pregnancy
- •Inclusion Criteria:
- •single non-traumatic ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at least 6 months prior to enrollment
- •persistent hemiparesis, mild spasticity, and residual mild-to-moderate weakness of the lower extremity
- •residual deficits of gait
- •be able to ambulate without the use of assistive devices or assistance of a person
- •able to walk at a comfortable walking speed of \~0.6 m/s
- •able to walk safely on a treadmill
- •medically stable
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Pelvic obliquity
Time Frame: 1 day
Change in pelvic obliquity during gait consequent to force application