Gait improvement approach for stroke patients using an ankle joint walking assistive robot

Abstract

RE-Gait^®, a close-fitting assistive walking robot specialized for the ankle joint, has the feature that the amount and timing of ankle support can be changed according to the subjects’ gait pattern and enables dynamic control in accordance with the rocker function. Previous studies have revealed that 1) ankle control in response to the heel and ankle rocker function was effective for preventing knee hyperextension and buckling during the stance phase, and 2) assists for forefoot rocker function and subsequent dorsiflexion led to increase stride length and intramuscular coherence of the lower flexor muscles. It was also reported that the utilization of RE-Gait^® increased spinal cord reciprocal inhibition in the lower leg. Dynamic approaches to the ankle joint throughout the gait cycle are expected to improve gait in post-stroke hemiplegic patients.