INTRODUCTION
State of the art exoskeletons operate in parallel to the human body and are aimed at reducing physical demand, restoring the ability to generate basic movements in daily life and/or amplifying the human abilities of the user [1-3] Improvements in microprocessor capabilities, high-power electronics, multi-axis accelerometers, gyroscopes and advanced power systems has extended the use of these devices from clinical to real-world circumstances [1, 2] Earlier technologies focused on augmenting the abilities of able bodied users for industrial or military purposes. However, the intended use has naturally shifted into the medical realm, with the development of assistive technologies for individuals impaired by disease or neurological conditions such as stroke or spinal cord injuries (SCI) [1]. This paper will discuss the state of the art of exoskeletons with regard to key examples including LOPES (Lower Extremity Powered Exoskeleton), HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) and BLEEX (Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton). Knee joint kinematics and kinetics will also be outlined as well as use of exoskeletons for knee joint augmentation, rehabilitation and assessment.
STATE OF THE ART EXOSKELETONS
Exoskeletons are used in rehabilitation to correct or restore movement patterns, enhance the physical abilities of the user’s limbs or body segments and reduce the physical demand on therapists compared to manually assisted gait training therapy [1]. LOPES, Lokomat and ALEX are all externally grounded devices (fixed to a structure) that have been developed for treadmill gait training [3]. The devices allow flexion and extension of the hips and knees during the swing phase with the assistance of passive elements or programmable drives[4]. Fur...
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Studies have shown taping an ankle can limit range of motion if done correctly.1, 5 Another study done by Reut...
Organisms are limited by the structure of their bodies. Some creatures are capable to do great things because of the number of limbs they have, or the density of their skin. Humans in particular are extremely reliant in the capabilities that our bodies bring to us. Our bodies however, are not all dependable, as we can injure ourselves, and even lose parts of our body. To combat this loss of body, the great minds of our species have created false limbs to replace what we have lost. This great improvement to our lives is known as, the prosthetic. In recent years this technology has expanded into a new form, that combines prosthetics and robotics to make life for people
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Lee SE, Cho SH. The effect of McConnell taping on vastus medialis and lateralis activity during squatting in adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation. 2013;9(2):326-330
In the next lab, Ms. D demonstrated how to use safe and effective transferring from a bed to a chair. Ms. D also showed us how to properly do range of motion (ROM) with
In order to develop this prosthesis they had to go through two main phases, the analysis of a jogger wearing a standard walking prosthesis and computer simulation of the flexing of the knee on this walking prosthesis. They had to measure rotation, weight bearing, moments, and t...
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...of robots for rehabilitation therapy: The Palo Alto VA/Stanford experience. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 37(6), 663-673.
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