Development of Bilateral Exosuit Assistance for Rehabilitation (B.E.A.R).
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Biomechanics
Advisor Information
Mukul Mukherjee
Location
MBSC Ballroom Poster # 808 - U
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
24-3-2023 2:30 PM
End Date
24-3-2023 3:45 PM
Abstract
Exoskeleton assistive devices have been developed as a potential approach to solve gait deficits like reduced walking speed and weakened propulsion. Though the use of exoskeletons can result in favorable rehabilitation outcomes, these devices are often rigid, heavy, complicated to use, and expensive for patients. An assistive device that is lightweight and made with soft, cloth materials can solve some of these issues. These Exosuits can be very affordable and simple to use since patients can easily take the device home to continue their rehabilitation exercises. In our lab, we have developed an exosuit called Bilateral Exosuit Assistance for Rehabilitation (BEAR), which consists of the simple chest and thigh cloth components connected with simple buckles and resistance bands, allowing it to be affordable and accessible to a variety of pathological populations and rehabilitation centers. Depending on the exercise type, the device can provide assistance or resistance to hip movements during walking. As an initial pilot study, we explored the effect of the BEAR device on two healthy volunteers. Each participant wore two different versions of BEAR (old vs new version) and walked on a treadmill for a total time of 15 minutes. Then, the participant walked for another 15 minutes without the device. We calculated the step length symmetry between the left and the right legs. Our pilot data showed that both versions of BEAR could successfully alter step length symmetry. This asymmetry dissipated as the user adapted to walking with the device. Both participants preferred the new BEAR as it provided stronger assistance and was more comfortable to wear for a prolonged period of time. Our future plan is to gather data from more participants to study the effects of the device on gait adaptation in healthy individuals and stroke survivors.
Scheduling
1-2:15 p.m., 2:30 -3:45 p.m.
Development of Bilateral Exosuit Assistance for Rehabilitation (B.E.A.R).
MBSC Ballroom Poster # 808 - U
Exoskeleton assistive devices have been developed as a potential approach to solve gait deficits like reduced walking speed and weakened propulsion. Though the use of exoskeletons can result in favorable rehabilitation outcomes, these devices are often rigid, heavy, complicated to use, and expensive for patients. An assistive device that is lightweight and made with soft, cloth materials can solve some of these issues. These Exosuits can be very affordable and simple to use since patients can easily take the device home to continue their rehabilitation exercises. In our lab, we have developed an exosuit called Bilateral Exosuit Assistance for Rehabilitation (BEAR), which consists of the simple chest and thigh cloth components connected with simple buckles and resistance bands, allowing it to be affordable and accessible to a variety of pathological populations and rehabilitation centers. Depending on the exercise type, the device can provide assistance or resistance to hip movements during walking. As an initial pilot study, we explored the effect of the BEAR device on two healthy volunteers. Each participant wore two different versions of BEAR (old vs new version) and walked on a treadmill for a total time of 15 minutes. Then, the participant walked for another 15 minutes without the device. We calculated the step length symmetry between the left and the right legs. Our pilot data showed that both versions of BEAR could successfully alter step length symmetry. This asymmetry dissipated as the user adapted to walking with the device. Both participants preferred the new BEAR as it provided stronger assistance and was more comfortable to wear for a prolonged period of time. Our future plan is to gather data from more participants to study the effects of the device on gait adaptation in healthy individuals and stroke survivors.