The Actuation System of the Ankle Exoskeleton T-FLEX: First Use Experimental Validation in People with Stroke

Robotic devices can provide physical assistance to people who have suffered neurological impairments such as stroke. Neurological disorders related this condition induce abnormal gait patterns, which impede the independence execute different Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). From fundamental role ankle in walking, Powered Ankle-Foot Orthoses (PAFOs) been developed enhance users’ and hence their quality life. Ten patients a stroke used actuation system T-FLEX exoskeleton triggered by an inertial sensor on foot tip. The VICONmotion capture recorded kinematics for unassisted assisted modalities. Biomechanical analysis usability assessment measured performance participants overground walking. biomechanical exhibited changes lower joints’ range motion 70% subjects. Moreover, showed correlation with variation other movements analyzed. This had positive effects at least one joint. Gait Deviation Index (GDI) presented significant 30% paretic limbs 40% non-paretic, where tendency was decrease. spatiotemporal parameters did not show variations between modalities, although cadence decrease volunteers. Lastly, satisfaction device positive, comfort being most user-selected aspect. article presents results improvement joints. In general terms, GDI does exhibit increases, Movement Analysis Profile (MAP) registers alterations device. Future works should focus assessing full orthosis larger sample patients, including stage training.