Article

The aim of this case study was to analyze the effect on gait
parameters of a new design of powered gait orthosis which applied synchronized
motions to both the hip and knee joints when utilized for walking by a spinal
cord injury (SCI) patient. Case Description and Methods:
Two orthoses were
evaluated while worn by an incomplete SCI subject. Gait evaluation was performed
when walking with an isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis (IRGO) and compared
to that demonstrated by a newly developed powered version. This new orthosis was
based on the IRGO superstructure but incorporated powered hip and knee joints
using electrically motorized actuators. Findings and Outcomes: These gait
parameters were improved when compared to standard IRGO and initial testing with
the orthosis with only the hip or the knee joints activated in isolation. Maximum
hip flexion and extension angles, as well as the maximum knee flexion and
extension angles all increased when walking with the powered RGO compared to the
IRGO. Conclusions: Gait evaluation of this newly developed orthosis showed
improvement in measured parameters when compared to walking with an IRGO.
Clinical relevance This case study gave the authors confidence to extend the
research to a more extensive study with a group of SCI patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS