Gait Training System for Computer-aided Rehabilitation

Abstract

This Gait Training system is designed to simulate the effects of gait training in a swimming pool. The weight of the subject is supported by a slinging system, while the subject walks on force plates placed on a round track. The slinging force is controlled by the data collected from the force plates. The purpose of the system is to control the slinging force to maintain the most effective load on the subject’s lower extremity during training, and to adapt the slinging force to the subject’s recovery. The training effects are evaluated on the basis of the data that are obtained from the force plate etc. This system is tested by impaired people to evaluate its performance and efficacy. A major problem of deficient body alignment of the walking posture was found as a result of the tests. We propose mounting a display so that the results of this improvement can be verified. The effects on the walking posture using the Gait Training System were also tested on normal persons. The difference of the posture in normal gait and device-supported gait is shown.