Design and simulation of a pneumatic, stored-energy, hybrid orthosis for gait restoration.
Loss of mobility due to lower limb paralysis is a common result of thoracic level spinal cord injury. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can restore primitive gait in the vicinity of a wheelchair by using electrical stimulation to generate muscle contractions. A new concept for FES-assisted gait is presented that combines electrical stimulation with an orthosis that contains a fluid power system to store and transfer energy during the gait cycle. The energy storage orthosis (ESO) can be driven through a complete gait cycle using only stimulation of the quadriceps muscles. The conceptual design of the ESO was completed and implemented in a dynamic simulation model and in a benchtop prototype for engineering measurements. No studies were conducted with human subjects. The results demonstrate the potential of the ESO concept for a feasible gait-assist system and the validity of the simulation model as a means for designing the system.
Durfee
William K
WK
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55439, USA.
Rivard
Adam
A
D003198:Computer Simulation; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*