title: ZeroG: overground gait and balance training system.
abstract: A new overground body-weight support system called ZeroG has been developed that allows patients with severe gait impairments to practice gait and balance activities in a safe, controlled manner. The unloading system is capable of providing up to 300 lb of static support and 150 lb of dynamic (or constant force) support using a custom-series elastic actuator. The unloading system is mounted to a driven trolley, which rides along an overhead rail. We evaluated the performance of ZeroG's unloading system, as well as the trolley tracking system, using benchtop and human-subject testing. Average root-mean-square and peak errors in unloading were 2.2 and 7.2 percent, respectively, over the range of forces tested while trolley tracking errors were less than 3 degrees, indicating the system was able to maintain its position above the subject. We believe training with ZeroG will allow patients to practice activities that are critical to achieving functional independence at home and in the community.
authors.affiliation: Aretech, LLC, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Suite 112, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA. hidler@aretechllc.com
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hidler
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brennan
authors.forename: Iian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Brady
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nef
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004856:Postural Balance; D016138:Walking