The main objective of this study is to quantitatively assess the robotic assistance given by an exoskeleton on patients gait parameters. Patients will be asked to walk with- and without the exoskeleton on a treadmill. During the study, the biomechanical and the energy consumption will be assessed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
Subjects will walk with different levels of assistance given by the robot.
Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc
Brussels, Belgium
Energy cost (J.kg/m)
A nasal mask is fitted to the subject to measure oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2). The ratio between VCO2 and VO2 is used to calculate the respiratory exchange ratio (RER). The Joules of energy expended per liter of oxygen consumed were computed depending on the RER. RER is assessed in a standing and walking condition. Finally, the energy cost is obtained by the ratio "walking expended minus standing'' divided by speed.
Time frame: 1 week
Temporo-spatial parameters of gait: step length
Reflective landmarks positioned on precise anatomic sites were used to compute spatiotemporal variables. 8 infra-red camera are used to asess step length (m).
Time frame: 1 week
Temporo-spatial parameters of gait: stance phase
Reflective landmarks positioned on precise anatomic sites were used to compute spatiotemporal variables. 8 infra-red camera are used to assess stance phase (%).
Time frame: 1 week
Temporo-spatial parameters of gait: cadence
Reflective landmarks positioned on precise anatomic sites were used to compute spatiotemporal variables. 8 infra-red camera are used to assess cadence (step/min).
Time frame: 1 week
Segmental kinematics of gait (°)
Reflective landmarks positioned on precise anatomic sites were used to compute kinematic variables. Data from landmarks are collected with 8 infra-red camera. From Euler angles, it allowed the computation of angular displacements of the pelvis, hip, knee and ankle in the three planes of space.
Time frame: 1 week
Muscle activation
Electrodes are placed on different muscles to record muscles activity.
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Time frame: 1 week
Mechanical work (J.kg/m)
The total positive mechanical work performed by the muscles during gait is calculated by the sum of external work (performed to move the body center of mass) and internal work (performed to move the body segments relative to the body center of mass)
Time frame: 1 week