A novel Dynamic Body Weight Support overground co-walker enabling variable unloading ratio and Motion Tracking

• DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1188776
• Publication Date: 2023-06-08T04:47:25Z
• Authors: Xiaoqian Zhang; Peng Shang; Bing Li
• Keywords: Tracking (education); Force platform; Horizontal plane; Mode (computer interface)

Dynamic Body Weight Support (BWS) systems have gained attention in recent years for their potential gait training. However, maintaining a natural and vertical unloading been less explored. In our previous work, we developed body Motion Tracking (MT) walker that can move with patients. this study, introduce novel Variable (MTVBWS) system overground walkers. This utilizes Center of Mass (COM) tracking phase detection to not only dynamically support the user's weight direction but also facilitate movement all directions. The achieves horizontal omnidirectional by employing active Mecanum wheels, guided COM recognition. validation experiments were implemented MT mode, passive BWS mode "static," "fixed ratio (FUR)," "variable (VUR)" settings force 20 30%. result shows that, compared other modes, proposed MTVBWS reduce dragging effect plane caused walker. Moreover, be adjusted automatically minimize fluctuations experienced each lower limb during rehabilitation walking training process. comparison walk, presents smaller limb.