Exoskeleton for gait rehabilitation of children: Conceptual design

IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot. 2017 Jul:2017:452-454. doi: 10.1109/ICORR.2017.8009289.

Abstract

This paper presents the conceptual design of an exoskeleton for gait rehabilitation of children. This system has electronics, mechanicals and software sections, which are implemented and tested using a mannequin of a child. The prototype uses servomotors to move robotic joints that are attached to simulated patient's legs. The design has 4 DOF (degrees of freedom) two for hip joints and other two for knee joints, in the sagittal plane. A microcontroller measures sensor signals, controls motors and exchanges data with a computer. The user interacts with a graphical interface to configure, control and monitor the exoskeleton activities. The laboratory tests show soften movements in joint angle tracking.

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Exoskeleton Device*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / rehabilitation*
  • Hip Joint / physiology
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / physiology
  • Manikins
  • Neurological Rehabilitation / instrumentation*