Complex muscle vibration patterns to induce gait-like lower-limb movements: Proof of concept

Abstract

Abstract-Muscle vibrations can induce motor responses and illusions of complex movements. However, inducing gait-like cyclical movements and illusions requires the application of multiple fast alternating vibrations to lower-limb muscles. The objectives were (1) to test the feasibility of delivering complex vibrations in a time-organized manner and (2) to illustrate the possibility of inducing alternate gait-in-place-like movements using these vibrations. Patterns of vibration, produced by 12 vibrators applied bilaterally on the flexor and extensor muscle groups of the lower limbs, were based on normal gait kinematics. We tested 1 s and 2 s cycle patterns of vibration. Vibrator responses were assessed using auto-and crosscorrelations and frequency analyses based on accelerometry measurements, and compared between patterns. High auto-(>0.8) and crosscorrelation (>0.6) coefficients demonstrated a good response by the vibrators to the control signal. Vibrations induced cyclical, low-amplitude stepping-in-place movements that mimicked alternate walking movements with both legs, with 1 s and 2 s cycle durations, in one nondisabled participant and one participant with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale B spinal cord injury standing, relaxed, with body-weight support. Electromechanical vibrators can deliver complex cyclical vibrations and trigger gait-like lower-limb movements. These results warrant the application of these vibration patterns on individuals with sensorimotor impairments to test their potential in gait rehabilitation.

Supraspinal Control Predicts Locomotor Function and Forecasts Responsiveness to Training after Spinal Cord Injury

“…114 Moreover, in a proof of concept study, time-organized vibration to multiple lower extremity muscles has been shown to be capable of inducing small amplitude, gait-like movements in one non-disabled participant and one participant with SCI. 115 These studies of body weight supported locomotor training, spinal cord stimulation, and vibration are intended to facilitate the activation of locomotor circuits in the spinal cord. The focus on spinal mechanisms underlying locomotion has dominated training approaches for persons with SCI for well over 20 years.…”

Gait-like vibration training improves gait abilities: a case report of a 62-year-old person with a chronic incomplete spinal cord injury

“…17,18 The feasibility of producing this stimulation has been documented previously. 16 Clinical evaluations Self-selected gait speed was evaluated using the 10-m walk test and the walking distance was measured using the 6-min walk test. 19,20 During these evaluations, the participant used a rolling walker and no other physical assistance was provided.…”

“…15 Multiple vibrations can also be patterned on the sequence of lower-limb muscle lengthening to mimic sensory activity of normal gait. 16 Applied in individuals with SCI 16 or hemiparesis due to stroke (personal communication) in quiet standing, these gait-patterned vibrations induced small amplitude stepping-in-place movements of the lower limbs. Gait-like vibrations may therefore be an appropriate sensory stimulation for gait training after SCI.…”

Control of Human Elbow-Joint-Extension-Motion Change Based on Vibration Stimulation for Upper-Limb Perception-Assist

“…As the kinesthetic illusion disturbs human motion and the tonic vibration reflex induces involuntary movement, these phenomena are thought to cause the vibration-induced change in human motion. Recently, either of the kinesthetic illusion and tonic vibration reflex has been studied from the standpoint of sensorimotor rehabilitation [27]- [33]. In these studies, the illusory movement induced by the kinesthetic illusion in the human's body under static conditions is used for rehabilitation [27]- [32].…”

“…In these studies, the illusory movement induced by the kinesthetic illusion in the human's body under static conditions is used for rehabilitation [27]- [32]. Movement of the paralyzed body part induced by tonic vibration reflex is also considered in rehabilitation [33]. In addition, the kinesthetic illusion has been studied as a technique for a proprioceptive feedback for motion teaching [34] and control of a robotic arm [35].…”