New Mechatronic System for Gait Rehabilitation - Functional Requirements

Abstract

Given the large variability of pathological gait and the high specificity of gait phenotypes, it is very difficult to design a gait rehabilitation system able to adapt to the functional requirements of every person with ambulation disabilities, in every stage of the complex process of gait rehabilitation. Another approach is that of ambiental gait rehabilitation, with focus on adaptability, not on adaptation, on synthetical training, not on analytical training, on integrative training, not on step by step training. Our focus is not on controlling the movement itself, but on controlling the environment that shapes human functionality and assuring the appropriate level of support, resistance and persuasion, with consequent stimulation of the explorative behavior and the active involvement of the person in gait training. A mechatronic system designed for such a therapeutical approach has specific functional requirements.

Advanced technology for gait rehabilitation: An overview

“…[129][130][131] The therapeutic environment, in order to be of real use, must meet some requirements regarding size, shape, lighting, sound as well as interior design, aspects important when aiming to train visual and auditive perception, self-balance and proprioception, along with all the other physical and cognitive functions. 132 Multisensory stimulation through different methods can augment the training session to resemble more real-life-like conditions, allowing a natural cognitive integration and a higher level functional recovery. 133 Augmented reality and VR 134 are as good for this approach as action observation 135 and mental imagery training, 136 but the last mentioned approaches require a previous contact of the user with the technology involved and a bit of confidence in one's imagination.…”

“…The therapeutic environment, in order to be of real use, must meet some requirements regarding size, shape, lighting, sound as well as interior design, aspects important when aiming to train visual and auditive perception, self-balance and proprioception, along with all the other physical and cognitive functions. 132…”