STEP-LENGTH BIOFEEDBACK DEVICE FOR WALK REHABILITATION

A biofeedback gait training system for step length is proposed, adapte d to the correction of spatial walking asymmetries by means of a simpl e, quick and reliable method for daily clinical use. The system is com posed of a walkway and a gait analysis device (locometer) measuring th e main temporal and distance factors of gait. The step length is impos ed on the subject by lighted targets appearing on the walkway, alterna tely on the right and left side; the subject is asked to place a swing ing foot on the lighted target. Feedback to the subject is supplied by direct visual information (the subject looking at the movement and th e position of the foot with respect to the lighted target) and an acou stic signal delivered in real time when the length step error is great er than an allowed value. The method is validated on a population of h emiparetic patients who have suffered from a stroke and who have been reeducated with traditional rehabilitation methods. The patients were divided into two groups; one group following a gait training with biof eedback (BFB group) and one group following a gait training without bi ofeedback (reference group). Preliminary results are presented, showin g a significant beneficial effect of the biofeedback method in increas ing the step length of paretic limbs and in correcting step-length asy mmetry.