DEVELOPMENT OF A SERVO-CONTROLLED GAIT TR AINER FOR THE REHABILITATION OF NON-AMBULATORY PATIENTS

The aim of the present study was to develop a new gait trainer for the rehabilitation of non-ambulatory patients. For the simulation of the gait phases, we used a commercially available fitness trainer (Fast Tr ack) with two foot plates moving in an alternating fashion and connect ed to a servo-controlled propulsion system providing the necessary sup port for the movement depending on the patient's impairment level. To compensate deficient equilibrium reflexes, the patient was suspended i n a harness capable of supporting some of his/her weight. Video analys is of gait and the kinesiological EMG were used to assess the pattern of movement and the corresponding muscle activity, which were then eva luated in healthy subjects, spinal cord injured and stroke patients an d compared with walking on the flat or on a treadmill. Walking on the gait trainer was characterised by a symmetrical, sinusoidal movement o f lower amplitude than in normal gait. The EMG showed a low activity o f the tibialis anterior muscle, while the antigravity muscles were cle arly activated by the gait trainer during the stance phase. In summary , the new gait trainer generates a symmetrical gait-like movement, pro moting weight acceptance in the stance phase, which is important for t he restoration of walking ability.