Robot-Assisted Walking System

Overview: Robot-assisted walking systems are increasingly becoming a part of modern medicine, utilizing robotic devices and virtual reality. One area where robotic technology is applied is rehabilitation. In particular, robotic devices can accelerate the recovery and restoration of function, especially in neurological rehabilitation. When used in conjunction with traditional physical therapy and rehabilitation methods, these technologies can produce better outcomes. Among the various robotic rehabilitation devices, walking robots are among the most advanced in terms of technological innovation.

What is a Walking Robot? A walking robot is a robotic gait rehabilitation system used to regain and improve walking ability in cases of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other neurological or orthopedic conditions that impair walking. It supports the majority of the patient’s body weight, allowing for comfortable joint movement and aiming to restore normal walking patterns.

How Does It Work? Based on the concept of “task-specific learning” related to neuroplasticity, the walking robot treatment provides repeated and intensive training, arguing that daily life activities can be learned and improved through training. Studies have shown that in patients with impaired walking patterns due to injury or disease, repetitive walking movements create new stimulation pathways, aiding brain and spinal cord function. Functional movement and sensory stimulation play a crucial role in the neurological rehabilitation of conditions such as MS (multiple sclerosis), cerebral palsy, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

How Does the Walking Robot Operate? During treatment, the patient is first fitted with a support garment and then positioned in the device. Once the body weight is fully transferred to the device, robotic actuators are attached to the patient’s legs. Partial weight transfer is applied to create a normal walking pattern on the treadmill, and the patient begins to walk. The robotic actuators use sensor technology to generate and enhance active movement during walking. The patient can monitor their gait through a mirror or a virtual reality screen.

Advantages of Robotic Walking Therapy:

• Mimics normal walking movements closely and continuously stimulates the relevant brain centers, thereby accelerating the recovery process and improving walking patterns to near-normal conditions.
• Enables rapid progress compared to manual therapies through longer and more intense functional training sessions.
• Eliminates physical fatigue for therapists; only one therapist is needed for operation.
• Walking activity can be easily monitored and assessed.
• Walking models and supportive forces can be individually adjusted to meet the patient’s needs.
• Enhanced patient motivation through visual performance feedback.
• Easy and repeatable measurements of patient development through computer-assisted evaluation scales.
• Allows for a smooth transition from robotic therapy to manual walking training if necessary.

Who Can Benefit from Robotic Walking Therapy? The primary goal of robotic walking therapy is to develop lost or impaired walking abilities. It is beneficial for a wide range of neurological and orthopedic conditions that affect walking, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other neurological disorders.

Can Pediatric Patients Use Robotic Walking Therapy? Yes, pediatric patients can use robotic walking therapy. With devices like the Pediatric Orthotic Walking Robot Pro, children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological disorders affecting walking can participate in robotic gait training. Specialized attachments for children provide comfort and optimal fit, allowing them to benefit from the same functional advantages as those using adult versions. The Pediatric Walking Robot has been successfully used for rehabilitation in children with walking disorders from approximately 4 years of age.