The influence of the Re-Link Trainer on gait symmetry in healthy adults

IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot. 2017 Jul:2017:276-282. doi: 10.1109/ICORR.2017.8009259.

Abstract

Walking function post-stroke is characterized by asymmetries in gait cycle parameters and joint kinematics. The Re-Link Trainer is designed to provide kinematic constraint to the paretic lower limb, to guide a physiologically normal and symmetrical gait pattern. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the immediate influence of the Re-Link Trainer on measures of gait symmetry in healthy adults. Participants demonstrated a significantly lower cadence and a 62% reduction in walking speed in the Re-Link Trainer compared to normal walking. The step length ratio had a significant increase from 1.0 during normal walking to 2.5 when walking in the Re-Link Trainer. The results from this pilot study suggest in its current iteration the Re-Link Trainer imposes an asymmetrical constraint on lower limb kinematics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gait / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity / physiology*
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Stroke Rehabilitation / instrumentation*
  • Young Adult