1. What Is Robotic Gait Training?

Robotic gait training is used to assist patients who need help with their walking.

By using robots to assist with repetitive stepping movements.

Robots can also be used to assist at different levels of ability.

They can be used for neurological patients, ortho patients or general rehab.

Robotic walk rehabilitation can consist of;

• Robots assisting with the lower limbs
• Body weight support
• Treadmill
• Exoskeleton
• Sensor technology
• Assisting with the desired movement pattern
• Safety measures for the patient
• Software

Robots can be used to assist with walking if the patient needs assistance.

There are many pieces of equipment that are used to exercise a persons body.

But not all of them will assist with the movement pattern.

A therapist can also alter the training to fit the patients rehab goal.

Robots do not take the place of a therapist or medical professional.

2. How Does Robotic Gait Training Work?

Robotic gait rehabilitations will use robots to help a patient walk.

A therapist will first assess the patient.

They will choose what type of assistance they want the robot to give.

Whether it be speed, movement and/or body weight support.

The patient will then get onto the robotic rehabilitation machine.

They may have to wear an exoskeleton or stand on a treadmill.

Once the patient is on the machine robots will assist with certain movements.

There are sensors that will track either the movement or machine itself.

The therapist can see how the patient is doing and adjust accordingly.

Once they finish you can evaluate and move on to next training.

So you can assist patients with walking using robots.

Make sure you know your patients abilities when deciding how much to assist.

3. Types of Robotic Gait Training

There are many types of robots that are used to assist patients with walking.

Here are a few types of robotic gait training that hospitals can use.

3.1 Treadmill Robots

Robotic gait trainings can be combined with a treadmill.

Patients will be assisted with a harness and/or body frame.

Robots will assist with the movements of the lower extremities.

This will allow for repetitive stepping on a moving surface.

You can change speeds and amount of assistance.

3.2 Robotic Exoskeleton

Robotic Exoskeletons are worn by the patient to assist with lower limb movements.

Most will have joints, motors and sensor technology to aid in movement.

They can be used over ground or inside of a rehabilitation setting.

3.3 End Effector Robots

End effector robotic gait training will have a platform attached to the patients foot.

They will help the patient step on the platform.

This type of robotic gait training doesn’t need power in each joint.

3.4 Over Ground Robotics

Robots can also be used to walk patients across a floor.

Some robots will allow the patient to walk and perform certain movements.

There are also robots that can assist with over ground walking while using body weight support.

4. What Makes Up Robotic Gait Training Equipment?

Robots have many different parts that go into making them work.

Some of these parts include.

Robot Actuators

Used to create movement and assist the patient.

Can be used to assist with hips, knees and more.

Sensors

Will detect movement from the equipment or the patient.

Some will track angles of the joints.

Controller

The controller is used to control how the robot moves.

Will have controls for the therapist to adjust training.

Body Weight Support

Allows you to unload the patients weight.

Can help with standing and walking if patient doesnt have the strength to do so.

Harness/ Straps

Used to hold the patient up while doing rehabilitation.

Software

Some robotic gait trainings machines will come with software.

Can show information about the patients training and save previous data.

5. Benefits of Robotic Gait Training

There are many benefits to using robots to help your patient walk.

Patient can repeat movements

Some patients may need to do repetitive movements to learn how to walk.

Robots can help them do this.

Allow patients to train at different levels

Depending on the patient you can train them at their ability.

Ability to set training

You can set your training on some robotic gait machines.

Less wear on therapist

Having to constantly help a patient can take a toll on your body.

Robots can take some of that load off your body.

Training Data

Some machines will keep track of patients training.

You can look at this data to see if they are progressing.

Help patient progress

If you have a robotic machine that can decrease assistance.

You can start taking away from the robot as the patient progresses.

6. Robotic Gait Training For Stroke

When a person has had a stroke they may not be able to walk properly.

They may lose strength in their legs and have trouble with coordination.

Using robotic gait trainings can help these patients walk.

There are robots that can help them do this on a treadmill.

You can use body weight support to decrease the weight on the patient if needed.

And decrease assistance from the robot as they become more involved.

Goals you can work on when using robots for stroke.

• Help them walk longer periods of time
• Allow them to take more steps
• Help them coordinate there legs
• Allow patient to take equal steps on both sides
• Build up their endurance
• Can help them progress with mobility

Robots can help but it isn’t proven to be better than normal physical therapy.

7. Robotic Gait Training For Spinal Cord Injuries

Patients that have spinal cord injuries can also use robotic gait training.

Depending on the severity of the injury some may need assistance.

Robots can be used to help these patients walk.

An example would be a robotic exoskeleton that can assist with lower limb movements.

There are also treadmills that have robotic gait training.

You will have to assess the patient to see if they can use a robot.

Things to check for.

• Range of motion
• Bones
• Muscle spasms
• Can the patient tolerate standing and walking
• Skin integrity
• Blood pressure when standing
• Understand instruction

8. Robotic Gait Training For Neurological Conditions

There are many conditions that can cause a person to not walk correctly.

Patients can have loss of coordination, strength and balance.

Robotic gait trainings can help some of these patients.

They include;

• Stroke
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• MS
• Parkson’s Disease
• etc

Just like any other patient you will want to research what works best for that particular disease.

9. Robotic Gait Training For Elderly

Robots can also be used for elderly patients.

If they don’t have the strength to walk on their own they can use a robot.

Some will also have body weight support built in.

You can monitor how long they can walk and how involved they are in the process.

Not all elderly patients will need to use robotic gait trainings.

Just like anyone else you should have them do strength and balance exercises.

10. Robotic Gait Training vs Normal Gait Training

There are pros and cons to using robotic gait trainings.

Both have there benefits but using robots and physical therapy together could be best.

11. Robotic Gait Training and Body Weight Support

Body weight support can be helpful when working with patients that can’t support their own weight.

Some patients will not be able to stand on there own or may need assistance to stand.

Robotic gait trainings can help with this.

Most machines that have body weight support have a harness that you can adjust.

Then the robot can assist with the movement of the lower limbs.

Robotic gait training with body weight support can be used together.

12. Where Can You Use Robotic Gait Training?

Robotic equipment can be used in many clinical settings.

Neurological Rehab Units

May use robotic systems to assist some neurological patients.

Stroke Rehab Facility

Robotic stepping machines can be incorporated into their program.

Spinal Cord Injury Centers

Can utilize robotic exoskeleton or treadmills if applicable.

Physical Therapy Facilities

Some incorporate robotics with normal therapeutic exercises.

Research Facility

Can utilize robotic systems to investigate walking and analyze parameters.

There are many robotic systems to choose from so make sure to choose what best suits your facility.

13. What to Look For When Buying a Robotic Gait Trainer

There are some things you should consider when purchasing robotics.

Know Your Needs

What kind of patient are you looking to treat?

You may need something that is more geared towards stroke vs spinal cord injury.

Know the Robotics

Treadmill based, Exoskeleton or End Effector?

Look at each robotic option that is available.

What is compatible with your patient?

Height, weight, limb position and mobility.

What level of assistance does it provide?

Some robotic equipment will only allow one mode of assistance. Others allow you to control the amount of assistance provided.

So know what is offered.

Safety

Make sure your robot has safety measures in place.

• Stop button
• Assistive device
• Joint limitation
• Patient harness
• Patient fall protection
• Monitoring system
• Alarms

What software is available?

Some robotic gait trainers can give you report sheets of the sessions. But know what your machine can provide.

Space

Make sure your robot will fit in your space. Some may require more electrical or other equipment to install.

Training/Service

Will your facility receive training and how will the robot be serviced? Make sure you have access to these things when purchasing.

14. Downsides to Robotic Gait Trainers

While there are many benefits to using robotic gait trainings there are some downsides as well.

Cost of equipment can be expensive.

Setting up the patient can take time.

Patient may not fit the robots height and weight capabilities or have limited range of motion.

Robotic assistance does not always increase gait.

Many factors come into play when using robotic gait training. Patients must be selected properly, dosed correctly and the equipment must provide what you need.

Always make sure your facility can meet the demands of the robotic equipment.

Keep in mind your patients need as a therapist as well.

Help them achieve mobility and not just steps.

15. What’s Next for Robotic Gait Training?

As we all know robotics is only going to become more advanced. One area of advancement is assistance based on the patients movement. These robots will help the patient based on how they move and participate.

Wearable robotics will continue to advance as engineers try to create smaller and mobile devices. Sensors will allow us to learn more about the patient and equipment interaction. We may also see A.I. help analyze patient movement.

Of course these features will need to be shown to help the patient in a clinical setting.

There are also new advances being made to help tie in gait analysis with robotic gait training.

Maybe we will see all these features combined one day.

Gait Analysis + Robotic Gait Training + Body Weight Support + Monitor Rehabilitation.

Gait Analysis.

16. Why Jamore Medical?

Jamore Medical offers various solutions for hospitals, rehab centers and physical therapy facilities. We focus on helping people regain their ability to walk and other smart rehab technology.

We have various products that can benefit your facility.

• Robotics Gait Rehab
• Lower Limb Rehabilitation
• Gait Training
• Body Weight Support
• Over Ground Gait Training
• Balance
• Gait Assessment/Analysis

When looking to purchase equipment for your facility you should keep all of these things in mind. Not only is it what your robot can do but what will your patient need?

Jamore Medical can offer you various solutions for your mobility needs.

Check out more products Jamore Medical has to offer.

Connect with us on LinkedIn for more information and rehab network! Sean Rehabilitation

17. FAQ’s

l What is robotic gait training?

Robotic gait training can be used to assist a patient with their gait. By allowing the patient to perform repetitive steps.

l How does robotic gait training work?

By using robotic assistance to help a patients lower limbs move. Therapists can then program and monitor the patients movements.

l Who can benefit from robotic gait training?

Robotic gait training can help patients that suffer from stroke, SCI and other neurological diseases.

l Is robotic gait training better than traditional methods?

Robotic gait training can help some patients recover from walking faster than others. But every patient and situation will be different.

l What is a robotic gait trainer?

A robotic gait trainer is a piece of equipment that allows patients to walk with robotic assistance. There are treadmills and exoskeletons that offer this.

l Can robotic gait training help my patient walk?

Yes. Robotic gait training can assist some patients with regaining their ability to walk. There is no guarantee that your patient will be able to walk independently.

l Do I need body weight support to use robotic gait training?

No. Some robots have body weight support built in. And others don’t.

l How long does it take to use a robotic gait trainer?

This will vary depending on the patient. How long they can tolerate and your protocols.

l Is robotic gait training safe?

If you choose the right equipment and know how to use it yes. Make sure your facility knows the product and what it’s capable of.

l How much does robotic gait training cost?

There are many prices that go along with buying robotic gait training. Depending on what you need your robot to do will determine the price. Be sure to ask your sales rep for more information.

18. Conclusion

Robotic gait training can allow your patient to walk with robotic assistance. You can train your patient with repetitive stepping and different levels of assistance.

You can also combine body weight support with robotic gait training. Some even come with software to help your patient recover.

Make sure to look into all of your options when choosing a robot for your facility.

Jamore Medical can provide you with robotic gait training and more. Learn more about our products here.