Validity and feasibility of intelligent Walkbot system

Abstract

The first study to highlight the validity and feasibility of the innovative exoskeletal Walkbot system is presented. The Walkbot is a locomotor retraining robot designed to provide gait impairment for the systematic reacquisition of locomotor skills. Neuromechanical data obtained from kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) measurements yielded excellent validity and consistency. Linear regression analysis for kinematic hip and knee angle data showed R2=0.8604 and R2=0.9265, respectively. The coefficient of variation also showed consistent EMG amplitudes in the selected ankle muscles at two independent velocities. The preliminary data provide promising evidence of locomotor retraining.