Technology to enhance locomotor function

Abstract

Technology plays an important role in the rehabilitation of patients with impairments of the lower extremity due to disease or trauma of the central nervous system. In gait rehabilitation compensatory or restorative strategies are applied depending on the time after trauma and the level of impairment. Over the last 20 years advances in the understanding of the intrinsic capacity of the central nervous system for plasticity and recovery led to the establishment of task-oriented restorative therapies: body weight supported treadmill training, either manually assisted or with robotic devices. The effectiveness of robotic locomotion systems will only improve by consequent implementation of principles of motor learning. For enhancement of mobility in individuals with severe sensorimotor impairment of the lower extremities compensatory strategies including the implementation of wheelchairs and more recently active exoskeletons need to be considered.