If you follow the world of robotic exoskeletons with any frequency, you will no doubt be familiar with the two main categories. The first is aimed firmly at workers with strenuous or repetitive jobs, such as lifting and carrying packages. The second is assistance and focuses mainly on people with mobility problems.
The latter category is typically the domain of soft robotic exoskeletons, those with fabric pieces designed to be more of an assistive accessory in everyday life. These systems are also increasingly focused on specific issues that affect people's ability to get around. After all, not all mobility disabilities are created equal.
For people with Parkinson's disease, “freezing” is a common problem that affects the ability to walk, while increasing the likelihood of falls. The symptom causes people to lose balance when walking, shortening their steps before stopping completely.
There have been several attempts to address the problem, from medications to physical therapy and surgery, but existing solutions have limited effectiveness.
New research from a joint team at Harvard and Boston University, published in Nature Medicinedemonstrates how soft robotic exoskeletons can address the problem.
The wearable technology has sensors that detect movement and use algorithms to estimate the walker's gait. Cable-operated actuators activate and assist walking mid-stride.
“We found that just a small amount of mechanical assistance from our soft robotic clothing produced instantaneous effects and consistently improved gait across a variety of conditions for the individual in our study,” says Harvard professor Conor Walsh.
The researchers worked with a 73-year-old man with Parkinson's who suffers from freezing more than 10 times a day. In their research, which took place over six months, Walsh's team was able to eliminate freezing in patients while they walked indoors. In turn, they were also able to walk farther and faster.
Harvard notes: “The effect was instantaneous. Without any special training, the patient could walk without freezing indoors and with only occasional episodes outdoors. He could also walk and talk without freezing, something unusual without the device.”
The Biodesign Lab is the same group that designed an exosuit for stroke patients that was later licensed to startup ReWalk Robotics. If promising early results are any indication, this new technology could one day follow suit toward commercialization.
