If you follow the world of robotic exoskeletons with any frequency, you are no doubt familiar with the two basic categories. The first is strongly aimed at workers in strenuous or repetitive jobs such as lifting and moving packages. The second is assistive, and focuses largely on individuals with mobility impairments.
The last category is mostly the domain of soft robotic exoskeletons – those with fabric parts designed to be more than just everyday assistive accessories. These systems also increasingly focus on specific issues that affect people’s ability to move around. After all, not all motor disabilities are created equal.
In people with Parkinson’s disease, “freezing” is a frequent problem that affects the ability to walk, with an increased possibility of falling. This symptom causes people to lose their footing while walking, shortening their steps before stopping completely.
There have been a number of attempts to address this problem, from medications to physical therapy to surgery, but current solutions are limited in their effectiveness.
New research conducted by a joint team from Harvard and Boston Universities, Published in Natural Medicineshows how soft robotic exoskeletons can address this problem.
The wearable technology features sensors that detect movement and use algorithms to estimate a pedestrian’s gait. Cable-actuated actuators assist mid-step walking.
“We found that just a small amount of mechanical assistance from our soft robotic garment provided immediate effects and consistently improved gait across a range of conditions for the individual in our study,” says Harvard professor Connor Walsh.
The researchers worked with a 73-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease who froze more than 10 times a day. In their research, which was conducted over a six-month period, Walsh’s team was able to eliminate freezing in patients while walking indoors. In turn, they were also able to walk further and faster.
Harvard notes, “The effect was immediate. Without any special training, the patient was able to walk without any freezing indoors and with only occasional periods outdoors. He was also able to walk and talk without freezing, which is rare without the device.”
Biodesign Lab is the same group that designed an exoskeletal prosthesis for stroke patients that was later licensed by the startup ReWalk Robotics. If promising early results are any indication, this new technology could one day be on track for commercialization.