Method for positioning and rehabilitation training with the ExoAtlet ® powered exoskeleton
Carla Pais-Vieira,
Mehrab Allahdad,
João Neves-Amado,
André Perrotta,
Edgard Morya,
Renan Moioli,
Elena Shapkova,
Miguel Pais-Vieira
Affiliations
Carla Pais-Vieira
Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
Mehrab Allahdad
Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
João Neves-Amado
Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
André Perrotta
Centro de Investigação em Ciência e Tecnologia das Artes (CITAR), Escola da Artes, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
Edgard Morya
Graduate Program in Neuroengineering, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neurosciences, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaíba, Brazil
Renan Moioli
Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, Digital Metropolis Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, 59078-970, Brazil
Elena Shapkova
Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Technologies for Neurorehabilitation, Spinal Center of Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, St.Petersburg, Russia; Laboratory of Neuroprosthetics, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St.Petersburg State University, St.Petersburg, Russia
Miguel Pais-Vieira
Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga 4710-057, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center (2CA-Braga), Braga, Portugal; iBiMED – Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Institute of Biomedical Sciences (iBiMed), Campus Universitario de Santiago, Agra do Crasto - Edificio 30, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Corresponding author at: Institute of Biomedical Sciences (iBiMed), Campus Universitario de Santiago, Agra do Crasto ? Edificio 30, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Exoskeletons for locomotion, support, or other uses are becoming more common. An increasing number of studies are demonstrating relevant results in rehabilitation. Here we describe the steps required to properly place and train patients in ExoAtlet ® powered exoskeletons (Moscow, Russia), for which there is currently limited information available. These steps combine actions related to the hardware, software, as well as safety, rehabilitation, and psycho-emotional state of the subject. Training starts with a general preparation of the environment, the equipment, and the patient. When the actual training program begins, the patient needs to gradually learn to perform the different actions that will be required to control the exoskeleton. Initially, training requires transferring weight between legs to guarantee adequate equilibrium control. Then, actions assisted by computer-controlled motors begin, namely: standing up, walking in place, moving small distances and sitting down. As the patient becomes comfortable with the exoskeleton and the cardiovascular system becomes adjusted to the upright position, training can then include walking over longer distances, inclined planes, opening doors, and climbing stairs. • Powered exoskeletons are becoming a common method in rehabilitation. • The use of ExoAtlet ® powered exoskeletons in clinical research requires manipulation of variables thought to promote rehabilitation, without compromising safety standards. • The phases of training are: transferring weight between legs, walk in place, and walk over longer distances.
