Characterization of loading profiles via handrails and harness during body weight supported treadmill training

Abstract

Body weight supported treadmill training is used for patients who are severely limited in their movements. During walking therapy handrails and harnesses ensure the patient’s stability and safety. Although, locomotion training is a common rehabilitation technique, data of forces applied to handrails or overhead lifts are limited. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to measure the vertical reaction force during treadmill therapy. An additional purpose was the characterization of the loading profiles by defining suitable parameters. To measure the patient’s needs for support during treadmill training, the handrails were instrumented with strain gauges and a force sensor was placed between the harness and the ceiling lift. In order to provide gait phase detection, an inertial sensor was attached to each foot. The results confirm that the combined measuring systems are appropriate to record the total vertical weight relief. Although all patients show different loading profiles, a recurring pattern can be recognized for each patient, which allows the derivation of various parameters to characterize the single profiles. The additional information of the measurements can help the supervising physiotherapist to better understand the specific level of support the patient needs. A subsequent response and the providing of corresponding instructions by the therapist can lead to an even more individualized therapy.

Keywords

• weight relief
• body weight support
• treadmill training
• force measurement
• exoskeleton