Walking assist by trunk and pelvis motion assist for gait improvement

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a walking assist device by controlling trunk and pelvis motion. Human gait motion consists of whole body exercise including lower body motion and upper one. As all exercises are performed normally, walking with less energy loss is performed. If any exercises are incomplete, compensatory motion is performed and it is considered that there is energy loss. Therefore, this study aims at developing the walking assist device to make normal exercises and reduces energy loss by applying external forces, focusing on the trunk rotation and the pelvic rotation that involved in stride length and walking speed.

Keywords

• walking assist
• pelvic step
• spinal engine