In at least some aspects, the present concepts include a method for configuring an assistive flexible suit including the acts of outfitting a person with an assistive flexible suit, monitoring an output of at least one sensor of the assistive flexible suit as the person moves in a first controlled movement environment, identifying at least one predefined gait event using the output of the at least one sensor, adjusting an actuation profile of the at least one actuator and continuing to perform the acts of monitoring, identifying and adjusting until an actuation profile of the at least one actuator generates a beneficial moment about the at least one joint to promote an improvement in gait. The at least one controller is then set to implement the actuation profile.

A wearable walking assist robot is provided that ensures high walking assistance performance without a complex calculation process by detecting a gait phase based on pressure distribution on feet and performing a corresponding control mode that is set in advance. The wearable walking assist robot includes a sensor unit that senses pressure on the soles of the feet of a wearer and a controller that determines gait phases of both a first leg to be operated and a second leg based on the sensed pressure. Additionally, the controller selects one of a plurality of control modes set in advance based on the determined gait phases and operates a joint-driving unit for the first leg to be operated.

A supporting module including a supporting frame including a proximal end and a distal end, a connecting plate connected with the distal end of the supporting frame, a sliding plate in contact with one face of the connecting plate, a supporting band connected to both ends of the connecting plate, and an elastic strip configured to connect the sliding plate and the connecting plate is disclosed.

A low friction rehabilitation board having an integral band retaining feature is described. The rehabilitation board may have a coefficient of static friction of no more than about 0.5 and in some embodiments no more than about 0.06. The rehabilitation board has a plurality of band retaining feature configured along one or both ends and may be an integral band retaining features being formed in the board. Additionally, the rehabilitation may include one or more band retaining features on one or both sides of the board. The unique configuration of the band retaining features enables rehabilitation method heretofore not possible with a single board. Resistance bands may be retained in the band retaining features and coupled to a user's limb, such as a foot or ankle, to resist motion, such as sliding or extending the foot along the low friction surface of the rehabilitation board.

A motion assistance apparatus including a proximal support configured to support a proximal part of a user, a distal support configured to support a distal part of the user, a hollow actuator on the proximal support, a reducer inserted in the hollow actuator such that an input end of the reducer is connected to an output end of the hollow actuator, and a driving frame configured to connect an output end of the reducer to the distal support is disclosed.

A reduced friction massage and exercise device, which includes a base frame and at least one anchoring arrangement for anchoring a first body part of a user. A reduced friction surface is mounted onto the base frame, and includes a plurality of ball transfer units arranged such that adjacent ball transfer units engage one another. The device further includes at least one cable column including a weight stack. Each of the motion transfer balls is adapted for omnidirectional rotation relative to a corresponding housing element and independently of other the motion transfer balls. The reduced friction surface is adapted to have a second body part of the user placed thereon during performing of a physical activity applying force to the second body part, while reducing friction between the second body part and the surface.

A walking training apparatus 1 includes a leg robot 2 attached to a leg of a walking trainee, a motor 261 configured to rotationally drive a knee joint 22 of the leg robot 2, a control unit 332 configured to control the motor 261 so that the motor 261 rotationally drives the knee joint 22 in a leg-idling period in a gait motion of the walking trainee, a motor torque detection unit 262 configured to detect a motor torque, the motor torque being a torque generated by the motor 261, and a determination unit 333 configured to determine whether or not the walking trainee is in a spasticity state or a rigidity state by using a value of the motor torque detected in the leg-idling period by the motor torque detection unit 262.

A hip traction device and associated methods is disclosed. Such a device may include a base having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide coupled to the base, a carrier configured to move along the guide, a tensioner coupled to the base and configured to provide a force to the carrier to move the carrier toward the distal end of the base, causing a leg to be put in tension, and a single body coupling mechanism being removably attached to the carrier and being configured to securely attach to a lower portion of a leg when the body coupling mechanism is detached from the carrier.

A system and method by which movements desired by a user of a lower extremity orthotic is determined and a control system automatically regulates the sequential operation of powered lower extremity orthotic components to enable the user, having mobility disorders, to walk, as well as perform other common mobility tasks which involve leg movements, perhaps with the use of a gait aid.

The invention according to the application relates to a locomotion therapy and rehabilitation device developed for patients whose locomotion function is either lost or declined due to spinal disorders, orthopaedic surgeries and central nervous system disorders to redevelop and improve their walking ability.