Prototype of specific hydraulic acting orthosis in recovery standing and walking in stroke patients

Abstract

Our research highlight the utility of specific devices to enhance the performances of orthostatism and walking in patients with stroke. The configuration of the orthosis skeleton, based on composite glass fiber, allows the adjustment of the dimensions and anatomical fit of the patient's lower limb by a telescopic system to make it as ergonomic as possible. The control is achieved by three hydraulic distributors powered by a miniature pump. Feedback from the level of the orthosis joints corresponding to human ones is ensured by three resistive potentiometric transducers. We corrected the posture of the foot, the equine and the muscular imbalance caused by the spasticity. The prototype testing will follow the bioethics rules in volunteer patients by analyzing the following parameters: modified Ashworth scale for spasticity, Tinetti balance and walking scales. The orthosis achieved the maximum compaction of the available components for the best functionality. For this purpose the support frame is made of composite material based on glass fiber, and the actuators are hydraulic, providing maximum force at the proposed gauge. The power supply of the system in this phase is made from the 220 V AC with a power about of 100 W for normal walking on flat ground. An autonomy of several hours is expected. Although the movement is made on a flat ground, but orthosis allows the assisting for climbing and down stairs. This prototype of orthosis could be the future in rehabilitation of walking in the stroke patient, and it has the capacity to be extend to the other lower limb for paraparetic patients.