Dailymail.com has reported on lightweight robotic exosuits developed by Harvard researchers to help stroke survivors walk again.
The article notes that a large percent of the 7 million Americans that experience a stroke lose the ability to walk. The paralysis can happened in one or both legs, and the suit helps them get back to walking more normal and quickly after a stroke.
“Their prototype weighs roughly 2lbs, which is about twice the weight of a soccer ball, and is worn on one side of the body. The researchers tested nine individuals between the ages of 30 and 67 years old over the course of two days. The device consists of a close-fitting waist belt and leg straps that are connected to a calf sleeve. In the sleeve there are small robotic actuators that exert force on a shoe insole. All of the participants were undergoing rehabilitation for strokes, and it was found that all showed more efficient and less asymmetrical strides while wearing this device. Additionally, the researchers saw that individuals who had the slowest unassisted walking speeds showed the most significant improvements both on a treadmill and on solid ground while wearing the device.”
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