Neuromotor Recovery Laboratory

Robotic Exosuit Augmented Locomotion (REAL) gait training

Slow walking speeds and impaired walking patterns are complex problems that persist after a stroke. Soft robotic exosuits have been shown to be capable of improving post-stroke walking patterns and walking speed when they are worn and powered on. We believe that these immediate gait benefits can be leveraged during high-intensity gait rehabilitation to facilitate durable, long-standing therapeutic improvements in both the speed and quality of post-stroke walking. To this end, we are developing and evaluating a standardized Robotic Exosuit Augmented Locomotion (REAL) gait training program centered on our team’s understanding of human-exosuit interaction and contemporary motor learning concepts. This project is currently in the demonstration-of-concept phases.

Project Lead

Franchino Porciuncula, EdD, PT, DScPT Research Scientist

Team

Dheepak Arumukhom Revi PhD Student | Research Engineer
Teresa Baker, PT, DPT Research Physical Therapist
Lillian Ribeirinha-Braga Research Coordinator
Anna Roto PhD Student
Regina Sloutsky, PT, DPT PhD Student | Research Physical Therapist
Johanna Spangler Clinical Research Project Manager | Research Physical Therapist

Publications

Targeting Paretic Propulsion and Walking Speed with a Soft Robotic Exosuit: A Consideration-of-Concept Trial.
Frontiers in Neurorobotics.
(see pdf or link)

These Legs were Made for Propulsion: Advancing the Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-Stroke Propulsion Deficits.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation.
(see pdf or link)

The ReWalk ReStore^TM Soft Robotic Exosuit: A Multi-site Clinical Trial of the Safety, Reliability, and Feasibility of Exosuit-Augmented Post-Stroke Gait Rehabilitation.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation.
(see pdf or link)

Walking Faster and Farther With a Soft Robotic Exosuit: Implications for Post-Stroke Gait Assistance and Rehabilitation.
IEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology.
(see pdf or link)

Reducing Circumduction and Hip Hiking During Hemiparetic Walking through Targeted Assistance of the Paretic Limb using a Soft Robotic Exosuit.
American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
(see pdf or link)

A Soft Robotic Exosuit Improves Walking in Patients after Stroke.
Science Translational Medicine.
(see pdf or link)

Study Flyer

We are seeking interested individuals who have experienced a stroke (> 6 months) to participate in an ongoing clinical trial! Participants will undergo gait rehabilitation for 4-6 weeks using the soft robotic exosuit, with training provided by a physical therapist. There is no cost or insurance required for participation.