Development of an Elliptical Perturbation System that provides unexpected perturbations during elliptical walking (the EPES system)

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

Methodology

Amir Shapiro¹  Shoval Sade¹  Hodaya Pickholz²  Itshak Melzer² 

[1] Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel;Schwartz Movement Analysis & Rehabilitation Laboratory, Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva, Israel;

关键词: Balance reactive responses;    Falls;    Perturbation-based balance training;    Old people;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12984-023-01251-3

 received in 2023-05-27, accepted in 2023-09-15,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

Background‘Perturbation-based balance training’ (PBBT) is a training method that was developed to improve balance reactive responses to unexpected balance loss. This training method is more effective in reducing fall rates than traditional balance training methods. Many PBBTs are performed during standing or treadmill walking which targeted specifically step reactive responses, we however, aimed to develop and build a mechatronic system that can provide unexpected perturbation during elliptical walking the Elliptical Perturbation System (the EPES system), with the aim of improving specifically the trunk and upper limbs balance reactive control.MethodsThis paper describes the development, and building of the EPES system, using a stationary Elliptical Exercise device, which allows training of trunk and upper limbs balance reactive responses in older adults.ResultsThe EPES system provides 3-dimensional small, controlled, and unpredictable sudden perturbations during stationary elliptical walking. We developed software that can identify a trainee’s trunk and arms reactive balance responses using a stereo camera. After identifying an effective trunk and arms reactive balance response, the software controls the EPES system motors to return the system to its horizontal baseline position after the perturbation. The system thus provides closed-loop feedback for a person’s counterbalancing trunk and arm responses, helping to implement implicit motor learning for the trainee. The pilot results show that the EPES software can successfully identify balance reactive responses among participants who are exposed to a sudden unexpected perturbation during elliptical walking on the EPES system.ConclusionsEPES trigger reactive balance responses involving counter-rotation action of body segments and simultaneously evoke arms, and trunk reactive response, thus reactive training effects should be expected.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature 2023

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