Real-time recognition of locomotion-related activities is a fundamental skill that a controller of lower-limb wearable robots should possess. Subject-specific training and reliance on electromyographic interfaces are the main limitations of existing approaches. This study presents a novel methodology for realtime locomotion mode recognition of locomotion-related activities in lower-limb wearable robotics. A hybrid classifier can distinguish among seven locomotion-related activities. First, a timebased approach classifies between static and dynamical states based on gait kinematics data. Second, an event-based fuzzy logic method triggered by foot pressure sensors operates in a subjectindependent fashion on a minimal set of relevant biomechanical features to classify among dynamical modes. The locomotion mode recognition algorithm is implemented on the controller of a portable powered orthosis for hip assistance. An experimental protocol is designed to evaluate the controller performance in an out-of-lab scenario without the need for a subject-specific training. Experiments are conducted on six healthy volunteers performing locomotion-related activities at slow, normal, and fast speeds under the zero-torque and assistive mode of the orthosis. The overall accuracy rate of the controller is 99.4% over more than 10,000 steps, including seamless transitions between different modes. The experimental results show a successful subject-independent performance of the controller for wearable robots assisting locomotion-related activities.

Study Design-Clinico-epidemiologic study in the Chi-anti area (Tuscany, Italy).Objectives-To describe prevalence and correlates of back pain in a representative sample of the population.Summary of Background Data-Back pain is common in old age and is related to functional limitations, but back pain characteristics and correlates in older adults, which may be targeted by specific interventions, are still under-investigated.Methods-A total of 1,299 persons aged 65 or older were selected from the city registry of Greve in Chianti and Bagno a Ripoli; 1,008 (565 women; 443 men) were included in this analysis. Back pain in the past 12 months was ascertained using a questionnaire. Potential correlates of back pain were identified in age-and sex-adjusted regression analyses, and their independent association with back pain was tested in a multivariate model.Results-The prevalence of frequent back pain was 31.5%. Back pain was reported less often by men and the very old, was primarily located in the dorsolumbar and lumbar spine, was moderate in intensity and mainly elicited by carrying, lifting, and pushing heavy objects. Among participants who reported frequent back pain, 76.3% had no back pain-related impairments; 7.4% of the overall study population had back pain-related functional limitation. Back pain participants were significantly more likely to report difficulty in heavy household chores, carrying a shopping bag, cutting toenails, and using public transportation. Limited trunk extension, depression, low levels of prior-year physical activity, and hip, knee, and foot pain were independent correlates of back pain.Address correspondence and reprint requests to Luigi Ferrucci, MD, PhD, National Institute on Aging, Clinical Research Branch, Longitudinal Studies Section, NIA-ASTRA Unit, Harbor Hospital, 5th Floor, 3001 S. Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21225. E-mail: Email: ferruccilu@grc.nia.nih.gov. The manuscript submitted does not contain information about medical device(s)/drug(s). NIH Public AccessAuthor Manuscript Spine (Phila Pa 1976 Conclusions-Frequent back pain is highly prevalent in the older population and is often associated with conditions that are potentially reversible.Keywords back pain; elderly; epidemiology Historically, back pain research has primarily focused on younger, working adults, while little attention was initially given to older persons. 1 However, there is evidence that back pain is one of the most frequent complaints in older persons, 2,3 and is an independent correlate of functional limitation, 4,5 perceived difficulty 6 in performing daily life activities, and a risk factor for future disability. 7Studies of younger adults have identified multiple risk factors for back pain, ranging from demographic factors, 8 physical and clinical features, 9 occupation, 10 smoking, 11 physical activity, 12 and psychologic and socioeconomic conditions, 8,13 while comparatively less is known about correlates and risk factors for back pain in older persons. Indeed, most factors identified in the...

Background and aims-We describe the enrollment and intervention phases of FRASI (FRAilty, Screening and Intervention), a randomized controlled trial aimed at preventing ADL disability in frail older persons screened in primary care.

This study provides evidence that in selected patients who have undergone cardiac surgery, rehabilitation outcomes are also favorable in patients aged 75 yrs or more, and an early rehabilitation program is as effective and safe as a traditionally late one.