Study of human-machine physical interface for wearable mobility assist devices

Levesque, Laurent; Doumit, Marc

doi:10.1016/j.medengphy.2020.03.008

Cited by 11 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…These provisional numbers more than duplicate the 2015 and 2019 numbers, respectively, [9,10]. As an inherent consequence of an aged population, locomotion disorders became a reality for those people [11]. However, they are not age-exclusive results.…”

Section: Context and Demographicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exo Supportive Devices: Summary of Technical Aspects

André,

Martins

2023

Bioengineering

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Human societies have been trying to mitigate the suffering of individuals with physical impairments, with a special effort in the last century. In the 1950s, a new concept arose, finding similarities between animal exoskeletons, and with the goal of medically aiding human movement (for rehabilitation applications). There have been several studies on using exosuits with this purpose in mind. So, the current review offers a critical perspective and a detailed analysis of the steps and key decisions involved in the conception of an exoskeleton. Choices such as design aspects, base materials (structure), actuators (force and motion), energy sources (actuation), and control systems will be discussed, pointing out their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, examples of exosuits (full-body, upper-body, and lower-body devices) will be presented and described, including their use cases and outcomes. The future of exoskeletons as possible assisted movement solutions will be discussed—pointing to the best options for rehabilitation.

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Section: Context and Demographicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exo Supportive Devices: Summary of Technical Aspects

André,

Martins

2023

Bioengineering

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“…Remarkable variations were also observed in the force level of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris long head, and gastrocnemius muscles. These results indicated that the misalignment should be considered when using exoskeletons applied to knee rehabilitation, because, as noted by [11], the uniqueness of every individual does not offer a one-size-fitsallsolution related to the structural conception of rehabilitation robots.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Exploring Human–Exoskeleton Interaction Dynamics: An In-Depth Analysis of Knee Flexion–Extension Performance across Varied Robot Assistance–Resistance Configurations

Mosconi,

Moreno,

Siqueira

2024

Sensors

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Knee rehabilitation therapy after trauma or neuromotor diseases is fundamental to restore the joint functions as best as possible, exoskeleton robots being an important resource in this context, since they optimize therapy by applying tailored forces to assist or resist movements, contributing to improved patient outcomes and treatment efficiency. One of the points that must be taken into account when using robots in rehabilitation is their interaction with the patient, which must be safe for both and guarantee the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the interaction between humans and an exoskeleton during the execution of knee flexion–extension movements under various configurations of robot assistance and resistance. The evaluation encompassed considerations of myoelectric activity, muscle recruitment, robot torque, and performed movement. To achieve this, an experimental protocol was implemented, involving an individual wearing the exoskeleton and executing knee flexion–extension motions while seated, with the robot configured in five distinct modes: passive (P), assistance on flexion (FA), assistance on extension (EA), assistance on flexion and extension (CA), and resistance on flexion and extension (CR). Results revealed distinctive patterns of movement and muscle recruitment for each mode, highlighting the complex interplay between human and robot; for example, the largest RMS tracking errors were for the EA mode (13.72 degrees) while the smallest for the CR mode (4.47 degrees), a non-obvious result; in addition, myoelectric activity was demonstrated to be greater for the completely assisted mode than without the robot (the maximum activation levels for the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles were more than double those when the user had assistance from the robot). Tracking errors, muscle activations, and torque values varied across modes, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in configuring exoskeleton assistance and resistance to ensure effective and safe rehabilitation. Understanding these human–robot interactions is essential for developing precise rehabilitation programs, optimizing treatment effectiveness, and enhancing patient safety.

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“…Most patients with illnesses or impairments who receive rehabilitation use assistive devices. These devices not only reduce their reliance on caregivers but also enhance their level of functioning and participation in the community (Levesque and Doumit, 2020). To ensure the safety of users while using assistive devices, it is crucial to design them with their limitations in mind.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of Patient-Specific Adaptive Assistive Devices for Brachial Plexus Injury

Rashid,

Haremy,

Othman

et al. 2024

IJTech

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Injury to the brachial plexus prevents the arm, wrist, and hand from communicating with the spinal cord in whole or in part. The 'patient's upper arm limb appears to be completely incapable of performing any type of independent movement. The aim of this project is to design and develop a customized adaptive assistive device for patients with brachial plexus injury and to fabricate the prototype using 3D printing technology. The development of the device involved adapting the mechanical engineering design process, including conceptual design and finite element analysis, to predict the performance of the design and to select the best printing materials. The patient's left arm was 3D scanned to create a customized part that perfectly fit the patient. The 3D model of the prototype was developed using Autodesk Fusion 360 and Autodesk TinkerCAD. Two different materials, namely Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), were considered in the computational analysis. Results show that the maximum von Misses stress of PLA is observed at 2.464 MPa, slightly higher than the ABS material (2.451 MPa), indicating a greater stress tolerance imposed on the material's strength. However, PLA has a smaller maximum displacement than ABS, at 0.019 mm and 0.030 mm, respectively. The PLA material was chosen for 3D printing based on several considerations, including mechanical qualities, cost, printing time, durability, and data evaluation. The adaptive device for brachial plexus injury was successfully delivered to the patient and demonstrated the capability to assist in arm movement.

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Study of human-machine physical interface for wearable mobility assist devices

Cited by 11 publications

References 15 publications

Exo Supportive Devices: Summary of Technical Aspects

Exo Supportive Devices: Summary of Technical Aspects

Exploring Human–Exoskeleton Interaction Dynamics: An In-Depth Analysis of Knee Flexion–Extension Performance across Varied Robot Assistance–Resistance Configurations

Development of Patient-Specific Adaptive Assistive Devices for Brachial Plexus Injury

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