Exoskeletons vs. exosuits: A comparative analysis using biological-based computer simulation.

Background: Interest in the design of gait assistance devices has experienced significant growth in recent years. Among various uses of assistive devices, those aimed at supporting the elderly have gained importance due to the rising population of this age group.

Methods: This study aims to compare the efficacy of two types of assistive devices through musculoskeletal simulations.

Advances in Orthotic and Prosthetic Manufacturing: A Technology Review.

In this work, the recent advances for rapid prototyping in the orthoprosthetic industry are presented. Specifically, the manufacturing process of orthoprosthetic aids are analysed, as thier use is widely extended in orthopedic surgery. These devices are devoted to either correct posture or movement (orthosis) or to substitute a body segment (prosthesis) while maintaining functionality.

In vivo measurement of surface skin strain during human gait to improve the design of rehabilitation devices.

When designing any rehabilitation, sportswear or exoskeleton device the mechanical behaviour of the body segment must be known, specifically the skin, because an excessive tissue strain may lead to ulceration and bedsores. To date, it is not known if the kinematic variability between subjects have an effect on the skin strain field, and therefore, in the design and manufacturing of rehabilitation products, such as orthoses. Several studies have analysed the skin deformation during human motion, nevertheless, the comparison between the skin strain field in different subjects during normal or pathological gait has not been reported yet.