ZeroG: overground gait and balance training system.

A new overground body-weight support system called ZeroG has been developed that allows patients with severe gait impairments to practice gait and balance activities in a safe, controlled manner. The unloading system is capable of providing up to 300 lb of static support and 150 lb of dynamic (or constant force) support using a custom-series elastic actuator. The unloading system is mounted to a driven trolley, which rides along an overhead rail.

Multicenter randomized clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of the Lokomat in subacute stroke.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of robotic-assisted gait training with the Lokomat to conventional gait training in individuals with subacute stroke.

Methods: A total of 63 participants<6 months poststroke with an initial walking speed between 0.1 to 0.

Advances in the understanding and treatment of stroke impairment using robotic devices.

The presence of robotic devices in rehabilitation centers is now becoming commonplace across the world, challenging heath care professionals to rethink treatment strategies for motor impairment in hemiparetic stroke patients. In this article, we will discuss some of the motivations for using these devices, review clinical outcomes following robotic-assisted training in both the upper and lower extremities, and detail how these devices can provide quantitative evaluations of function. We will also address the clinical issues that need to be considered when using robotic devices to treat stroke patients, and finally a vision of where this field is heading will be discussed.