A Preliminary Assessment of Legged Mobility Provided by a Lower Limb Exoskeleton for Persons With Paraplegia

This study assesses a lower limb exoskeleton's ability to help people with paraplegia walk. It compares walking with the exoskeleton to walking with traditional knee–ankle–foot orthoses (KAFOs). The assessment uses tests like the timed up-and-go, Ten-Meter Walk Test, and Six-Minute Walk Test to measure standing, walking, turning, and sitting abilities. The results showed that the subject could perform these tests faster and with less exertion using the exoskeleton compared to KAFOs, especially during walking.

• 1
  The subject performed the timed up-and-go test 25% faster with the exoskeleton compared to KAFOs.
• 2
  The subject completed the 10 MWT and 6 MWT 70% and 80% faster, respectively, with the exoskeleton compared to KAFOs.
• 3
  The exoskeleton required 1.6, 5.2, and 3.2 times less exertion than KAFOs for the timed up-and-go, 10 MWT, and 6 MWT, respectively.