Evaluating Gait Stability and Muscle Activation in Different Hand Holding Conditions Using the Robotic Walker-mTPAD

The study investigates how different ways of holding a walker affect a person's walking stability and muscle activity. They used a robotic walker called mTPAD and measured muscle activity using sensors while people walked with the device. Participants walked under three different arm-holding conditions: gripping the walker, using armrests at a 90-degree angle, and using armrests at a 130-degree angle. They also tested these conditions with and without a downward force applied to their pelvis to simulate gait training. The results showed that applying a force made people walk more stably, and the amount of muscle activity varied depending on how they held the walker. The 130-degree armrest position required the least muscle activation.

• 1
  Applying a downward force on the pelvis during walking leads to narrower strides and increased overall foot loading, suggesting changes in gait stability.
• 2
  Using forearm rests at a 130-degree elbow angle requires less muscle activation in the triceps and brachioradialis muscles compared to gripping the walker frame or using a 90-degree angle.
• 3
  Applying a downward force increases the activation of the dominant triceps muscle, regardless of the arm-holding condition.