Simulation of human gait with body weight support: benchmarking models and unloading strategies

摘要

Body weight supported training (BWST) is a common gait rehabilitation technique for individuals suffering from neurological impairment due to stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, etc. During BWST, a certain amount of the user’s body weight is supported by a suspension system, typically through a harness [1]. Thereby, body weight support (BWS) systems allow therapists to provide gait rehabilitation training, without the need of providing complete physical assistance [2]. After undergoing BWST, individuals with neurological impairments have shown improvement in balance, motor function and overall locomotion [3–8]. In addition to these benefits, BWST can lead to improved psychological well-being, enhanced muscle mass and better cardiovascular health [9].