Sensors, Vol. 24, Pages 2645: Exploring Human & ndash;Exoskeleton Interaction Dynamics: An In-Depth Analysis of Knee Flexion & ndash;Extension Performance across Varied Robot Assistance & ndash;Resistance Configurations

Sensors, Vol. 24, Pages 2645: Exploring Human–Exoskeleton Interaction Dynamics: An In-Depth Analysis of Knee Flexion–Extension Performance across Varied Robot Assistance–Resistance Configurations Sensors doi: 10.3390/s24082645 Authors: Denis Mosconi Yecid Moreno Adriano Siqueira Knee rehabilitation therapy after trauma or neuromotor diseases is fundamental to restore the joint functions as best as possible, exoskeleton robots being an important resource in this context, since they optimize therapy by applying tailored forces to assist or resist movements, contributing to improved patient outcomes and treatment efficiency. One of the points that must be taken into account when using robots in rehabilitation is their interaction with the patient, which must be safe for both and guarantee the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the interaction between humans and an exoskeleton during the execution of knee flexion–extension movements under various configurations of robot assistance and resistance. The evaluation encompassed considerations of myoelectric activity, muscle recruitment, robot torque, and performed movement. To achieve this, an experimental protocol was implemented, involving an individual wearing the exoskeleton and executing knee flexion–extension motions while seated, with the robot configured in five distinct modes: passive (P), assistance on flex...
Source: Sensors - Category: Biotechnology Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research