Design of the Wearable Power-Assist Locomotor (WPAL) for paraplegic gait reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To develop and clinically evaluate a novel assistive walking system, the Wearable Power-Assist Locomotor (WPAL).

METHODS

To evaluate the performance of WPAL, a clinical trial is conducted with four paraplegic patients. After fitting the WPAL, patients learned to use the WPAL. The length and duration of independent walking was measured and compared to conventional orthosis (Primewalk).

RESULTS

After training, all patients were able to stand, sit, and walk independently with the WPAL. Compared to a conventional orthosis (Primewalk), the duration and distance of independent ambulation increased. The physiological cost index (PCI), perceived exertion and EMG of upper extremities decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

WPAL might greatly enhance the possibility of restoration gait to paraplegic patients.