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Differential Pressure Walking Assistance |
Investigators: Charles G. Burgar, MD and Robert T. Whalen, PhD
Project Staff: Douglas F. Schwandt, MS, James H. Anderson, JEM, and Greg Breit, PhD
Summary: The Differential Pressure Walking Assist (DPWA), which comfortably reduces the ground reaction force and lower limb muscle and joint forces, is intended for patients recovering from neurologic diseases and orthopedic procedures. The DPWA consists of an inflatable vinyl skirt with a flexible, air-tight neoprene waist seal enclosing the subject's lower body. The skirt is attached to a wooden treadmill enclosure. A lifting force equal to the pressure difference times the waist cross-sectional area supports the subject during ambulation, removing half of the subject's effective weight with 1 psi (50 mmHg) differential pressure.
Description: This walking support uses positive air pressure inside an inflatable skirt to lift the feet entirely off the floor, actually floating the body. This reduces stress on the lower limbs and enables walking therapy to begin sooner.
Problem: Patients recovering from neurologic diseases and orthopedic procedures can begin rehabilitation earlier with the help of specialized exercise devices.
Approach: Using design concepts developed in collaboration with NASA Ames Research Center we are developing devices which enable a patient to begin exercise therapy using the lower body without the stress of carrying full body weight.
Findings: This apparatus is undergoing evaluation as a means of providing partial body weight support during gait training.
Related Work:
Funding Source: VA RR&D Merit Review
Years: 1997-2000