This technology is a cable-driven robotic system that provides active trunk support and postural training for rehabilitation.
Current rehabilitation methods for patients with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders or injuries provide only passive management for lack of trunk control. These methods do not resolve paralysis or restore the postural muscle strength needed to sit independently. Moreover, these approaches often require extensive time with physical therapists and expensive equipment, making these treatments cost-prohibitive.
This device, Trunk Support Trainer (TruST), is a robotic system that consists of multiple cables that connect the patient’s torso to motors mounted on a stationary frame. Tension sensors in TruST provide feedback for adjusting the force applied on the torso for an active training process. TruST uses a motion capture system as well as a real-time controller to implement a two-stage control, through which creative adaptive forces are adjusted as the subject builds strength and stability. This dynamic system allows for supported trunk movement and can be combined with a virtual reality environment for improved patient engagement.
This effectiveness of this technology has been demonstrated in children with cerebral palsy and healthy adults.
IR CU17264
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu
