REHABILITATION INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Grant: $225,201 - Department of Health and Human Services - May. 11, 2009
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Award Description: The goal of this proposed research is to improve the efficacy of body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) in people post-stroke using a novel robotic therapy that applies forces to the paralyzed leg during the swing phase of gait. Impaired mobility is an important factor in determining the degree of physical disability after stroke. While up to 80% of individuals with stroke may ultimately recover the ability to walk short distance, most of them do not achieve the locomotor capacity necessary for community ambulation. As a result, there is a desire to develop new techniques to enhance the therapeutic effect in this population. While statistically significant improvements in walking recovery with BWSTT have been shown, it remains unclear whether therapeutic effects of such training are maximized. In addition, a major limitation of BWSTT is the requirement of greater involvement of physical therapist. Robotic assisted BWSTT demonstrates effectiveness in reducing therapist labor in locomotor training but shows relatively limited functional gains for some patients. Our goal is therefore to enhance the efficacy of BWSTT by applying assistance as needed or resistance as tolerated to the paralyzed leg during treadmill training.
Project Description: The goal of this proposed research is to improve the efficacy of body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) in people post-stroke using a novel robotic therapy that applies forces to the paralyzed leg during the swing phase of gait.
Jobs Summary: Principal Investigator (50% effort), Research Physical Therapist (70% effort) and Research Engineer (10% effort) (Total jobs reported: 1)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on May. 11, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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