| abstract |
An exoskeleton for the support of a patient's body is jointed opposite the hip and knee articulations, and is provided with a number of small actuators that are designed to move jointed parts of the exoskeleton in accordance with the human gait. A control unit is programmed to control the operation of the actuators so as to impress on the exoskeleton the movements of the human gait. A remote control for operation of the control unit allows the patient to transmit commands to the unit in order to start or stop the lower limbs, as well as to adjust the step speed. An electronic virtual reality unit transmits to the patient, through a special helmet, virtual reality pictures and stimulation interactive with the walking movement that is impressed by the exoskeleton on the patient's body. A framework can be used to steady and support the person and allow the person to walk at the same time, and has grips having operating push buttons for the remote control unit. Alternatively, a rail is suspended at a distance from the ground higher than human height for supporting and guiding a ball bearing or a slide slidable inside or on the rail. A metal framework is supported by the ball bearing or slide and provided with two suspenders or rods for supporting the exoskeleton of the patient. |