Self-propelled weight-relieving walker for gait rehabilitation

This paper describes a novel walking aid, the weight relieving walker (WRW), which partially relieves the body weight of an ambulating patient. The device incorporates a pneumatic weight relief mechanism, a restraint mechanism and a forward propulsion mechanism. Weight relief facilitates stance on an affected lower limb as well as the swing of that same limb. Restraint of the patient by the walker adds to trunk stability thereby facilitating walking movements of the lower extremities. A motorized, self-propelled walker neutralizes the effect of the walker's own weight on patient's locomotion. Additionally, it contributes to step symmetry. Data gathered from 26 patients with severe locomotion problems, point to a substantial contribution of the device to ambulation.