Development and pilot clinical evaluation of a haptic-based perception-empathy biofeedback device for gait rehabilitation

Recent studies have shown that haptic feedback on the body, either at or away from the desired gait parameter to be changed, can improve gait performance. Here we introduced a haptic-based biofeedback device to supplement the foot pressure information of a paretic foot with a wearable vibrotactile biofeedback device attached to the back. This system provides information regarding a patient's foot pressure pattern to the patient and physical therapist. Therefore, the biofeedback system can share information regarding abnormal gait patterns between patients and therapists. This pilot study showed that the device immediately improved the stride length during walking, but not walking speed. Furthermore, subjective reports indicated that synchronizing foot pressure pattern information between the patient and therapist induced higher patient motivation for gait rehabilitation.