Changes in Pelvic Biomechanics Induced by RELIVE Overground Gait Rehabilitation System

The ability to control pelvis movements is very important during gait. However, the pelvis mechanism is an underdeveloped component of gait rehabilitation systems. Any blocked or reduced pelvis degree-of-motion leads to abnormal gait patterns. The RELIVE system is an overground gait training system that includes a mechatronic subsystem for vertical alternative oscillation of the pelvic girdle, which provides assistance for pelvic movements, by allowing rotational and translational movements of the pelvis during the walking cycle. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence on pelvic angular motions in order to identify the strong and the weak points of the subsystem, for future development. We recorded data regarding tilt, obliquity, transverse rotation and symmetry index, using BTS G-Walk. The RELIVE system has proven to reduce the amplitude of angular movements and therefore, to partially provide control of the center of mass, by reducing the trajectory excursions. The RELIVE system has huge potential in controlling pelvic motions and center-of-mass trajectories, but more research is needed for future development.