Evaluation of Gait Rehabilitation with a Locomotion Interface Using NIRS

This paper describes the evaluation of cortical activity during gait training with a Locomotion Interface (LI). The LI consists of two 2DOF motion-platforms with footpads. In this research, the footpads follow a prescribed motion. The user experiences the motion iteratively as gait training. Using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), the cortical activity was measured to assess the impact of our system. Gait training of both healthy individuals and hemiplegic patients was conducted. As a result, difference in gait was found for exercise on the LI and on a treadmill.