Wesselink, C.F. (2017) Muscle activity and temporal step parameters: a comparison between Lokomat guided walking and treadmill walking in children with Cerebral Palsy and able-bodied children. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Background: The Lokomat is a device that combines a robotic exoskeleton with body weight supported treadmill training to provide automated gait training. For successful implementation of Lokomat gait training in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), it is essential to determine 1) how walking in the Lokomat exoskeleton influences muscle activity in these children, 2) how the amount of robotic guidance affects muscle activity, and 3) how the Lokomat influences temporal step parameters. Method: Seven children with CP (four boys, age=13.29 and GMFCS II/III) and seven age-matched able-bodied children (five boys, age=13.71) walked on a treadmill and in the Lokomat exoskeleton with 50% and 100% guidance. Electromyography of the Gluteus Medius, Biceps Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Medial Gastrocnemius and Tibialis Anterior muscles of the most affected leg in children with CP and the right leg in ablebodied children were measured. Durations of single and double stance phases were detected with pressure sensors placed in the footwear of the participants. Results: Lokomat guided walking resulted in lower muscle activation amplitudes compared to treadmill walking, with a larger decrease in children with CP compared to able-bodied children. When 100% guidance was given, children with CP showed even lower muscle activity compared to walking with 50% guidance. Lokomat guided walking increases the duration of the single support phase, and decreases the duration of the double support phase in both groups. Conclusions: Lokomat guided walking reduces muscle activity in children with CP, especially when high levels of guidance are given. Active participation during gait therapy is essential for motor learning, therefore high levels of guidance should be avoided if possible. The changes in the temporal structure induced by the Lokomat might be reduced by using the path control mode of the Lokomat exoskeleton. In addition, the use of this mode might increase muscle activation. Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Children, Electromyography, Gait, Lokomat, Robotics
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Otter, dr. A.R. den and Kammen, K. van and Elsinghorst, A.L. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 11 May 2022 10:14 |
| Last Modified: | 11 May 2022 10:14 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3282 |
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