Symmetric Gait Trainer

Symmetric Gait Trainer

People who have gotten a hip- or knee-prothesis have problems to walk symmetrically, because through a long period of pain they got used to an asymmetric way of walking. The symmetric gait trainer should help people in their daily walking to be reminded to walk more symmetrically again. This is not to substitute physiotherapy, but in addition, where a physiotherapist sets the goals and gives instructions on the adequate way of walking.

The core idea is that people get haptic feedback when they do noy walk (more) symmerically. Adaption to the learning level of the user is relevant, i.e. persons who are not capable of walking absolutely symmetrically should get feedback on the level that is within their capabilities.

research directions here include:
- In a bachelor project already a machine learning approach was explored to sense the symmetry of walking. Based on these results improvements in the model and also data collection would be of interest
- Feedback strategies and feedback fading strategies that support learning in this case are relevant.
- As these gait trainers are intended to be used in combination with physiotherapy, also physiotherapsists' perspectives and needs have to be adressed.