Differences in the mediolateral control of balance during gait between 2D and 3D bodyweight support systems

Master thesis (2022)

Authors

S.L.J. Rademaker Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

H. Vallery Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
P. Forbes (supervisor 1)
J.K. Moore Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2022 Suzanne Rademaker
Gait Rehabilitation BWS GVS
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Published Date

23-02-2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Training with bodyweight support (BWS) systems can improve the likelihood of regaining normal locomotor abilities for neurologically impaired patients. It is known that people alter their gait parameters when walking with BWS. However, it is unclear whether 2D (vertical and lateral support) and 3D (only vertical support) BWS systems affect these gait parameters differently. In this study, participants walked overground in both a 2D and a 3D BWS system to investigate the effects of this lateral support. To compare the contribution of the vestibular system between the different BWS systems, participants received galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS). Motion capture and force plates were used to find the coupling between the GVS stimulus and the mediolateral ground reaction forces and to calculate the gait parameters. Differences in gait parameters were observed between the 2D and the 3D system. Compared to unsupported gait, participants increased their step width variability by ~10% in the 3D system. Contrarily, participants decreased step width variability by more than 15% in the 2D system. Mean step width decreased slightly in only the 3D system. The margin of stability did not change significantly in any condition. The coupling between the GVS signal and mediolateral ground reaction forces decreased in the 2D and 3D systems compared to unsupported gait, but no significant differences were observed between different BWS conditions. These results suggest that 2D and 3D BWS systems influence gait parameters differently and that they influence the contribution of the vestibular system to balance, but no significant differences between the systems can be observed in this aspect.