Lower Limb ExoNET: Development and Evaluation for Gait Assistance With Stroke Survivors

Muscle activation (specifically voltage amplitude) using wearable surface EMG of the gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, soleus, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, and gluteus maximus.

• The score of the test is the distance a patient walks in 6 minutes. Walking is self-paced on a standardized walk space using standardized instructions.
• The patient may take as many standing rests as they like, but the timer should kept running and the number of rests taken and the total rest time recorded.
• Assistive devices are allowed and must be documented.
• Clinician assistance is permitted and must be from posterior so as not to pace the participant, and the level of assist must be documented.
• When administering the test, do not walk in front of or directly beside the patient, as this may "pace" the patient and influence the speed and distance they walk. Instead, walk at least a half step behind the patient.
• If a participant cannot walk but has goals and expectations to regain walking, a 6MWT score of 0 should be documented.
• No talking should be done with the participant during the test other than the scripted and timed feedback outlined in the 6MWT guidelines.

The individual is instructed to walk a set distance (6 meters, 10 meters, etc). Time is measured while the individual walks the set distance (often the individual is given space to accelerate to his/her preferred walking speed (this distance is not included when determining speed). The distance covered is divided by the time it took the individual to walk that distance.

Collect gait symmetry and other gait parameters such as stride length, using Kinect v2, GaitRite, and OpenCap. Kinect v2 tracks 3D joint kinematics to assess symmetry (left-right differences), stride length (foot displacement), and parameters like step time and velocity. GaitRite's pressure-sensitive walkway measures precise stride length, symmetry (step length/time differences), and parameters such as cadence and stance time. OpenCap, with multiple cameras and cloud processing, captures 3D kinematics to calculate symmetry, stride length, joint angles, and the Gait Deviation Index (GDI). Data will be synchronized, systems calibrated, and participants will walk naturally for analysis using dedicated software and scripts, ensuring comprehensive gait evaluation.