gaitassistance
Gait assistance refers to strategies and devices designed to support walking for people with impaired mobility or increased fall risk. The aim is to improve safety, reduce energy expenditure, and promote functional independence by providing mechanical support, propulsion, neuromuscular stimulation, or a combination of these.
Non-wearable aids include canes, crutches, walkers, and ankle–foot orthoses. These devices broaden the base of support,
Wearable gait-assist devices include powered exoskeletons, soft exosuits, and functional electrical stimulation systems that activate leg
Rehabilitation devices such as body-weight–supported treadmills and robotic gait trainers support repetitive, task-specific practice and may
Indications include stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, other neuromotor conditions,
Outcomes are device- and condition-dependent; benefits may include increased walking speed, endurance, and independence, with safety
Future developments focus on smarter control systems, compact lightweight designs, and integration with monitoring and tele-rehabilitation