Hidler Joseph, Brennan David, Black Iian, Nichols Diane, Brady Kathy, Nef Tobias
Aretech, LLC, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Suite 112, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
J Rehabil Res Dev. 2011;48(4):287-98. doi: 10.1682/jrrd.2010.05.0098.
A new overground body-weight support system called ZeroG has been developed that allows patients with severe gait impairments to practice gait and balance activities in a safe, controlled manner. The unloading system is capable of providing up to 300 lb of static support and 150 lb of dynamic (or constant force) support using a custom-series elastic actuator. The unloading system is mounted to a driven trolley, which rides along an overhead rail. We evaluated the performance of ZeroG's unloading system, as well as the trolley tracking system, using benchtop and human-subject testing. Average root-mean-square and peak errors in unloading were 2.2 and 7.2 percent, respectively, over the range of forces tested while trolley tracking errors were less than 3 degrees, indicating the system was able to maintain its position above the subject. We believe training with ZeroG will allow patients to practice activities that are critical to achieving functional independence at home and in the community.
一种名为“零重力”（ZeroG）的新型地面体重支撑系统已被研发出来，它能让严重步态障碍患者以安全、可控的方式进行步态和平衡活动。该卸载系统使用定制系列弹性致动器，能够提供高达300磅的静态支撑和150磅的动态（或恒力）支撑。卸载系统安装在一个从动小车上，小车沿着高架轨道运行。我们通过台式测试和人体测试评估了“零重力”卸载系统以及小车跟踪系统的性能。在测试的力范围内，卸载时的平均均方根误差和峰值误差分别为2.2%和7.2%，而小车跟踪误差小于3度，这表明该系统能够在受试者上方保持其位置。我们相信，使用“零重力”进行训练将使患者能够练习对在家中和社区实现功能独立至关重要的活动。
