In this paper, we propose an interactive mobile gait training system that allows trainees to interact actively with its content (the gait training content). The proposed system is a new type of gait training one combining a mobile robot with virtual reality (contents). It is a mobile system that projects virtual contents (for example, virtual footprints) for gait training on the actual ground (or floor). The performance and effectiveness of the proposed system were examined through a trainee’s foot recognition test and usability evaluation. The test results confirmed that the proposed system showed an average recognition ratio of more than 97%, meaning that the system could accurately recognize the trainee’s foot. In addition, as a result of usability evaluation, the overall satisfaction was 86%, confirming that the proposed system is effective.

Moon JG, et al. Ann Rehabil Med. 2017 Oct;41(5):892-896. https://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2017.41.5.892

We report an unfortunate case of rectal perforation and subsequent peritonitis in a 74-year-old lady who underwent haemorrhoidal artery ligation in order to treat complex large external and internal haemorrhoids. Serious complications following haemorrhoid surgery are rare and this is the first documented case of delayed intra-abdominal rectal perforation following a haemorrhoid artery ligation operation and converted Ligasure open haemorrhoidectomy.

This study aimed to investigate if voluntary participation in robot-assisted gait training leads to more concentrated muscle activity patterns and clinical measure improvements. A single-participant research design study was conducted with a gradual reduction in robotic assistance during robot-assisted gait training. A child with cerebral palsy participated in 20 robot-assisted gait training sessions and two assessment sessions across 99 days. The assistive force of the Lokomat gradually reduced during repeated training. The effects of reduced assistive force on muscle activity patterns were quantitatively analyzed using a clustering algorithm and electromyography. Improvements in overall gait quality and muscle strength were measured after robot-assisted gait training. The results also showed that the number of clustered representative patterns doubled and muscle activation patterns increased when the assistance decreased by 20%, whereas full robot assistance might have hindered active participation. Since assistive force modulation can be a key in robotic rehabilitation, the proposed protocol, involving gradual assistive force reduction, demonstrates promising efficacy and allows for in-depth analysis. Therefore, further randomized clinical trials based on this study can be possible for children with cerebral palsy.