Re: New high-tech device gives patients back the full use of their legs.
Stephen Wolstenholme
>With almost Biblical authority, the technician made a final adjustment
>to the leg band, then leaned back and commanded his client to get up
>and walk.
>
>And Vicki Dutton did. Tentatively at first, she took a step. Then she
>strode out of the room, down the hall and onto the sidewalk - pain-
>and cane-free, her first unsupported steps in years.
>
>http://www.vancouversun.com/health/like+miracle/2184292/story.html
About five years ago, in an experiment, I had my legs and feet wired
up with electronic sensors and stimulators. My foot lifts were
triggered by pressure sensors in my feet. The electrical pulses were
sent to trigger points in my leg muscles. A small computer controlled
the timing. It proved very difficult for me to control the "walking"
so it was not a great success in my case. Others may have had more
success. What this type of system really needs is the ability to learn
from the user. A simple neural network would work well.
Steve
--
Neural Planner Software Ltd www.NPSL1.com
Gary Aiken
a year ago. It did lift the foot, though not much because I've lost
flexibility and range of motion in the ankle. And it didn't lift the
whole leg, so I was still dragging the foot.
On a related note, the Musmate Walking Aid is now available in the U.S.,
for $197. I've tried that too: it lifts the leg as well as the foot.
It's kludgy, but has possibilities. My leg was too weak to benefit, but
I might be able to make it work for me if I really work at it.
Gary