An Active Pelvis Orthosis (APO) for Post-stroke Gait Rehabilitation: a Pilot Study

The study is focused on helping stroke patients improve their walking speed by using a special device called the Active Pelvis Orthosis (APO). This device is a type of robotic exoskeleton that supports the hips and helps with walking motions. The main goal is to see if this device can safely and effectively increase the natural walking speed of stroke survivors. Understanding whether the APO can enhance walking speed is important because it could provide a new way to support rehabilitation and improve the quality of life for those affected by stroke. Participants in the study will attend multiple sessions where they will practice walking with the APO. The sessions include initial baseline assessments, a few practice sessions to get used to the device, and dedicated training sessions. The effectiveness of the APO will be measured by comparing walking speed before and after the training. Participants' walking abilities will be evaluated using standard walking tests and gait analysis, both with and without the device. This structured approach ensures the study thoroughly assesses the potential benefits and any safety concerns associated with using the APO for rehabilitation.