4 ms·

It involves a tether providing precisely-timed tugs: "“When we walk, there is a short period between steps where one foot is stopping its forward motion while

It involves a tether providing precisely-timed tugs: "“When we walk, there is a short period between steps where one foot is stopping its forward motion while the other is preparing to accelerate to take the next step forward. Our research shows that this brief window where both feet are on the ground is the best time to apply force to assist walking most efficiently,” said Philippe Malcolm, Ph.D., assistant professor in biomechanics at UNO and lead investigator of the study. The device works by providing timed pulls from a motorized pulley while an individual walks on a treadmill. Since it only requires wearing a waist belt, it is relatively easy to make individualized adjustments compared to more complicated devices."

Maursault 5y ago
Kind of a rip-off, was hoping for an unassisted walking technique. One could also strap on balloons to lift some of one's weight, and use a giant fan, also held buoyant from balloons, pull forward to assist in walking. Or, one could use a bus, which at 50mph could pull you up a hill by the time you walked from the back of the bus to the front. Where are my research grants?
- fattless 5y ago
  Fair, but consider its use in rehabilitation. Ive recently had ACL surgery, and you essentially have to learn how to walk all over again, not to mention the pain and how little weight you can put onto it at first. In order to properly walk and run again, I used a treadmill with essentially a large bag on it which inflated, lifting you slightly. This put less weight on your legs, allowing you to walk and run with proper form and speed up recovery, it was crucial for me learning to run again. (It was an AlterG device btw) Was I “cheating”? Kinda, but that’s not the point. This device can help patients with low mobility. The article lays out both how it works and its potential use case.
smm11 5y ago
I can walk faster when walking my large dog and he sees a squirrel. Nothing new here.

Maursault 5y ago

Kind of a rip-off, was hoping for an unassisted walking technique. One could also strap on balloons to lift some of one's weight, and use a giant fan, also held buoyant from balloons, pull forward to assist in walking. Or, one could use a bus, which at 50mph could pull you up a hill by the time you walked from the back of the bus to the front. Where are my research grants?

fattless 5y ago
Fair, but consider its use in rehabilitation. Ive recently had ACL surgery, and you essentially have to learn how to walk all over again, not to mention the pain and how little weight you can put onto it at first. In order to properly walk and run again, I used a treadmill with essentially a large bag on it which inflated, lifting you slightly. This put less weight on your legs, allowing you to walk and run with proper form and speed up recovery, it was crucial for me learning to run again. (It was an AlterG device btw) Was I “cheating”? Kinda, but that’s not the point. This device can help patients with low mobility. The article lays out both how it works and its potential use case.

smm11 5y ago

I can walk faster when walking my large dog and he sees a squirrel. Nothing new here.