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Title: Robotic Hip Swinger
UC Case No: 2001-476-4-ott
Categories: Biotechnology: Medical Devices
Biomedical Engineering: Devices
Background: Over 700,000 people in the U.S alone suffer strokes each year often resulting in an impairment of walking ability. A popular approach to locomotion rehabilitation called body weight supported (BWS) training shows promise in improving locomotion after strokes. However the technique involves suspending the patient in a harness above a treadmill and manually assisting the legs and hips in a walking pattern. Although effective, this technique is highly labor intensive and thus clinical access is limited.
Technology: This invention provides a robotic method of locomotion training without directly touching the subject's legs and still involves shifting a subject's pelvis to aid in the walking motion desired. By optimizing the hip or pelvis swing an optimal leg swing motion is created by moving the pelvis robotically without the need for human contact with the leg thus reducing the labor intensive nature of this crucial therapy.
Application: Stroke therapy, spinal cord injury therapy
Contact: Doug Crawford, Senior Licensing Officer, Engineering & Physical Sciences
Office of Technology Alliances
University of California, Irvine
380 University Tower
Irvine, CA 92697-7700

Phone: (949) 824-2405
FAX: (949) 824-2899
Email: doug.crawford@uci.edu
Patent Status: Pending
UCI School: School of Engineering
Department: Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering