A new Anklebot offering, a revolutionary product developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and funded by the Department of Veteran Affairs, promises a new ray of hope for the rehabilitation of patients recovering from the effects of stroke and a host of other neurological disorders.

Now, researchers with the Baltimore Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center are conducting extensive tests to understand the effectiveness of the product in treating stroke patients.

It is estimated that more than 790,000 Americans suffer strokes annually, of which about 5 million are surviving today. Stroke survivors have to battle reduced ambulation and increased risk of falling especially so, if they have a walking deficit from the stroke. Researchers at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and the University of Maryland School of Medicine are today conducting trials, using the Anklebot, to supplement existing correctional techniques for walking and balancing post stroke.

The Anklebot is designed to fit on to the ankle as an external fitting, much like a support framework, which could control instability of the ankle and can be used by patients when walking on the ground, on the treadmill or while they are seated during sessions of ankle strengthening. It comes with a set of dynamic controls, enabling a useful “assist-as-needed” model, so patients need to use it only when they cannot complete a step. It also helps in resistance training by combining resistance straps and includes an easy tracking mechanism for ankle movements to assist in clinical assessments and evaluate progress.

Anindo Roy, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Robotics Engineer at the Baltimore VA Medical Center has also independently demonstrated that Anklebot could help in measuring ankle stiffness in chronic stroke survivors and has tried to pinpoint a probable vital feature of ankle pathology post stroke.

A current clinical study at the Baltimore VA Medical Center uses video games to test the efficacy of robotics in therapy. Patients use their weakened toes, supported by Anklebot, to navigate the joystick, at different levels of inclination. Patients have shown success in specific ankle movements with robotic help through various training sessions.

 

Researchers now also believe that Anklebot, with its tailor-made and flexible format and measurement features, could benefit patients in regaining human motor capabilities and improve gait and balance. More trials will be conducted to test the effectiveness on acute stroke patients, if used in the initial phase post an injury.