Soft Exosuits for Functional Gait Recovery in Acute Stroke Rehabilitation

Participants will utilize a Wyss designed hip flexion soft exosuit. This device has a small rope winch at the front of the hip connected to a functional textile waistband and thigh band. It applies an assistive torque in response to wearable sensor measurements.

Participants will utilize the ReWalk ReStore ankle soft exosuit. This device provides dynamic plantarflexion and dorsiflexion during walking intended to restore paretic limb function resulting in improved gait symmetry, reduced energy cost of walking and improved stability. The exosuits consists of a body-worn actuation unit containing motors, gears, and pulleys that when powered generate forces that are transmitted via Bowden cables to functional textiles anchored proximal and distal to a joint. This actuation occurs in response to signals from embedded wearable sensors.

Participants will complete conventional physical therapy without use of exosuits during the course of their inpatient rehabilitation stay.