Robot-Aided Off-Axis Neuromuscular Training for Knee OA

A novel custom-designed elliptical trainer is developed, and its footplates are robot-controlled to be moved in four off-axis directions (sliding in/out, pivoting in/out; corresponding to knee valgus/varus, internal rotation/external rotation). Before the training, off-axis neuromechanical assessments will be conducted to determine which specific off-axis direction (valgus, varus, internal rotation, external rotation, or combination of the off-axis directions) has neuromechanical deficits. During the evaluation-based and subject-specific neuromuscular training, the different training modes will be conducted progressively from regular stepping, footplate position control, spring mode, perturbation, to slippery mode.

traditional elliptical regular stepping