According to a story from Medgadget, a team of scientists from Columbia University have been working on a robotic device that could assist patients with spinal cord injuries and impairments improve trunk control. Most people with spinal impairments are relegated to wheelchairs, but the new device will allow them to improve their sitting posture and stability as well as improve their overall range of movement from the sitting position.
The Trunk Support Trainer
Additionally, the device is expected to improve patient safety and reduce the risk of falls or other accidents. The device is essentially a robotic belt that is positioned around the torso. As the user begins movements of their upper body, the device applies additional forces to augment their abilities. These forces are applied through a system of motorized cables. The device is known as the Trunk Support Trainer (TruST).
Improving Quality of Life
So far, tests of the device has been limited to a pilot study that included five patients with spinal injury. These patients performed movements without the use of their hands in eight different directions. So far, TruST appears to be useful, and was able to increase the patients’ usable workspace by around 25 percent. An important advantage of the device is that it frees up the use of the patient’s hands, which would otherwise be needed to provide extra support and stability. TruST is also able to be customized to the capabilities of each patient.
One of the researchers involved in the device study, named Victor Santamaria, had this to say:
“The robotic platform will be used to train participants with spinal cord injuries by challenging them to move their trunk over a larger workspace.”
This comment highlights the potential of TruST to not only help improve patient mobility, but to also help improve patients’ upper body strength and coordination. The role of the device in rehabilitation has significant potential to allow meaningful improvements in quality-of-life for patients with spinal cord injuries and impairments.
Check out a brief video released by the University about the research here.
