Qualitative evaluations of gait rehabilitation via EMG muscle activation pattern: Repetition, symmetry, and smoothness

Evaluations for gait rehabilitation is difficult because gait parameters change with individuals and situations, such as walking speeds and step length. Doctors suggest proper rehabilitation programs for patients after performing initial clinical evaluations. For the use of design and control of the NaTUre-gaits (natural and tuneable rehabilitation gait system), this paper provides a clinical analysis through an EMG measurement study. A methodology for gait qualitative evaluation is proposed, based on repetition, symmetry, and smoothness characteristics of the walking muscle activation pattern. Clinical trials conducted at a local hospital verify the methodology with comparison between healthy person walking and patient walking. Result has shown the effectiveness of the evaluation methodology developed in this study.