A research protocol exploring the use of haptic forces for stroke rehabilitation

We developed a system to investigate the effects of haptic tensile forces in the direction of locomotion in a virtual environment. Pilot results show improvement in gait velocity and symmetry when forces (5-20N) are applied to the hand. Healthy participants (n=5) increased walking velocity by 6-17% and a chronic stroke participant increased by 15%. When a transient perturbation increased force (10N to 15-20N), the stroke participant decreased walking velocity and showed greater trunk instability. Further investigation of perturbation effects is needed. Also, a comparison of mobility and balance outcomes between haptic forces and the common assistive cane will be conducted.