Veterans Administration (VA) researchers are working with MIT scientists to create a robot called Anklebot. The VA is now conducting a two year study to see if Anklebot is helping stroke victims improve their gait. The study being conducted at the VA Maryland Health Care System in Baltimore at www.maryland.va.gov is beginning to show that walking on a treadmill with the Anklebot may improve independent gait velocity and forward propulsion.
This is accomplished by improving ankle control at key times during walking. Anklebot works by gradually retraining the brain and muscles which helps recapture at least to some extent the way the person walked before the stroke.
A patient walks on the treadmill with electronic switch plates inserted in the shoes. The switch plates monitor how well the patient is lifting each foot. Then the switch plates transmits that information to a computer which then sends signals to Anklebot’s pistons situated on either side of the ankle. The pistons continuously provide appropriate amounts of boost in just the right amount to help correct each step. Eventually, the patient is weaned off of the robot when they move incrementally toward a more normal gait.
VA researchers have also developed a software tool to enable precise blood sugar management for hospitalized patients in several settings such as the ICU as well as during post ICU transition. The software tool called “Glycemic Expert for Nurse Implemented Euglycemia” or GENIE includes an algorithm designed to automatically calculate insulin amount necessary for blood glucose control, able to safely maintains glucose levels, easy to use, and provides access to a nation-wide patient base for testing and validation.
GENIE has been shown to be effective in VA hospitals but will only be adapted widespread through partnership with one of more commercial licensees. VA inventors are available to collaborate with interested companies through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement.
For more information, email Ken Levin, Ph.D. at Ken.levin@va.gov or call 202-461-1713.