Effect of GEMS-H on Locomotor Function in Adults
Effect of GEMS-H on Locomotor Function in Adults
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of training with the Gait Enhancing and Motivating System-Hip (GEMS-H) vs. training without the GEMS-H on locomotor function in adults. The investigator hypothesizes that long-term GEMS-H use would improve locomotor function. Specifically, individuals in the GEMS-H group will show faster gait speed compared to those in the control group.
The GEMS-H is a hip-type assist device developed by Samsung Electronics. The GEMS-H is worn around the waist and fastened at the waist and thighs by a set of belts with velcro to assist motion at the hip joints. The device weighs 2.1kg, and has 2 brushless direct current motors running on a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The normal operation time for the device is 2 hours. It is controlled through a custom built application on a hand held tablet.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of training with the Gait Enhancing and Motivating System-Hip (GEMS-H) vs. training without the GEMS-H on locomotor function in adults. The investigator hypothesizes that long-term GEMS-H use would improve locomotor function. Specifically, individuals in the GEMS-H group will show faster gait speed compared to those in the control group.
Participants will be scheduled for 18 sessions of training (randomly placed either in GEMS-H training group or traditional training group without the GEM-H) plus 5 sessions of testing (pre-training, mid-test after the 9 sessions of training, post-training, 1 month follow-up and 3 month follow-up after the 18 sessions training completed).
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: