Gait analysis is the best objective measurement tool for monitoring rehabilitation. However, it has limitations to evaluate gait recovery. Previous studies have evaluated the effect of gait training using continuous relative phase. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of gait recovery by rehabilitation gait training on lower limb coordination. We analyzed spatio-temporal parameters and CRP values of hip and knee joints based on gait analysis data obtained by 3D motion analysis system at 15 days intervals in 24 uni-lateral transfemoral amputees participated in IRP. Our results revealed that walking velocity of uni-lateral transfemoral amputees who participated in the program during a mean of 107.1 days was 49.2% faster than that at initial stage. The walking velocity showed a 46% increase at the end of 30 days after training. In gait coordination, values of CRP-RMS and CRP-SD were increased and maintained in-phase pattern. CRP showed symmetry in both limbs at the end of 90 days after training. Therefore, CRP is a significant factor in the gait recovery process. Effects of various rehabilitation training methods can be determined through CRP analysis.

The aim of this study ultimately is verifying that PGO gait is more efficient than RGO for paraplegics because the air muscle assists hip flexion power in heel off movement. The gait characteristics of the paraplegic wearing the PGO or RGO are compared with that of a normal person. PGO with air muscles was used to analyze the walking of patients with lower-limb paralysis, and the results showed that the hip joint flexion and pelvic tilt angle decreased in PGO. In comparison to RGO gait, which is propelled by the movements of the back, PGO uses air muscles, which decreases the movement in the upper limb from a stance phase rate of 79±4%(RGO) to 68±8%. The energy consumption rate was 8.65±3.3 (㎖/min/㎏) for RGO, while it decreased to 7.2±2.5(㎖/min/㎏) for PGO. The results from this study show that PGO decreases energy consumption while providing support for patients with lower-limb paralysis, and it is helpful in walking for extended times.

A finite element simulation model was developed for the performance optimization of a closed type air-cell mattress used for the ulcer prevention. An H-model with material properties of human flesh and kinematic joints were used for the calculation of the body contact pressure. The material property of rubber air-cell was evaluated by tensile test of standard specimen. We evaluated the body contact pressure distribution after laying human model on the inflated air-cell mattress. It was found that the body contact pressure was dependent on cell height, but hardly affected by the thickness of the rubber in a cell.