Figure 1.
Closed-loop robotic interface for online posture control. (a) Integration of the robotic interface within a real-time monitoring platform for closed-loop postural control in paralyzed rats. Animals received a severe contusion of the spinal cord, and were trained to stand and step on a treadmill with body-weight support under electrical and pharmacological spinal cord neuromodulation. Bilateral kinematics, extensor (Medial Gastrocnemius) and flexor (Tibialis Anterior) electromyographic signals and ground reaction forces are recorded synchronously and available online (200 Hz) during continuous stepping. (b) Attachment system and embedded components to provide mediolateral actuation with minimal inertial effects. (c) Bar plots comparing various locomotor features using the robotic vs. standard non-actuated attachment systems. Data are mean + SEM.