Challenges in Adaptive Robot-Assisted Gait Training: The Balancing Act of Minimizing Assistance While Preserving Safety

To maximize functional outcomes, rehabilitation strategies must provide challenging environments that encourage active participation of the users. Robotic gait trainers can provide adaptive and personalized environments that guide the patient as needed and encourage the patient to be active during the whole therapy session. However, even though research in neurological recovery may favor such approaches, they may be highly difficult to implement in practice. Here, we share some challenges in implementing adaptive robot-assisted gait training in practice.