Assistive ExoSkeletons to Enable Wearable Rehabilitation Robotics

Study will evaluate the use of lower-limb assistive exo-skeletons worn on the ankle and foot. Participants will wear the exo-skeletons and walk in a safe environment. Measurements will be taken to determine how the exo-skeletons affect the pressure on the feet of people with diabetic foot ulcer and how they walk.

Study will evaluate the use of lower-limb assistive exo-skeletons worn on the ankle and foot. Participants will include those with self-described history of Diabetic Foot Ulcer and age-matched healthy volunteers. Participants will wear the exo-skeletons and will be asked to walk 32 feet, and to stand quietly for 30 seconds. Measurements will be taken to evaluate how the exoskeletons affect how people walk, and will also evaluate the pressure on the bottom of their feet. These measurements will be repeated multiple times to evaluate four different exo-tendon spring rates, and two sets of control shoes. Exo-skeletons have been shown to reduce the pressure on the bottoms of people's feet and to reduce the effort to walk. This study is necessary to understand the contribution of different levels of exo-skeleton spring force to these effects.