SHORT DESCRIPTION For spinal cord injury clinics, this technology creates a dynamic treadmill environment that applies adjustable lateral force fields to improve dynamic balance during gait training.
* Principal Investigator
NU Tech ID: NU 2017-103
IP STATUS
Issued US Patent - View Patent Details
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
TRL-5 Prototype Validated in Relevant Environment: The prototype has been successfully tested in a simulated clinical setting.
BACKGROUND Clinicians face challenges training dynamic balance in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. Current treadmill-based interventions do not adequately address lateral stability, leading to high fall rates and inefficient gait patterns. There is an unmet need for clinical tools that support precise, quantifiable balance training during walking.
ABSTRACT The Agility Trainer 2.0 system applies adjustable, velocity-dependent lateral forces to a patient’s pelvis during treadmill walking. It uses motorized cable systems and high precision sensors to generate viscous force fields that either resist or amplify lateral movement. Preliminary case studies indicate significant improvements in dynamic balance and gait stability. This clinical tool offers a streamlined user interface for physical therapists and integrates easily with existing treadmill setups, paving the way toward production-ready deployment.
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