Optimizing impedance control of an ankle exoskeleton to improve post-stroke walking mechanics and energetics

Project Summary Approximately 80% of the 7 million stroke survivors in the United States are affected by hemiparesis, or muscle weakness on one side of the body. When compared to unimpaired gait, hemiparetic walking is both asymmetric and slow. High interlimb asymmetry has been documented in ankle joint power output, and preferred walking speeds following a stroke range between