SELF-BALANCING ROBOTIC-ASSISTED KNEE–ANKLE–FOOT ORTHOSIS (RA-KAFO) FOR IMPROVING GAIT AND REDUCING EFFORT IN INCOMPLETE SPINAL CORD INJURY REHABILITATION: A CASE STUDY

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Abstract
This case study investigated the effects of a novel self-balancing robotic-assisted knee–ankle–foot orthosis (RA-KAFO) on gait function and reducing physical effort in a 52-year-old male with an incomplete lumbar 4–5 spinal cord injury (SCI). The participant underwent gait trials under three conditions: overground walking with crutches, RA-KAFO with crutches, and self-balancing RA-KAFO, across both comfortable and fast walking speeds. Results indicated significant improvements with the self-balancing RA-KAFO, including increased functional ambulation category (FAC) scores, reduced rate of perceived exertion (RPE), faster 10-m walk test velocities, and normalized knee joint kinematics. These findings demonstrate that the self-balancing RA-KAFO may offer superior gait stability and efficiency compared with conventional orthotic systems, highlighting its potential as an effective intervention in SCI rehabilitation.
Funding Information
  • National Research Foundation of Korea (RS-2025-24534569)
  • Regional Innovation System & Education (2025-RISE-10-006)
  • Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (RS-2025-02634726)

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