The i-Walker: An Intelligent Pedestrian Mobility Aid - Computational Intelligence in Healthcare: Advanced Methodologies - page 113

Fig. 7. Downhill experiment
from gait disturbances (like people who needs walker) because is forcing walking and
balance. The risk of falls in this state is high and usually these routes are not advised
for these users. However, when the system is working it assures safe conditions for the
user in downhill path. Another crucial situation shown in the figure is represented by
the transition between the downhill path and the flat. This moment require adequate
balance and coordination to assure the transition to one posture to another and then can
be considered as arisk situation. Thanks to the i-Walker it is possible to assure a smooth
and safe movement.
We have the same comparison in Figure 8 when using the i-Walker uphill. In this
second example the user clearly benefits from the system as he needs just to use the
strength to walking uphill and not to push the walker while the i-Walker is helping in
correct gait and balance. Besides, even if the user stops to rest up, he is not forced to to
hold the walker and can use this freedom instead to rely on security.
Fig. 8. Uphill experiment