For the first time, a detailed musculoskeletal model was developed to investigate paraplegic gait using Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (RGO). This model contains over 150 muscles in the lumbar region. Muscle forces were solved using inverse dynamics and optimization with aid of AnyBody Modeling System (AMS). Kinematic data were collected from a subject in the biomechanics lab. You can watch videos of this simulation here.
It may seem that the subject gait is abnormal! In fact, a healthy man wore the orthosis, so his step length seems longer than usual. Kinematics data of a paraplegic person, who wore RGO was recorded and was applied to the model. This model can be helpful for training patients, increasing performance of gait, and improving RGO design.