Bose (2024) Motivation, Methods and Progress Towards Underwater Gait

This review explores the motivations, methods, and advancements in developing underwater gait assistance robots for rehabilitation. Gait disorders caused by musculoskeletal or neurological impairments significantly affect mobility, independence, and quality of life. The study highlights how hydrotherapy, combined with robotic systems, can enhance gait rehabilitation by leveraging water’s buoyancy and resistance properties.

The paper surveys current robotic platforms designed for underwater environments, discussing their successes and limitations. Devices such as pneumatic actuators and soft robotics are identified as suitable technologies for underwater use. Challenges like the complexity of fluid dynamics and the lack of standardized models for underwater gait were noted. Additionally, the potential benefits of combining robotic systems with hydrotherapy, such as reduced joint stress and enhanced motor training, were emphasized.

The authors call for interdisciplinary research to address design limitations and advance control systems tailored for underwater rehabilitation. They propose that future underwater robotic platforms focus on improving gait efficiency, strength, and balance while ensuring patient safety and comfort.