Background
stroke
STROKE
Over 8 million people in the United States live with lingering symptoms following stroke [The utilization of novel perturbations to alter walking gait symmetry has produced short-term ambulation improvements. By utilizing these perturbations, the CNS can be trained to adapt to complex, unexplored environments through the integration of sensory feedback during ongoing movement [During walking each limb adapts independently to the environment, allowing for leg-specific responses to perturbations [Previously, researchers have used exoskeletons to manipulate spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic movement characteristics. Robotic (active) exoskeletons use software and powered actuation systems to apply forces at specific times during a movement pattern, such as walking gait [Typically, wearable devices, such as exoskeletons, are used to provide assistance. However, they may also yield resistance to promote adaptations similar to those observed with split-belt perturbations. Recent studies have explored the use of exoskeletons [The specific objective of our study was to determine if a passive unilateral hip exosuit can diminish asymmetric walking gait patterns in healthy participants. In order to induce walking asymmetry in healthy participants, we used a split-belt treadmill. Previous studies found that the split-belt paradigm leads to asymmetrical walking patterns in healthy young adults when initially introduced and asymmetrical after-effects upon return to a tied configuration [