Lower-limb exoskeleton lets man walk

Carbon fibre C-Brace uses a built-in microprocessor and sensors

A south-west London man unable to walk unaided since he was a child has become the first person in the UK to be fitted with a computer-controlled leg brace.

The lower-limb bionic exoskeleton brace has been launched in the UK by prosthetic and orthotic specialists Ottobock to help people living with partial paralysis, spinal injury, post-stroke and post-polio syndrome to walk naturally again.

The C-Brace, which is made from carbon fibre, uses a built-in microprocessor and sensors that allows the knee to control all aspects of the walking cycle and can be worn on either one or both legs.

For example, the knee angle sensor in the joint axis measures the current position of the joint every 0.02 seconds. The brace contains up to five presets, including an in-line skating mode, cycling and golfing. It is powered by a Integrated Li-ion battery.

David Buchanan, Ottobock Academy clinician and UK stance control expert, said: "This is a device designed for people who don't have the full control of their legs or can't bear weight without collapsing.

"It's the first 'swing-phase' control orthosis, which means that the computer and sensors inside the device control the leg in space - just like the advanced prosthetic legs.

"This means that it can help people walk, cycle... even play a round of golf, naturally and comfortably."