Design and Development of the Soft Robotic Back Orthosis

Low back pain is a disorder which affects almost 80% of the American population at some time during their lifespan. Approximately, 90% of these episodes are resolved within six weeks to three months. As low back pain is usually a symptom of a medical condition; many cases cannot be given a definite diagnosis which renders the condition difficult to treat. The estimated annual cost for back pain treatment amounts to $50 billion, in the United States alone. Several devices have already been designed for low back pain assistance. However, in the majority, the main drawback appears to be the rigidity of the device, which limits flexibility and comfort. Soft pneumatic actuators have the potential to provide the appropriate applications for low back pain prior- and post-surgery rehabilitation purposes. In this work, the design and development of a soft robotic back orthotic device that has the capability to relieve back pain by assisting patients to fully achieve the upright position and stabilize the lumbosacral spine, is presented. Unlike conventional robotic assistive devices, this pneumatically actuated back orthosis provides dynamic support while being light weight, comfortable and cost affordable.