Developments in Smart Multi-Function Gait Assistive Devices for the Prevention and Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis—A Literature Review

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition that critically affects locomotor ability and quality of life and, the particularly prevalent in senior population. The current review presents gait biomechanics conceptual framework for designing active knee orthoses to prevent remediate OA. Constant excessive loading diminishes joint articular cartilage therefore, measures reduce kinetic stresses due fact adduction moments compression are an essential target OA prevention. A powered orthosis enables torque generation support motions machine-learning-driven “smart systems” can optimise magnitude timing actuator forces. Although further research required, recent findings raise possibility exoskeleton-supported, non-surgical interventions, increasing treatment options this prevalent, painful seriously debilitating disease. Combined with advances regenerative medicine, such as stem cell implantation manipulation messenger ribonucleic acid (m-RNA) transcription, be designed incorporate electro-magnetic stimulators promote resynthesis.