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Powered functional total lower-limb orthoses designed for external modification of the structural and/or functional characteristics of the complete lower and upper limbs using power sources (usually electric) and powered mechanisms that may respond to the user\'s switching actions (i.e., autonomous) or to the muscular bioelectric (i.e., myoelectric) and neurologic bioelectric (i.e., neuroelectric) signals. These devices provide support, supplement, and/or augment the limb functions and/or its structure. These orthoses typically consist of dynamic wearable devices that include a computerized control unit with appropriate software to coordinate the user switching signals with the neuro and myoelectric signals; an actuator; myoelectric and neuroelectric sensors; power sources; motors; and a variety of mechanisms appropriate to facilitate the normal function of otherwise disabled upper limbs. Autonomous/neuro-myoelectric powered lower/upper-limb orthoses are mainly used to make functions such as grasping and gait possible.
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