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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 limb 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 one or both lower limbs. Autonomous powered lower-limb orthoses are mainly used to make gait possible.
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