Gait trainer for training of neuromuscular functions

A gait trainer for training of neuromuscular functions comprising:

• a hoist system including a rotatable cable drum, a cable sized to wind around the rotatable cable drum including a cable end adapted for interaction with a patient;
• an electrical motor adapted for axial engagement with the rotatable cable drum and adapted to drive said rotatable cable drum in a forward and in a reverse drive direction for unwinding or winding the cable on the cable drum;
• one or more weight sensors configured to output a qualitative weight sensor signal;
• a control unit;
• a processor configured to receive the qualitative weight sensor signal, said processor also being configured to calculate and output a motor drive control signal,
• a motor controller configured to receive the motor drive control signal wherein the processor is adapted for establishing the calculated drive direction in the motor based on the received qualitative weight sensor signal and base on the result of comparing the actual qualitative weight signal with a counterbalance weight determined prior to beginning the training, and wherein said motor controller is adapted to establish the calculated drive direction in the motor such that the determined counterbalance weight applied to the cable by the electrical motor is maintained at a constant value, and
• wherein the hoist system is freely suspended by the weight sensors as the gait trainer comprises two weight sensors wherein the weight sensors are arranged side-mounted on the hoist system, such that the built-in height dimension of the gait trainer is reduced.