Presentation
Changes in lower limb joint torques when using a back-support exoskeleton during the swing phase of single step balance recovery from a forward loss of balance
SessionOE2 - Exoskeletons
Event Type
Lecture
Occupational Ergonomics
TimeTuesday, October 11th4:15pm - 4:30pm EDT
LocationL402/L403
DescriptionWe assessed the effects of wearing a back-support exoskeleton (BSE) on lower limb joint torques during the swing phase of single step balance recovery from a forward loss of balance. Sixteen (8M, 8F) young, healthy participants were released from forward-leaning positions and attempted to recover their balance with a single step, while wearing a BSE (backXTM) with three different levels of support torque (i.e., no torque, low, and high) and in a control condition (no-exoskeleton). Wearing the BSE, especially with high supportive torque, decreased both peak hip flexion and extension torques. While the former was evident for females only, the latter was significant for both males and females and occurred along with a decrease in peak knee flexion and ankle plantarflexion torques. Our results suggest adverse effects of BSE use on lower limb joint torques and indicate that BSEs may impair balance recovery kinematics following a forward loss of balance.