Preliminary Assessment of Muscle Activity and Muscle Characteristics during Training with Powered Robotic Exoskeleton: A Repeated-Measures Study

Healthcare, 2021 · DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9081003 · Published: August 5, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aims to find the ideal training length for using robotic exoskeletons by looking at how muscle activity changes in healthy adults. Sixteen participants underwent exoskeleton locomotion training, three times a week, for 7 weeks, with measurements taken every five sessions. The results suggest that at least 15 training sessions are needed to minimize strain on the musculoskeletal system when using robotic exoskeletons.

Study Duration

7 weeks

Participants

16 healthy adults

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Muscle activity decreased up to 10 training sessions in a standing position and up to 15 sessions in sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit motions.
2
Upper extremity muscles showed decreased muscle activity, tone, stiffness, and logarithmic decrement up to the 15th session.
3
The study indicates that a minimum of 15 training sessions is necessary to use the robotic exoskeleton with minimal musculoskeletal load.

Research Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the minimum training period for using a robotic exoskeleton with minimal muscle activity by investigating the changes in muscle activity and muscle characteristics of healthy adults during robotic exoskeleton training. The study results show that at least 15 training sessions are required to use the robotic exoskeleton with minimal load on the musculoskeletal system, and longer training is required for patients with spinal cord injury. We trained healthy adults to conduct functional movements using the robotic exoskeleton 3 times a week for 50 min for 7 weeks and found that at least 15 training sessions were required for the subject to use the robot with minimal muscle activity.

Practical Implications

Training Protocol Standardization

The findings contribute to the development of standardized training protocols for robotic exoskeleton use, particularly in determining a minimum training period.

Reduced Musculoskeletal Burden

The study suggests that sufficient training can minimize the physical burden and potential musculoskeletal damage for users of robotic exoskeletons.

SCI Patient Training

The study implies that patients with SCI may require longer training periods compared to healthy adults due to motor and sensory deficits.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on healthy adults, limiting direct applicability to SCI patients.
2
A small sample size was used for analysis, affecting the generalizability of the results.
3
The study did not compare training with other robotic exoskeletons, making it difficult to generalize the findings across different devices.

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