Gait training using a robotic hip exoskeleton improves metabolic gait efficiency in the elderly

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Robotics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Robotic exoskeletons show promise for neurological rehabilitation.
• Their use as training aids for active aging in the elderly is less explored.
• The Active Pelvis Orthosis (APO) is an exoskeletal device designed for gait assistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using an exoskeletal Active Pelvis Orthosis (APO) for cardiopulmonary gait training in healthy elderly individuals.
• To assess the impact of APO-assisted training on metabolic cost of transport and oxygen consumption during walking.

Main Methods:

• Ten healthy elderly volunteers participated in a 4-week APO-assisted treadmill walking program.
• A control group (n=10) performed traditional self-paced overground walking.
• Metabolic Cost of Transport (MCoT) and oxygen consumption were measured.

Main Results:

• APO-assisted training significantly decreased MCoT by -26.6% ± 16.1% in the intervention group.
• No significant changes in MCoT were observed in the control group.
• Robot-assisted locomotion required 4.24% ± 2.57% less oxygen than free treadmill walking at the same speed.

Conclusions:

• Exoskeletal devices like the APO are feasible for cardiopulmonary gait training in the elderly.
• APO-assisted training enhances walking efficiency and reduces energy expenditure.
• These findings support the use of exoskeletons for training frail individuals and promoting healthy aging.