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Updated: Oct 18, 2025
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Evaluating Postural Control and Lower-extremity Muscle Activation in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Published on: September 18, 2020
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Individuals differ in muscle activation patterns during early adaptation to a powered ankle exoskeleton
Yadrianna Acosta-Sojo1, Leia Stirling2
1Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
Applied Ergonomics
|October 2, 2021
Summary
Individual muscle activation patterns vary when using powered ankle exoskeletons. Understanding these differences is key for designing effective exoskeleton controllers and training protocols for enhanced physical ability.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Robotics
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Exoskeletons offer potential for augmenting physical ability.
- Individual variations in muscle activation patterns must be assessed for effective exoskeleton use.
- Understanding user adaptation is crucial for exoskeleton design and training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine individual muscle activation patterns during walking with a powered ankle exoskeleton.
- To investigate how exoskeleton power state affects muscle activity.
- To analyze early adaptation and de-adaptation responses.
Main Methods:
- Participants walked with a powered ankle exoskeleton.
- Electromyography was used to measure muscle activation.
- Exoskeleton power was switched on and off during walking trials.
Main Results:
- 60% of participants reduced medial gastrocnemius activation when the exoskeleton was powered.
- 80% showed increased tibialis anterior activation with exoskeleton power.
- Most participants who adapted did not de-adapt within 5 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Muscle activity patterns differ significantly between individuals using exoskeletons.
- Exoskeleton power state influences antagonist muscle behavior during adaptation.
- Individualized control strategies and training protocols are necessary for optimal exoskeleton integration.
