Modeling the metabolic reductions of a passive back-support exoskeleton

Despite several attempts to quantify the metabolic savings resulting from the use of passive back-support exoskeletons (BSEs), no study has modeled the metabolic change while wearing an exoskeleton during lifting. The objectives of this study were to: 1) quantify the metabolic reductions due to the VT-Lowe's exoskeleton during lifting; and 2) provide a comprehensive model to estimate the metabolic reductions from using a passive BSE. In this study, 15 healthy adults (13 males, 2 females) of ages 20-34 yr (mean = 25.33, SD = 4.43) performed repeated freestyle lifting and lowering of an empty box and a box with 20% of their bodyweight. Oxygen consumption and metabolic expenditure data were collected. A model for metabolic expenditure was developed and fitted with the experimental data of two prior studies and the without-exoskeleton experimental results. The metabolic cost model was then modified to reflect the effect of the exoskeleton. The experimental results revealed that VT-Lowe's exoskeleton significantly lowered the oxygen consumption by ∼9% for an empty box and 8% for a 20% bodyweight box, which corresponds to a net metabolic cost reduction of ∼12% and ∼9%, respectively. The mean metabolic difference (i.e., without-exo minus with-exo) and the 95% confidence interval were 0.36 and (0.2-0.52) W/kg for 0% body weight and 0.43 and (0.18-0.69) W/kg for 20% body weight. Our modeling predictions for with-exoskeleton conditions were precise, with absolute freestyle prediction errors of <2.1%. The model developed in this study can be modified based on different study designs, and can assist researchers in enhancing designs of future lifting exoskeletons.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present a new model of the metabolic cost of repetitive lifting, and how that is affected by wearing a passive back support exoskeleton. We compute the effective biomechanical efficiencies of moving the body and a carried load during lifting, and determine the effect of an exoskeleton's efficiency on its metabolic reduction. This model is useful for understanding the effects of exoskeletons on the body and for designing future exoskeletons.