A biologically-inspired multi-joint soft exosuit that can reduce the energy cost of loaded walking.

Journal: Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation
PMID: 27169361

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Carrying load alters normal walking, imposes additional stress to the musculoskeletal system, and results in an increase in energy consumption and a consequent earlier onset of fatigue. This phenomenon is largely due to increased work requirements in lower extremity joints, in turn requiring higher muscle activation. The aim of this work was to assess the biomechanical and physiological effects of a multi-joint soft exosuit that applies assistive torques to the biological hip and ankle joints during loaded walking.

Authors

  • Fausto A Panizzolo
    John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
  • Ignacio Galiana
  • Alan T Asbeck
  • Christopher Siviy
    John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
  • Kai Schmidt
    John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
  • Kenneth G Holt
  • Conor J Walsh
    John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA. walsh@seas.harvard.edu.

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