Effects of a lower-body exoskeleton device on metabolic cost and gait biomechanics during load carriage

Abstract

This study investigated the effects on metabolic cost and gait biomechanics of using a prototype lower-body exoskeleton (EXO) to carry loads. Nine US Army participants walked at 1.34 m/s on a 0% grade for 8 min carrying military loads of 20 kg, 40 kg and 55 kg with and without the EXO. Mean oxygen consumption (VO(2)) scaled to body mass and scaled to total mass were significantly higher, by 60% and 41% respectively, when the EXO was worn, compared with the control condition. Mean VO(2) and mean VO(2) scaled to body mass significantly increased with load. The kinematic and kinetic data revealed significant differences between EXO and control conditions, such as walking with a more flexed posture and braking with higher ground reaction force at heel strike when wearing the EXO. Study findings demonstrate that the EXO increased users' metabolic cost while carrying various loads and altered their gait biomechanics compared with conventional load carriage. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: An EXO designed to assist in load bearing was found to raise energy expenditure substantially when tested by soldiers carrying military loads. EXO weight, weight distribution and design elements that altered users' walking biomechanics contributed to the high energy cost. To realise the potential of EXOs, focus on the user must accompany engineering advances.