In the evolving industrial landscape, exoskeletons have been introduced to reduce physical strain on workers. Despite their effectiveness on muscle activity, there remains a gap in understanding how exoskeletons affect overall human biomechanics. This study investigates the effects of using a passive exoskeleton for back support on human locomotion. Gait performance was analyzed by examining spatio-temporal parameters and joint kinematics in the sagittal plane. Three conditions were evaluated: walking without an exoskeleton, with an exoskeleton without support, and with an exoskeleton with support. The results revealed significant reductions in gait speed, stride length, and step length when using the exoskeleton, regardless of support. Joint kinematics analysis showed that the exoskeleton particularly limited the range of motion (ROM) at the hip, knee, shoulder and spine, with the most pronounced reductions observed in the supported condition. These findings suggest that while exoskeletons may provide mechanical assistance, they also impose constraints on natural movement patterns.

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Side Effects of Trunk Exoskeleton During Walking

  • Elisa Panero,
  • Stefano Pastorelli,
  • Laura Gastaldi

摘要

In the evolving industrial landscape, exoskeletons have been introduced to reduce physical strain on workers. Despite their effectiveness on muscle activity, there remains a gap in understanding how exoskeletons affect overall human biomechanics. This study investigates the effects of using a passive exoskeleton for back support on human locomotion. Gait performance was analyzed by examining spatio-temporal parameters and joint kinematics in the sagittal plane. Three conditions were evaluated: walking without an exoskeleton, with an exoskeleton without support, and with an exoskeleton with support. The results revealed significant reductions in gait speed, stride length, and step length when using the exoskeleton, regardless of support. Joint kinematics analysis showed that the exoskeleton particularly limited the range of motion (ROM) at the hip, knee, shoulder and spine, with the most pronounced reductions observed in the supported condition. These findings suggest that while exoskeletons may provide mechanical assistance, they also impose constraints on natural movement patterns.