The Metabolic Cost of Exercising With a Robotic Exoskeleton: A Comparison of Healthy and Neurologically Impaired People

Abstract

While neuro-recovery is maximized through active engagement, it has been suggested that the use of robotic exoskeletons in neuro-rehabilitation provides passive therapy. Using oxygen consumption (VO2) as an indicator of energy expenditure, we investigated the metabolic requirements of completing exercises in a free-standing robotic exoskeleton, with 20 healthy and 12 neurologically impaired participants (six with stroke, and six with multiple sclerosis (MS)). Neurological participants were evaluated pre- and post- 12 weeks of twice weekly robotic therapy. Healthy participants were evaluated in, and out of, the exoskeleton. Both groups increased their VO2 level from baseline during exoskeleto..