Journal article
The Metabolic Cost of Exercising With a Robotic Exoskeleton: A Comparison of Healthy and Neurologically Impaired People
Nicola Postol, Steven Lamond, Margaret Galloway, Kerrin Palazzi, Andrew Bivard, Neil J Spratt, Jodie Marquez
IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering | IEEE-INST ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS INC | Published : 2020
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..
View full abstractGrants
Funding Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Australian Institute of Neuro-Rehabilitation.