Preliminary Study on a Novel Protocol for Improving Familiarity with a Lower-Limb Robotic Exoskeleton in Able-Bodied, First-Time Users

Abstract

Lower-limb exoskeletons have been created for different healthcare needs, but no research has been done on developing a proper protocol for users to get accustomed to moving with one. The user manuals provided also do not include such instructions. A pre-test was conducted with the TWIN (IIT), which is a lower-limb exoskeleton made for persons with spinal cord injury. In the pre-test, two healthy, able-bodied graduate students indicated a need for a protocol that can better prepare able-bodied, first-time users to move with an exoskeleton. TWIN was used in this preliminary study and nine users were divided to receive a tutorial or no tutorial before walking with the exoskeleton. Due to COVID-19 regulations, the study could only be performed with healthy, young-to-middle-aged lab members that do not require walking support. The proposed protocol was evaluated with the System Usability Scale, NASA Raw Task Load Index, and two custom surveys. The members who received the tutorial found it easy to follow and helpful, but the tutorial seemed to come at a price of higher perceived mental and physical demands, which could stem from the longer testing duration and the need to constantly recall and apply the things learned from the tutorial. All results presented are preliminary, and it is recommended to include biomechanical analysis and conduct the experiment with more participants in the future. Nonetheless, this proof-of-concept study lays groundwork for future related studies and the protocol will be adjusted, applied, and validated to patients and geriatric users.

Development and Use of Assistive Technologies in Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review of Reviews on the Evolution, Opportunities, and Bottlenecks of Their Integration in the Health Domain

“…However, three of these were reviews that had already been covered in our overview. Out of the remaining seven, only five [43][44][45][46][47] touched upon the specific topic of interest (regarding ethics or regulation), and even then, this was only in a secondary or complementary manner, serving to confirm the trends seen in the overview of reviews.…”

“…The study conducted by Kim et al [45], based on a focus group, emphasized the significance of protecting the privacy and rights of vulnerable individuals, such as those with tetraplegia, from exploitation or harm. Lau and Moumbar [46] presented a preliminary protocol for the use of a Lower-Limb Robotic Exoskeleton, which could only be tested on healthy individuals due to regulations, raising ethical concerns regarding the exclusion of individuals with disabilities from involvement in the testing process. Yao et al [47] testified that Filipinos with SCI faced significant challenges in accessing ATs, and that occupational justice was not fully achieved in this population.…”

Training-Induced Muscle Fatigue with a Powered Lower-Limb Exoskeleton: A Preliminary Study on Healthy Subjects

“…Recovering locomotion is a main priority considering gait impairments [ 4 , 5 ]. Rehabilitation based on powered lower-limb exoskeletons allows for prolonged training sessions and personalised training by adapting the available movement patterns and adjusting the relative motion parameters [ 6 , 7 ].…”