Robotic-resisted Exercise for Health Promotion in Younger Adults

Abstract Introduction Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior both increase the risk of chronic disease and mortality. Regular participation in physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior play important roles in maintaining physical health and disease prevention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a wearable hip exoskeleton, Bot Fit, on muscle strength, muscle effort, and the kinematics of the pelvis during walking in younger adults. Methods We designed three parallel experimental conditions and randomly assigned participants to one of three groups: those assigned to exercise using an interval program of Bot Fit (interval group), those who used a power program of Bot Fit (power group), and a control group who exercised without Bot Fit. A total of 45 young adults participated in 18 exercise-intervention sessions over six weeks, and all participants were assessed at two time points: before and after the 18 exercise sessions. Each assessment evaluated muscle strength, muscle effort, and the kinematics of the pelvis during walking. In addition, the number of steps, distance, energy expenditure, and heart rate for 30 min during the exercise sessions were recorded. Results A significant increase in the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the right biceps femoris (BF) was evident in the interval group while significant changes in the MVC of the bilateral BF were seen in the power group showed after Bot Fit exercise. A significant decrease of muscle effort in right BF in the interval group and right lumbar erector spinae and bilateral BF in the power group were also observed. In addition, the symmetry index of pelvic tilt significantly improved in the interval group, and greater exercise volume and intensity in both the interval and power groups compared with the control group were confirmed as measured by the number of steps, distance, energy expenditure, and heart rate. Conclusion Results of this study indicate a beneficial effect of the Bot Fit on muscle strength, walking efficiency, and pelvic movement symmetry in younger adults. Personalized exercise programs using different exercise protocol with the Bot Fit may therefore improve the physical health and gait symmetry of younger adults.