Rapid Adaptation to Exoskeleton Balance Support in Perturbed Gait
Edwin H.F. van Asseldonk (University of Twente)
Maura Eveld (University of Twente)
Noël L.W. Keijsers (Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen)
Herman van der Kooij (TU Delft - Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control, University of Twente)
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Abstract
Exoskeleton balance support can improve the ability to counteract perturbations. The process of human adaptation to this support, however, remains unclear. Here, we assessed how able-bodied individuals adapted to balance support provided by an ankle exoskeleton during walking, specifically when counteracting forward-directed pushes at the pelvis. Activation of the balance support led to immediate and clear reductions in both Center Of Mass (COM) displacement and soleus EMG activity. Further adaptations were observed across the first 35 perturbations for COM displacement and only across the first 5 perturbations for EMG activity before reaching a stable value. These findings demonstrate that adaptation to balance support is a rapid process. These results indicate that minimal training time is required for an individual to effectively utilize exoskeleton balance support.