Effect of Gait-assist Wearable Robot on Gait Indices and Muscle Activity in the Elderly

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of gait-assist wearable robot on gait pattern and muscle activity in elderly individual in Korea.<br/>Background: An aged society present significant challenges that lead to various social problems. As physical and mental abilities decline with age, proper gait becomes crucial for maintaining social relationship and activities of daily livings (ADLs). Therefore, there is an increasing need for technology to address gait-related problems.<br/>Method: A total of 15 females (9 elderly, 6 young) were participated in this study. We asked participants to perform two tasks (14m walking and step climbing) three times each. During these tasks, gait indices (gait velocity, step time, cadence, swing cycle, stance cycle, step length, symmetric index) and muscle activity (Rectus femoris, Tibialis anterior, Gastrocnemius) were measured to quantify the effects of gait-assist wearable robot by using wireless Electromyography (EMG) device and wearable inertial sensor for gait analysis.<br/>Results: The result of this study indicated that the gait-assist robot did not significantly affect on gait indices in young group. However, in the elderly group, the symmetry index significantly increased when elderly wore the gait-assist robot. Regarding muscle activity, the results showed a significant decrease in rectus femoris muscle activity when wearing gait-assist robot in both groups.<br/>Conclusion: This study indicated that the effect of gait-assist wearable robot was different according to age group. In elderly group, wearing a gait-assist robot could improve the symmetric index, swing ratio of gait. However, to generalize these results, a larger sample size and a more diverse group considering age, gender, and health conditions are needed.<br/>Application: The finding of this study may facilitate the adaption of gait-assist robots for elderly individual.