Author(s): CHE-YU, C., JONG-SHYAN, W., Institution: GRADUATE INSTITUTE OF REHABILITATION SCIENCE, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 851

INTRODUCTION:
Exoskeleton has been used for rehabilitation to patients with neurological and musculoskeletal diseases. Nevertheless, few studies did the running exercise on the treadmill. In contrast, gait training on the treadmill or ground with electrical assistance is widespread. Aims of the study are to explore the possible factors might intervene the running when participants wear Keeogo Dermoskeleton™ (6.8 kg), to see if the non-assisted mode (NAM) and assisted mode (AM) of the exoskeleton would change the exertion, and to investigate whether participants could adapt the instant feedback from Keeogo Dermoskeleton™.
METHODS:
7 healthy participants (2 females and 5 males; mean age: 23.1±4.5 yrs; mean height: 165.9±7.7 cm; mean weight: 61.9±11.0 kg; BMI: 22.5±3.9 kg/m2) did cardiopulmonary fitness test without exoskeleton equipped to examine the healthy condition. Later, 20 minutes running exercise with Keeogo Dermoskeleton™ on the treadmill from 3 km/hr, 0% gradient for the first 2 minutes then switched to 6 km/hr, 4% gradient for the rest of 18 minutes in NAM and AM in different days. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded every 1 and 2 minutes respectively. RPE, %HRR (percentage of heart rate reserve), %HRR/VO2,est (estimated oxygen consumption) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were primary outcomes. ACSM treadmill equation was the reference of the energy expenditure estimation.
RESULTS:
All participants could complete in AM but only 3 in NAM (p = 0.125). RPE meaningfully affected participants to fulfill test (RPEstop = 17.1 ± 2.0 (NAM) vs. 14.6 ± 1.8 (AM), Wilcoxon r = 0.87, p= 0.021). Significantly, RPE showed main effect in regression analysis (p < 0.001). Post-exercise VAS reduced in AM (3.29 ± 1.70 vs. 5.0 ± 2.77, p = 0.054). In steady state when HR and %HRR were at the plateau, %HRR and energy expenditure were lower in AM (73.0% ± 11.7% vs. 76.8% ± 12.6%, p = 0.08). Either in NAM or in AM, %HRR/VO2,est had no obvious difference in cardiopulmonary efficiency (Pearson r = 0.980, p = 0.502).
CONCLUSION:
Running on the treadmill with Keeogo Dermoskeleton™ in assisted mode had lower RPE during the exercise. Also, VAS result meant the soreness and pain decreased after completing the exercise in AM. A better adaptation to cardiopulmonary workload compared to NAM, %HRR was attenuated while running with exoskeleton in AM. Exoskeleton revealed potential to assist individuals with cardiopulmonary or musculoskeletal diseases. To elders and people with sarcopenia or weakness, it could be useful to improve their locomotion, and independence. Furthermore, cognitive status might surge up after training sessions. But the exterior loading (6.8 kg) could be a challenge to physically weaker population. Further research is needed in various populations and future optimization of exoskeleton is critical for better adaptation.