This crossover study investigates whether a passive lower-limb exoskeleton (Exoband) can reduce perceived exertion during everyday mobility tasks in older adults. Participants complete the fatigue protocol- a structured sequence of daily challenging tasks (e.g., overground walking, stair and slope walking, obstacle avoidance)-once with the Exoband and once without it, in randomized order and separated by a one-week washout period. During each session, distance covered until fatigue, rate of perceived exertion, physiological and gait parameters are recorded. The aim is to determine whether exoskeleton assistance enhances mobility performance and reduces functional fatigue across older adults.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
15
The participant will be asked to execute a protocol in the movement lab that induces progressive feelings of fatigue. This protocol includes a sequence of relevant functional activities, such as stair walking, slope walking, crouching, walking different path shapes. During this execution the Ratings of Perceived Exertion will be questioned, and simultaneously physiological and movement data will be collected.
The participant will wear the Exoband (Moveo), which is a lightweight, soft wearable exoskeleton designed to assist walking by providing elastic support to the hip during gait. It uses passive elastic elements to store and release energy in sync with the user's movement, reducing muscular effort without motors or batteries. The system is unobtrusive and aims to support mobility while preserving natural movement patterns.
Brubotics Rehabilitation Research Center
Jette, Brussels Capital, Belgium
Changes in the Ratings of Perceived Exertion throughout the protocol execution
The subjective feelings of fatigue will be evaluated through the Ratings of Perceived Exertion, using the modified Borg Scale (score ranging from 0 'no exertion' to 10 'maximal exertion'). This will be expressed verbally by the participant throughout the execution of the protocol.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.
Changes in muscle activity (surface EMG) throughout the protocol execution
Muscle activity data will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.
Changes in heart rate (variability) (ECG sensors) throughout the protocol execution
Cardiorespiratory data (Heart rate) will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.
Changes in muscle oxygen saturation (Moxy Monitor) throughout the protocol execution
Oxygen saturation data will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.
Changes in electrodermal activity (Galvanic Skin Response - finger electrodes) throughout the protocol execution
Electrodermal activity data will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.
Changes in motion data (IMU sensors) throughout the protocol execution
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) data will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.
Changes in respiratory rate (respiratory chest band) throughout the protocol execution
Respiratory data will be collected continuously throughout the protocol execution. Data acquisition will occur in a synchronized manner.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1-2 weeks.
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