Masters Applied Projects

Project 36

Dynamic Stability Assessment of Walking While Wearing Passive Back-Support Exo-Suit

Student:
Xun Yu

Mentors:
Dr. Daniel Peterson, PhD - Arizona State University, College of Health Solutions
Dr. Marco Santello - Arizona State University, SBHSE
Dr. Thurmon Lockhart - Arizona State University, SBHSE

YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/3123749166


Abstract

Passive Exoskeleton-suit (Exo-suit) developed in recent years shows promising results in reducing lower back strain among manual material handlers during lifting and bending tasks. In this project, one commercially available Exo-suit (Herowear Apex) have been investigated for its effects on dynamic stability while performing leveled walking task. Five young, healthy participants were recruited in this study by performing 3-minutes walking with three different experimental conditions: walking without Exo-suit, walking and wearing exo-suit without engaging suit, and walking while engaging suit. Utilizing Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) and internal measurement units (IMU), gait data collected will be analyzed using post-hoc Tukey-Kramer HSD (Honestly Significant Difference) to report basic gait parameters such as stride length, width, and double supporting time. Using a set of time-series data collected, Maximum Lyapunov Exponent (LyE) will be calculated to assess the subject’s dynamic stability. This pilot study will provide preliminary data on the effect of Exo-suit have upon leveled walking and contribute to future research on more complex body movements.