Optimization of Hip-exoskeleton Weight Attributes

The investigators are examining how weight distribution affects the way people walk, in terms of energy expenditure, joint kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity. The investigators are measuring these quantities while people walk while wearing a weighted belt. The investigators distribute the weights and walk for specified periods. They hypothesize that greater weight will have a greater effect on walking.

The purpose of this study is to examine how the amount and distribution of weight on the pelvis affects how people walk. The investigators have three factors, weight location, amount of weight and walking speed. They are examining how these factors affect energy expenditure, muscle activation, joint motions and foot forces. The investigators plan to recruit 40 healthy adult individuals. Each of the 20 experimental conditions (2x3x3 factorial and two control conditions with no weight) will be recorded immediately in a single session. The investigators hypothesize that weight amount, gait speed and weight distribution will all affect how people walk, which will lead towards optimized design of hip exoskeletons.

Changing where weight is distributed on belt around pelvis, specifically, bilaterally, 4th lumbar area, unilaterally on the left side.

Inclusion Criteria: Willing to commit to the full experimental session Exclusion Criteria: Functionally relevant lower limb musculoskeletal injury Functionally relevant osteoarthritis and weight bearing restrictions Severe respiratory problems that restrict the wearer from using a metabolic rate apparatus Patients with cardiac issues may be included, but the cardiac issue will be noted in the health history questionnaire