In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance fitness and mobility in older adults, Sahmyook University's Professor Wan-hee Lee and a team of researchers have unveiled the transformative potential of the EX1 exercise assistance robot. Their study, published in BMC Geriatrics, reveals compelling insights into the impact of this innovative robotic aid on the physical function and overall well-being of senior individuals.
The Quest for Enhanced Elderly Fitness
The natural aging process often brings about a decline in lower-limb muscle mass, leading to reduced physical activity and an increased risk of falls among the elderly. Recognizing this challenge, researchers have turned to a combination of aerobic and balancing exercises as a potential solution to fortify physical function and mitigate the risk of falls in this demographic.
EX1: A Revolutionary Fitness Companion
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., has developed EX1, an exercise assistance robot designed to amplify physical function and strength in older individuals. This cutting-edge robotic aid offers customized workouts, incorporating both assistive and resistive modes, with the aim of preventing falls and bolstering overall health in the elderly.
Led by Professor Wan-hee Lee, a collaborative research team from Noble County and Samsung Electronics embarked on a transformative journey to assess the effectiveness of EX1 in executing a four-week combined exercise program for older adults.
Unveiling the Impact of EX1
In a meticulously designed study, 21 older adults engaged in a supervised exercise program, wearing the EX1 robot for 50 minutes per session thrice a week for four weeks. The study employed advanced evaluation techniques to assess the impact of EX1 on various spatiotemporal parameters, functional outcomes, and muscle activity.
The Unprecedented Impact
The results unveiled by the study are nothing short of remarkable:
- Enhanced Walking Ability: Participants exhibited a significant 12.42% increase in stride length and a remarkable 21.29% improvement in propulsion, indicating a notable enhancement in walking ability.
- Improved Dynamic Balance: The timed up-and-go test (TUG) revealed a noteworthy 6.63% decrease in completion time, signifying improved dynamic balance and expanded movement range among the participants.
- Positive Impact on Muscle Activity: The study demonstrated heightened activation of core muscles during walking, likely influenced by EX1's waist support, contributing to trunk stability maintenance.
These findings underscore the potential of EX1 to positively impact gait function, balance ability, and core muscle strength in older individuals, thus offering a promising solution to improve fitness and reduce the risk of falls in this demographic.
Shaping the Future of Wearable Robots
Professor Wan-hee Lee emphasizes the broader implications of this transformative research, stating, "Our findings provide a solid foundation for developing various types of improved and advanced wearable robots. This will further expand the global wearable robot market, promoting further research and commercialization."
The study's findings not only lay the groundwork for evolving wearable robotics but also offer a beacon of hope for the elderly, signaling a future where advanced technologies can revolutionize fitness and mobility, ensuring a healthier and more active lifestyle for seniors worldwide.
