In highly mobile workplaces, wearable walking-assistant devices reduce muscle fatigue in workers’ lower extremities and increase energy efficiency. In our study, we verify this following the development of an ultralight wearable hip exoskeleton for industrial workers. Ten healthy male adults participated in this study, and their muscle activity, muscle fatigue, and energy expenditure were compared with and without a device while walking on a treadmill and going up stairs. While walking on a treadmill with the assistive device, muscle fatigue in the gastrocnemius decreased by 79.5%, and oxygen uptake and energy expenditure per minute decreased by 7.9% and 7.4%, respectively. While climbing stairs with the assistive device, muscle fatigue of the tibialis anterior decreased by 83.5%, average muscle activity of the rectus femoris, semitendinosus, and gastrocnemius muscles decreased significantly, and oxygen uptake and energy expenditure decreased by 14% and 12.9% per minute, respectively. We confirm that an ultralight wearable hip exoskeleton helps the wearer reduce lower-limb muscle fatigue and use metabolic energy more efficiently. The results of this study are intended as basic data to expand the use of ultralight wearable hip exoskeletons at industrial sites and to improve device performance.

Lower limb amputees (LLAs) have a high incidence of low back pain (LBP), and identifying the potential risk factors in this group is key for LBP prevention. This study analyzed the intramuscular properties of the resting lumbar muscle in thirteen unilateral LLAs and age-matched controls to predict the onset of LBP. To measure the lumbar intramuscular properties, resting erector spinae muscles located in the upper and lower lumbar regions were examined using a handheld myotonometer. The dynamic stiffness, oscillation frequency, and logarithmic decrement were measured. In our results, the stiffness and frequency of the upper lumbar region were greater in the amputee group than in the control, whereas the decrement did not differ between the two groups. Additionally, the measured values in the lower lumbar region showed no significant difference. Within each group, all three factors increased at the upper lumbar region. In the LLAs, the frequency and stiffness values of the upper lumbar on the non-amputated side were significantly higher than those on the amputated side. These results indicate that the upper lumbar muscles of the amputees were less flexible than that of the control. This study can help in providing therapeutic strategies treating LBP in amputees.

The research, which was designed as a “pre- and post-single group” study, included patients with lower-limb amputation and aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of self-directed physical-strength training and cardiovascular exercise using a novel digital healthcare management service three times a week for 12 weeks. Muscle strength, thigh circumference, lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin levels, pulmonary function, quality of life, and physical activity level were evaluated before and after the intervention, while satisfaction was measured after the study. Among the 14 included patients, the proportion of adherence to the physical-strength training and physical-strengthening activity were 85.2% and 75.8%, respectively. The level of satisfaction with the digital healthcare management system was high. Significant changes were observed in the muscle-strength tests (dominant grip power and muscle strength of knee flexion and extension of the intact side), thigh circumference, and glycated hemoglobin levels. Further, the quality-of-life score showed improvement, although without significant differences. Individualized exercise management using the novel digital healthcare management system for lower-limb amputees could induce interest in self-care and promote physical activity and healthy behavior. Through this effect, we can expect a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and severe injuries from falling.

This study investigated the efficacy of Augmented Reality (AR) in the rehabilitation of lower limb amputees by comparing movement accuracy and subjective satisfaction with and without AR. Ten individuals with unilateral lower limb amputations participated. Joint range of motion during exercises was measured using a 3D motion capture system. Subjective satisfaction was assessed via a 5-point Likert scale. Movement accuracy was evaluated by analyzing changes and variability (standard deviation) in joint angles across eight selected movements. Results showed that AR feedback significantly increased average joint angles in specific movements: standing arm raise to the side, standing trunk lateral flexion, and standing knee flexion to maximum height. Furthermore, AR feedback led to a significant reduction in the standard deviation of joint angles for most exercises, indicating improved movement consistency. Subjective satisfaction scores for interest, motivation, exercise effectiveness, movement accuracy, and overall satisfaction were significantly higher with AR.