2024/05/23 by Eugenio Frias-Miranda, Hong-Anh A. Nguyen, Frias-Miranda, Eugenio +13
Engineering · #FOS: Computer and information sciences #Muscle activation and electromyography studies #Robotics (cs.RO)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2405.15113
openalex publication_date 2024/05/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The integration of technology into exercise regimens has emerged as a\nstrategy to enhance normal human capabilities and return human motor function\nafter injury or illness by enhancing motor learning and retention. Much\nresearch has focused on how active devices, whether confined to a lab or made\ninto a wearable format, can apply forces at set times and conditions to\noptimize the process of learning. However, the focus on active force production\noften forces devices to either be confined to simple movements or\ninterventions. As such, in this paper, we investigate how passive device\nbehaviors can contribute to the process of motor learning by themselves. Our\napproach involves using a wearable resistance (WR) device, which is outfitted\nwith elastic bands, to apply a force field that changes in response to a\nperson's movements while performing exercises. We develop a method to measure\nthe produced forces from the device without impeding the function and we\ncharacterize the device's force generation abilities. We then present a study\nassessing the impact of the WR device on motor learning of proper squat form\ncompared to visual or no feedback. Biometrics such as knee and hip angles were\nused to monitor and assess subject performance. Our findings indicate that the\nforce fields produced while training with the WR device can improve performance\nin full-body exercises similarly to a more direct visual feedback mechanism,\nthough the improvement is not consistent across all performance metrics.\nThrough our research, we contribute important insights into the application of\npassive wearable resistance technology in practical exercise settings.\n