Ankle Exoskeletons May Hinder Standing Balance in Simple Models of Older and Younger Adults.

ABSTRACT: Humans rely on ankle torque to maintain standing balance, particularly in the presence of small to moderate perturbations. Reductions in maximum torque (MT) production and maximum rate of torque development (MRTD) occur at the ankle with age, diminishing stability. Ankle exoskeletons are powered orthotic devices that may assist older adults by compensating for reduced torque and power production capabilities. They may also be able to assist with ankle strategies used for balance. However, their effect on standing balance in older adults is not well understood. Here, we model the effects ankle exoskeletons have on stability in physics-based models of healthy young and old adults, focusing on the potential to mitigate age-related deficits in MT and MRTD. Using backward reachability, a mathem

SUBMITTER: Raz D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12013802 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature