The effect of familiarization on squats done with a robotic exoskeleton

• Published in: Isokinetics and exercise science 2018-01, Vol.26 (3), p.227-236
• Main Authors: Daunis, M.K., Bayers, T.A., Bai, L., Vargas, L.J., Symons, T.B., Caruso, J.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Physical fitness
• ISSN: 0959-3020; 1878-5913
• DOI: 10.3233/IES-184129

BACKGROUND: Validity may refer to the inter-workout similarity of data from novel hardware to a device deemed the “gold standard”. The degree of familiarization to novel hardware may impact subsequent validity outcomes produced from repeated workouts. OBJECTIVE: To compare physiological, performance and perceptual variables to squats done with a barbell to those done with an exoskeleton intended as hardware for manned space flights. METHODS: Subjects made four laboratory visits. They did two familiarization sessions on the exoskeleton, followed by two workouts in which the sequence of the exercise hardware examined was determined by a coin flip. Per workout they did four repetitions each against four loads (23, 34, 45 and 57 kg) separated by 90-second rests. For the final two visits the same dependent variables were obtained before, during and after workouts. Z-scores identified outliers that were eliminated from further analyses. Dependent variables were compared with paired t-tests, Cohen’s d effect size, Bland-Altman plots and Pearson product moment correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Less than 1% of our data were outliers. Values for our dependent variables generally exhibited considerable inter-workout similarity. CONCLUSIONS: Exoskeleton findings were similar to those from a barbell and warrant continued inquiry, such as with microgravity simulation in human subjects.