Using biomimetic technology as an approach to design efficient load-bearing exoskeletons for the Canadian Armed Forces: effect on motor performance and role of motor learning

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Exoskeletons mark a considerable paradigm shift in the potential for equipment to improving human performance on the battlefield. In addition to improving soldier performance, exoskeletons may also have the ability to prevent injuries by lowering the mechanical demands placed on a soldier's body. However, depending on the specific mechanical design, exoskeleton use may also come at a cost. Exoskeletons may also inadvertently reduce performance for soldiering tasks other than the ones they were designed to improve, and may even potentially cause injury by modifying soldier movement patterns and tissue loading. The general objective of the current proposal is to assess the ability of an original-design passive exoskeleton based on biomimetics (solving engineering problems by reproducing Nature's solutions) produced by MawashiScience & Technology (UPRISE) to safely reduce biomechanical stress when soldiers carry heavy body-borneloads. To address this goal, participants will be tested in laboratory and simulated environments while performingstatic and dynamic tasks of graded complexity relevant to military operations. In addition to performance andfatigue measurements, this proposal will go beyond the usual biomechanical assessment by also quantifying theeffect of motor learning.