Researchers have developed a robotic assistant aimed at boosting leg strength in older adults, with the study published in BMC Geriatrics. The project showcases how robotics and targeted exercise can support healthy aging (citation: BMC Geriatrics).
The aging process naturally reduces muscle mass, particularly in the legs. A combination of cardiovascular activity and balance training not only slows this decline but also lowers the risk of falls, supporting safer mobility as people grow older (citation: related geriatric findings).
From Samsung Electronics Co., the EX1 robot was created to assist seniors in their workout routines. Over a four-week period, twenty-one participants aged 65 and above engaged in an exercise program that blended walking, strength training, and balance drills using the robot for fifty minutes, three times weekly (citation: Samsung EX1 study).
The training produced clear improvements in walking mechanics. Stride length rose by about 12.42%, and the average time needed to stand up from a chair dropped by roughly 6.63%, signaling better balance, greater mobility, and an enhanced range of motion for the participants (citation: gait outcomes).
Additional health indicators improved as well. The waist-hip ratio declined by around 1.71%, and pelvic motion across three planes showed gains that contributed to more efficient walking, reduced energy use, and greater stability. Participants also demonstrated better performance on a one-leg stance test, an indicator of balance confidence and functional fitness. These changes can help older adults maintain independence and lower the risk of serious falls and fractures (citation: balance and independence findings).
Earlier investigations have highlighted the value of quick, time-efficient exercises for heart health and overall fitness, reinforcing the idea that meaningful improvements can come from simple, regular routines (citation: prior research references).