Exoskeletons Improve Locomotion Economy by Reducing Active Muscle Volume

Exoskeletons reduce whole-body metabolic energy expenditure during locomotion by improving muscle dynamics. Exoskeletons that improve locomotion economy typically are engineered to reduce users’ limb joint mechanical work or moments. Yet, limb joint dynamics do not necessarily reflect muscle dynamics, which dictate whole-body metabolic energy expenditure. Here, we hypothesize that exoskeletons primarily reduce user metabolic energy expenditure across locomotion conditions by reducing active muscle volume.