Useability Test to the Wearable Walking-assist Robot (GEMS-H) for Normal Adults Including the Elderly

Measure of self selected speeds by measuring the time it takes an individual to walk 10 meters. To perform the test, patient walks 10 meters (33 ft) and the time is measured when the leading foot crosses the start line and the finish line. The instructions are: "Please walk this distance at your normal pace when I say go."

Measure of balance function. A five-point ordinal scale, ranging from 0-4. "0" indicates the lowest level of function and "4" the highest level of function. Score the LOWEST performance. Total Score = 56.

Measure of dynamic balance function. 11-20 seconds are within normal limits for frail elderly and disabled patients, and greater than 20 seconds means the person needs assistance outside and indicates further examination and intervention. A score of 30 seconds or more suggests that the person may be prone to falls.

FRT is a single item test developed as a quick screen for balance problems. Measurement Interpretation: 10"/25 cm or greater Low risk of falls; 6"/15cm to 10"/25cm Risk of falling is 2x greater than normal; 6"/15cm or less Risk of falling is 4x greater than normal; Unwilling to reach Risk of falling is 8x greater than normal.

SPPB is a group of measures that combines the results of the gait speed, chair stand and balance tests. It has been used as a predictive tool for possible disability and can aid in the monitoring of function in older people. The scores range from 0 (worst performance) to 12 (best performance). The SPPB has been shown to have predictive validity showing a gradient of risk for mortality, nursing home admission, and disability.

FSST is used to assess dynamic stability and the ability of the subject to step over low objects forward, sideways, and backward.

EQ-5D is a standardized instrument for measuring generic health status. The EQ-5D questionnaire has two components: health state description and evaluation. In the description part, health status is measured in terms of five dimensions (5D); mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Mobility dimension asks about the person's walking ability. Self-care dimension asks about the ability to wash or dress by oneself, and usual activities dimension measures performance in "work, study, housework, family or leisure activities". In pain/discomfort dimension, it asks how much pain or discomfort they have, and in anxiety/depression dimension, it asks how anxious or depressed they are.

FES-K is the measures of "fear of falling" or, more properly, "concerns about falling", which are suitable for use in research and clinical practice. A 10-item self-administered questionnaire designed to assess fear of falling in mainly community-dwelling older population.

The maximal isometric strength of the 12 muscles in lower extremity will be measured with digital muscle testing device.

GDS is a 15-item self-report assessment used to identify depression in the elderly. A score of 0 to 5 is normal. A score greater than 5 suggests depression.

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) measures the distance an individual is able to walk over a total of six minutes on a hard, flat surface. The goal is for the individual to walk as far as possible in six minutes. The individual is allowed to self-pace and rest as needed as they traverse back and forth along a marked walkway.

We evaluate the satisfaction questionnaire for GEMS-H use.