Randomized trial demonstrates improved exercise self-efficacy in older adults with frailty, suggesting wearable robotic assistance can encourage physical activity in disengaged individuals.
Background: Improving exercise self-efficacy (ESE) is a key strategy for promoting sustained physical activity among older adults with frailty. The lumbar-type Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL), a wearable device that supports voluntary movement through bioelectric signals, may facilitate mastery experiences in individuals with low baseline self-efficacy via adjustable assistance. However, its effects on ESE remain unclear. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of lumbar-type HAL exercise on ESE in older adults with frailty and examined whether responsiveness differed according to baseline readiness for exercise. Methods: <.05. Results: =.76). Conclusions: The pooled analysis demonstrated significant within-person improvement in ESE among older adults with frailty following lumbar-type HAL training, with the greatest improvement in individuals without established exercise habits. The RCT indicated a favorable but inconclusive between-group effect, and adequately powered confirmatory RCTs remain necessary. The exploratory response among precontemplators-typically difficult to engage in interventions-suggests that HAL-supported mastery experiences may support disengaged older adults at high risk of frailty in starting physical exercise.
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Nagasawa et al. (2026) studied this question.
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