Exoskeleton
Pronunciation: ex-oh-SKEL-uh-ton
A powered or passive external frame worn on the body that augments, supports, or restores limb movement, particularly for gait rehabilitation.
Full Definition
In rehabilitation technology, an exoskeleton is a wearable robotic device that encases one or more limbs and either passively supports movement or actively drives joint motion through motorised actuators. Rehabilitation exoskeletons are used for gait training following spinal cord injury, stroke, or neurological conditions. Editors should note that 'exoskeleton' is written as a single unhyphenated word in all established rehabilitation literature. It should not be confused with 'orthosis', which is a non-powered or passively mechanical support, or with 'powered orthosis', which is an older synonym some sources use interchangeably with 'exoskeleton'. The term is not capitalised unless beginning a sentence or appearing in a proper name.
Usage
Usage note: Write as a single word without hyphenation. Do not use interchangeably with 'orthosis'. 'Exosuit' refers to soft, fabric-based wearable robots and is a distinct category.
In Context
- "The patient completed thirty sessions of over-ground gait training using a lower-limb exoskeleton." — Rehabilitation research report
- "The product brochure must clarify whether the device is classified as an exoskeleton or a powered orthosis for regulatory purposes." — Medical device regulatory filing