Health and safety Updated on September 29, 2026 By Axel Paupier Methodology

Can an exoskeleton strain the heart or increase cardiac effort?

Q: Can an exoskeleton strain the heart or increase cardiac effort?

Yes, it can happen. INRS answers that wearing an exoskeleton can increase cardiac cost during handling tasks, with an example of about 15% on average. That figure comes from an example, it is not general. With a heart condition, ask your doctor. This is not medical advice.

The answer in detail

An exoskeleton is often presented as a way to reduce effort. But INRS, in its frequently asked questions, answers "yes" to whether wearing an exoskeleton can affect the heart: it can be the case, notably during handling tasks, with a cardiac cost increase of the order of 15% on average in the example cited.

That figure is an example and not a rule. It depends on the device, the task and the person. This is not medical advice: it simply signals that reducing effort in one part of the body does not necessarily lower the overall load.

What INRS says

Cardiac cost: possible increase during handling tasks, of the order of 15% on average in the example given.
Overall load: the device's weight and bulk can create an overall overload.
Imbalance: INRS also cites postural constraints and risks of imbalance.
Fitness: it is for the occupational health service to assess fitness to wear one, according to health status and work situation.

We found no independent measurement of cardiac cost for the powered walking exoskeletons in our catalog.

Step-by-step instructions

If you have a heart, blood pressure or balance problem, talk to your doctor first.
Start with short durations and moderate effort, watching for breathlessness and fatigue.
Stop if you feel chest discomfort, faintness or unusual breathlessness.
In a professional setting, ask the occupational health service's opinion before the trial.
Compare how you feel with and without the device on the same task.

Limits and precautions

The 15% figure is an example on handling tasks, not a value for walking.
No exoskeleton in our catalog is presented as suitable for a heart condition.
A powered device does not remove the need for medical advice with a cardiac history.
This is not medical advice: if in doubt, consult a health professional.

For the context of workplace follow-up, read our question on the occupational physician's opinion and our question on the risks identified by INRS.

Key takeaways

According to INRS, an exoskeleton can increase cardiac cost, by about 15% on average in a handling example. It is not a general value, but it is a reminder that easing a local effort does not always reduce the overall load. With a heart condition, talk to your doctor before trying, and stop at the slightest faintness. This is not medical advice: in a professional setting, involve the occupational health service.