Although the Apex reduces back muscle activity, it does not do so at the expense of increasing muscle demands on other parts of the body. Independent studies by Iowa State University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Wyoming all found that abdominal muscle activity does not increase when wearing the Apex (Lamers 2020, Gorsic 2021, Vathing 2022). The energy stored in the Apex’s elastic bands comes from gravity, not from the user’s abdominal muscles having to work harder. The University of Wyoming study also concluded that when wearing the Apex “no adverse effects on other muscles or during non-lifting tasks were noted.” Similarly, a recent study at Arizona State University found that the Apex had no adverse effects on walking stability (balance), regardless of whether the exosuit was in assistance or non-assistance mode (Yun 2022). Collectively, these studies provide strong converging evidence that the Apex does not interfere with or increase demands on other muscles or body parts. This conclusion is further bolstered by HeroWear field data (N=336) showing reductions in discomfort across a wide range of body parts (see #4 The Apex reduces bodily discomfort).
