How Effective Are Forecasting Models in Predicting Effects of Exoskeletons on Fatigue Progression?

Forecasting can be utilized to predict future trends in physiological demands, which can be beneficial for developing effective interventions. This study implemented forecasting models to predict fatigue level progression when performing exoskeleton (EXO)-assisted tasks. Specifically, perceived and muscle activity data were utilized from nine recruited participants who performed 45° trunk flexion tasks intermittently with and without assistance until they reached medium-high exertion in the low-back region.

Training and Familiarization with Industrial Exoskeletons: A Review of Considerations, Protocols, and Approaches for Effective Implementation.

Effective training programs are essential for safely integrating exoskeletons (EXOs) in industrial workplaces. Since the effects of wearable systems depend highly upon their proper use, lack of training of end-users may cause adverse effects on users. We reviewed articles that incorporated training and familiarization protocols to train novices on proper operation/use of EXOs.

Dual Tasking Affects the Outcomes of Instrumented Timed up and Go, Sit-to-Stand, Balance, and 10-Meter Walk Tests in Stroke Survivors.

Stroke can impair mobility, with deficits more pronounced while simultaneously performing multiple activities. In this study, common clinical tests were instrumented with wearable motion sensors to study motor-cognitive interference effects in stroke survivors (SS). A total of 21 SS and 20 healthy controls performed the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Sit-to-Stand (STS), balance, and 10-Meter Walk (10MWT) tests under single and dual-task (counting backward) conditions.

Post-Stroke Functional Changes: In-Depth Analysis of Clinical Tests and Motor-Cognitive Dual-Tasking Using Wearable Sensors.

Clinical tests like Timed Up and Go (TUG) facilitate the assessment of post-stroke mobility, but they lack detailed measures. In this study, 21 stroke survivors and 20 control participants underwent TUG, sit-to-stand (STS), and the 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT). Tests incorporated single tasks (STs) and motor-cognitive dual-task (DTs) involving reverse counting from 200 in decrements of 10.

Fall Risk Assessment in Stroke Survivors: A Machine Learning Model Using Detailed Motion Data from Common Clinical Tests and Motor-Cognitive Dual-Tasking.

Background: Falls are common and dangerous for stroke survivors. Current fall risk assessment methods rely on subjective scales. Objective sensor-based methods could improve prediction accuracy.

Alterations in Physical Demands During Virtual/Augmented Reality-Based Tasks: A Systematic Review.

The digital world has recently experienced a swift rise in worldwide popularity due to Virtual (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) devices. However, concrete evidence about the effects of VR/AR devices on the physical workload imposed on the human body is lacking. We reviewed 27 articles that evaluated the physical impact of VR/AR-based tasks on the users using biomechanical sensing equipment and subjective tools.

A Systematic Review on Lower-Limb Industrial Exoskeletons: Evaluation Methods, Evidence, and Future Directions.

Industrial tasks that involve frequent sitting/standing transitions and squatting activities can benefit from lower-limb industrial exoskeletons; however, their use is not as widespread as their upper-body counterparts. In this review, we examined 23 articles that evaluated the effects of using Wearable Chair (WC) and Squat-assist (SA) exoskeletons. Evaluations mainly included assessment of muscular demands in the thigh, shank, and upper/lower back regions.

A Systematic Review on Evaluation Strategies for Field Assessment of Upper-Body Industrial Exoskeletons: Current Practices and Future Trends.

With rising manual work demands, physical assistance at the workplace is crucial, wherein the use of industrial exoskeletons (i-EXOs) could be advantageous. However, outcomes of numerous laboratory studies may not be directly translated to field environments. To explore this discrepancy, we conducted a systematic review including 31 studies to identify and compare the approaches, techniques, and outcomes within field assessments of shoulder and back support i-EXOs.

Why multi-tier surgical instrument table matters? An ergonomic analysis from mento-physical demand perspectives.

Using traditional back tables (BT) in operating rooms (OR) can lead to high physical/cognitive demand on nurses due to repetitive manual material handling activities. A multi-tier table (MTT) has been developed to relieve such stressors by providing extra working surfaces to avoid stacking the instrument trays and facilitate access to surgical tools. In this study, sixteen participants performed lifting/lowering and instrument findings tasks on each table, where kinematics, kinetics, subjective, and performance-related measures were recorded.

Kinematic Analysis of 360° Turning in Stroke Survivors Using Wearable Motion Sensors.

Background: A stroke often bequeaths surviving patients with impaired neuromusculoskeletal systems subjecting them to increased risk of injury (e.g., due to falls) even during activities of daily living.

Kinematic Assessment of Turning and Walking Tasks Among Stroke Survivors by Employing Wearable Sensors and Pressure Platform.

Stroke survivors often experience reduced movement capabilities due to alterations in their neuromusculoskeletal systems. Modern sensor technologies and motion analyses can facilitate the determination of these changes. Our work aims to assess the potential of using wearable motion sensors to analyze the movement of stroke survivors and identifying the affected functions.