This study assessed the effect of a small-torque generating passive back-support exoskeleton during a low demanding occupational task, namely a repetitive lifting/lowering of an empty crate between the knee and shoulder heights. A comprehensive set of outcomes was considered, ranging from the measured trunk muscle activation and trunk movement to the estimated muscle group forces/coordination, spine loading and spine stability, using a dynamic subject-specific EMG-assisted musculoskeletal model. The exoskeleton decreased back muscle activation and corresponding muscle forces in the lowering phase and reduced spinal loading at larger trunk flexion angles (decreased peak compression and shear forces by ∼ 15%). However, the effect sizes were small (η < .06), questioning the usefulness of this type of exoskeleton, even for light tasks. On the other hand, the unique results of the present study showed that coordination between the main muscle groups as well as spinal stability remained unchanged with low effect sizes, suggesting that the use of this exoskeleton is safe.
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Feasibility of a novel back support device to improve spine stability and muscular activity during trunk flexion: A prospective cross-sectional study with healthy controls and low back pain subjects - preliminary.
Clin Biomech (Bristol)
December 2024
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, H3A 0G4, Québec, Canada; Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Research Institute MUHC, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal H3G 1A4, Québec, Canada. Electronic address:
Background: Low back pain is a prevalent global condition often challenging to address due to the absence of a definitive diagnosis in over 80 % of cases. Manual lifting, common in many work environments, contributes to low back pain due to lumbar spine stresses, and existing assistive technologies like abdominal belts and exoskeletons have limitations in managing low back pain effectively. This paper presents a novel back support device designed to generate abdominal compression during flexion activities, potentially enhancing lumbar stability through increased intra-abdominal pressure.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEffect of a back-support exoskeleton on internal forces and lumbar spine stability during low load lifting task.
Appl Ergon
February 2025
Institut de recherche Robert Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montréal, Canada; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal (IURDPM), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal (CCSMTL), Canada. Electronic address:
This study assessed the effect of a small-torque generating passive back-support exoskeleton during a low demanding occupational task, namely a repetitive lifting/lowering of an empty crate between the knee and shoulder heights. A comprehensive set of outcomes was considered, ranging from the measured trunk muscle activation and trunk movement to the estimated muscle group forces/coordination, spine loading and spine stability, using a dynamic subject-specific EMG-assisted musculoskeletal model. The exoskeleton decreased back muscle activation and corresponding muscle forces in the lowering phase and reduced spinal loading at larger trunk flexion angles (decreased peak compression and shear forces by ∼ 15%).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFatigue assessment for back-support exoskeletons during repetitive lifting tasks.
Front Bioeng Biotechnol
September 2024
Institute of Agricultural Machinery, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Saitama, Japan.
Article Synopsis
- * Exoskeletons are seen as a potential solution to reduce worker fatigue, but evaluating their safety and effectiveness can be challenging beyond using electromyography (EMG).
- * The study developed a simulation method combining exoskeleton models and human body assessments, showing results similar to EMG measurements for repetitive lifting tasks, offering valuable insights for product design.
The effects of soft vs. rigid back-support exoskeletons on trunk dynamic stability and trunk-pelvis coordination in young and old adults during repetitive lifting.
J Biomech
November 2024
Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA. Electronic address:
While back-support exoskeletons are increasing in popularity as an ergonomic intervention for manual material handling, they may cause alterations to neuromuscular control required for maintaining spinal stability. This study evaluated the effects of soft and rigid passive exoskeletons on trunk local dynamic stability and trunk-pelvis coordination. Thiry-two young (18-30 years) and old (45-60 years) men and women completed repetitive lifting and lowering tasks using two different exoskeletons and in a control condition.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFacilitators and barriers to the adoption of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry.
J Safety Res
September 2024
Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States. Electronic address:
Introduction: Active back-support exoskeletons are gaining more awareness as a solution to the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry. This study aims to understand the factors that influence the adoption of active back-support exoskeletons in the construction industry.
Method: A literature review was conducted to gather relevant adoption factors related to exoskeleton implementation.
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