Title | Efficacy of passive upper-limb exoskeletons in reducing musculoskeletal load associated with overhead tasks. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2023 |
Authors | Kong, Y-K, Kim, JH, Shim, H-H, Shim, J-W, Park, S-S, Choi, K-H |
Journal | Appl Ergon |
Volume | 109 |
Pagination | 103965 |
Date Published | 01/2023 |
ISSN | 1872-9126 |
Abstract | Highlights
Overhead work can pose substantial musculoskeletal stress in many industrial settings. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of passive upper-limb exoskeletons in reducing muscular activity and subjective discomfort ratings. In a repeated-measures laboratory experiment, 20 healthy male participants performed 10-min drilling tasks with and without two passive upper-limb exoskeletons (VEX and Airframe). During the tasks, muscle activity in eight muscles (upper limb - upper trapezius, middle deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii; low back - erector spinae; lower limb - rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior) was collected using electromyography as a physical exertion measure. Subjective discomfort rating in six body parts was measured using the Borg's CR-10 scale. The results showed that muscle activity (especially in the upper-limb muscles) was significantly decreased by 29.3-58.1% with both exoskeletons compared to no exoskeleton condition. The subjective discomfort ratings showed limited differences between the conditions. These findings indicate that passive upper-limb exoskeletons may have potential as an effective intervention to reduce muscular loading and physical exertion during overhead work. |
DOI | 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.103965 |
Alternate Journal | Appl Ergon |
PubMed ID | 36645995 |