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Mänttäri S, Rauttola AP, Halonen J, Karkulehto J, Säynäjäkangas P, Oksa J. Effects of upper-limb exoskeleton on muscle activity in tasks requiring arm elevation: Part II - In-field experiments in construction industry settings. Work 2024:WOR230218. [PMID: 38578911 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The body of literature regarding the use of an upper limb exoskeleton during authentic working conditions is sparse. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an upper limb exoskeleton in reducing muscle strain during authentic industrial construction work. Methods Fifteen male participants, comprising of roofers, scaffolders, builders, bricklayers, and graders performing overhead work participated in the study. During work without (REF) and with exoskeleton (EXO), muscle activity from 8 muscles, heart rate (HR), metabolic equivalent (MET), and upper arm elevation angles were recorded. Results When using the exoskeleton, a significant reduction of 20.2% in average muscle activity of 8 muscles was found. The largest effect focused on m. deltoideus, where 46.2 and 32.2% reduction occurred in medial and anterior parts of the muscle, respectively. HR and MET were unaffected. Upper arm elevation angles were similar between REF and EXO, indicating equal biomechanical loading. Conclusions This study indicates that exoskeletons show great promise in reducing the potential for musculoskeletal strain during authentic overhead construction work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Mänttäri
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - Ari-Pekka Rauttola
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - Janne Halonen
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - Jutta Karkulehto
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - Pihla Säynäjäkangas
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - Juha Oksa
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Työterveyslaitos, Finland
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Gutierrez N, Ojelade A, Kim S, Barr A, Akanmu A, Nussbaum MA, Harris-Adamson C. Perceived benefits, barriers, perceptions, and readiness to use exoskeletons in the construction industry: Differences by demographic characteristics. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 116:104199. [PMID: 38134719 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Exoskeletons (EXOs) are a promising wearable intervention to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorder risks among construction workers. However, the adoption of EXOs may differ with demographic characteristics. Survey data (n = 361) were collected from construction industry stakeholders and a summation score method was used to summarize respondent's benefits and barriers to EXO use, along with perceptions and readiness to use. Responses were stratified by race (White vs. non-White), sex (male vs. female), and age (<47 years vs. ≥47 years). Both a higher Benefits score and a higher Perceptions score were significantly and positively associated with a higher Readiness to Use score. There were also significant differences in perceived barriers to EXO use by race and sex. These results demonstrate substantial interest in EXO use but also emphasize the need to ensure proportionate access to the potential benefits of EXO technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Gutierrez
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Aanuoluwapo Ojelade
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sunwook Kim
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alan Barr
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Abiola Akanmu
- School of Construction, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Maury A Nussbaum
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Carisa Harris-Adamson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Coccia A, Capodaglio EM, Amitrano F, Gabba V, Panigazzi M, Pagano G, D'Addio G. Biomechanical Effects of Using a Passive Exoskeleton for the Upper Limb in Industrial Manufacturing Activities: A Pilot Study. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:1445. [PMID: 38474980 DOI: 10.3390/s24051445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the biomechanical impact of a passive Arm-Support Exoskeleton (ASE) on workers in wool textile processing. Eight workers, equipped with surface electrodes for electromyography (EMG) recording, performed three industrial tasks, with and without the exoskeleton. All tasks were performed in an upright stance involving repetitive upper limbs actions and overhead work, each presenting different physical demands in terms of cycle duration, load handling and percentage of cycle time with shoulder flexion over 80°. The use of ASE consistently lowered muscle activity in the anterior and medial deltoid compared to the free condition (reduction in signal Root Mean Square (RMS) -21.6% and -13.6%, respectively), while no difference was found for the Erector Spinae Longissimus (ESL) muscle. All workers reported complete satisfaction with the ASE effectiveness as rated on Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST), and 62% of the subjects rated the usability score as very high (>80 System Usability Scale (SUS)). The reduction in shoulder flexor muscle activity during the performance of industrial tasks is not correlated to the level of ergonomic risk involved. This preliminary study affirms the potential adoption of ASE as support for repetitive activities in wool textile processing, emphasizing its efficacy in reducing shoulder muscle activity. Positive worker acceptance and intention to use ASE supports its broader adoption as a preventive tool in the occupational sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Coccia
- Bioengineering Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 82037 Telese Terme, BN, Italy
| | - Edda Maria Capodaglio
- Occupational Therapy and Ergonomics Unit of Pavia Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Federica Amitrano
- Bioengineering Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 82037 Telese Terme, BN, Italy
| | - Vittorio Gabba
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatrics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Monica Panigazzi
- Occupational Therapy and Ergonomics Unit of Montescano Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27040 Montescano, PV, Italy
| | - Gaetano Pagano
- Bioengineering Unit of Bari Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 70124 Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Giovanni D'Addio
- Bioengineering Unit of Telese Terme Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 82037 Telese Terme, BN, Italy
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Kim S, Ojelade A, Moore A, Gutierrez N, Harris-Adamson C, Barr A, Srinivasan D, Rempel DM, Nussbaum MA. Understanding contributing factors to exoskeleton use-intention in construction: a decision tree approach using results from an online survey. ERGONOMICS 2023:1-14. [PMID: 38085690 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2289859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major health concern in the construction industry. Occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) are a promising ergonomic intervention to help reduce WMSD risk. Their adoption, however, has been low in construction. To understand the contributing factors to EXO use-intention and assist in future decision-making, we built decision trees to predict responses to each of three EXO use-intention questions (Try, Voluntary Use, and Behavioural Intention), using online survey responses. Variable selection and hyperparameter tuning were used respectively to reduce the number of potential predictors and improve prediction performance. The importance of variables in each final tree was calculated to understand which variables had a greater influence. The final trees had moderate prediction performance. The root node of each tree included EXOs becoming standard equipment, fatigue reduction, or performance increase. Important variables were found to be quite specific to different decision trees. Practical implications of the findings are discussed.Practitioner summary: This study used decision trees to identify key factors influencing the use-intention of occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) in construction, using online survey data. Key factors identified included EXOs becoming standard equipment, fatigue reduction, and performance improvement. Final trees provide intuitive visual representations of the decision-making process for workers to use EXOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunwook Kim
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Aanuoluwapo Ojelade
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Albert Moore
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nancy Gutierrez
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Alan Barr
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Divya Srinivasan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - David M Rempel
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maury A Nussbaum
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Baltrusch SJ, Krause F, de Vries AW, de Looze MP. Arm-support exoskeleton reduces shoulder muscle activity in ceiling construction. ERGONOMICS 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37938880 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2280443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and user's impression of an arm-support exoskeleton in complex and realistic ceiling construction tasks. 11 construction workers performed 9 tasks. We determined objective and subjective efficacy of the exoskeleton by measuring shoulder muscle activity and perceived exertion. User's impression was assessed by questionnaires on expected support, perceived support, perceived hindrance and future intention to use the exoskeleton. Wearing the exoskeleton yielded persistent reductions in shoulder muscle activity of up to 58% and decreased perceived exertion. Participants reported limited perceived hindrance by the exoskeleton, as also indicated by no increase in antagonistic muscle activity. The findings demonstrate the high potential of an arm-support exoskeleton for unloading the shoulder muscles when used in the dynamic and versatile working environment of a ceiling construction worker, which is in line with the consistent intention of the workers to use the exoskeleton in the future.Practitioner Summary: The majority of research focuses on the effect of using an arm-support exoskeleton during isolated postures and prescribed movements. We investigated the efficacy of an exoskeleton during a complex and realistic work, namely ceiling construction. Shoulder muscle activity was lower in almost all tasks when wearing the exoskeleton.
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Jakob M, Balaguier R, Park H, Trask C. Addressing Exoskeleton Implementation Challenges: Case Studies of Non-Acceptance in Agriculture. J Agromedicine 2023; 28:784-796. [PMID: 37470392 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2023.2236605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to detect success and failure factors for the implementation of passive exoskeletons in agriculture. Exoskeletons have been shown to reduce musculoskeletal loads during lab-based manual tasks, but long-term implementation experiences in agriculture are lacking. METHODS We analyzed four intervention studies in agriculture focusing on methodological and contextual reasons why the trials were successful or unsuccessful. The study context, attempted intervention, and data collection of each field trial is compared. In the absence of long-term studies investigating the implementation and effectiveness of exoskeletons in agriculture, a set of multi-week pilot trials were initiated among German market vegetable farms and French vineyards from 2019 to 2022. Participant ratings, farm characteristics (e.g. employment duration and payment scheme) and intervention implementation characteristics (e.g. participation in implementation or language barriers) were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach to identify success and failure factors. RESULTS The comparison of the studies showed that despite the organizational issues, there were several practical issues that limit the success of exoskeleton use in agriculture. We observed that participant rejection of the intervention is a major barrier to successfully conducting long-term field trials in agriculture. Factors like pain, discomfort, heat stress, or a lack of perceived benefits have been identified as failure factors but also the implementation process itself. CONCLUSION In addition to careful targeting of trial sites and inclusion of participatory elements in the implementation plan, successful implementation of exoskeletons in agriculture requires fundamental human factors development of the exoskeletons themselves. This will require better matching the physical needs of the workers, the production needs of the tasks, and compatibility with the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Jakob
- Department of Technology Assessment and Substance Cycles, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Hyunjin Park
- Department of Technology Assessment and Substance Cycles, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Integrative Research Institute on Transformations of Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Catherine Trask
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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7
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Mitterlehner L, Li YX, Wolf M. Objective and subjective evaluation of a passive low-back exoskeleton during simulated logistics tasks. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 4:e24. [PMID: 38487776 PMCID: PMC10936295 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2023.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders remain the most common work-related health problem in the European Union. The most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder reported by workers is backache, especially in the logistics sector. Thus, this article aims to evaluate the effects of a commercial passive low-back exoskeleton during simulated logistics tasks. Thirty participants were recruited for this study. Typical logistics tasks were simulated in a laboratory environment. Cross-over research design was utilized to assess the effects of the exoskeleton on heart rate, trunk inclination, trunk acceleration, throughput, and perceived exertion. Also, usability and acceptance were obtained using a custom questionnaire. We found mostly non-significant differences. Effects on throughput varied widely between workplaces. Usability ratings were poor and acceptance moderate. The study suggests that a holistic evaluation and implementation approach for industrial exoskeletons is necessary. Further, prior to exoskeleton implementation, workplace adaptation might be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Mitterlehner
- Institute of Innovation and Industrial Management, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Yasmin Xinyue Li
- Institute of Innovation and Industrial Management, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Wolf
- Institute of Innovation and Industrial Management, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
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8
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Slaughter PR, Rodzak KM, Fine SJ, Ice CC, Wolf DN, Zelik KE. Evaluation of U.S. Army Soldiers wearing a back exosuit during a field training exercise. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 4:e20. [PMID: 38487775 PMCID: PMC10936316 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2023.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Back overuse injuries are a significant problem in the U.S. Army, responsible for nearly a quarter of musculoskeletal injuries. Back exosuits are wearable devices that relieve musculoskeletal strain, make lifting easier, and could potentially reduce Soldier overuse injuries. But published studies have not evaluated exosuits during realistic field operations to assess acceptability to Soldiers. We tested a back exosuit on field artillery Soldiers during a field training exercise. Afterward, Soldiers completed a survey to quantify their satisfaction, intent to use, and performance impact of the exosuit. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive: Approximately 90% of Soldiers reported that exosuits increased their ability to perform their duties, and 100% said that if the exosuit were further developed and made available to them, they would be likely to wear it. These numerical survey results indicated that exosuits can provide a practical and acceptable way to assist lifting and augment physical performance during realistic Army operations without interfering with other duties.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. R. Slaughter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - K. M. Rodzak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - S. J. Fine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - C. C. Ice
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - D. N. Wolf
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - K. E. Zelik
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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Raghuraman RN, Upasani S, Gonzales A, Aviles J, Cha J, Srinivasan D. Manufacturing Industry Stakeholder Perspectives on Occupational Exoskeletons: Changes after a Brief Exposure to Exoskeletons. IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors 2023; 11:71-80. [PMID: 37747446 DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2023.2262480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSMultiple occupational exoskeletons have been developed recently with potential to reduce physical demands, muscle fatigue, and risk of over-exertion injuries in manufacturing, yet there are currently challenges in practical, large-scale deployment. We explored how stakeholder perceptions of exoskeletons were affected by exposure to passive arm- and back-support exoskeletons. Our outcomes indicate that even brief exposure to exoskeletons can positively influence worker and stakeholder perceptions on the usefulness and safety of exoskeletons. However, worker concerns about device usability and acceptability in the field were not mitigated by such brief exposure. This work may help manufacturing industry stakeholders understand what technology-adoption factors need further consideration when planning for exoskeleton deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Satyajit Upasani
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alec Gonzales
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Jessica Aviles
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Jackie Cha
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Divya Srinivasan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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Lind CM, Abtahi F, Forsman M. Wearable Motion Capture Devices for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ergonomics-An Overview of Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Opportunities. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23094259. [PMID: 37177463 PMCID: PMC10181376 DOI: 10.3390/s23094259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major contributor to disability worldwide and substantial societal costs. The use of wearable motion capture instruments has a role in preventing WMSDs by contributing to improvements in exposure and risk assessment and potentially improved effectiveness in work technique training. Given the versatile potential for wearables, this article aims to provide an overview of their application related to the prevention of WMSDs of the trunk and upper limbs and discusses challenges for the technology to support prevention measures and future opportunities, including future research needs. The relevant literature was identified from a screening of recent systematic literature reviews and overviews, and more recent studies were identified by a literature search using the Web of Science platform. Wearable technology enables continuous measurements of multiple body segments of superior accuracy and precision compared to observational tools. The technology also enables real-time visualization of exposures, automatic analyses, and real-time feedback to the user. While miniaturization and improved usability and wearability can expand the use also to more occupational settings and increase use among occupational safety and health practitioners, several fundamental challenges remain to be resolved. The future opportunities of increased usage of wearable motion capture devices for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders may require more international collaborations for creating common standards for measurements, analyses, and exposure metrics, which can be related to epidemiologically based risk categories for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mikael Lind
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Farhad Abtahi
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
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Baldassarre A, Lulli LG, Cavallo F, Fiorini L, Mariniello A, Mucci N, Arcangeli G. Industrial exoskeletons from bench to field: Human-machine interface and user experience in occupational settings and tasks. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1039680. [PMID: 36478728 PMCID: PMC9720272 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1039680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are considered nowadays the most serious issue in the Occupational Health and Safety field and industrial exoskeletons appear to be a new approach to addressing this medical burden. A systematic review has been carried out to analyze the real-life data of the application of exoskeletons in work settings considering the subjective responses of workers. Methods The review was registered on PROSPERO. The literature search and its report have been performed following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results Twenty-four original studies were included in the literature review; 42% of the papers retrieved included automobilist industry workers, 17% of the studies evaluated the use of exoskeletons in logistic facilities, and 17% of articles involved healthcare. The remaining six papers recruited farmers, plasterers, wasting collectors, construction workers, and other workmen. All the papers selected tested the use of passive exoskeletons, supporting upper arms or back. Usability, perceived comfort, perceived exertion and fatigue, acceptability and intention to use, occupational safety and health, and job performance and productivity were the main topic analyzed. Conclusion Exoskeletons are not a fix-all technology, neither for workers nor for job tasks; they tend to show more of their potential in static activities, while in dynamic tasks, they can obstacle regular job performance. Comfort and easiness of use are the key factors influencing the user's experience. More research is needed to determine the most effective and safe ways to implement exoskeleton use in occupational settings. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=275728, identifier CRD42021275728.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Baldassarre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Cavallo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Fiorini
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Wang J, Yu S, Yuan X, Wang Y, Chen D, Wang W. Investigating the Overall Experience of Wearable Robots during Prototype-Stage Testing. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:8367. [PMID: 36366065 PMCID: PMC9656381 DOI: 10.3390/s22218367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Wearable robots (WRs) might interact with humans in a similar manner to teammates to accomplish specific tasks together. However, the available data on WR user experience (UX) studies are limited, especially during the prototyping phase. Therefore, this study aims to examine the overall experience of WRs during the prototyping phase based on an exploratory research model. This theoretical model considered usability, hedonic quality, and attitude toward using WRs as key factors in explaining and predicting overall experience. To test the hypotheses inherent in the research model, quantitative empirical research was conducted and the data were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results from the PLS-SEM analysis revealed the significance level of correlations between the latent variables in the research model. The exploratory research model was able to explain up to 53.2% of the variance in the overall experience of using WRs, indicating medium predictive power. This research develops a new quantitative empirical research model that can be used to explain and predict the overall experience of interactive products such as WRs. Meanwhile, the model is needed during WR testing in the prototype phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Design and Ergonomics, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Design, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Suihuai Yu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Design and Ergonomics, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Design, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yuan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Yahui Wang
- School of Design and Arts, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100811, China
| | - Dengkai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Design and Ergonomics, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Design, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Wendong Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
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