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Cheng CYM, Lee CCY, Chen CK, Lou VWQ. Multidisciplinary collaboration on exoskeleton development adopting user-centered design: a systematic integrative review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:909-937. [PMID: 36278426 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2134470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The world population is ageing, along with an increasing possibility of functional limitations that affect independent living. Assistive technologies such as exoskeletons for rehabilitative purposes and daily activities assistance maintaining the independence of people with disabilities, especially older adults who wish to ageing-in-place. The purpose of this systematic integrative review was threefold: to explore the development team compositions and involvement, to understand the recruitment and engagement of stakeholders, and to synthesise reported or anticipated consequences of multidisciplinary collaboration.Methods: Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore. A total of 34 studies that reported the development of exoskeleton adopting user-centered design (UCD) method in healthcare or community settings that were published in English from 2000 to July 2022 were included.Results: Three major trends emerged from the analysis of included studies. First, there is a need to redefine multidisciplinary collaboration, from within-discipline collaboration to cross-discipline collaboration. Second, the level of engagement of stakeholders during the exoskeleton development remained low. Third, there was no standardised measurement to quantify knowledge production currently.Conclusion: As suggested by the synthesised results in this review, exoskeleton development has been increasing to improve the functioning of people with disabilities. Exoskeleton development often required expertise from different disciplines and the involvement of stakeholders to increase acceptance, thus we propose the Multidisciplinary Collaboration Appraisal Tool to assess multidisciplinary collaboration using the UCD approach. Future research is required to understand the effectiveness of multidisciplinary collaboration on exoskeleton development using the UCD approach.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONGlobal trend of population ageing causes a higher risk of disability in older adults who require rehabilitation and assistance in daily living.Assistive technologies such as exoskeletons have the potential to contribute to rehabilitation training and daily activity assistance demand closer multidisciplinary collaboration.A Multidisciplinary Collaboration Appraisal Tool using user-centered design approach (MCAT) is proposed to understand the effectiveness as well as limitations and barriers associated with multidisciplinary collaboration in developing exoskeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clio Yuen Man Cheng
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration; Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Coco Ke Chen
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Vivian W Q Lou
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration; Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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2
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Quirk DA, Chung J, Schiller G, Cherin JM, Arens P, Sherman DA, Zeligson ER, Dalton DM, Awad LN, Walsh CJ. Reducing Back Exertion and Improving Confidence of Individuals with Low Back Pain with a Back Exosuit: A Feasibility Study for Use in BACPAC. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:S175-S186. [PMID: 36794907 PMCID: PMC10403307 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low back pain (LBP) is hallmarked by activity limitations, especially for tasks involving bending. Back exosuit technology reduces low back discomfort and improves self-efficacy of individuals with LBP during bending and lifting tasks. However, the biomechanical efficacy of these devices in individuals with LBP is unknown. This study sought to determine biomechanical and perceptual effects of a soft active back exosuit designed to assist individuals with LBP sagittal plane bending. To understand patient-reported usability and use cases for this device. METHODS Fifteen individuals with LBP performed two experimental lifting blocks once with and without an exosuit. Trunk biomechanics were measured by muscle activation amplitudes, and whole-body kinematics and kinetics. To evaluate device perception, participants rated task effort, low back discomfort, and their level of concern completing daily activities. RESULTS The back exosuit reduced peak back extensor: moments by 9%, and muscle amplitudes by 16% when lifting. There were no changes in abdominal co-activation and small reductions maximum trunk flexion compared to lifting without an exosuit. Participants reported lower task effort, back discomfort, and concern about bending and lifting with an exosuit compared to without. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a back exosuit not only imparts perceptual benefits of reduced task effort, discomfort, and increased confidence in individuals with LBP but that it achieves these benefits through measurable biomechanical reductions in back extensor effort. The combined effect of these benefits implies back exosuits might be a potential therapeutic aid to augment physical therapy, exercises, or daily activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Adam Quirk
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jinwon Chung
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gregory Schiller
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jason M Cherin
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Philipp Arens
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David A Sherman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emma R Zeligson
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Diane M Dalton
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lou N Awad
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Conor J Walsh
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
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Bhardwaj S, Shinde AB, Singh R, Vashista V. Manipulating device-to-body forces in passive exosuit: An experimental investigation on the effect of moment arm orientation using passive back-assist exosuit emulator. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 4:e17. [PMID: 38487771 PMCID: PMC10936296 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2023.12] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Passive exosuits have been vastly researched in the past decade for lifting tasks to alleviate the mechanical loading on the spine and reduce the lower back muscle activities in lifting tasks. Despite promising advantages of exosuits, factors such as comfort directly influence the user's acceptability of such body-worn devices. Exosuits' routing/anchoring points, which transmit device-to-body forces, remain the leading cause of discomfort among users. In the present study, we sought to investigate the effect of the routing element, that is, the "moment arm," in altering the device-to-body forces and perceived discomfort. We first presented a simplified human-exosuit model to establish insight into the effect of the moment arm on the device-to-body forces acting at the shoulder (FS) and waist (FW). Further, an experimental investigation was conducted on 10 participants with six different exosuit moment arm configurations (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6) to investigate their effect on the device-to-body forces, perceived discomfort, and muscle activity using a passive back-assist exosuit emulator in a lifting/lowering task. Configuration C4 was found to be most beneficial in reducing device-to-body forces at the shoulder and waist by up to 44.6 and 22.2%, respectively, during lifting. Subjective scores also comprehended with the device-to-body forces, indicating that C4 produces significantly less discomfort for participants. The outcome of the study illustrates the importance of selecting an appropriate moment arm configuration for passive back support exosuits in alleviating the device-to-body forces and perceived discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Bhardwaj
- Human-Centered Robotics Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Akshayraj B. Shinde
- Human-Centered Robotics Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Randheer Singh
- Human-Centered Robotics Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Vineet Vashista
- Human-Centered Robotics Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
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Farah L, Roll D, Sorais A, Vallée A. Assessment of Exoskeletons on Nurses' Quality of Work Life: A Pilot Study at Foch Hospital. NURSING REPORTS 2023; 13:780-791. [PMID: 37218949 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13020068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevention of occupational risks is part of the quality of work life and it is a component that improves the physical work environment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate how to maintain posture and to reduce pain and fatigue for nurses, with an exoskeleton adapted to the work at hospital. METHODS The exoskeleton was used between 2022 to 2023 at Foch Hospital, France. Phase 1 consisted of the selection of the exoskeleton, and Phase 2 included the testing of the device by the nurses and a questionnaire to assess it. RESULTS The "active" ATLAS model from JAPET, ensuring lumbar protection, was selected because it corresponds to all the specification criteria to tackle the nurses' unmet need. Among the 14 healthcare professionals, 86% were women; the age of the nurses was between 23 years old and 58 years old. The global median satisfaction score of the nurses relative to the use of the exoskeleton was 6/10. The median impact of the exoskeleton on nurses' fatigue was 7/10. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of the exoskeleton received global positive qualitative feedback from the nurses concerning the improvement of posture and the reduction in fatigue and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Farah
- Innovation Center for Medical Devices, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Dorota Roll
- Quality of Work Life Department, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Amrei Sorais
- Quality of Work Life Department, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology-Data-Biostatistics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
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Al-Dahiree OS, Ghazilla RAR, Tokhi MO, Yap HJ, Gul M. Design and Characterization of a Low-Cost and Efficient Torsional Spring for ES-RSEA. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3705. [PMID: 37050767 PMCID: PMC10099043 DOI: 10.3390/s23073705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The design of torsional springs for series elastic actuators (SEAs) is challenging, especially when balancing good stiffness characteristics and efficient torque robustness. This study focuses on the design of a lightweight, low-cost, and compact torsional spring for use in the energy storage-rotary series elastic actuator (ES-RSEA) of a lumbar support exoskeleton. The exoskeleton is used as an assistive device to prevent lower back injuries. The torsion spring was designed following design for manufacturability (DFM) principles, focusing on minimal space and weight. The design process involved determining the potential topology and optimizing the selected topology parameters through the finite element method (FEM) to reduce equivalent stress. The prototype was made using a waterjet cutting process with a low-cost material (AISI-4140-alloy) and tested using a custom-made test rig. The results showed that the torsion spring had a linear torque-displacement relationship with 99% linearity, and the deviation between FEM simulation and experimental measurements was less than 2%. The torsion spring has a maximum torque capacity of 45.7 Nm and a 440 Nm/rad stiffness. The proposed torsion spring is a promising option for lumbar support exoskeletons and similar applications requiring low stiffness, low weight-to-torque ratio, and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Sabah Al-Dahiree
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (O.S.A.-D.)
| | - Raja Ariffin Raja Ghazilla
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (O.S.A.-D.)
| | | | - Hwa Jen Yap
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia; (O.S.A.-D.)
| | - Mustabshirha Gul
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60000, Pakistan
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Rayssiguie E, Erden MS. A Review of Exoskeletons Considering Nurses. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22187035. [PMID: 36146385 PMCID: PMC9501849 DOI: 10.3390/s22187035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Daily tasks of nurses include manual handling to assist patients. Repetitive manual handling leads to high risk of injuries due to the loads on nurses' bodies. Nurses, in hospitals and care homes, can benefit from the advances in exoskeleton technology assisting their manual handling tasks. There are already exoskeletons both in the market and in the research area made to assist physical workers to handle heavy loads. However, those exoskeletons are mostly designed for men, as most physical workers are men, whereas most nurses are women. In the case of nurses, they handle patients, a more delicate task than handling objects, and any such device used by nurses should easily be disinfected. In this study, the needs of nurses are examined, and a review of the state-of-the-art exoskeletons is conducted from the perspective of to what extent the existing technologies address the needs of nurses. Possible solutions and technologies and particularly the needs that have not been addressed by the existing technologies are discussed.
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Bhardwaj S, Shinde AB, Singh R, Vashista V. Passive Exosuit Emulator for Material Handling Applications. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2022.3183748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Bhardwaj
- Human-Centered Robotics Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
| | - Akshayraj B. Shinde
- Human-Centered Robotics Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
| | - Randheer Singh
- Human-Centered Robotics Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
| | - Vineet Vashista
- Human-Centered Robotics Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
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8
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Siedl SM, Mara M. Exoskeleton acceptance and its relationship to self-efficacy enhancement, perceived usefulness, and physical relief: A field study among logistics workers. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2021; 2:e10. [PMID: 38486624 PMCID: PMC10936393 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2021.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Objective This field study aimed to explore the effects of exoskeleton use on task-specific self-efficacy beliefs of logistics workers and to relate these effects to usefulness perceptions and technology acceptance. Background A growing number of industrial companies have shown interest in having employees wearing exoskeletons to support their physical health. However, psychological consequences of exoskeleton use and mechanisms associated with workers' acceptance or rejection of exoskeletons are not yet sufficiently understood. Methods A total of 31 logistics workers of a vehicle manufacturing company reported on their work-related self-efficacy, that is, how capable they felt of performing tasks related to their job well, before partaking in half-hour trials of a passive lift-assistive exoskeleton (Laevo V2.5) during their normal work. Afterward, they completed a questionnaire on their exoskeleton-supported self-efficacy and indicated how useful they found the exoskeleton, how much physical relief they felt from wearing it, and how willing they were to continue with its use. Results Overall, wearing the exoskeleton did not lead to increased work-specific self-efficacy. However, indications of interaction effects were found between baseline self-efficacy, perceived physical relief, and perceived usefulness in such a way that workers who experienced the exoskeleton as more strain-relieving or more useful were also more likely to report a post-trial growth in their self-efficacy beliefs. A positive change in self-efficacy, in turn, was associated with a greater willingness to further use the exoskeleton at the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M. Siedl
- LIT Robopsychology Lab, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Martina Mara
- LIT Robopsychology Lab, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
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9
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Altug Z. Lifestyle Medicine for Chronic Lower Back Pain: An Evidence-Based Approach. Am J Lifestyle Med 2021; 15:425-433. [PMID: 34366741 DOI: 10.1177/1559827620971547] [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: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower back pain is a leading cause of work absence and activity limitations globally, with a 60% to 85% lifetime chance of occurrence. This article highlights the role that lifestyle medicine plays in managing lower back pain as a cost-effective intervention strategy. It is suggested that lifestyle medicine strategies, such as incorporating whole foods and a plant-based diet, sustainable physical activity and mind-body exercises, restorative sleep, stress resiliency, awareness and mitigation of substance abuse and addiction, and establishing meaningful social networks and self-care strategies, be a part of managing chronic lower back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziya Altug
- IntegrativeDPT.com, Los Angeles, California
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10
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Design, modeling, and demonstration of a new dual-mode back-assist exosuit with extension mechanism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2. [PMID: 36325150 PMCID: PMC9624433 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2021.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Occupational exoskeletons and exosuits have been shown to reduce muscle demands and fatigue for physical tasks relevant to a variety of industries (e.g. logistics, construction, manufacturing, military, healthcare). However, adoption of these devices into the workforce has been slowed by practical factors related to comfort, form-factor, weight, and not interfering with movement or posture. We previously introduced an un-motorized, low-profile, dual-mode exosuit comprised of textile and elastic materials to address these adoption barriers. Here we build upon this prior work by introducing an extension mechanism that increases the moment arm of the exosuit while in engaged mode, then collapses in disengaged mode to retain key benefits related to being lightweight, low-profile, and unobstructive. Here we demonstrate both analytically and empirically how this extensible exosuit concept can (i) reduce device-to-body forces (which can improve comfort for some users and situations), or (ii) increase the magnitude of torque assistance about the low back (which may be valuable for heavy-lifting jobs) without increasing shoulder or leg forces relative to the prior form-fitting exosuit. We also introduce a novel mode-switching mechanism, as well as a human-exosuit biomechanical model to elucidate how individual design parameters affect exosuit assistance torque and device-to-body forces. The proof-of-concept prototype, case study, and modeling work provide a foundation for understanding and implementing extensible exosuits for a broad range of applications. We envision promising opportunities to apply this new dual-mode extensible exosuit concept to assist heavy-lifting, to further enhance user comfort, and to address the unique needs of last-mile delivery workers.
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Baltrusch SJ, Houdijk H, van Dieën JH, Kruif JTCMD. Passive Trunk Exoskeleton Acceptability and Effects on Self-efficacy in Employees with Low-Back Pain: A Mixed Method Approach. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2021; 31:129-141. [PMID: 32410154 PMCID: PMC7954709 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-020-09891-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Determinants of successfully introducing passive exoskeletons in the working environment to decrease mechanical loading on the back, are acceptability of the device to management and employees, including self-efficacy of employees when using the device. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess self-efficacy of employees with low-back pain when using an exoskeleton and the acceptability of such a device to these employees and their managers. Methods We used a mixed method approach. We quantitatively assessed the change in self-efficacy of 17 employees with low-back pain when performing daily activity tasks with the exoskeleton, using the modified spinal function sort (M-SFS). Qualitatively, we conducted a focus group with employees and a double interview with two managers to add more insight and understandings into changes in self-efficacy and to discuss challenges of implementing an exoskeleton in the working environment. Results Self-efficacy significantly increased by 7% when using the exoskeleton. Employees acknowledged the flexibility of the exoskeleton being advantageous to current static external lifting devices, which confirmed the increase of self-efficacy in both static and dynamic tasks. Individual data showed that the increase in self-efficacy was largest for participants, being greatly restricted by their low-back pain. In the focus group, employees confirmed that they are mostly open to wearing the exoskeleton if they suffer from low-back pain. Conclusion If potential challenges, e.g. visibility and potential refusal of wearing an exoskeleton are considered in the implementation strategy, acceptability of and self-efficacy in using the passive trunk exoskeleton would be further improved, potentially contributing to reduced risk of low-back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Baltrusch
- Department of Research and Development, Rehabilitation Center Heliomare, Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands.
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - H Houdijk
- Department of Research and Development, Rehabilitation Center Heliomare, Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J H van Dieën
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Th C M de Kruif
- Faculty of Science, Methodology and Applied Biostatistics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Qu X, Qu C, Ma T, Yin P, Zhao N, Xia Y, Qu S. Effects of an industrial passive assistive exoskeleton on muscle activity, oxygen consumption and subjective responses during lifting tasks. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245629. [PMID: 33471870 PMCID: PMC7816984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an industrial passive assisted exoskeleton (IPAE) with simulated lifting tasks on muscle activity, oxygen consumption, perceived level of exertion, local perceived pressure, and systemic usability. Eight workers were required to complete two lifting tasks with and without the IPAE, that were single lifting tasks (repeated 5 times) and 15 min repeated lifting tasks respectively. Both of the tasks required subjects to remove a toolbox from the ground to the waist height. The test results showed that IPAE significantly reduced the muscle activity of the lumbar erector spinae, thoracic erector spinae, middle deltoid and labrum-biceps muscles; the reduction effect during the 15 min lifting task was reached 21%, 12%, 32% and 38% respectively. The exoskeleton did not cause significant differences in oxygen consumption and the perceived level of exertion, but local perceived pressure on the shoulders, thighs, wrists, and waist of the subjects could be produced. 50% of the subjects rated the usability of the equipment as acceptable. The results illustrate the good potential of the exoskeleton to reduce the muscle activity of the low back and upper arms. However, there is still a concern for the obvious contact pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xishuai Qu
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenxi Qu
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Smart Manufacturing for Special Vehicles and Transmission System, Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group Co., Ltd., Baotou, China
| | - Peng Yin
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Smart Manufacturing for Special Vehicles and Transmission System, Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group Co., Ltd., Baotou, China
| | - Yumeng Xia
- China North Advanced Technology Generalization Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Shengguan Qu
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Smart Manufacturing for Special Vehicles and Transmission System, Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group Co., Ltd., Baotou, China
- * E-mail:
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Kozinc Ž, Babič J, Šarabon N. Comparison of Subjective Responses of Low Back Pain Patients and Asymptomatic Controls to Use of Spinal Exoskeleton during Simple Load Lifting Tasks: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:E161. [PMID: 33379316 PMCID: PMC7795241 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spinal exoskeletons have been suggested as an approach for the prevention and rehabilitation of occupational low back pain (LBP). While the state-of-the-art exoskeletons were shown to substantially unload the back, user acceptance is still limited. Perceived discomfort and restriction of freedom of movement are commonly reported. In this pilot study, we explored the differences in subjective responses and user impressions to using passive spinal exoskeleton during a set of simple lifting tasks between LBP patients (n = 12) and asymptomatic individuals (n = 10). Visual analog scales (0-10) were used for all assessments. Overall, the results showed mostly similar responses or slightly more positive responses to the exoskeleton from LBP patients. Most notably, the LBP patients reported a statistically significant (p = 0.048) higher willingness to use the device daily (5.36 ± 4.05) compared to the control group (2.00 ± 1.85) and also gave the device a higher overall grade (6.58 ± 1.98 vs. 4.30 ± 2.26; p = 0.021). This study has demonstrated that individuals with current LBP responded more favorably to the use of the spinal exoskeleton for simple lifting tasks. This implies that current exoskeletons could be appropriate for LBP rehabilitation, but not preventions, as pain-free individuals are less willing to use such devices. Future studies should explore whether different exoskeleton designs could be more appropriate for people with no LBP issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Žiga Kozinc
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia;
- Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, Muzejski trg 2, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Jan Babič
- Laboratory for Neuromechanics and Biorobotics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Nejc Šarabon
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia;
- Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, Muzejski trg 2, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
- InnoRenew CoE, Human Health Department, Livade 6, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
- S2P, Science to Practice, Ltd., Laboratory for Motor Control and Motor Behavior, Tehnološki Park 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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14
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Kuber PM, Rashedi E. Product ergonomics in industrial exoskeletons: potential enhancements for workforce efficiency and safety. THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2020.1850905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Madhav Kuber
- Biomechanics and Ergonomics Lab, Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ehsan Rashedi
- Biomechanics and Ergonomics Lab, Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
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15
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Koopman AS, Näf M, Baltrusch SJ, Kingma I, Rodriguez-Guerrero C, Babič J, de Looze MP, van Dieën JH. Biomechanical evaluation of a new passive back support exoskeleton. J Biomech 2020; 105:109795. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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