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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 2024; 67:1208-1221. [PMID: 38085690 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2289859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [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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Camardella C, Lippi V, Porcini F, Bassani G, Lencioni L, Mauer C, Haverkamp C, Avizzano CA, Frisoli A, Filippeschi A. User-Centered Evaluation of the Wearable Walker Lower Limb Exoskeleton; Preliminary Assessment Based on the Experience Protocol. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:5358. [PMID: 39205050 PMCID: PMC11359171 DOI: 10.3390/s24165358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Using lower limb exoskeletons provides potential advantages in terms of productivity and safety associated with reduced stress. However, complex issues in human-robot interactions are still open, such as the physiological effects of exoskeletons and the impact on the user's subjective experience. In this work, an innovative exoskeleton, the Wearable Walker, is assessed using the EXPERIENCE benchmarking protocol from the EUROBENCH project. The Wearable Walker is a lower-limb exoskeleton that enhances human abilities, such as carrying loads. The device uses a unique control approach called Blend Control that provides smooth assistance torques. It operates two models simultaneously, one in the case in which the left foot is grounded and another for the grounded right foot. These models generate assistive torques combined to provide continuous and smooth overall assistance, preventing any abrupt changes in torque due to model switching. The EXPERIENCE protocol consists of walking on flat ground while gathering physiological signals, such as heart rate, its variability, respiration rate, and galvanic skin response, and completing a questionnaire. The test was performed with five healthy subjects. The scope of the present study is twofold: to evaluate the specific exoskeleton and its current control system to gain insight into possible improvements and to present a case study for a formal and replicable benchmarking of wearable robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Camardella
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.A.); (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Vittorio Lippi
- Institute of Digitalization in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center—University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (V.L.); (C.H.)
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Centre—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 64, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Francesco Porcini
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.A.); (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Giulia Bassani
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.A.); (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | | | - Christoph Mauer
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Centre—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 64, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Christian Haverkamp
- Institute of Digitalization in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center—University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (V.L.); (C.H.)
| | - Carlo Alberto Avizzano
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.A.); (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Antonio Frisoli
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.A.); (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandro Filippeschi
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence and Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.A.); (A.F.); (A.F.)
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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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Vallée A. Exoskeleton technology in nursing practice: assessing effectiveness, usability, and impact on nurses' quality of work life, a narrative review. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:156. [PMID: 38443892 PMCID: PMC10913291 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01821-3] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of exoskeletons in nursing practice has gained attention as a potential solution to address the physical demands and risks associated with the profession. This narrative review examines the effectiveness, usability, and impact of exoskeleton technology on nurses' quality of work life. The review focuses on the reduction of physical strain and fatigue, improved posture and body mechanics, enhanced patient care, usability and acceptance factors, and the broader impact on work life. The effectiveness of exoskeletons in reducing physical strain and fatigue among nurses is supported by evidence showing decreased muscle activation and reduced forces exerted on the body. The usability and acceptance of exoskeletons are critical considerations, including device comfort and fit, ease of use and integration into workflows, user experience and training, compatibility with the work environment, and user feedback for iterative design improvements. The implementation of exoskeletons has the potential to positively impact nurses' work life by reducing work-related injuries, improving physical well-being, enhancing job satisfaction, and promoting psychological and psychosocial benefits. Additionally, the use of exoskeletons can lead to improved patient care outcomes. Challenges and future directions in the field of exoskeleton technology for nurses include cost and accessibility, adaptability to nursing specialties and tasks, long-term durability and maintenance, integration with personal protective equipment, and ethical considerations. Addressing these challenges and considering future research and development efforts are crucial for the successful integration of exoskeleton technology in nursing practice, ultimately improving nurses' quality of work life and patient care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Foch Hospital, 92150, Suresnes, France.
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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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