The effects of a passive exoskeleton on muscle activity, discomfort and endurance time in forward bending work

• Published in: Applied ergonomics Vol. 54; pp. 212 - 217
• Main Authors: Bosch, Tim, van Eck, Jennifer, Knitel, Karlijn, de Looze, Michiel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2016; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Abdominal Muscles - physiology; Adult; Back Muscles - physiology; Discomfort; Electromyography; Endurance; Ergonomics; Exoskeleton; Exoskeleton Device; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Industry; Knee Joint - physiology; Leg - physiology; Low back pain; Low Back Pain - etiology; Low Back Pain - prevention & control; Low Back Pain - psychology; Lumbosacral Region - physiology; Male; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Muscles; Muscular system; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Occupational Diseases - prevention & control; Occupational Diseases - psychology; Pain Perception; Physical Endurance; Posture; Posture - physiology; Risk assessment; Risk reduction; Simulation; Task Performance and Analysis; Thorax - physiology; Trunk bending; Work - physiology; Industry; Electromyography; Endurance; Trunk bending; Exoskeleton; Discomfort
• ISSN: 0003-6870; 1872-9126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.12.003

Exoskeletons may form a new strategy to reduce the risk of developing low back pain in stressful jobs. In the present study we examined the potential of a so-called passive exoskeleton on muscle activity, discomfort and endurance time in prolonged forward-bended working postures. Eighteen subjects p...