DIKUL - logo
(UL)
PDF
  • Effects of industrial back-support exoskeletons on body loading and user experience [Elektronski vir] : an updated systematic review
    Kermavnar, Tjaša ...
    This study is an updated systematic review of papers published in the last 5 years on industrial back-support exoskeletons. The research questions were aimed at addressing the recent findings ... regarding objective (e.g. body loading, user performance) and subjective evaluations (e.g. user satisfaction), potential side effects, and methodological aspects of usability testing. Thirteen studies of active and twenty of passive exoskeletons were identified. The exoskeletons were tested during lifting and bending tasks, predominantly in laboratory settings and among healthy young men. In general, decreases in participants’ back-muscle activity, peak L5/S1 moments and spinal compression forces were reported. User endurance during lifting and static bending improved, but performance declined during tasks that required increased agility. The overall user satisfaction was moderate. Some side effects were observed, including increased abdominal/lower-limb muscle activity and changes in joint angles. A need was identified for further field studies, involving industrial workers, and reflecting actual work situations. Practitioner summary: Due to increased research activity in the field, a systematic review was performed of recent studies on industrial back-support exoskeletons, addressing objective and subjective evaluations, side effects, and methodological aspects of usability testing. The results indicate the efficiency of exoskeletons in back-load reduction and a need for further studies in real work situations.
    Source: Ergonomics. - ISSN 1366-5847 (Vol. 64, iss. 6, 2021, str. 685-711)
    Type of material - e-article ; adult, serious
    Publish date - 2021
    Language - english
    COBISS.SI-ID - 194078979

    Link(s):

    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00140139.2020.1870162
    DOI

Shelf entry