Evaluation of a passive exoskeleton for static upper limb activities.

Huysamen K; Bosch T; de Looze M; Stadler KS; Graf E; O'Sullivan LW

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2018.02.009

Back

Journal article

Evaluation of a passive exoskeleton for static upper limb activities.

Huysamen K School of Design and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
Bosch T TNO, Schipholweg 77-89, 2316 ZL, Leiden, The Netherlands.
de Looze M TNO, Schipholweg 77-89, 2316 ZL, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Stadler KS Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering, Technikumstrasse 9, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland.
Graf E Zurich University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Institute of Physiotherapy, Technikumstrasse 71, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland.
O'Sullivan LW School of Design and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. Electronic address: leonard.osullivan@ul.ie.

2018-06-06

Published in:

Applied ergonomics. - 2018

English The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a passive upper body exoskeleton on muscle activity, perceived musculoskeletal effort, local perceived pressure and subjective usability for a static overhead task. Eight participants (4 male, 4 female) held a load (0 kg and 2 kg) three times overhead for a duration of 30 s each, both with and without the exoskeleton. Muscle activity was significantly reduced for the Biceps Brachii (49%) and Medial Deltoid (62%) by the device for the 2 kg load. Perceived effort of the arms was significantly lower with the device for the 2 kg load (41%). The device did not have a significant effect on trunk or leg muscle activity (for the 2 kg load) or perceived effort. Local perceived pressure was rated below 2 (low pressure levels) for all contact areas assessed. Half of the participants rated the device usability as acceptable. The exoskeleton reduced muscle activity and perceived effort by the arms, and had no significant negative effect on the trunk and lower body with regards to muscle activity, perceived effort and localised discomfort.

Language