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Effects of upper-limb exoskeleton on muscle activity in tasks requiring arm elevation: Part II - In-field experiments in construction industry settings.
- Source :
-
Work (Reading, Mass.) [Work] 2024; Vol. 79 (2), pp. 753-763. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: The body of literature regarding the use of an upper limb exoskeleton during authentic working conditions is sparse.<br />Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an upper limb exoskeleton in reducing muscle strain during authentic industrial construction work.<br />Methods: Fifteen male participants, comprising of roofers, scaffolders, builders, bricklayers, and graders performing overhead work participated in the study. During work without (REF) and with exoskeleton (EXO), muscle activity from 8 muscles, heart rate (HR), metabolic equivalent (MET), and upper arm elevation angles were recorded.<br />Results: When using the exoskeleton, a significant reduction of 20.2% in average muscle activity of 8 muscles was found. The largest effect focused on m. deltoideus, where 46.2 and 32.2% reduction occurred in medial and anterior parts of the muscle, respectively. HR and MET were unaffected. Upper arm elevation angles were similar between REF and EXO, indicating equal biomechanical loading.<br />Conclusions: This study indicates that exoskeletons show great promise in reducing the potential for musculoskeletal strain during authentic overhead construction work.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1875-9270
- Volume :
- 79
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Work (Reading, Mass.)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38578911
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-230218