A method to quantify the reduction of back and hip muscle fatigue of lift-support exoskeletons

• DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2022.32
• Publication Date: 2023-01-23T12:02:07Z
• Authors: Rachel M. van Sluijs; David Rodriguez-C...; Clara B. Sanz-Morère; Stefano Massardi; Volker Bartenbach; Diego Torricelli
• Keywords: Lift (data mining); Muscle Fatigue

Abstract Cumulative back muscle fatigue plays a role in the occurrence of low-back injuries occupations that require repetitive lifting heavy loads and working forward leaning postures. Lift-support exoskeletons have potential to reduce hip activity, thereby delaying onset these muscles. Therefore, are being considered potentially important tool further workload-related injuries. However, today no standards been established on how benchmark support level lift-support exoskeletons. This work proposes an experimental protocol quantify instant changes activity development while maintaining static posture. It then applies experimentally assess effect provided by commercially available exoskeleton, LiftSuit 2.0 (Auxivo AG, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland), user. In sample 14 participants, amplitude muscles $ \left({\Delta}_{\mathrm{erectorspinae},\mathrm{thoracic}}\hskip0.35em =\hskip0.35em 33.0\%,{\Delta}_{\mathrm{erectorspinae},\mathrm{lumbar}}\hskip0.35em 13.2\%\right) ( {\Delta}_{\mathrm{gluteusmaximus}}\hskip0.35em 16.3\% ) was significantly reduced. Wearing exoskeleton reduced amount developed during task {\Delta}_{\mathrm{quadratuslumborum}}\hskip0.35em 10.1\%,{\Delta}_{\mathrm{gluteusmaximus}}\hskip0.35em 44.0\% ). Changes can be objectively recorded correlated with relevant for users: time performed perceived fatigue. Thus, including such measures standardized benchmarking procedures will help benefits occupational use.