Effects of using a whole-body powered exoskeleton during simulated occupational load-handling tasks: A pilot study

Whole-body powered exoskeletons (WB-PEXOs) can be effective in reducing the physical demands of heavy occupational work, yet almost no empirical evidence exists on the effects of WB-PEXO use. This study assessed the effects of WB-PEXO use on back and leg muscle activities during lab-based simulations of load handling tasks. Six participants (4M, 2F) completed two such tasks (load carriage and stationary load transfer), both with and without a WB-PEXO, and with a range of load masses in each task. WB-PEXO use reduced median levels of muscle activity in the back (-42-53% in thoracic and -24-43% in lumbar regions) and legs (-41-63% in knee flexors and extensors), and mainly when handling loads beyond low-moderate levels (10-15 kg). Overall, using the WB-PEXO also reduced inter-individual variance (smaller SD) in muscle activities. Future work should examine diverse users, focus on finding effective matches between WB-PEXO use and specific tasks, and identify applications in varied work environments.

Automated summary

The study found that using WB-PEXO can significantly reduce muscle activity in the back and legs, particularly when handling loads beyond low-moderate levels (10-15 kg). Additionally, using WB-PEXO also decreased inter-individual variance in muscle activities. Future research should focus on examining diverse users, finding effective matches between WB-PEXO use and specific tasks, and identifying applications in varied work environments.