Biomechanical and Metabolic Effectiveness of an Industrial Exoskeleton for Overhead Work

Thomas Schmalz, Jasmin Schändlinger, Marvin Schuler, Jonas Bornmann, Benjamin Schirrmeister, Andreas Kannenberg and Michael Ernst
Additional contact information
Thomas Schmalz: Clinical Research & Services/Biomechanics, Otto Bock SE & Co. KGaA, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
Jasmin Schändlinger: Private University of Applied Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
Marvin Schuler: Private University of Applied Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
Jonas Bornmann: Global Research, Otto Bock SE & Co. KGaA, 37115 Duderstadt, Germany
Benjamin Schirrmeister: Global Research, Otto Bock SE & Co. KGaA, 37115 Duderstadt, Germany
Andreas Kannenberg: Clinical Research & Services, Otto Bock Healthcare LP, Austin, TX 78758, USA
Michael Ernst: Clinical Research & Services/Biomechanics, Otto Bock SE & Co. KGaA, 37075 Göttingen, Germany

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-12

Abstract: Overhead work activities can lead to shoulder pain and serious musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), such as rotator cuff injury and degeneration. Recently developed exoskeletons show promising results in supporting workers in such activities. In this study, a novel exoskeleton was investigated for two different overhead tasks with twelve participants. To investigate the effects of the device, electromyographic (EMG) signals of different shoulder and adjacent muscles as well as kinematic and metabolic parameters were analyzed with and without the exoskeleton. The mean EMG amplitude of all evaluated muscles was significantly reduced when the exoskeleton was used for the overhead tasks. This was accompanied by a reduction in both heart rate and oxygen rate. The kinematic analysis revealed small changes in the joint positions during the tasks. This study demonstrated the biomechanical and metabolic benefits of an exoskeleton designed to support overhead work activities. The results suggest improved physiological conditions and an unloading effect on the shoulder joint and muscles which are promising indicators that the exoskeleton may be a good solution to reduce shoulder WMSD among workers who carry out overhead tasks on a regular basis.

Keywords: exoskeleton; assistive device; EMG; shoulder; Ergonomics; Biomechanics; work-related musculoskeletal disorders; Occupational health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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