Date of Award

12-5-2024

Publication Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.Sc.

Department

Kinesiology

Keywords

Back Exoskeleton; Static Flexion

Supervisor

Joel Cort

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the differences in muscle effort when using three different back-support exoskeletons under varying conditions. Conditions consisted of combinations of six static postures and two duty cycles, which were representative of common working conditions in automotive assembly tasks. Methods: Twenty-four participants aged 18 to 31 years (average = 20.9, SD = 3.1), completed six experimental conditions across four data collection sessions. Muscle effort was recorded using surface electromyography (sEMG) while participants’ postures were monitored via inertial motion capture (IMC) systems. Subjective ratings of demand, exertion, and exoskeleton discomfort were collected using the NASA TLX questionnaire and BORG 10-point scale. A Linear mixed model with Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test was used to determine any significant interactions (p<0.05) between conditions and muscle effort (integrated electromyography), as well as ratings of demand, exertion, and discomfort. Results: Exoskeleton type, posture, and duty cycle significantly influenced muscle effort, ratings of demand, exertion, and discomfort. The active back-support exoskeleton provided the greatest reductions in back muscle effort in comparison to the passive exoskeletons. Subjective ratings aligned with these findings, indicating the active exoskeleton most effectively reduced demand, exertion, and discomfort. Conclusion: The present study identified significant differences in exoskeleton performance while under the same conditions, providing valuable insight into the informed implementation of these devices in the workplace.

Included in

Biomechanics Commons

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