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European Journal of Applied Physiology

Erschienen in:

25.06.2021 | Original Article

Evaluation of two upper-limb exoskeletons during overhead work: influence of exoskeleton design and load on muscular adaptations and balance regulation

verfasst von: K. Desbrosses, M. Schwartz, J. Theurel

Erschienen in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Ausgabe 10/2021

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Abstract

Purpose

Overhead works (OHW) are identified as a major risk factor for shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. The use of upper-limb exoskeletons (EXO_UL) is emerging to address these challenges. This research tested the influence of EXO_UL design and load on the upper-limb and postural muscles activity, and on the balance control, during OHW.

Methods

This study compared two passive EXO_UL, notably differing by the level of assistive torque delivered. Both EXO_UL was examined in two load conditions (2 vs. 8 kg). Twenty-nine volunteers performed a static OHW for each condition.

Results

Both EXO_UL led to similar reductions in shoulder flexor muscle activity (12.3 ± 7.8% of RMS_REF), compared to without equipment (29.0 ± 14.2% RMS_REF). Both EXO_UL resulted in a reduction in the activity of shoulder (3.6 ± 3.2% RMS_REF) and wrist (2.4 ± 1.7% RMS_REF) extensor muscles (4.9 ± 3.9 and 5.9 ± 6.1% RMS_REF, respectively). The use of EXO_UL led to reductions in back muscle activity, depending on the exoskeleton design (in % RMS_REF, 12.9 ± 9.4 for EXO1, 22.8 ± 12.6 for EXO2 and 32.0 ± 18.4 without equipment). Wearing EXO_UL induced changes in balance regulation, depending on both exoskeleton design and load condition.

Conclusion

The increase of assistive torque was not associated with an increase in EXO_UL performance. However, the exoskeleton design (mass, balance, and assistive torque) has to be suitable for the load handled during static OHW to optimize the effects of using an EXO_UL on the postural muscles.

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Titel: Evaluation of two upper-limb exoskeletons during overhead work: influence of exoskeleton design and load on muscular adaptations and balance regulation
verfasst von: K. Desbrosses
M. Schwartz
J. Theurel
Publikationsdatum: 25.06.2021
Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Ausgabe 10/2021
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Elektronische ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04747-9

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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