Biomechanical Assessment of Exoskeleton Intervention for Injured and Recovering Workers: A Simulation Study of Bending Tasks

Abstract

Exoskeletons, wearable devices designed to enhance physical activity, show promise in mitigating work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. This study examines exoskeleton efficacy as ergonomic intervention for aiding injured workers with limited trunk mobility in returning to work. Six adult males participated in simulated bending tasks using a trunk mobility restrictor and a passive trunk exoskeleton. Lumbosacral joint loads and moments during bending tasks with and without the exoskeleton were biomechanically assessed using optical motion capture and ground reaction force data as model inputs. Results indicate significant reductions in compressive loads and subject moments at the lumbosacral joint with exoskeleton usage, particularly during full bending. Moreover, the exoskeleton’s supportive impact increases with greater trunk flexion angles. These findings underscore exoskeleton potential in facilitating the return to work for individuals with limited trunk mobility, emphasizing the need for further empirical validation in real-world settings.