Flexible Sensor-based Whole-body Biomechanics of Exoskeleton-assisted Patient Handling

Abstract

The issue of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) stemming from manual handling tasks remains a significant economic and societal burden, with healthcare workers being one of the most persistently affected groups. Exoskeletons have seen growing implementation for aiding manual handling tasks in industrial sectors. Traditional measurements and analyses of joint kinematics and dynamics commonly utilize optical motion capture systems and force plates. Nevertheless, the limitations of optical motion capture systems include their dependence on marker visibility and the necessity for a controlled lab environment. An innovative wireless technology featuring miniaturized, skin-mounted sensors, BioStamp nPoint (MC10, Inc., MA, USA) exhibits significant potential in addressing the challenges mentioned above. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore a flexible sensor-based approach to assessing the effects of a back exoskeleton on joint kinematics during patient handling.