Influence of Two Industrial Overhead Exoskeletons on Perceived Strain – A Field Study in the Automotive Industry

Hefferle, Michael; Snell, Marc; Kluth, Karsten

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-51758-8_13

Cited by 23 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Earlier field studies have indicated that ASEs can reduce physical demands in an actual work environment, as evidenced by reductions in shoulder muscle activity 23,27 and in perceived strain in the neck and shoulders or MSD scores. 21,24 Our results, however, indicate that after accounting for age, body mass, stature, and job demand, using an ASE had little impact on perceived work intensity or MSD scores (Figure 3). Though there was no significant EXO use × Facility × Time interactions, some facilities exhibited exceptional patterns that are notable (see Figures S4-S7 in the Supporting Information Appendix).…”

Section: Ase As a Moderator To Reduce Physical Demandsmentioning

confidence: 73%

“…To support the safe adoption and use of EXOs in practice, however, field-based evidence is critical to an understanding of actual effectiveness, practicality, safety, and user acceptance. 19,20 Some work has been reported from field testing of EXOs, ranging from less than an hour to up to a 3-month period, in automotive assembly, 9,[21][22][23][24] manufacturing, 25 warehousing, 26,27 and agriculture settings. 28,29 Arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs) were typically fieldtested for jobs that involve overhead assembly and overhead lifting, while back-support exoskeletons (BSEs) were tested for jobs that involve manual material lifting, shoveling, or require prolonged trunk bending.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of an arm‐support exoskeleton on perceived work intensity and musculoskeletal discomfort: An 18‐month field study in automotive assembly

Kim

Nussbaum

Smets

et al. 2021

American J Industrial Med

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Background: Exoskeleton (EXO) technologies are a promising ergonomic intervention to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, with efficacy supported by laboratory-and field-based studies. However, there is a lack of fieldbased evidence on long-term effects of EXO use on physical demands.Methods: A longitudinal, controlled research design was used to examine the effects of arm-support exoskeleton (ASE) use on perceived physical demands during overhead work at nine automotive manufacturing facilities. Data were collected at five milestones (baseline and at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months) using questionnaires. Linear mixed models were used to understand the effects of ASE use on perceived work intensity and musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD). Analyses were based on a total of 41 participants in the EXO group and 83 in a control group.Results: Across facilities, perceived work intensity and MSD scores did not differ significantly between the EXO and control groups. In some facilities, however, neck and shoulder MSD scores in the EXO group decreased over time. Wrist MSD scores in the EXO group in some facilities remained unchanged, while those scores increased in the control group over time. Upper arm and low back MSD scores were comparable between the experimental groups. Conclusion:Longitudinal effects of ASE use on perceived physical demands were not found, though some suggestive results were evident. This lack of consistent findings is discussed, particularly supporting the need for systematic and evidencebased ASE implementation approaches in the field that can guide the optimal selection of a job for ASE use.

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Section: Ase As a Moderator To Reduce Physical Demandsmentioning

confidence: 73%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of an arm‐support exoskeleton on perceived work intensity and musculoskeletal discomfort: An 18‐month field study in automotive assembly

Kim

Nussbaum

Smets

et al. 2021

American J Industrial Med

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“…Their metaanalysis did not find a significant reduction on perceived strain on the back, yet several studies have reported reductions in back extensor activity and/or perceived strain with ASE use. 15,16,18,41 Kim et al 41 discussed potential postural support provided by the rigid structure of an ASE, which could assist in maintaining more neutral trunk postures during work. Indeed, the current participants commented that the ASE helped with their postures, though one common change participants wanted was being more flexible on the back.…”

Section: Effectiveness Of An Ase In Reducing Physical Demands On the ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Usability, User Acceptance, and Health Outcomes of Arm-Support Exoskeleton Use in Automotive Assembly

Kim

Nussbaum

Smets

2021

Journal of Occupational &Amp; Environmental Medicine

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Objective: Examine arm-support exoskeleton (ASE) user experience over time, identify factors contributing to ASE intention-to-use, and explore whether ASE use may influence the number of medical visits. Methods: An 18-month, longitudinal study with ASE (n ¼ 65) and control groups (n ¼ 133) completed at nine automotive manufacturing facilities. Results: Responses to six usability questions were rather consistent over time. ASE use perceived effective in reducing physical demands on the shoulders, neck, and back. Perceived job performance, and overall fit and comfort, appeared to be key determinants for ASE intention-to-use. Based on medical visits among both groups, ASE use may decrease the likelihood of such visits. Conclusions: These field results support the potential of ASEs as a beneficial ergonomic intervention, but also highlight needs for further research on ASE designs, factors driving intention-to-use, and health outcomes.

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“…Reduced RPE was reported for OHW in both the laboratory and field settings, as well as during static tasks (Huysamen et al, 2018;Otten et al, 2018;Spada et al, 2018;Grazi et al, 2020;Maurice et al, 2020;Desbrosses et al, 2021;Hefferle et al, 2021;Vries et al, 2021;Wang et al, 2021;Groos et al, 2022a;McFarland et al, 2022). Furthermore, RPD among study participants decreased when using an exoskeleton in OHW, static tasks in laboratory setting (Rashedi et al, 2014;Huysamen et al, 2018;Alabdulkarim and Nussbaum 2019;Smets 2019;McFarland et al, 2022;Weston et al, 2022).…”

Section: Effects Of Exoskeleton Use On Subjective Parametersmentioning

confidence: 83%

Effects of Upper-Limb Exoskeletons Designed for Use in the Working Environment—A Literature Review

et al. 2022

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Introduction: Many employees report high physical strain from overhead work and resulting musculoskeletal disorders. The consequences of these conditions extend far beyond everyday working life and can severely limit the quality of life of those affected. One solution to this problem may be the use of upper-limb exoskeletons, which are supposed to relieve the shoulder joint in particular. The aim of this literature review was to provide an overview of the use and efficacy of exoskeletons for upper extremities in the working environment.Methods: A literature review was conducted using the PICO scheme and the PRISMA statement. To this end, a systematic search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases in May 2020 and updated in February 2022. The obtained studies were screened using previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessed for quality. Pertinent data were then extracted from the publications and analyzed with regard to type of exoskeleton used as well as efficacy of exoskeleton use.Results: 35 suitable studies were included in the review. 18 different exoskeletons were examined. The majority of the exoskeletons only supported the shoulder joint and were used to assist individuals working at or above shoulder level. The main focus of the studies was the reduction of muscle activity in the shoulder area. Indeed, 16 studies showed a reduced activity in the deltoid and trapezius muscles after exoskeleton use. Kinematically, a deviation of the movement behavior could be determined in some models. In addition, study participants reported perceived reduction in exertion and discomfort.Discussion: Exoskeletons for upper extremities may generate significant relief for the intended tasks, but the effects in the field (i.e., working environment) are less pronounced than in the laboratory setting. This may be due to the fact that not only overhead tasks but also secondary tasks have to be performed in the field. In addition, currently available exoskeletons do not seem to be suitable for all overhead workplaces and should always be assessed in the human-workplace context. Further studies in various settings are required that should also include more females and older people.

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Influence of Two Industrial Overhead Exoskeletons on Perceived Strain – A Field Study in the Automotive Industry

Cited by 23 publications

References 14 publications

Effects of an arm‐support exoskeleton on perceived work intensity and musculoskeletal discomfort: An 18‐month field study in automotive assembly

Effects of an arm‐support exoskeleton on perceived work intensity and musculoskeletal discomfort: An 18‐month field study in automotive assembly

Usability, User Acceptance, and Health Outcomes of Arm-Support Exoskeleton Use in Automotive Assembly

Effects of Upper-Limb Exoskeletons Designed for Use in the Working Environment—A Literature Review

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