Assessment of a Passive Exoskeleton for Neck and Lower Back Support: A Task Study on Muscle Activity and User Perceived Exertion

TL;DR

This study tests a passive exoskeleton's ability to reduce neck and back strain during tasks requiring neck flexion.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel passive exoskeleton design and evaluates its effectiveness in reducing musculoskeletal strain.

Findings

The exoskeleton reduced muscle activity in the neck and lower back by up to 31.0%.

Participants reported up to 50.0% less perceived discomfort when using the exoskeleton.

Endurance time increased by 50% with the exoskeleton at a 45° neck flexion angle.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the neck and back, are prevalent across various professions, stemming from prolonged static postures and awkward neck flexions. This study investigated the efficacy of a passive exoskeleton, designed to alleviate musculoskeletal neck and back strain, in a simulated neck flexion task. Ten participants performed tasks involving neck flexion at angles of 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°, both with and without the exoskeleton. Additionally, the impact of using a headlight was evaluated at a 45° neck flexion angle. Wearable electromyography sensors were used to quantify muscle activity as an indicator of neuromuscular loading, while subjective discomfort was assessed using the Rate of Perceived Exertion scale, and endurance times were recorded. The results demonstrated significant reductions in neck and lower back muscle activity (median values up to 31.0%) and perceived discomfort (median values up to 50.0%), with the most improvements at 30° and 45° neck flexion angles. Participants reported 50% higher endurance time when using the exoskeleton. Minimal benefits were observed at 15° flexion, likely due to reduced musculoskeletal demand at this angle. These findings highlight the potential of exoskeletons as an ergonomic intervention to mitigate neck and back strain in occupations where high degrees of neck flexion are prevalent.

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