Biomechanical Evaluation of Back-Support Exoskeletons during Patient Transfers

2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 408-412
Author(s):  
Jaejin Hwang ◽  
Venkata Naveen Kumar Yerriboina ◽  
Hemateja Ari ◽  
Jeong Ho Kim
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Patient Transfer ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Lateral Flexion ◽  
Trunk Flexion ◽  
Patient Handling ◽  
Patient Transfers ◽  
Erector Spinae Muscle ◽  
Transfer Method ◽  
Voluntary Contractions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three back-support exoskeletons (FLx ErgoSkeleton, V22 ErgoSkeleton, Laevo V2.5) and patient transfer methods (Squat pivot, stand pivot, scoot) on the musculoskeletal loading and self-reported usability measures during patient transfers between a bed and a wheelchair. In a repeated-measures laboratory study, 20 experienced caregivers (17 females and 3 males) performed a series of 24 bed-to-wheelchair transfer tasks (2 directions × 4 exoskeleton conditions × 3 patient transfer methods). The trunk flexion and lateral flexion angles, bilateral hand pull forces, and muscle activities of the erector spinae were significantly different by exoskeleton conditions and patient transfer methods (p’s < 0.01). The usability measures were significantly affected by exoskeleton designs (p’s < 0.01). There were significant two-way interaction effects on the trunk flexion and lateral flexion angles and muscle activities of the erector spinae (p’s < 0.01). For the squat pivot method, three back-support exoskeletons showed the largest reduction of erector spinae muscle activities (47.4 to 83.5% reference voluntary contractions) compared to no exoskeleton. This indicated the effects of exoskeleton conditions on the trunk postures and erector spinae muscle activities depended on the patient transfer method. More research could be needed to improve the trunk postures and usability of back-support exoskeletons suitable for patient handling.

Evaluation of Different Patient Transfer Devices in Reducing Biomechanical Exposures among Professional Caregivers

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 933-937
Author(s):  
Jaejin Hwang ◽  
Veera Aneesh Kuppam ◽  
Subhramanya Suryanarayana Raju Chodraju ◽  
Jie Chen ◽  
Jeong Ho Kim
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Patient Transfer ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Pull Force ◽  
Engineering Controls ◽  
Full Force ◽  
Transfer Tasks

This study systematically investigated the efficacy of commercially-available patient transfer devices (a slide sheet, slide board, air-assisted device, and conventional draw sheet) in reducing biomechanical exposures during standardized lateral patient transfer tasks. A repeated-measures laboratory study with 10 experienced caregivers (9 females and 1 male) was conducted to measure the muscle activity in the upper extremity (flexor digitorum superficialis, extensor digitorum communis, biceps, triceps, and trapezius) and low back (erector spinae), and hand pull force and during standardized lateral patient transfer tasks with four different commercially-available transfer devices. The results showed that there were significant differences between the transfer devices in muscle activity (p’s < 0.01) and hand pull force (p < 0.01). The air-assisted device showed the largest reduction of muscle activities and hand pull force. The slide board also showed lower muscle activities and hand full force as compared to the slide sheet and conventional draw sheet; however, limited differences in muscle activity and hand pull force were found between the slide sheet and conventional draw sheet. These findings indicate that the air-assisted device and slide board may be effective engineering controls to reduce the biomechanical exposures and associated injury risks in the upper extremity and low back among caregivers.

scholarly journals Assessment of Myoelectric Manifestations of Muscle Fatigue During Repetitive Isometric Voluntary Contraction in Boys Aged 12-14

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-60
Author(s):  
Abir Samanta ◽  
Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Muscle Fatigue ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Spectral Power ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Endurance Time ◽  
Erector Spinae Muscle

Aim: To study the peculiarity of electromyography signal characteristics alternation using different sEMG parameters during repetitive voluntary isometric fatiguing contraction in adolescent boys.  Materials and methods. 12 subjects with height 148.75 ± 10 cm; Mass 38.9 ± 7.9 kg; age – 12 to 14 years were recruited. The sEMG signal alteration of external oblique, rectus abdominis, erector spinae muscles during a fatiguing plank were analyzed. A separate one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to test the statistical significance of task time and electromyography parameters of the global core muscle in the pre-, during- and post-fatigue plank test. One-way Friedman ANOVA was applied for Shapiro-Wilk p < 0.05. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient with bivariate linear regressions analysis was performed between the pre-pre fatigue and post-post fatigue amplitude mean and standard deviation values. The Spearman correlation coefficient between amplitude and endurance time both in the pre- and post-fatigue state was conducted.  Results. The mean value of rectified amplitude increased (p < 0.05) for all muscles, the standard deviation of amplitude and total spectral power increased significantly (p < 0.05) for all muscles except the erector spinae muscle (p > 0.05). The power at normalized low frequency significantly changed (p = 0.05) in the erector spinae muscle. A significant change in normalized low frequency for agonist/synergist (p = 0.02) and agonist/antagonist muscles (p = 0.05) was observed. The average amplitude value had a significant positive and linear relationship with the amplitude variability both in the pre- to post-fatigue state, except the erector spinae muscle. The time to task failure was not correlated (p > 0.05) with the sEMG amplitude.  Conclusions. Increased sEMG amplitude resulted mainly from rapid additional motor unit recruitment and rate coding during muscle fatigue. The reduction of conduction velocity might affect the spectral power with a spectral shift towards low-frequency. Increased variability, agonist/antagonist co-activity during fatiguing contraction might extend the holding time. The postural fatiguing task/plank increases multiarticular joint function by involving several joints and muscles, increases variability in the contribution of synergist muscles. This factor provides an intuitive explanation about the absence of a relationship between endurance time and sEMG amplitude changes.

scholarly journals The Validity and Reliability of the Microsoft Kinect for Measuring Trunk Compensation during Reaching

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (24) ◽  
pp. 7073
Author(s):  
Matthew H. Foreman ◽  
Jack R. Engsberg
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Microsoft Kinect ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Motion Sensors ◽  
Lateral Flexion ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Trunk Flexion ◽  
Shoulder Flexion

Compensatory movements at the trunk are commonly utilized during reaching by persons with motor impairments due to neurological injury such as stroke. Recent low-cost motion sensors may be able to measure trunk compensation, but their validity and reliability for this application are unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the first (K1) and second (K2) generations of the Microsoft Kinect to a video motion capture system (VMC) for measuring trunk compensation during reaching. Healthy participants (n = 5) performed reaching movements designed to simulate trunk compensation in three different directions and on two different days while being measured by all three sensors simultaneously. Kinematic variables related to reaching range of motion (ROM), planar reach distance, trunk flexion and lateral flexion, shoulder flexion and lateral flexion, and elbow flexion were calculated. Validity and reliability were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, paired t-tests, Pearson’s correlations, and Bland-Altman limits of agreement. Results show that the K2 was closer in magnitude to the VMC, more valid, and more reliable for measuring trunk flexion and lateral flexion during extended reaches than the K1. Both sensors were highly valid and reliable for reaching ROM, planar reach distance, and elbow flexion for all conditions. Results for shoulder flexion and abduction were mixed. The K2 was more valid and reliable for measuring trunk compensation during reaching and therefore might be prioritized for future development applications. Future analyses should include a more heterogeneous clinical population such as persons with chronic hemiparetic stroke.

scholarly journals Functional taping effects on pain and electrical activation in patients with low back pain

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Barcellos Karolczak ◽  
Tissiani Morimoto ◽  
Fernando Diefenthaeler ◽  
Marco Aurélio Vaz
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Pain Scale ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Electrical Activation ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Erector Spinae Muscle ◽  
Voluntary Contractions

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a high prevalence health problem and it has several treatments available, among them it is the functional taping. Objective: To evaluate the influence of functional taping on the electrical activation of the erector spinae muscle, the degree of pain and the functionality in subjects with LBP. Methods: Twenty female with LBP participated in the study, and were divided in two groups: with and without the use of the functional taping. The electrical activity of the erector spinae muscle was obtained bilaterally by electromyography (EMG). The root mean square (RMS) value of the EMG was calculated for three maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) obtained before and 48 hours after the application of the taping. The RMS value of each MVC was normalized by the mean RMS value of the first test for each group. The visual analog pain scale was used to measure the pain, and the Roland Morris questionnaire to evaluate the functionality. Comparisons between groups (α=5%) were performed using the Mann Whitney test, and intra-group using the Wilcoxon test. Results: There was no decrease in muscular electrical activation, a significant decrease in pain, and an improvement in functionality. Conclusion: The use of functional taping in the lumbar spine promoted positive effects related to pain and functionality.

scholarly journals SINGLE LEG SQUAT COMPENSATIONS ASSOCIATE WITH SOFTBALL PITCHING PATHOMECHANICS IN ADOLESCENT SOFTBALL PITCHERS

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0006
Author(s):  
Gretchen D. Oliver ◽  
Kenzie B. Friesen ◽  
Regan E. Shaw ◽  
David Shannon ◽  
Jeffrey Dugas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Knee Valgus ◽  
Trunk Rotation ◽  
Lateral Flexion ◽  
Trunk Flexion ◽  
Backward Elimination ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Single Leg Squat ◽  
Tracking Device ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Softball pitchers have an eminent propensity for injury due to the high repetition and ballistic nature of the pitch. As such, trunk pathomechanics during pitching have been associated with upper extremity pain. The single leg squat (SLS) is a simple diagnostic tool used to examine LPHC and trunk stability. Research shows a lack of LPHC stability is often associated with altered pitching mechanics consequently increasing pain and injury susceptibility. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between trunk compensatory kinematics during the SLS and kinematics during foot contact of the windmill pitch. The authors hypothesized there would be a relationship between SLS compensations and pitch kinematics previously associated with injury. In using a simple clinical assessment such as the SLS, athletes, coaches, parents, and clinicians can identify potential risk factors that may predispose the athlete to injurious movement patterns. Methods: Fifty-five youth and high school softball pitchers (12.6±2.2 years, 160.0±11.0 cm, 60.8±15.5 kg) were recruited to participate. Kinematic data were collected at 100Hz using an electromagnetic tracking device. Participants were asked to complete a SLS on their stride leg (contralateral to their throwing arm), then throw 3 fastballs at maximal effort. Values of trunk flexion, trunk lateral flexion, and trunk rotation at peak depth of the SLS were used as the dependent variables in three separate backward elimination regression analyses. Independent variables examined at foot contact of the pitch included: trunk flexion, trunk lateral flexion, trunk rotation, center of mass, stride length, and stride knee valgus. Results: The SLS trunk rotation regression, F(1,56) = 4.980, p = .030, revealed trunk flexion significantly predicted SLS trunk rotation (SE = .068, t = 2.232, p = .030) and explained approximately 7% of variance (Adj. R2 = .066). The SLS trunk flexion regression, F(1,56) = 5.755, p = .020, revealed stride knee valgus significantly predicted SLS trunk flexion (SE = .256, t = 2.399, p = .020) and explained approximately 8% of variance (Adj. R2 = .078). Conclusion/Significance: Additional trunk rotation and trunk flexion at peak depth of the SLS indicate increased knee valgus and trunk flexion at foot contact of the pitch, both of which suggest poor LPHC stability, may increase the potential for injury. Athletes, coaches and clinicians should acknowledge the risk of poor LPHC in softball pitching and implement exercises to improve LPHC stability in effort to decrease pitching pathomechanics and associated pain.

Comparison among low intensity bridge exercises using suspension devices based on muscle activity and subjective difficulty

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Sang-Yeol Lee ◽  
Se-Yeon Park
Keyword(s):  
Inclination Angle ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Trunk Muscles ◽  
Oblique Muscle ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Internal Oblique Muscle ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Erector Spinae Muscle ◽  
Internal Oblique

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical studies have revealed the advantages of using suspension devices. Although the supine, lateral, and forward leaning bridge exercises are low-intensity exercises with suspension devices, there is a lack of studies directly comparing exercise progression by measuring muscular activity and subjective difficulty. OBJECTIVE: To identify how the variations in the bridge exercise affects trunk muscle activity, the present study investigated changes in neuromuscular activation during low-intensity bridge exercises. We furthermore explored whether the height of the suspension point affects muscle activation and subjective difficulty. METHODS: Nineteen asymptomatic male participants were included. Three bridge exercise positions, supine bridge (SB), lateral bridge (LB), forward leaning (FL), and two exercise angles (15 and 30 degrees) were administered, thereby comparing six bridge exercise conditions with suspension devices. Surface electromyography and subjective difficulty data were collected. RESULTS: The rectus abdominis activity was significantly higher with the LB and FL exercises compared with the SB exercise (p< 0.05). The erector spinae muscle activity was significantly higher with the SB and LB exercises, compared with the FL exercise (p< 0.05). The LB exercise significantly increased the internal oblique muscle activity, compared with other exercise variations (p< 0.05). The inclination angle of the exercise only affected the internal oblique muscle and subjective difficulty, which were significantly higher at 30 degrees compared with 15 degrees (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Relatively higher inclination angle was not effective in overall activation of the trunk muscles; however, different bridge-type exercises could selectively activate the trunk muscles. The LB and SB exercises could be good options for stimulating the internal oblique abdominis, and the erector spinae muscle, while the FL exercise could minimize the erector spinae activity and activate the abdominal muscles.

scholarly journals Using a Back Exoskeleton During Industrial and Functional Tasks—Effects on Muscle Activity, Posture, Performance, Usability, and Wearer Discomfort in a Laboratory Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 001872082110072
Author(s):  
Tessy Luger ◽  
Mona Bär ◽  
Robert Seibt ◽  
Monika A. Rieger ◽  
Benjamin Steinhilber
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Trunk Flexion ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Task Accomplishment

Objective To investigate the effect of using a passive back-support exoskeleton (Laevo V2.56) on muscle activity, posture, heart rate, performance, usability, and wearer comfort during a course of three industrial tasks (COU; exoskeleton worn, turned-on), stair climbing test (SCT; exoskeleton worn, turned-off), timed-up-and-go test (TUG; exoskeleton worn, turned-off) compared to no exoskeleton. Background Back-support exoskeletons have the potential to reduce work-related physical demands. Methods Thirty-six men participated. Activity of erector spinae (ES), biceps femoris (BF), rectus abdominis (RA), vastus lateralis (VL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), trapezius descendens (TD) was recorded by electromyography; posture by trunk, hip, knee flexion angles; heart rate by electrocardiography; performance by time-to-task accomplishment (s) and perceived task difficulty (100-mm visual analogue scale; VAS); usability by the System Usability Scale (SUS) and all items belonging to domains skepticism and user-friendliness of the Technology Usage Inventory; wearer comfort by the 100-mm VAS. Results During parts of COU, using the exoskeleton decreased ES and BF activity and trunk flexion, and increased RA, GM, and TD activity, knee and hip flexion. Wearing the exoskeleton increased time-to-task accomplishment of SCT, TUG, and COU and perceived difficulty of SCT and TUG. Average SUS was 75.4, skepticism 11.5/28.0, user-friendliness 18.0/21.0, wearer comfort 31.1 mm. Conclusion Using the exoskeleton modified muscle activity and posture depending on the task applied, slightly impaired performance, and was evaluated mildly uncomfortable. Application These outcomes require investigating the effects of this passive back-supporting exoskeleton in longitudinal studies with longer operating times, providing better insights for guiding their application in real work settings.

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