scholarly journals Effects of an industrial passive assistive exoskeleton on muscle activity, oxygen consumption and subjective responses during lifting tasks

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245629
Author(s):  
Xishuai Qu ◽  
Chenxi Qu ◽  
Tao Ma ◽  
Peng Yin ◽  
Ning Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Subjective Responses ◽  
Good Potential ◽  
Reduction Effect ◽  
Perceived Pressure ◽  
Lifting Task

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an industrial passive assisted exoskeleton (IPAE) with simulated lifting tasks on muscle activity, oxygen consumption, perceived level of exertion, local perceived pressure, and systemic usability. Eight workers were required to complete two lifting tasks with and without the IPAE, that were single lifting tasks (repeated 5 times) and 15 min repeated lifting tasks respectively. Both of the tasks required subjects to remove a toolbox from the ground to the waist height. The test results showed that IPAE significantly reduced the muscle activity of the lumbar erector spinae, thoracic erector spinae, middle deltoid and labrum-biceps muscles; the reduction effect during the 15 min lifting task was reached 21%, 12%, 32% and 38% respectively. The exoskeleton did not cause significant differences in oxygen consumption and the perceived level of exertion, but local perceived pressure on the shoulders, thighs, wrists, and waist of the subjects could be produced. 50% of the subjects rated the usability of the equipment as acceptable. The results illustrate the good potential of the exoskeleton to reduce the muscle activity of the low back and upper arms. However, there is still a concern for the obvious contact pressure.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Trunk Supporting Exoskeleton for reducing Muscle Fatigue

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 980-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan Poon ◽  
Logan van Engelhoven ◽  
Homayoon Kazerooni ◽  
Carisa Harris
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Muscle Fatigue ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Oxygen Consumption Rate ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Consumption Rate ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Endurance Time ◽  
Repetitive Lifting ◽  
Lifting Task

Although the effect of wearing a back-support exoskeleton during lifting has been demonstrated to reduce overall muscle activation, less is known about how wearing exoskeletons affect muscular fatigue and oxygen consumption. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of wearing a back-support exoskeleton (backX) on muscle fatigue during repetitive lifting by assessing whether wearing backX increases endurance time relative to lifting unassisted. A secondary objective of this study is to quantify changes in oxygen consumption rate while performing a repetitive lifting task with and without backX to address a common industry concern. The UC Ergonomics Lab evaluated backX on twelve male subjects by measuring bilateral muscle activity of the erector spinae and oxygen consumption rate. Summary measures of muscle activity for 50 and 90 percent of the repetitive lifting session were used to characterize peak and mean muscle activity. Oxygen consumption rate was collected continuously during the repetitive lifting session. Compared to the unassisted condition, wearing backX reduced peak lumbar erector spinae activation by 16.5% and 21.8% (p < 0.05). The time subjects could hold a back-straining posture after the repetitive lifting session increased by 52% after wearing backX during the lifting task. The was no significant negative change in oxygen consumption rate. This study confirms that wearing a backX reduces muscle activation in the lower back for this specific dynamic lifting task. Additionally, we find that wearing a backX may reduce the risk of low back injuries by reducing muscle activity and increasing endurance time to fatigue

Analysis of Muscle Activity Using Surface Electromyography for Muscle Performance in Manual Lifting Task

2014 ◽  
Vol 564 ◽  
pp. 644-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halim Isa ◽  
Rawaida ◽  
Seri Rahayu Kamat ◽  
A. Rohana ◽  
Adi Saptari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Surface Electromyography ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Twist Angle ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Experienced Fatigue ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Lifting Task ◽  
Load Mass

In industries, manual lifting is commonly practiced even though mechanized material handling equipment are provided. Manual lifting is used to transport or move products and goods to a desired place.Improper lifting techniquescontribute to muscle fatigue and low back pain that can lead to work efficiency and low productivity.The objective of this study were to analyze muscle activity in the left and right Erector Spinae, and left and right Biceps Brachii of five female subjects while performing manual lifting taskwithdifferent load mass, lifting height and twist angle.The muscle activitywere measured and analyzed using surface electromyography (sEMG).This study found that the right Biceps Brachii, right and left Erector Spinae experienced fatigue while performingasymmetric lifting (twist angle = 90°) at lifting height of 75 cm and 140 cm with load mass of 5 kg and 10 kg. Meanwhile, the left Biceps Brachii experienced fatigue when the lifting task was set at lifting height of 75 cm, load mass of 5 kg and twist angle of 90°.The load mass and lifting height has a significant influence to Mean Power Frequency (MPF) for left Biceps Brachii, left and right Erector Spinae. This study concluded that reducing the load mass can increase the muscles performance which can extend the transition-to-fatigue stage in the left and right Biceps Brachii and Erector Spinae.

scholarly journals Alteration in HDEMG Spatial Parameters of Trunk Muscle Due to Handle Design during Pushing

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 6646
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Toner ◽  
Jeremy Rickards ◽  
Kenneth Seaman ◽  
Usha Kuruganti
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Trunk Muscle ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Horizontal Orientation ◽  
Low Back Injuries ◽  
Spatial Parameters ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Pushing And Pulling

Previous research identifies that pushing and pulling is responsible for approximately 9–18% of all low back injuries. Additionally, the handle design of a cart being pushed can dramatically alter a worker’s capacity to push (≅9.5%). Surprisingly little research has examined muscle activation of the low back and its role in muscle function. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of handle design combination of pushing a platform truck cart on trunk muscle activity. Twenty participants (10 males and 10 females, mean age = 24.3 ± 4.3 years) pushed 475 lbs using six different handle combinations involving handle orientation (vertical/horizontal/semi-pronated) and handle height (hip/shoulder). Multichannel high-density EMG (HDsEMG) was recorded for left and right rectus abdominis, erector spinae, and external obliques. Pushing at hip height with a horizontal handle orientation design (HH) resulted in significantly less (p < 0.05) muscle activity compared to the majority of other handle designs, as well as a significantly higher entropy than the shoulder handle height involving either the semi-pronated (p = 0.023) or vertical handle orientation (p = 0.028). The current research suggests that the combination of a hip height and horizontal orientation handle design may require increased muscle demand of the trunk and alter the overall muscle heterogeneity and pattern of the muscle activity.

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 Effects of Whole Body Vibration exercise on Lumbar-Abdominal Muscles Activation for patients with chronic low back pain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
yulin dong ◽  
huifang wang ◽  
Yan Zhu ◽  
Binlin Chen ◽  
Yili Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Chronic Low Back Pain ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Whole Body Vibration ◽  
Abdominal Muscle ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Body Vibration

Abstract BackgroundWhole body vibration (WBV) training as an intervention method can cure chronic low back pain (CLBP). Different WBV parameters exert different effects on lumbar-abdominal muscle performance. Currently, there is a lack of study researched the influence of WBV training on patients with CLBP by lumbar–abdominal muscle activity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how WBV and exercise and their interactions influence lumbar-abdominal muscle activity in patients with CLBP.Methodsa group of ambulatory patients with chronic low back pain. Muscle activities of the multifidus, erector spinae, abdominal oblique externus muscle and the rectus abdominis muscle were measured by surface electromyography, whereas participants performed 4 different exercises during three whole body vibration conditions and a no-vibration condition in a single experimental session.ResultsCompared with the same exercises without whole body vibration, muscle activity increased when whole body vibration was added to the exercises. The frequency and exercise presented significant effects on the root mean square of multifidus, whereas exercise and frequency also resulted in significant interaction effects.ConclusionAdding whole body vibration to exercise could increase muscle activation of lumbar–abdominal muscle in patients with CLBP. The optimum frequency for lumbar–abdominal muscles is 15 Hz. The best exercises include plank for multifidus and erector spinae, V crunch for rectus abdominis and single bridge for abdominal oblique externus.Trial registration:ChiCTR-TRC-13003708. Registered 19 October 2013, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=5852

scholarly journals Evaluation of Multi-axial Active Suspension to Reduce Whole Body Vibration Exposures and Associated Biomechanical Loading in Mining Heavy Equipment Vehicle Operators

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 1034-1039
Author(s):  
Kiana Kia ◽  
Pete Johnson ◽  
Stephanie Fitch ◽  
Jack Dennerlein ◽  
Jay Kim
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Active Suspension ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Joint Torque ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Neck Muscle ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Motion Platform ◽  
Passive Suspension ◽  
Biomechanical Loading

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of multi-axial (lateral + vertical) active suspension in reducing multi-axial WBV exposures and related biomechanical loading in the neck and low back as compared to an industry standard single-axial (vertical) passive suspension seat. In a repeated-measures laboratory study with 13 subjects, while recreating field-measure vehicle vibration on a 6-degree-of-freedom motion platform, we measured WBV [weighted average vibration: A(8) and vibration dose values: VDV(8)], net joint torque in the low back (L5/S1) and neck, muscle activity in low back (erector spinae) and neck muscle (splenius capitis). The results showed that the multi-axial active suspension seat was more effective in reducing vertical (Z-axis) WBV [A(8) and VDV(8)] as compared to the single-axial passive suspension seats (p < 0.001), while little difference between two suspension seats were found in lateral (Y) axis. The peak low back moment with respect to the sagittal (Y) axis was significantly lower on the multi-axial active suspension seat compared to the single-axial passive suspension seat (p=0.01). Despite lack of statistical significance, the low back and neck muscle activity tended to be lower on the multi-axial active suspension compared to the single-axial passive suspension. These results indicate that the multi-axial suspension may have potential to reduce biomechanical loading in the low back.

Electromyographic Activity of Trunk Muscles During Flexion-Distraction Treatment of Low Back Patients

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maruti R. Gudavalli ◽  
Jerrilyn A. Backman ◽  
Steven J. Kirstukas ◽  
Anant V. Kadiyala ◽  
Avinash G. Patwardhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Trunk Muscles ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
The Mean

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the superficial muscles during the treatment of low back patients during a conservative procedure known as the Cox flexion-distraction procedure. A total of 33 low back pain patients were recruited for this study from chiropractic and allopathic orthopedic clinics. EMG signals were collected while the patient was in a prone relaxed position, during the treatment using the flexion-distraction procedure, and during maximum voluntary exertions in the three planes (flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending, and left and right twisting). The mean values of the Root Mean Square (RMS) values of EMG ratios during treatment versus resting indicate that the muscles are active during the treatment. This activity is more than the activity at rest. However the mean values of the RMS EMG ratios (during treatment versus maximum voluntary contraction) are small indicating that the muscle activity during treatment may not influence the treatment loads. The left and right muscles in all muscle groups were similarly active. During the treatment, erector spinae muscles were the most active, followed by the external oblique, and the rectus abdominus muscles. The results from this study provide quantitative data for the muscle activity during the flexion-distraction treatment. This information can be incorporated into computer models to estimate the loads generated during the flexion-distraction treatment due to the muscle activity compared to the loads generated by the chiropractic physician.

scholarly journals Association between lumbopelvic motion and muscle activation in patients with non-specific low back pain during forward bending task: A cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (01) ◽  
pp. 29-37
Author(s):  
Peemongkon Wattananon ◽  
Komsak Sinsurin ◽  
Sirikarn Somprasong
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Forward Bending ◽  
Lumbar Motion

Background: Evidence suggests patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) have altered lumbar and pelvic movement patterns. These changes could be associated with altered patterns of muscle activation. Objective: The study aimed to determine: (1) differences in the relative contributions and velocity of lumbar and pelvic movements between people with and without NSLBP, (2) the differences in lumbopelvic muscle activation patterns between people with and without NSLBP, and (3) the association between lumbar and pelvic movements and lumbopelvic muscle activation patterns. Methods: Subjects (8 healthy individuals and 8 patients with NSLBP) performed 2 sets of 3 repetitions of active forward bending, while motion and muscle activity data were collected simultaneously. Data derived were lumbar and pelvic ranges of motion and velocity, and ipsilateral and contralateral lumbopelvic muscle activities (internal oblique[Formula: see text]transverse abdominis (IO[Formula: see text]TA), lumbar multifidus (LM), erector spinae (ES) and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles). Results: Lumbar and pelvic motions showed trends, but exceeded 95% confidence minimal detectable difference (MDD[Formula: see text]), for greater pelvic motion [Formula: see text], less lumbar motion [Formula: see text] among patients with NSLBP. Significantly less activity was observed in the GM muscles bilaterally [Formula: see text] in the NSLBP group. A significant association [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] was found between ipsilateral ES muscle activity and lumbar motion, while moderate, but statistically non-significant associations, were found between GM muscle activity bilaterally and lumbar velocity [Formula: see text]ipsilateral: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]; contralateral: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in the NSLBP group. Conclusion: Findings indicated patients had greater pelvic contribution, but less lumbar contribution which was associated with less activation of the GM bilaterally.

Trunk Flexion and Musculoskeletal Stress during Light Assembly Work

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Paquet ◽  
Ranjit Nirmale
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Recovery Time ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Muscular Fatigue ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Trunk Flexion ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Assembly Tasks

Mild trunk flexion held during working tasks throughout the day is considered a risk factor for low back pain. Exactly how the duration of these postures impacts the low back musculature during work tasks is not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the temporal variation of mild trunk flexion and erect standing postures on low back discomfort and muscular fatigue, defined as a decrease in torso extension strength, during a realistic light assembly task. Study participants performed light assembly tasks for 20 minutes while in mild trunk flexion for periods of either 30 or 60 seconds, followed by recovery periods in which they stood erect, for periods of either 15, 30, 60, or 120 sec. Localized muscle discomfort, decreases in torso extension strength, and muscle activity of erector spinae were recorded. Duration of recovery period had a statistically significant effect on localized muscle discomfort of the lower back, upper back, and shoulders. Duration of trunk flexion and recovery time had an interactive effect on decreases in torso extension strength, for which strength decreased with decreasing recovery time and was more pronounced for trunk flexion periods of 60 sec rather than 30 sec. The mean RMS erector spinae muscle activity during mild trunk flexion was approximately 25% of the measured maximum voluntary RMS muscle activity across all conditions. The results suggest that it is the temporal pattern of muscular trunk flexion, and not the total time spent in trunk flexion, that affects localized discomfort and muscular fatigue of the low back.

Investigating women’s chest size, trunk muscle co-contraction and back pain during prolonged standing

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Heather A. Johnston ◽  
Susari Wanninayake ◽  
Janessa D.M. Drake
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Size Group ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Prolonged Standing ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Size Groups ◽  
Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Chest size is a known factor in the development of back pain for women. However, the neuromuscular mechanisms associated with chest size and back pain are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate chest size and its association with back pain development and muscle activity patterns during prolonged standing. METHODS: Twenty university-aged women were divided into two groups: small chest size (n= 10, ∼B/C cup) and large chest size (n= 10, ∼D/E cup). Participants completed a 2-hr standing protocol, where eight channels of bilateral trunk electromyography were collected. Muscle activity, specifically co-contraction, was compared between chest size groups, pain developers, and time. RESULTS: The large chest size group reported higher amounts of pain at the upper, middle, and low back. Women in the large chest group sustained higher levels of co-contraction for muscles involving the thoracic and lumbar erector spinae compared to those in the small chest size group during prolonged standing. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracolumbar co-contraction determined in this study may be a potential mechanism contributing to increased back pain development for women with large chest sizes during prolonged standing. This pain mechanism could be targeted and addressed in future non-invasive musculoskeletal rehabilitation to improve back pain for women.

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