scholarly journals Systematic Review of Back-Support Exoskeletons and Soft Robotic Suits

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athar Ali ◽  
Vigilio Fontanari ◽  
Werner Schmoelz ◽  
Sunil K. Agrawal
Keyword(s):  
Soft Power ◽  
Material Handling ◽  
Power Transmission ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Wide Adaptation ◽  
Immense Potential

Lower back pain and musculoskeletal injuries are serious concerns for workers subjected to physical workload and manual material handling tasks. Spine assistive exoskeletons are being developed to support the spine and distribute the spine load. This article presents a detailed up-to-date review on the back support exoskeletons by discussing their type (Active/Passive), structure (Rigid/Soft), power transmission methods, weight, maximum assistive force, battery technologies, tasks (lifting, bending, stooping work), kinematic compatibility and other important features. This article also assesses the back support exoskeletons in terms of their ability to reduce the physical load on the spine. By reviewing functional and structural characteristics, the goal is to increase communication and realization among ergonomics practitioners, developers, customers, and factory workers. The search resulted in reviewing 34 exoskeletons of which 16 were passive and 18 were active. In conclusion, back support exoskeletons have immense potential to significantly reduce the factors regarding work-related musculoskeletal injuries. However, various technical challenges and a lack of established safety standards limit the wide adaptation of exoskeletons in industry.

scholarly journals Soft Exoskeletons: Development, Requirements, and Challenges of the Last Decade

Actuators ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 166
Author(s):  
Alan Francisco Pérez Vidal ◽  
Jesse Yoe Rumbo Morales ◽  
Gerardo Ortiz Torres ◽  
Felipe de Jesús Sorcia Vázquez ◽  
Alan Cruz Rojas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Systems ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Power Transmission ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Current Trend

In this article, various investigations on soft exoskeletons are presented and their functional and structural characteristics are analyzed. The present work is oriented to the studies of the last decade and covers the upper and lower joints, specifically the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, and ankle. Its functionality, applicability, and main characteristics are exposed, such as degrees of freedom, force, actuators, power transmission methods, control systems, and sensors. The purpose of this work is to show the current trend in the development of soft exoskeletons, in addition to specifying the essential characteristics that must be considered in its design and the challenges that its construction implies.

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries among At-Risk Physicians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 225 (4) ◽  
pp. e158
Author(s):  
Sherise Epstein ◽  
Bao Ngoc N. Tran ◽  
Qing Z. Ruan ◽  
Dhruv Singhal ◽  
Bernard T. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽  
Work Related

scholarly journals System Dynamics Model Application for Ergonomic Assessment of Manual Material Handling Tasks

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Abaeian ◽  
Osama Moselhi ◽  
Mohamad Al-Hussein
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Material Handling ◽  
Dynamic Equilibrium ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Manual Material Handling ◽  
Compressive Loads ◽  
Levels Of Automation ◽  
Free Body

Despite increased levels of automation in manufacturing occupations in recent years, many activities are still performed through human intervention and involve Manual Material Handling (MMH), thus exposing workers to stress due to over-exertion and potential Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs). An early ergonomic and physical demand assessment of work activities is critical to reducing exposure to risk and to maintaining desired levels of productivity. Biomechanics consists of applying concepts of static and dynamic equilibrium to different parts of the human musculoskeletal system using free-body diagrams to estimate muscle force and loads generated across the joints and tissues. System dynamics is a powerful tool applied in resolving complex problems with different influencing variables. This technique can help designers and managers to understand, evaluate and simulate the factors causing problems in the system. This paper presents the application of System Dynamics modeling to assess the biomechanical risks associated with manual material handling tasks. The case study presents predicted cumulative biomechanical compressive loads from material handling task and can assist project managers to understand and reduce exposure to ergonomic risks in the workplace.

The effects of using an ergonomic aid on the physical workload and body discomfort reported by pre-adolescent farmers in West Bengal, India

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Banibrata Das ◽  
Somnath Gangopadhyay ◽  
Tirthankar Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Body Part ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Work Related

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the major health hazards among farmers. Pre-adolescents are mainly associated with agricultural work due to poor socioeconomic conditions. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to implement a new ergonomics aid for the betterment of job procedures and improvement of productivity, health, and safety of the preadolescent farmers. METHODS: 100 male and 100 female preadolescent farmers were randomly selected from the villages of Tarakeswar, West Bengal, India, to evaluate and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, physiological stress. Modified Nordic questionnaires, Body Part Discomfort (BPD) scale, and handgrip strength were assessed before and after using the ergonomics aid. RESULTS: The results of the study show that there was a significant change (decrease) in discomfort in the lower back, wrists, shoulder, and hands among preadolescent farmers when using the newly designed ergonomic aid. Handgrip strength increased and physiological stress was decreased among preadolescent farmers in post-intervention than pre-intervention in just after work conditions. Productivity has been increased in farming by decreasing absenteeism from work with the use of ergonomic aid. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that productivity has been increased in farming by decreasing absenteeism from work as well as by using the ergonomic aid the discomfort feeling has been decreased markedly.

Determinants of Early Retirement in the UAE

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-69
Author(s):  
Eda Orhun ◽  
Wifag Adnan ◽  
Mouawiya Alawad
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Stress Level ◽  
Early Retirement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Pension Benefit ◽  
Retirement Decision ◽  
Work Related

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to analyze the retirement behavior of UAE nationals by understanding the socio-economic characteristics of early retirees and identifying the main determinants of early retirement. Accordingly, a survey study is created and deployed for current employees and retirees affiliated with Abu Dhabi Retirement and Pension Benefit Fund (ADRPBF). The survey was designed to reach 100 retirees and 200 currently active workers from those registered at the ADRPBF. The survey was conducted by employing the online survey method and face-to-face interviews. The total number of respondents is around 244, with a total response rate of 81.33%. Some factors related to the psychosocial work environment play a significant role in the early retirement decision of Emiratis. These factors are stress level, autonomy level and authority level at work. In addition to these, the level of work environment comfortability and life-work balance seem to also affect the early retirement decision. In general, the results indicate that higher the stress level, lower the level of autonomy and authority; higher the early retirement decision within the Emirati workforce. Last but not least, the likelihood of early retirement increases significantly if employees face a work-related health problem. Initiatives at the government and company level to adjust the working conditions for the capacity of elderly people shall be considered. Healthy living campaigns and sport programs might be launched to reduce work-related health problems and consequently early retirement. Our work is the first comprehensive study exploring the early retirement decision of the UAE nationals. One limitation of our study is the limited number of participants in the survey. Future work that will include a higher number of participants and supplementary questions to cover more job features (physical workload, other psychosocial factors) might be helpful.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Asymmetric Playing Postures of the Upper Extremity and Back in Music Teachers: A Pilot Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 113-118
Author(s):  
Cecilia Wahlström Edling ◽  
Anncristine Fjellman-Wiklund
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Music Teachers ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Playing Time

To play a musical instrument, such as the violin or flute, requires controlled, adequate movements performed by the arm, hand, and fingers in an asymmetric playing posture. The movements are monotonous and often of long duration, involving static and repetitive muscle work of the upper extremity and neck-shoulder muscles. This situation may lead to an increased risk of contracting musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between physical workload, defined as playing posture and playing time per week, and musculoskeletal disorders in music teachers. A questionnaire was distributed, with items based on work-related musculoskeletal disorders and physical working conditions. The study population consisted of music teachers employed at a Swedish municipal music school. Out of 61 music teachers, 47 (77%) agreed to participate, including 28 women and 19 men. The study group was divided into two groups depending on if they had an asymmetric or symmetric upper extremity/back playing position. Of the total participants, 77% reported musculoskeletal disorders during the preceding 12 months. Female teachers reported significantly more symptoms in the neck, shoulders, and upper back than male teachers. Music teachers with an asymmetric playing posture had significantly more musculoskeletal disorders than music teachers with a symmetric playing posture. This study demonstrates that an asymmetric playing position may affect the amount of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity and back.

scholarly journals Work-Related Exposures and Sickness Absence Trajectories: A Nationally Representative Follow-up Study among Finnish Working-Aged People

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tea Lallukka ◽  
Leena Kaila-Kangas ◽  
Minna Mänty ◽  
Seppo Koskinen ◽  
Eija Haukka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sickness Absence ◽  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Annual Number ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Aged People ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Nationally Representative

The contribution of physically demanding work to the developmental trajectories of sickness absence (SA) has seldom been examined. We analyzed the associations of 12 physical work exposures, individually and in combination, with SA trajectories among the occupationally active in the Finnish nationally representative Health 2000 survey. We included 3814 participants aged 30–59 years at baseline, when exposure history to work-related factors was reported. The survey and interview responses were linked with the annual number of medically confirmed SA spells through 2002–2008 from national registries. Trajectory analyses identified three SA subgroups: 1 = low (54.6%), 2 = slowly increasing (33.7%), and 3 = high (11.7%). After adjustments, sitting or use of keyboard >1 year was inversely associated with the high SA trajectory (odds ratio, OR, 0.57; 95% 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.43–0.77). The odds of belonging to the trajectory of high SA increased with an increasing number of risk factors, and was highest for those with ≥4 physical workload factors (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.99–3.69). In conclusion, these findings highlight the need to find ways to better maintain the work ability of those in physically loading work, particularly when there occurs exposure to several workload factors.

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