scholarly journals Effectiveness of Soft Versus Rigid Back-Support Exoskeletons during a Lifting Task

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8062
Author(s):  
Mathilde Schwartz ◽  
Jean Theurel ◽  
Kévin Desbrosses
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Trunk Motion ◽  
Dynamic Task ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Task Conditions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Exoskeleton Design ◽  
Lifting Task

This study investigated the influence of passive back-support exoskeletons (EXOBK) design, trunk sagittal inclination (TSI), and gender on the effectiveness of an exoskeleton to limit erector spinae muscle (ES) activation during a sagittal lifting/lowering task. Twenty-nine volunteers performed an experimental dynamic task with two exoskeletons (two different designs: soft (SUIT) and rigid (SKEL)), and without equipment (FREE). The ES activity was analyzed for eight parts of TSI, each corresponding to 25% of the range of motion (lifting: P1 to P4; lowering: P5 to P8). The impact of EXOBK on ES activity depended on the interaction between exoskeleton design and TSI. With SKEL, ES muscle activity significantly increased for P8 (+36.8%) and tended to decrease for P3 (−7.2%, p = 0.06), compared to FREE. SUIT resulted in lower ES muscle activity for P2 (−9.6%), P3 (−8.7%, p = 0.06), and P7 (−11.1%), in comparison with FREE. Gender did not influence the effect of either back-support exoskeletons on ES muscle activity. These results point to the need for particular attention with regard to (1) exoskeleton design (rigid versus soft) and to (2) the range of trunk motion, when selecting an EXOBK. In practice, the choice of a passive back-support exoskeleton, between rigid and soft design, requires an evaluation of human-exoskeleton interaction in real task conditions. The characterization of trunk kinematics and ranges of motion appears essential to identify the benefits and the negative effects to take into account with each exoskeleton design.

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 Social Vulnerability, Gender and Disasters. The Case of Haiti in 2010

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mar Llorente-Marrón ◽  
Montserrat Díaz-Fernández ◽  
Paz Méndez-Rodríguez ◽  
Rosario González Arias
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
International Development ◽  
Social Vulnerability ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Research Work ◽  
The United States ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Unequal Distribution ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

The study of vulnerability constitutes a central axis in research work on sustainability. Social vulnerability (SV) analyzes differences in human capacity to prepare, respond and recover from the impact of a natural hazard. Although disasters threaten all the people who suffer from them, they do not affect all members of society in the same way. Social and economic inequalities make certain groups more vulnerable. Factors such as age, sex, social class and ethnic identity increase vulnerability to a natural disaster. Ten years after the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, this work deepens the relationship between natural disasters, SV and gender, exploring the unequal distribution of the SV in the face of a seismic risk. The source of statistical information has been obtained from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), developed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Multicriteria decision techniques (TOPSIS) and the differences in differences (DID) technique are used to analyze variations in gender inequality in SV as a result of the catastrophic event. The results obtained reinforce the idea of the negative impact of the disaster on the SV. Additionally, an intensification of the negative effects is observed when the household is headed by a woman, increasing the gap in SV between households headed by women and the rest of the households. The conclusions obtained show additional evidence of the negative effects caused by natural disasters on women, and important implications for disaster risk management are derived that should not be ignored.

scholarly journals The fourth industrial revolution and gender disparity: Is anything changing?

Tehnika ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-400
Author(s):  
Vera Marković
Keyword(s):  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Gender Disparity ◽  
Technological Changes ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Representation Of Women ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
The Republic ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

Gender disparity is present in the field of engineering and more broadly STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Statistical data on the enrollment in one of technical faculties in the Republic of Serbia over three decades illustrate this phenomenon, and there is a similar situation everywhere in the world. The negative effects of the under-representation of women in these areas on society and the economy have been recognized and a number of measures have been taken to mitigate them. With rapid technological changes, information technology development and the fourth industrial revolution, the labor market is changing and the global demand for STEM professions is growing. This paper discusses the impact that these technological changes may have on the existing disparity between women and men in the mentioned areas.

scholarly journals Bracing of the trunk and neck has a differential effect on head control during gait

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (3) ◽  
pp. 1773-1783 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Morrison ◽  
D. M. Russell ◽  
K. Kelleran ◽  
M. L. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Abdominal Muscle ◽  
Trunk Muscle ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Vertical Acceleration ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Head Control ◽  
The Impact

During gait, the trunk and neck are believed to play an important role in dissipating the transmission of forces from the ground to the head. This attenuation process is important to ensure head control is maintained. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of externally restricting the motion of the trunk and/or neck segments on acceleration patterns of the upper body and head and related trunk muscle activity. Twelve healthy adults performed three walking trials on a flat, straight 65-m walkway, under four different bracing conditions: 1) control-no brace; 2) neck-braced; 3) trunk-braced; and 4) neck-trunk braced. Three-dimensional acceleration from the head, neck (C7) and lower trunk (L3) were collected, as was muscle activity from trunk. Results revealed that, when the neck and/or trunk were singularly braced, an overall decrease in the ability of the trunk to attenuate gait-related oscillations was observed, which led to increases in the amplitude of vertical acceleration for all segments. However, when the trunk and neck were braced together, acceleration amplitude across all segments decreased in line with increased attenuation from the neck to the head. Bracing was also reflected by increased activity in erector spinae, decreased abdominal muscle activity and lower trunk muscle coactivation. Overall, it would appear that the neuromuscular system of young, healthy individuals was able to maintain a consistent pattern of head acceleration, irrespective of the level of bracing, and that priority was placed over the control of vertical head accelerations during these gait tasks.

scholarly journals Impact of sensory integration training on balance among stroke patients: sensory integration training on balance among stroke patients

Open Medicine ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 330-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Hun Jang ◽  
Jung-Ho Lee
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Sensory Integration ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Gluteus Medius ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
Trunk Extensor ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis study attempts to investigate the impact that the sensory integration training has on the recovery of balance among patients with stroke by examining the muscle activity and limit of stability (LOS). A total of 28 subjects participated. The subjects were randomly allocated by the computer program to one of two groups: control (CON) group (n=15), sensory integration training (SIT) group (n=13). The research subjects received intervention five days a week for a total of four weeks. The CON group additionally received 30-minute general balance training, while the SIT group additionally received 30-minute sensory integration training. In the muscle activity, the improvement of Erector spinae (ES) and Gluteus medius (GM) was more significant in the SIT group than in the CON group. In the LOS, the improvement of affected side and forward side was significantly higher in the SIT group compared to the CON group. Sensory integration training can improve balance ability of patients with stroke by increasing muscle activity of stance limb muscles such as GM and trunk extensor such as ES along with enhancement of the limit of stability.

scholarly journals 40 The Association between Apathy, Decline in Physcal Performance, and Falls

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv9-iv12
Author(s):  
Marieke Henstra ◽  
Didi Rhebergen ◽  
Lisette De Groot ◽  
Natasja Van Schoor ◽  
Nathalie Van der Velde
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Osteoporotic Fractures ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Symptoms of apathy are common in older persons. Negative effects on physical performance and fall risk are plausible, considering the pathophysiology of apathy. However, literature is scarce. Aim To longitudinally assess the association between apathy and 1) decline of physical performance and 2) the number of falls in older community-dwelling persons. Methods The ‘B-vitamins for the PRevention Of Osteoporotic Fractures’ study (B-PROOF) provided data on 2919 older persons over a period of two years. Apathy was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale3. A physical performance score (PPS) was calculated using three performance tests. Falls were registered prospectively. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs), Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs) their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Effect-modification by age and gender was investigated. We also investigated mediation by baseline PPS for the association between apathy and the number of falls. Results Apathy and decline of PPS were independently associated. After stratification, the effect only remained in men. Age was an effect modifier; higher ORs for decreasing age. Apathy was also independently associated with the number of falls. After stratification, women had higher IRRs than men. Age modified the association in the opposite direction: higher IRRs for increasing age. Baseline PPS was a mediator in the association. Conclusion The impact of apathy on physical performance and fall-incidents varied with age and gender. Potentially, in older individuals with apathy, fall risk is preceded by a decline in physical performance. In clinical practice, identifying apathy in older persons might be useful to target mobility preserving interventions.

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

scholarly journals Death of Parents and Adult Psychological and Physical Well-Being

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1611-1638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine F. Marks ◽  
Heyjung Jun ◽  
Jieun Song
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Psychological Wellness ◽  
Multiple Dimensions ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Parent Loss ◽  
Self Assessed Health ◽  
The Impact

Guided by a life course perspective, attachment theory, and gender theory, this study aims to examine the impact of death of a father, a mother, or both parents, as well as continuously living with one or both parents dead (in contrast to having two parents alive) on multiple dimensions of psychological well-being (depressive symptoms, happiness, self-esteem, mastery, and psychological wellness), alcohol abuse (binge drinking), and physical health (self-assessed health). Analyses of longitudinal data from 8,865 adults in the National Survey of Families and Households 1987-1993 reveal that a father's death leads to more negative effects for sons than daughters and a mother's death leads to more negative effects for daughters than sons. Problematic effects of parent loss are reflected more in men's physical health reports than women's. This study's results suggest that family researchers and practitioners working with aging families should not underestimate the impact of filial bereavement on adult well-being.

scholarly journals Political connections and banking performance: the moderating effect of gender diversity

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1001-1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catarina Proença ◽  
Mário Augusto ◽  
José Murteira
Keyword(s):  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Political Connections ◽  
Board Members ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Board Gender Diversity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This study aims to investigate the role of board gender diversity in explaining the effects of board members’ political connections on banking performance in the Eurozone. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyses panel data on 83 banks supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) for the period 2013–2017, using a generalized moment method-type estimation methodology. Findings Results suggest that when gender diversity is high, there is a U-shaped nonlinear relationship between political connections and banking performance. Empirical evidence also indicates that differentiating characteristics of women, such as greater ethical concern and risk aversion, help mitigate the negative effects of political connections on banking performance, safeguarding the institutions’ interests from the adverse effects of personal agendas. In addition, these results also suggest that a minimum of 14% of gender diversity can contribute to greater social justice and beneficial structural change. Research limitations/implications The period studied may not yet fully reflect the impact of the assessment of the board members’ suitability. Practical implications The paper contributes to the growing literature on political connections and gender diversity, providing greater insight into their role as determinants of banking performance. The study also suggests the benefits and possible limitations of the regulator’s two impositions – gender diversity quotas and members’ repute (members’ political connections). Originality/value The effect of gender diversity on the impact of board members’ political connections on banking performance has not been studied, as these relationships have not been analysed separately for banks directly supervised by the ECB.

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document