Presentation
Effects of Using Arm-Support Exoskeletons on Muscle Coordination During a Pseudo-Static Overhead Task: Preliminary Analysis of Muscle Synergy
SessionOE9: Shoulder Exoskeletons
DescriptionWhile existing evidence demonstrates that occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) can reduce overall physical demands, their effect on muscle coordination remains less explored. We examined the effects of three different arm-support EXOs (ASEs) on muscle coordination during a pseudo-static overhead task in six conditions (3 Work Heights × 2 Force Directions) under four intervention conditions (3 ASEs and a control [no ASE]). Using non-negative matrix factorization, we extracted muscle synergy weights and timing coefficients from electromyography (EMG) of 11 muscle groups in the upper body and back. Three muscle synergies accounted for over 90% of the EMG data variability for all participants and conditions. We found a significant difference in muscle synergies between the EXO and control conditions, indicating that ASEs alter muscle coordination in measurable ways. It remains to be determined, though, whether similar alterations occur in the field or whether these changes in muscle coordination affect injury risk.
Contributors
Research Assistant Professor
H.G. Prillaman Professor, Assistant Department Head, and Graduate Program Director
Event Type
Lecture
TimeThursday, September 12th11:35am - 11:55am MST
LocationFLW Salon H
Occupational Ergonomics