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Evaluation of a Passive Upper Extremity Exoskeleton on Reducing Discomfort and Workload in Cardiac Sonographers
DescriptionCardiace sonographers are frequently exposed to ergonomic risks such as postural stress and high levels of physical exertion while performing scanning tasks, contributing to work-related pain and discomfort among cardiac sonographers. Passive exoskeletons are one potential ergonomic intervention with the potential to mitigate some of the risks associated with scanning. This study examined the effectiveness of a passive upper body exoskeleton in reducing the levels of work-related pain and discomfort and workload in cardiac sonographers while performing transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE). Twelve cardiac sonographers were asked to use the HAPO exoskeleton while performing TTEs during for a full workday. Participants were asked to rate their body part discomfort and workload throughout the day both with and without the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton did not significantly decrease discomfort or workload associated with performing TTEs. This result indicates that the exoskeleton was not effective or appropriate for cardiac sonographers; task-specific ergonomic interventions are needed.