Presentation
Effects of Shoulder Exoskeletons on Muscular Load and Postural Stability during Electrical Cable Pulling Tasks on an Unstable Work Platform
SessionOE9: Shoulder Exoskeletons
DescriptionThis study investigated the potential impacts of passive exoskeletons on shoulder strain and postural balance during overhead electrical work performed on an elevated unstable surface (i.e., scissor lift). In a repeated-measures laboratory study, nine participants performed overhead cable-pulling tasks on a simulated scissor lift condition with and without three shoulder exoskeletons. During the tasks, muscle activity on upper trapezius, biceps brachii, and deltoid (middle and anterior) was measured. Also, postural balance was evaluated by the center of pressure (COP) elliptical sway area measured using two force plates. The results showed that the shoulder exoskeletons significantly reduced shoulder muscle activity (up to 53%) and COP sway area (up to 15%) compared to no-exoskeleton condition (p < 0.001). These findings indicate that shoulder exoskeletons may have potential to reduce shoulder strain without compromising postural balance among construction workers performing overhead electrical work on unstable work platforms including scissor lifts.
Contributors
Event Type
Lecture
TimeThursday, September 12th11:55am - 12:15pm MST
LocationFLW Salon H
Occupational Ergonomics