Presentation
71. Can Exoskeletons Support Patient Handling Tasks Performed by Emergency Medical Technicians?
SessionPoster Session 2
DescriptionWe aimed to investigate the effects of wearing back-support exoskeletons (BSEs) on patient handling tasks routinely used in emergency response operations. Twelve young, healthy participants completed three cooperative patient handling tasks (direct ground lift, extremity lift, and diamond carry) using a mannequin (weight = 45 kg), while using rigid (backX) and soft (Apex) passive BSEs as well as in a control (NoBSE) condition. Preliminary results indicate that use of the backX decreased peak muscle activity in trunk flexors and extensors during direct ground and extremity lifts. The Apex was perceived as reducing exertion and back discomfort, however no statistically significant differences were found in the peak muscle activity measures. As these complex patient handling tasks were composed of many distinct movement phases, the effects of each exoskeleton will be comparatively evaluated by separate movement phases, to better understand how their distinct design features affect trunk muscle activity and kinematics.
Event Type
Poster
TimeThursday, September 12th5:30pm - 6:30pm MST
LocationMcArthur Ballroom
Aging
Augmented Cognition
Children's Issues
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Cybersecurity
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Environmental Design
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