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The Effects of a Passive Exoskeleton on Human Thermal Responses in Temperate and Cold Environments

Author

Listed:
  • Yang Liu

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China)

  • Xiaoling Li

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China)

  • Jiarui Lai

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China)

  • Aibin Zhu

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China)

  • Xiaodong Zhang

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China)

  • Ziming Zheng

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China)

  • Huijin Zhu

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China)

  • Yueyang Shi

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China)

  • Long Wang

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China)

  • Zhangyi Chen

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China)

Abstract

The exoskeleton as functional wearable equipment has been increasingly used in working environments. However, the effects of wearing an exoskeleton on human thermal responses are still unknown. In this study, 10 male package handlers were exposed to 10 °C (COLD) and 25 °C (TEMP) ambient temperatures while performing a 10 kg lifting task (LIFTING) and sedentary (REST) both with (EXO) and without the exoskeleton (WEXO). Thermal responses, including the metabolic rate and mean skin temperature (MST), were continuously measured. Thermal comfort, thermal sensation and sweat feeling were also recorded. For LIFTING, metabolic heat production is significant decrease with the exoskeleton support. The MST and thermal sensation significantly increase when wearing the exoskeleton, but thermal discomfort and sweating are only aggravated in TEMP. For REST, MST and thermal sensation are also increased by the exoskeleton, and there is no significant difference in the metabolic rate between EXO and WEXO. The thermal comfort is significantly improved by wearing the exoskeleton only in COLD. The results suggest that the passive exoskeleton increases the local clothing insulation, and the way of wearing reduces the “pumping effect”, which makes a difference in the thermal response between COLD and TEMP. Designers need to develop appropriate usage strategies according to the operative temperature.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang Liu & Xiaoling Li & Jiarui Lai & Aibin Zhu & Xiaodong Zhang & Ziming Zheng & Huijin Zhu & Yueyang Shi & Long Wang & Zhangyi Chen, 2021. "The Effects of a Passive Exoskeleton on Human Thermal Responses in Temperate and Cold Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-17, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:3889-:d:531937
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Floris C. Wardenaar & Kinta D. Schott & Alex E. Mohr & Carmen P. Ortega-Santos & John E. Connolly, 2023. "An Exploratory Study Investigating the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Collegiate Division I American Football Athletes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(15), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Laura J. Elstub & Shimra J. Fine & Karl E. Zelik, 2021. "Exoskeletons and Exosuits Could Benefit from Mode-Switching Body Interfaces That Loosen/Tighten to Improve Thermal Comfort," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-12, December.

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