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Biomechanical Analysis of Stoop and Free-Style Squat Lifting and Lowering with a Generic Back-Support Exoskeleton Model

Author

Listed:
  • Mark Tröster

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
    Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Sarah Budde

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Christophe Maufroy

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Michael Skipper Andersen

    (Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • John Rasmussen

    (Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Urs Schneider

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
    Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Thomas Bauernhansl

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
    Institute of Industrial Manufacturing and Management IFF, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) induced by industrial manual handling tasks are a major issue for workers and companies. As flexible ergonomic solutions, occupational exoskeletons can decrease critically high body stress in situations of awkward postures and motions. Biomechanical models with detailed anthropometrics and motions help us to acquire a comprehension of person- and application-specifics by considering the intended and unintended effects, which is crucial for effective implementation. In the present model-based analysis, a generic back-support exoskeleton model was introduced and applied to the motion data of one male subject performing symmetric and asymmetric dynamic manual handling tasks. Different support modes were implemented with this model, including support profiles typical of passive and active systems and an unconstrained optimal support mode used for reference to compare and quantify their biomechanical effects. The conducted simulations indicate that there is a high potential to decrease the peak compression forces in L4/L5 during the investigated heavy loaded tasks for all motion sequences and exoskeleton support modes (mean reduction of 13.3% without the optimal support mode). In particular, asymmetric motions (mean reduction of 14.7%) can be relieved more than symmetric ones (mean reduction of 11.9%) by the exoskeleton support modes without the optimal assistance. The analysis of metabolic energy consumption indicates a high dependency on lifting techniques for the effectiveness of the exoskeleton support. While the exoskeleton support substantially reduces the metabolic cost for the free-squat motions, a slightly higher energy consumption was found for the symmetric stoop motion technique with the active and optimal support mode.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Tröster & Sarah Budde & Christophe Maufroy & Michael Skipper Andersen & John Rasmussen & Urs Schneider & Thomas Bauernhansl, 2022. "Biomechanical Analysis of Stoop and Free-Style Squat Lifting and Lowering with a Generic Back-Support Exoskeleton Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-16, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9040-:d:871256
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. M.S. Andersen & M. Damsgaard & B. MacWilliams & J. Rasmussen, 2010. "A computationally efficient optimisation-based method for parameter identification of kinematically determinate and over-determinate biomechanical systems," Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(2), pages 171-183.
    2. M.S. Andersen & M. Damsgaard & J. Rasmussen, 2009. "Kinematic analysis of over-determinate biomechanical systems," Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(4), pages 371-384.
    3. Mark Tröster & David Wagner & Felix Müller-Graf & Christophe Maufroy & Urs Schneider & Thomas Bauernhansl, 2020. "Biomechanical Model-Based Development of an Active Occupational Upper-Limb Exoskeleton to Support Healthcare Workers in the Surgery Waiting Room," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-17, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jonas Schiebl & Mark Tröster & Wiem Idoudi & Elena Gneiting & Leon Spies & Christophe Maufroy & Urs Schneider & Thomas Bauernhansl, 2022. "Model-Based Biomechanical Exoskeleton Concept Optimization for a Representative Lifting Task in Logistics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-22, November.

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