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Evaluating Exoskeletons for WMSD Prevention: A Systematic Review of Applications and Ergonomic Approach in Occupational Settings

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  • André Cardoso

    (DTx Digital Transformation Colab, Campus of Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
    Algoritmi Research Centre/LASI, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Andreia Ribeiro

    (Bosch Car Multimédia S.A., Manufacturing Engineering, 4705-820 Braga, Portugal)

  • Paula Carneiro

    (Algoritmi Research Centre/LASI, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Ana Colim

    (DTx Digital Transformation Colab, Campus of Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of studies investigating the impact of occupational exoskeletons on work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors. The primary objective is to examine the methodologies used to assess the effectiveness of these devices across various occupational tasks. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, covering studies published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 49 studies were included, identified through searches conducted in Scopus and Web of Science databases, with the search string launched in August 2024. The review identifies a growing body of research on passive and active exoskeletons, with a notable focus on laboratory-based evaluations. The results indicate that direct measurement and self-report methods are the preferred approaches in these domains. Ergonomic limitations and user discomfort remain concerns in some cases. The findings of this review may influence stakeholders by providing insights into the potential benefits of adopting exoskeletons and improving workplace ergonomics to reduce WMSD risks. Additionally, the identification of WMSD assessment methods will be valuable for validating the use of these technologies in the workplace. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for more real-world assessments and improved exoskeleton designs to enhance user comfort and efficacy.

Suggested Citation

  • André Cardoso & Andreia Ribeiro & Paula Carneiro & Ana Colim, 2024. "Evaluating Exoskeletons for WMSD Prevention: A Systematic Review of Applications and Ergonomic Approach in Occupational Settings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(12), pages 1-31, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:12:p:1695-:d:1547420
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Schmalz & Jasmin Schändlinger & Marvin Schuler & Jonas Bornmann & Benjamin Schirrmeister & Andreas Kannenberg & Michael Ernst, 2019. "Biomechanical and Metabolic Effectiveness of an Industrial Exoskeleton for Overhead Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-12, November.
    2. Saad A. Alabdulkarim & Abdulsalam M. Farhan & Mohamed Z. Ramadan, 2020. "Development and Investigation of a Wearable Aid for a Load Carriage Task," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-12, January.
    3. Mathilde Schwartz & Jean Theurel & Kévin Desbrosses, 2021. "Effectiveness of Soft versus Rigid Back-Support Exoskeletons during a Lifting Task," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-12, July.
    4. Yong-Ku Kong & Kyeong-Hee Choi & Min-Uk Cho & Seoung-Yoen Kim & Min-Jung Kim & Jin-Woo Shim & Sang-Soo Park & Kyung-Ran Kim & Min-Tae Seo & Hye-Seon Chae & Hyun-Ho Shim, 2022. "Ergonomic Assessment of a Lower-Limb Exoskeleton through Electromyography and Anybody Modeling System," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-15, July.
    5. Yong-Ku Kong & Chae-Won Park & Min-Uk Cho & Seoung-Yeon Kim & Min-Jung Kim & Dong Jin Hyun & Kihyeon Bae & Jong Kyu Choi & Sang Min Ko & Kyeong-Hee Choi, 2021. "Guidelines for Working Heights of the Lower-Limb Exoskeleton (CEX) Based on Ergonomic Evaluations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-12, May.
    6. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    7. Luther Dogbla & Cédric Gouvenelle & Florence Thorin & François-Xavier Lesage & Marek Zak & Ukadike Chris Ugbolue & Barbara Charbotel & Julien S. Baker & Bruno Pereira & Frédéric Dutheil, 2023. "Occupational Risk Factors by Sectors: An Observational Study of 20,000 Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-16, February.
    8. Mathilde Schwartz & Kévin Desbrosses & Jean Theurel & Guillaume Mornieux, 2023. "Biomechanical Consequences of Using Passive and Active Back-Support Exoskeletons during Different Manual Handling Tasks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(15), pages 1-15, July.
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