School of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Ergonomics. 2021 Oct;64(10):1255-1270. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2021.1915502. Epub 2021 May 10.
The purpose of study was to determine the biomechanical, physiological, and subjective effect of a Passive Exoskeleton device (called Ergo-Vest) among 20 waste collectors in the working environment. Compression force and moment on L4/L5 related to 400 critical postures of the participants were estimated using the 3DSSPP software. The heart rate and energy expenditure are measured as the physiological strain using the Polar RS400 Heart Rate Monitor. Borg scale perceived exertion, system usability scale, and ergonomic design indicators of the device were collected as the subjective parameters. Compression force and moment on L4/L5 disc were decreased when the Ergo-Vest was utilised. There was no significant difference in energy expenditure and heart rate with and without the device. The workers' perceived physical exertion was decreased while using the Ergo-Vest. From the perspective of end users, the usability and ergonomic design features of the Ergo-Vest was acceptable. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is high among the Iranian waste collectors. To mitigate this occupational problem, the effect of a passive exoskeleton for lower-back support (Ergo-Vest) was investigated on the workers' spine loading, physiological parameters, and perceived physical exertion. The result shows spine force reduction and lower subjective responses.
本研究的目的是确定被动式外骨骼设备（称为 Ergo-Vest）在工作环境中对 20 名废物收集者的生物力学、生理和主观影响。使用 3DSSPP 软件估算了与参与者 400 个关键姿势相关的 L4/L5 上的压缩力和力矩。使用 Polar RS400 心率监测器测量心率和能量消耗作为生理应变。收集设备的 Borg 感知用力量表、系统可用性量表和人体工程学设计指标作为主观参数。当使用 Ergo-Vest 时，L4/L5 椎间盘上的压缩力和力矩减小。使用和不使用设备时，能量消耗和心率没有显著差异。使用 Ergo-Vest 时，工人的体力感知下降。从最终用户的角度来看，Ergo-Vest 的可用性和人体工程学设计特点是可以接受的。骨骼肌肉疾病在伊朗废物收集者中发病率很高。为了减轻这一职业问题，研究了一种用于腰部支撑的被动式外骨骼（Ergo-Vest）对工人脊柱负荷、生理参数和体力感知的影响。结果表明脊柱受力减少，主观反应降低。
