Effect of a New Passive Shoulder Exoskeleton on the Full Body Musculoskeletal Load During Overhead Work

Abstract

Objective to investigate the effect of a passive shoulder exoskeleton on full body musculoskeletal loading during a wiring and lifting task above shoulder height. Methods: Three participants performed a wiring and lifting task with 10 kg above shoulder height with and without âssive shoulder exoskeleton. OpenSim was used to calculate kinematics, kinetics, muscle forces and joint contact forces at the shoulder and L5. Results: Kinematics did not change during the lifting task but kinematics did change for two out of the three participants during the wiring task while wearing the exoskeleton. Moreover, joint moments and muscle forces in the shoulder were decreased. In addition, compression forces at L5 were decreased but shear forces were increased while wearing the exoskeleton during both tasks. Conclusion: Considering that this is preliminary data, this exoskeleton could decrease the risk of developing work-related shoulder disorders in specific tasks.