Biomechanical load evaluation by means of wearable devices in industrial environments: An inertial motion capture system and semg based protocol

Abstract

Biomechanical overload is one of the main risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among manufacturing workers and so far, it has been evaluated with observational methods. The aim of this research was to introduce a procedure for quantitative biomechanical overload risk assessment in which surface electromyography integrates with a motion capture system. The paper deals with actual test cases performed in an automotive company, using surface electromyography and a homemade inertial motion capture system. The quality of the data produced by it demonstrates that these devices can be integrated, worn in actual working conditions and are not influenced by electromagnetic interference.