Comparison of active and passive back-support exoskeletons for construction work: range of motion, discomfort, usability, exertion and cognitive load assessments
Abstract
Purpose
Low back disorders are more predominant among construction trade workers than their counterparts in other industry sectors. Floor layers are among the top artisans that are severely affected by low back disorders. Exoskeletons are increasingly being perceived as ergonomic solutions. This study aims to compare the efficacy of passive and active back-support exoskeletons by measuring range of motion, perceived discomfort, usability, perceived rate of exertion and cognitive load during a simulated flooring task experiment.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study eight participants were engaged in a repetitive timber flooring task performed with passive and active back-support exoskeletons. Subjective and objective data were collected to assess the risks associated with using both exoskeletons. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Scheirer-Ray-Hare test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were adopted to compare the exoskeleton conditions.
Findings
The results show no significant differences in the range of motion (except for a lifting cycle), perceived level of discomfort and perceived level of exertion between the two exoskeletons. Significant difference in overall cognitive load was observed. The usability results show that the active back-support exoskeleton made task execution easier with less restriction on movement.
Research limitations/implications
The flooring task is simulated in a laboratory environment with only eight male participants.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the scarce body of knowledge on the usage comparison of passive and active exoskeletons for construction work.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is based upon the work supported by Allan Myers and was funded by the National Science Foundation (No: IIS-2221167). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Citation
Okunola, A., Akanmu, A.A. and Yusuf, A.O. (2023), "Comparison of active and passive back-support exoskeletons for construction work: range of motion, discomfort, usability, exertion and cognitive load assessments", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-06-2023-0147
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited