Human-exoskeleton cooperation for reducing the musculoskeletal load of manual handling tasks in orchid farms

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal diseases of the lower back and shoulders are frequently caused by lifting, carrying and trunk bending. Therefore, a hybrid exoskeleton (HExo) that provides external torque to the upper extremities and back may reduce discomfort in the lower back and shoulder tendinopathies. In this study, we designed and fabricated HExo, a novel upper-limb and lower-back combined exoskeleton, and evaluated its impact in reducing the musculoskeletal load on the shoulder and back during agricultural work in orchid farms. The human motion tracking technique was utilised to collect the joint angles of orchid farmers during their work, and the joint angle data were subsequently used for the design of HExo. Electromyography (EMG) and centre of pressure (CoP) measurements were taken for 5 participants performing farm tasks and 16 participants performing laboratory-standardised tasks both with and without the HExo. The amplitude probability density function and Wilcoxon signed rank test were utilised in the data analysis to verify the advantage in wearing HExo. The use of HExo resulted in a reduction in erector spinae, latissimus dorsi and anterior deltoid muscle activation of up to 36.92 % (p = 0.05), 31.43 % (p = 0.017), and 57.59 % (p = 0.012), respectively. Furthermore, its use did not affect the ability of participants to maintain balance. Hence, HExo could be a promising for reducing solution musculoskeletal load.