Lower Back Support Research Articles

Evaluation of a passive low-back support exoskeleton (Ergo-Vest) for manual waste collection

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. Practitioner summary: 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.

A Study of Postural Safety and Low-Cost Electromyography (EMG) Device Towards Grocery Workers in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak

Body posture is one of the most important parts when lifting an object as it can causes injury if the wrong technique and body posture were used. A worker will injure their low back if a bad posture is not in consideration. A good body posture is recommended among workers to reduce the chance of injury while lifting and improve their postural safety. The main objectives of this study are to observe the body posture of the worker during lifting and study the comparison of using lower back support when lifting. It also investigates the muscle activity of the worker during heavy lifting using EMG and simulates the worker's movement using CATIA Software for Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) results. The selected grocery was chosen in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak with 7 male respondents are identified to undergo this study. The results show that the worker with lower back support tends to show raw EMG signal with lower muscle activity compared to without using lower back support. Thus, using belt support can reduce muscle activity by up to 67.4% compare to not wearing back support. Raw EMG signals also show 3010 amplitude (mV) muscle activity if postural safety of the workers improved by following the NIOSH lifting Recommendations.

Development and evaluation of a breastplate for improving the wearability of assist suit AB-Wear for lower back support

Development and evaluation of a breastplate for improving the wearability of assist suit AB-Wear for lower back support

Subjective Evaluation of a Passive Industrial Exoskeleton for Lower-back Support: A Field Study in the Automotive Sector

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSA passive, low-back support exoskeleton (Laevo) was tested in a four-week field study with workers in several automobile manufacturing workplaces that included both static trunk postures (forward bending) and dynamic repositioning (manual material handling). The aims of the study were to obtain subjective evaluations of the impacts of exoskeleton use, including discomfort, usability, and user acceptance. Workers overall reported a decrease in physical discomfort in the lower back when using the passive exoskeleton, although this decrease was only evident in work requiring static vs. dynamic postures. There was also evidence of a load redistribution, specifically to the chest region, as evidenced by increase wearing discomfort. Workers provided moderate-to-high ratings of perceived usability, though these ratings were lower at the end of the field study, and a similar outcome was found regarding user acceptance (“intention-to-use”) of the exoskeleton. User acceptance was strongly influenced by perceived usability, as well as the level of discomfort experienced when using the exoskeleton.

Development of the Lower Back Support Device with High-Pressure Gas

Development of the Lower Back Support Device with High-Pressure Gas

Comparison of chairs based on HDsEMG of back muscles, biomechanical and comfort indices, for violin and viola players: A short-term study

This work investigates the effect of different seats on violin and viola players sitting postures using High-Density-surface-Electromyography techniques (HDsEMG), biomechanical and comfort indices. Five types of chairs were assessed on 18 violin and three viola players by comparing: (a) pelvic tilt and kyphosis and lordosis angles, (b) subjective comfort indices, and (c) EMG amplitude of erector spinae and trapezius.Sitting “as you like” on a standard orchestra chair is the condition with the highest subjective comfort (but not significantly different from other chairs). A saddle chair with low back support is associated to the lowest EMG of the erector spinae (p < 0.05) and a saddle stool is associated to the spinal angles closest to those of the standing posture. In 12 out of 21 (57%) musicians, the erector spinae was activated in an intermittent manner, regardless of the chair used. These findings justify further research on the selected chairs, on muscle fatigue and on the intermittent postural control strategy.

Improvement of Wearable Power Assist Wear for Low Back Support using Pneumatic Actuator

This study focuses on developing a safe, lightweight, power assist device that can be worn by people who like caregivers during lifting or static holding tasks to prevent low back pain (LBP). Therefore in consideration of their flexibility, light weight, and large force to weight ratio we have developed a Wearable Power Assist Wear for caregivers, two types of pneumatic actuators are employed in assisting low back movement for their safety and comfort. The device can be worn directly on the body like normal clothing. Because there is no rigid exoskeleton frame structure, it is lightweight and user friendly. In this paper, we proposed the new type of the wearable power assist wear and improved the controller of control system.

Towards low back support with a passive biomimetic exo-spine.

Low-Back Pain (LBP) affects a large portion of the working population. Preventive exoskeletons have been proposed to reduce the moments on the lower back, specifically around the lumbosacral (L5/S1) joint. High correlation has been shown, between reducing the moments around the L5/S1 joint and intervertebral compression forces, which in turn have been identified as a risk factor for developing LBP. However, most passive back support exoskeletons use rigid plates or stiff beams to support the spine that limit the range of motion of the wearer. A large range of motion and versatility are especially desirable for industrial applications. To overcome these limitations, a passive biomimetic exo-spine has been designed, modelled and an initial prototype tested. Its potential to allow for a large range of motion, whilst at the same time limiting the most extreme and potentially harmful postures has been shown.

腰部補助用マッスルスーツの効果の評価

腰部補助用マッスルスーツの効果の評価

Do users desire symmetrical lumbar supports in task seating?

This research was designed to objectively investigate the desired low back (lumbar) support in a task chair; specifically by allowing a user to self-select the magnitude and location of support. An experimental chair built specifically for this study allowed the users to remotely adjust 35 diodes to achieve their desired level of support. Pressure mapping was used to measure the interface pressure at the user–seat back interface. It was determined that 73.8% of the 201 participants in this study, self-selected asymmetrical lower back support that was at least 20% greater on one side vs. the other. Additionally, 16.9% of the participants self-selected support on one side which was at least twice that of the other side. Contrary to popular practice, participants were found to prefer asymmetric support in the lower back region. It is anticipated that the culmination of this research will aid chair manufacturers in designing adaptable back rests. Practitioner Summary: Most current lumbar supports are designed to move vertically and to symmetrically increase or decrease in firmness as per a user’s adjustment. This investigation highlights that participants tended to select asymmetrical lumbar support, and as such, designers should consider providing lumbar supports that provide the desired support at appropriate locations.

Design of Wearable Power Assist Wear for Low Back Support Using Pneumatic Actuators

This research focuses on developing a safe, lightweight, power assist device that can be worn by people during lifting or static holding tasks to prevent them from experiencing Low Back Pain (LBP). In consideration of their flexibility, light weight, and large force to weight ratio, two types of pneumatic actuators are employed in assisting low back movement for their safety and comfort. Actuator A is an elongation-type pneumatic rubber artificial muscle that is installed in the outer layer of the garment. Its two ends are fixed on the shoulders and thighs. It can output contractile force, assisting the erector spinae muscles in the same direction. Compared to McKibben-type pneumatic rubber artificial muscle, the elongation type has a larger contraction rate. Actuator B is a layer-type of pneumatic actuator; it is composed of two balloons, and it is installed in the inner layer of the garment. By taking into account the biomechanic structure of the human spine, this device can provide support in two ways. Actuator A acts as an external muscle power generators to reduce the force requirement for the erector spinae muscles. As actuator B acts as a moment arm of the contractile force generated by actuator A, it will increase the effective amount of torque. The device can be worn directly on the body like normal clothing. Because there is no rigid exoskeleton frame structure, it is lightweight and user friendly. The system’s Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), composed of accelerometer sensors and gyro sensors to measure the human motion signals, can monitor the angles of the human body in real-time mode. By measuring the EMG signal of the human erector spinae muscles, the assistance effectiveness of the proposed device has been proven through experiments.

815 空気圧アクチュエータを用いた腰部パワーアシストウェアの開発(ロボティクス・メカトロニクスIII)

815 空気圧アクチュエータを用いた腰部パワーアシストウェアの開発(ロボティクス・メカトロニクスIII)

A Prospective Study of Incidence and Risk Factors for the Onset and Persistence of Low Back Pain in Thai University Students

This study aimed to examine the 12-month incidence and risk factors for the onset and persistence of low back pain (LBP) in undergraduate students. A 1-year prospective study was carried out among 684 healthy students in a large public university in Thailand. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and a physical examination. Follow-up data were collected every 3 months. A total of 524 (77%) students were followed for 1 year. A total of 31% reported a new onset of LBP, of whom 31% reported persistent LBP. Having no low back support during computer work was a significant predictor for the onset and persistence of LBP. The onset of LBP was also associated with quadriceps muscle tightness. LBP is common among undergraduate students, and many of them may have persistent symptoms. Physical risk factor plays a significant role for the onset and persistence of LBP among the study population.

Back and neck extensor loading and back pain provocation in urban bus drivers with and without low back pain

This study assessed low back and trapezius muscle activity in bus drivers, with or without recurrent low back pain (LBP), during the long term driving. In addition, low back and neck–shoulder pain intensities and fatigue were measured and the effect of low back support was observed. Also the possible source of LBP was attempted to assess by vibration pain provocation test and lumbar MRI. Forty bus drivers (recurrent LBP n = 25) participated in this study. Low back and neck–shoulder pain and subjective fatigue intensity was assessed by visual analogue scales (VAS) before and after driving. Lumbar paraspinal and trapezius muscle activation during driving was measured by surface EMG. Vibration pain provocation test was applied for all subjects. Average paraspinal myoelectric activity during driving was approximately 1% of MVC in both groups. Average trapezius myoelectric activity during driving was from 2 to 4% of MVC. Trapezius muscle activity was higher in back healthy drivers than in those with LBP. The low back support had no effect either on paraspinal or trapezius EMG activity. Low back and neck–shoulder fatigue increased during driving in both groups especially in those subjects with positive vibration pain provocation. The neck–shoulder pain and fatigue were more severe in drivers suffering from LBP. Low back support had no effect on low back and neck–shoulder subjective fatigue and neck–shoulder pain but tended to limit the LBP increase during driving. Paraspinal muscle loading in urban bus drivers was very limited and either LBP or ergonomic low back support had no effect on it. Trapezius muscle seemed to be less active in drivers suffering from recurrent LBP. Internal disc disruptions may expose to pain and fatigability during driving.

Ergonomic and Existing Seat Designs Compared on Underground Mine Haulage Vehicles

NIOSH researchers conducted a study to compare seat designs on underground coal mine haulage vehicles. The objective of the study was to support prior findings that NIOSH-designed seats, which incorporated ergonomic design features (e.g., viscoelastic foam padding and low-back support), are improved designs. Based on measured levels of vehicle jarring/jolting and perceived discomfort, researchers evaluated four different designs — two in-use and two NIOSH-developed, ergonomic designs. Researchers collected data using a short questionnaire, a linear, visual analog scale, and accelerometers with a data recorder. Results showed that vehicle operators favored the NIOSH seats with added adjustability, low-back support, and improved seat padding over the existing seats. In addition, the measurements indicated all NIOSH seats performed better than the existing seat, under the no-load (worse of two) conditions, in reducing peak acceleration, crest factor, and RMS acceleration. The authors summarize the data collected and operator preferences for seat designs and different foam padding arrangements.

Disability management of low back injuries by employer‐retained physicians: Ratings and costs

Background Medico-legal models of disability determination for low back pain lack empirical support. Besides diagnostic and functional parameters, social and situational factors may influence impairment/disability ratings and costs. Methods Archival data from employer-retained occupational medicine physician files and public court records were examined for 184 Workers' Compensation claimants with low back injuries. Regression was used to predict ratings, costs, and settlement duration from medical, functional, social, and situational variables. Results Diagnosis, surgery, pain, rating year, and clinic predicted impairment ratings from employer-retained physicians. The clinic effect partially reflected claimant ethnicity. Diagnosis, surgery, tests ordered, legal representation, and impairment rating predicted disability ratings at the administrative law judge level. Diagnosis, tests, and impairment rating predicted costs. For musculoskeletal diagnoses, settlement duration was related negatively to treatment duration and positively to costs. Conclusions Social and situational parameters influence disability management among employer-retained physicians, while functional variables have little impact. For musculoskeletal low back pain, increased disability and cost may result from variation in treatment duration. Am. J. Ind. Med. 38:529–538, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Disability management of low back injuries by employer-retained physicians: ratings and costs.

Medico-legal models of disability determination for low back pain lack empirical support. Besides diagnostic and functional parameters, social and situational factors may influence impairment/disability ratings and costs. Archival data from employer-retained occupational medicine physician files and public court records were examined for 184 Workers' Compensation claimants with low back injuries. Regression was used to predict ratings, costs, and settlement duration from medical, functional, social, and situational variables. Diagnosis, surgery, pain, rating year, and clinic predicted impairment ratings from employer-retained physicians. The clinic effect partially reflected claimant ethnicity. Diagnosis, surgery, tests ordered, legal representation, and impairment rating predicted disability ratings at the administrative law judge level. Diagnosis, tests, and impairment rating predicted costs. For musculoskeletal diagnoses, settlement duration was related negatively to treatment duration and positively to costs. Social and situational parameters influence disability management among employer-retained physicians, while functional variables have little impact. For musculoskeletal low back pain, increased disability and cost may result from variation in treatment duration.

Impnoved Orthotic Low-Back Support for Help with Low-Back Pain

This article discusses the postoperative rehabilitation success of a 42-year-old white male patient who underwent discectomy cnd fusion of the L5-S1 vertebrae in 1989. The operative procedures were a technical success, but the patient continued to suffer from chronic low-back pain symptoms and remained unemployed and on disability. He was particularly sensitive to forward flexed postures and exhibited low tolerance for exercise. The patient was fitted with a Bending Non-Demand Return (BNDR®) lumbosacral orthosis (LSO) designed speclfically for dynamic assistance white in the forward flexed posture. Results were dramatic; back range of motion and mobility were substantially improved with increased tolerance for exercise, resulting in a weight loss of 34 lbs and improved quality of life. The authors believe this to be the first application of a dynamic orthosis to aid in low-back rehabilitation.

Improved Orthotic Low-Back Support for Help with Low-Back Pain

This article discusses the postoperative rehabilitation success of a 42-year-old white male patient who underwent discectomy and fusion of the L5-S1 vertebrae in 1989. The operative procedures were a technical success, but the patient continued to suffer from chronic low-back pain symptoms and remained unemployed and on disability. He was particularly sensitive to forward flexed postures and exhibited low tolerance for exercise. The patient was fitted with a Bending Non-Demand Return (BNDR®) lumbosacral orthosis (LSO) designed specifically for dynamic assistance while in the forward flexed posture. Results were dramatic; back range of motion and mobility were substantially improved with increased tolerance for exercise, resulting in a weight loss of 34 lbs and improved qual ity of life. The authors believe this to be the first application of a dynamic orthosis to aid in low-back rehabilitation.

Improved Orthotic Low-Back Support for Help with Low-Back Pain

Improved Orthotic Low-Back Support for Help with Low-Back Pain