Trapezius Muscle Activity Research Articles

Development and evaluation of a novel self-contained breathing apparatus pack to reduce musculoskeletal loads and enhance firefighter comfort

Self‑Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is an essential piece of personal protective equipment for firefighters, providing essential respiratory support and protection. A major challenge in SCBA research is to reduce musculoskeletal disorders and enhance firefighter comfort while carrying the SCBA. In this study, a novel SCBA pack was designed to reduce SCBA‑related musculoskeletal stress. Ten volunteer firefighters were recruited to participate in the test protocol equipped with a novel SCBA (SCBANovel) and a traditional SCBA (SCBATrad) pack. Surface electromyography and pressure data were collected, and subjective ratings of discomfort using a visual analog scale. The results showed that the SCBANovel significantly reduced trapezius and erector spinae muscle activity. Shoulder and waist pressure were reduced by 19.73%‑32.83% and 18.46%‑41.55%, respectively. In addition, the SCBANovel pack reduced lower back discomfort scores by 59.1%, all compared to the SCBATrad pack. The SCBANovel pack showed a significant reduction in musculoskeletal stress and discomfort in firefighters. Practitioner Summary SCBAs are known to be critical in protecting the health of firefighters, but are often associated with firefighter discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders. We developed the SCBANovel pack and explored the effects on the upper body musculoskeletal system and comfort during walking and running compared to carrying the SCBATrad pack. The SCBANovel pack reduced muscle activity in the trapezius and erector spinae muscles and significantly reduced pressure on the shoulders and lower back.

Electromyographic activity of shoulder muscles on two preventive exercise programmes for swimmer’s shoulder: elastic band versus weight

ABSTRACT Strength programmes have shown good results in preventing swimmer’s shoulder. However, there aren’t studies based on electromyographic (EMG) analysis in these programmes. This study aims to compare an EMG activity of the middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), infraspinatus (IS), serratus anterior (SA), and pectoralis major (PM) in two swimmer’s shoulder preventive programmes – one performed with elastic band and the other with weights. Twenty competitive swimmers performed two strength programmes consisting of five exercises each, while the analysis of EMG activity in MT, LT, IS, SA, and PM for each exercise was recorded. The superficial EMG was used to collect data at a sampling frequency of 1000 hz. The Paired Sample T-test or the Wilcoxon test was applied to compare EMG activity between programmes. The internal rotation at 90º (p < 0.001) and external rotation at 90º (p ≤ 0.01) exercises produced high myoelectric shoulder muscle activity with an elastic band. Conversely, scapular punches (p < 0.001) exercise has high shoulder EMG activity when performed with weights. Performing the same preventive exercise programme with two different instruments produces great variability in the myoelectric activity of the shoulder muscles.

Electromyographic analysis of bilateral upper trapezius muscles at different levels of work-pace among sewing machine operators

Workers are driven to work faster in the industrial work environment to meet high productivity targets. An increased work pace leads to increased muscle activation. However, the effect of work pace on bilateral upper trapezius muscles during sewing machine operation in an industrial work environment has not been thoroughly investigated in experimental studies. Therefore, this research aims to conduct an experimental study to analyze the bilateral upper trapezius muscle activity of industrial sewing machine operators at different levels of work pace. Thirty subjects (15 males, and 15 females) continuously performed the sewing operation for two hours in an industrial work environment. Experiments were conducted for two levels of work pace i.e. low pace (100% of standard cycle time) and high pace (120% of standard cycle time). Electromyographic signals were recorded from the bilateral upper trapezius muscles. The EMG amplitude (RMS) among the muscles was computed. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in muscle activity was observed with an increased work pace. In this study, right upper trapezius muscle activity increased by 30.4% during high work pace tasks compared to low pace, while the left upper trapezius showed a 24.12% increase. The right upper trapezius showed a mean difference of 0.696 (%MVC), and the left upper trapezius showed 0.399 (%MVC), both indicating greater activity during high-pace tasks. The increase in muscle activity with time indicated the presence of muscle fatigue among sewing machine operators. Furthermore, higher muscular activity was observed among females than males. This research highlights the critical need to balance productivity goals with the health and safety of workers, reducing the risk of muscle fatigue and associated work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Association of Scapular Acromion-table Distance with Upper Quarter Y-balance Test and Trapezius Muscle Activity Patterns

Association of Scapular Acromion-table Distance with Upper Quarter Y-balance Test and Trapezius Muscle Activity Patterns

Electromyographic comparison of exercises for scapulothoracic muscle activation in men with upper crossed syndrome: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the optimal exercise for improving Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) using electromyographic (EMG) activity of upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) during ten exercises. MethodA cross-sectional study involved 30 male students (mean age: 25.3 ± 2.5 years; height: 176.8 ± 7.2 cm; weight: 77.7 ± 2.5 kg; BMI: 23.8 ± 0.72 kg/m2) with UCS. Participants were selected based on postural assessments (forward head posture ≥44°, rounded shoulder ≥49°, thoracic kyphosis ≥42°). EMG was used to measure activation levels of UT, MT, LT, and SA, and the UT activation ratio relative to MT, LT, and SA during ten exercises. One-way ANOVA was applied for data analysis. ResultsSide-lying external rotation, standing diagonal flexion with Thera-band, and lying prone “V” demonstrated the least UT activity, with the highest MT and LT activation. The standing diagonal flexion with Thera-band elicited the highest SA activity. UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA ratios were less than one in multiple exercises. Significant differences in muscle activation levels and ratios were observed across all exercises (P ≤ 0.05). ConclusionThe findings suggest significant clinical implications for UCS rehabilitation. The identified exercises effectively engage MT and LT while minimizing UT activation, addressing muscular imbalances. Favorable UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA ratios further support these exercises in correcting UCS. These exercises may help counteract the underlying muscular imbalance in UCS by promoting a more balanced activity ratio among the shoulder girdle muscles, potentially improving posture and reducing UCS symptoms.

Pilates mat versus cervical stabilization exercises on the craniovertebral angle, pain, function, and myoelectrical activity of the cervical muscles in forward head posture: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionOne of the most prevalent postural problems involving the neck is called forward head posture (FHP), which is defined as the anterior head protruding from the sagittal plane and appearing to be positioned in front of the body. The incidence of FHP is 70% in young adults. This study aimed to compare Pilates mat versus cervical stabilization exercises on the craniovertebral angle (CVA), pain, function, and myoelectric activity of the upper trapezius (UT) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles in patients with FHP. Also, both experimental groups were compared to the control group in terms of CVA, pain, function, and myoelectric activity of the UT and SCM muscles.MethodsSixty participants (18 to 25 years old) with symptomatic FHP were randomly assigned to three groups using an opaque sealed envelope; Pilates mat and postural correction exercises were assigned group A, cervical stabilization and postural correction exercises were assigned group B, and solely postural correction exercises were assigned group C for 12 weeks at a frequency of 3 times/week. The patients were assessed before and after 12 weeks of interventions. The photogrammetric method was used to determine CVA, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Arabic neck disability index (ANDI ) for neck function, and surface electromyography (sEMG) for the UT and SCM muscle root mean square during rest and activity.ResultsMultiple pairwise comparisons revealed statistically significant differences between pre and post-treatments for all variables in the Pilates, cervical stabilization, and control groups with a &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05. Between groups, analyses showed that there were statistically significant differences (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) at post-treatment between the Pilates and cervical stabilization groups and also between Pilates and the control, and finally between the cervical stabilization and control groups with more favor to the Pilates group.ConclusionsPilates mat and cervical stabilization exercises are both effective interventions for FHP, with Pilates mat exercises being superior.

EVALUATION OF NECK FATIGUE CAUSED BY WEARING HELMET IN MOTION: AN ELECTROMYOGRAPHY STUDY

The increased weight of multifunction and intelligent helmet systems can cause an exacerbation of the neck workload. Further, increased weight of the helmet can reduce the wearing comfort, and prolonged use may cause neck fatigue and even neck injury. This study evaluates the fatigue of neck muscles caused by wearing a helmet in motion using electromyography (EMG) measurement. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation model for neck fatigue was established effectively. Twenty healthy subjects were selected to run for 10[Formula: see text]min continuously in each task by wearing two different helmets, respectively, during which the EMG signals of different neck muscles and subjective scores were recorded and analyzed. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation analysis were used to obtain indicators of neck fatigue, based on which the support vector machine (SVM) was used to construct a classification model of neck fatigue. By using integral EMG (IEMG) and root mean square (RMS) for assessing the neck injury in sternocleidomastoideus and trapezius muscles, it was observed that the mean power frequency (MPF) and median frequency (MF) in trapezius and splenius capitis could be used as effective evaluation indicators of neck fatigue. The EMG activity in trapezius was the highly sensitivity to fatigue when wearing helmets in motion. The classifier for distinguishing three different neck fatigue levels was 91.67% accurate. This study demonstrates the feasibility of an EMG-based method to evaluate the neck fatigue caused by wearing a helmet in motion, and also provides an evaluation method for the optimal design of helmets in the future.

Effects of track-based stair climbing robot on muscle activity, usability, and psychological anxiety: a preliminary study

This study investigated the effects of using the LiftCar-150 track-based stair-climbing robot on muscle activity, usability, and psychological anxiety. While stair-climbing robots enhance mobility for individuals with physical disabilities, existing research has predominantly focused on engineering perspectives, with limited attention to user-centered outcomes. Ten healthy participants and an 80 kg dummy rider completed stair-climbing tasks at slow (5 m/min) and fast (7 m/min) speeds. Muscle activity in the middle trapezius (MT), erector spinae (ES), multifidus (MF), gluteus maximus (Gmax), gluteus medius (Gmed), and anterior deltoid (AD) muscles was recorded by electromyography. Usability was evaluated in terms of safety, efficiency, and satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale, while psychological anxiety was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10. Results showed that during stair ascent, activities of the back extensors (ES and MF) and gluteus muscles (Gmax and Gmed) significantly increased compared to descent, while anterior deltoid activity was higher during descent. Usability scores averaged 4.05 for stability, 4.1 for efficiency, and 3.7 for satisfaction. Perceived psychological anxiety scores were 4.2 ± 0.3 and 5.4 ± 0.5 at slow speed, and 3.5 ± 0.2 and 5.7 ± 0.4 at fast speed during ascent and descent, respectively. While operators recognized the robot’s stability and efficiency, satisfaction levels were neutral, and specific muscle activation was increased. These findings provide essential insights into optimizing the design and usability of stair-climbing robots to better address user needs.

Shoulder Rotation Affects Trapezius Muscle Activity During Shoulder Horizontal Abduction.

Shoulder horizontal abduction exercise in the prone position is effective for strengthening the lower trapezius muscle. However, this exercise is difficult for patients with acute pain or those undergoing initial rehabilitation because of the postural characteristics of the exercise. This study aimed to (1) investigate the effect of a shoulder horizontal abduction exercise when performed with a different amount of shoulder rotation on the trapezius muscle activation and scapular anterior/posterior tilt angle and (2) evaluate the effect of shoulder rotation on the acromiohumeral distance while sitting. Fifteen healthy men performed shoulder horizontal abduction exercise in three shoulder positions (internal rotation, neutral rotation, and external rotation). During exercises, we measured trapezius muscle activity using an electromyography system and scapular anterior/posterior tilt angle using an inclinometer application. We also measured the acromiohumeral distance using real-time ultrasonography before the exercises. Increases in lower trapezius and middle trapezius muscle activities and a decrease in scapular anterior tilt occurred in shoulder external rotation compared with other positions (p<0.001). Shoulder external rotation also significantly increased acromiohumeral distance in the sitting position (p<0.05). We propose that shoulder external rotation effectively and safely increases middle and lower trapezius muscle activities during the sitting shoulder horizontal abduction exercise.

The effects of exoskeleton use on human response to simulated overhead tasks with vibration

The use of occupational exoskeletons has grown fast in manufacturing industries in recent years. One major scenario of exoskeleton use in manufacturing is to assist overhead, power hand tool operations. This preliminary work aimed to determine the effects of arm-supporting exoskeletons on shoulder muscle activity and human-hand tool coupling in simulated overhead tasks with axially applied vibration. An electromagnetic shaker capable of producing the random vibration spectrum specified in ISO 10819 was hung overhead to deliver vibrations. Two passive, arm-supporting exoskeletons, with one (ExoVest) transferring load to both the shoulder and pelvic region while the second one (ExoStrap) transferring load primarily to the pelvic region, were used in testing. Testing was also done with the shaker placed in front of the body to better understand the posture and exoskeleton engagement effects. The results collected from 6 healthy male subjects demonstrate the dominating effects of the overhead working posture on increased shoulder muscle activities. Vibration led to higher muscle activities in both agonist and antagonist shoulder muscles to a less extent. Exoskeleton use reduced the anterior deltoid and serratus anterior activities by 27% to 43%. However, wearing the ExoStrap increased the upper trapezius activities by 23% to 38% in the overhead posture. Furthermore, an increased human-shaker handle coupling was observed in the OH posture when wearing the ExoVest, indicating a more demanding neuromuscular control.

Voluntary Contraction of the Abdominal Muscles During Shoulder Exercises Increases Scapular Muscle Activation: A Critically Appraised Topic.

The fascial relationship between scapular muscles and abdominal muscles has been documented from previous studies. However, it is not yet clear whether voluntary abdominal contraction has a beneficial effect on scapular muscle activity during shoulder exercises. Do scapulothoracic muscle activation levels increase if shoulder exercises are performed with voluntary abdominal activation? Summary of Key Finding: After the literature review, 4 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this critically appraised topic. There is moderate evidence to support dynamic shoulder exercises with voluntary abdominal contraction can increase trapezius and serratus anterior muscle activation level in asymptomatic shoulders. Strength and Recommendation: Findings from 4 cross-sectional trials indicate that there is moderate evidence supporting that dynamic shoulder exercises performed with voluntary abdominal contraction can increase scapular muscle activity.

Frequency of breaks, amount of muscular rest, and sustained muscle activity related to neck pain in a pooled dataset.

Neck pain remains a persistent challenge in modern society and is frequently encountered across a wide range of occupations, particularly those involving repetitive and monotonous tasks. It might be expected that patterns of trapezius muscle activity at work, characterized by few breaks and prolonged periods of sustained muscle activity, are linked to neck pain. However, previous cross-sectional studies have generally failed to establish a definitive association. While some longitudinal studies have suggested that extended periods of heightened muscle activity could be a risk factor for neck pain, these findings often relied on limited participant numbers or specific professional groups. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between trapezius muscle activity and neck pain by pooling data from seven Scandinavian research institutes encompassing a diverse range of occupational backgrounds. Electromyographic (EMG) data for the upper trapezius muscle, collected during working hours, were coupled with questionnaire responses pertaining to neck pain, individual characteristics, and potential confounding variables for a total of 731 subjects. Additionally, longitudinal data from 258 subjects were available. The various EMG datasets were consolidated into a standardized format, and efforts were made to harmonize inquiries about neck pain. Regression analyses, adjusting for sex and height, were conducted to explore the associations between muscle activity variables and neck pain. An exposure index was devised to quantify the cumulative neck load experienced during working hours and to differentiate between various occupational categories. The cross-sectional data displayed a distinct pattern characterized by positive associations for brief periods of sustained muscle activity (SUMA) and negative associations for prolonged SUMA-periods and neck pain. The longitudinal data exhibited a contrasting trend, although it was not as pronounced as the cross-sectional findings. When employing the exposure index, notable differences in cumulative muscle load emerged among occupational groups, and positive associations with longitudinal neck pain were identified. The results suggest that individuals with neck pain experience higher cumulative workloads and extended periods of muscle activity over the long term. In the short term, they appear to compensate by taking frequent short breaks, resulting in a lower cumulative workload. Regardless of their occupation, it is crucial to distribute work breaks throughout the workday to ensure that the cumulative load remains manageable.

Design and evaluation of the OmniSuit: A passive occupational exoskeleton for back and shoulder support

Many physically straining occupations involve lifting movements over the full-vertical range of motion, which over time may lead to the development of musculoskeletal injuries. To address this, occupational exoskeletons can be designed to provide meaningful support to the back and shoulders during lifting movements.This paper introduces the main functional design features of the OmniSuit, a novel passive occupational exoskeleton. We present the technical and biomechanical considerations for the expected support level, as well as an evaluation of the physiological benefit and usability of the exoskeleton in a sample of 31 healthy volunteers performing physically demanding tasks in a laboratory setting.The OmniSuit exoskeleton significantly reduced Deltoid, Trapezius and Erector Spinae muscle activity between 4.1%MVC and 15.7%MVC when lifting a 2.5kg weight above shoulder level (p<0.001), corresponding to a reduction of up to 49.1% compared to without exoskeleton. A position-dependent reduction of Erector Spinae muscle activity was observed (p<0.001), with reductions ranging between 4.6%MVC and 14.0%MVC during leaning and squatting, corresponding to a reduction up to 41.5% compared to without exoskeleton. The measured muscular support and the predicted support torque based on the biomechanical model were found to show a similar profile for those phases of the movement which are most straining to the shoulder and back muscles. Participants reported experiencing good device usability and minimal discomfort (<1/10) in the shoulder and back during task execution with exoskeleton support.These first results validate that the considered biomechanical model helped design an ergonomic and efficient exoskeleton, and confirm the potential of such wearable assistive devices to provide support over multiple joints during physically demanding tasks.

The Impact of Indoor and Outdoor Air Temperature Variations on Upper Trapezius Muscle Activity

The Impact of Indoor and Outdoor Air Temperature Variations on Upper Trapezius Muscle Activity

Electromyographic analysis of selected shoulder muscles during shoulder rehabilitation exercises in patients after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundReversed shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) aims to restore function in patients with rotator cuff failure and joint arthropathy. After surgery, patients are routinely referred to a rehabilitation specialist to regain range of motion, strength, and function. A key element in these programs is active exercises. The exercises are often selected based on assumed muscle activity, investigated by electromyography (EMG). In particular, in this patient population, activation of the deltoid and the scapular muscles is the focus of exercise therapy. Currently, most studies investigating muscle activity levels during exercises are performed on healthy individuals. To our knowledge, no study exists analyzing EMG activity during exercises in a population of shoulder arthroplasty patients. Therefore, the study aimed to analyze activity in the shoulder girdle muscles during 6 commonly used rehabilitation exercises 12 weeks after RSA surgery. MethodsForty-four patients (50 shoulders) participated in this cross-sectional study, 12 weeks postoperatively (mean 99.18±12.8 days), aged 68.9±7.75 years. Surface EMG activity was measured in 10 shoulder girdle muscles: the 3 trapezius parts, serratus anterior, the 3 deltoid parts, latissimus dorsi, and 2 pectoralis major parts during 6 exercises, 3 in a closed chain, and 3 open chain elevation exercises. ResultsGravity- minimized exercises (horizontal plane) show low activity for almost all muscles. Vertical closed kinetic chain exercises show an increased activity compared to horizontal plane exercises. Open kinetic chain exercises against gravity showed the greatest activity in Deltoid and Upper trapezius. For the other muscles no consistency in progression was found. ConclusionThis study offers a progression of exercises for patients after reversed shoulder arthroplasty based on increased muscle activity.

Effects of Exercise and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity in Individuals with Round Shoulder Posture

Effects of Exercise and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity in Individuals with Round Shoulder Posture

Evaluation of cranio-cervical muscle activity in adolescents with different malocclusions: a pilot surface emg study

Aims: This study aimed to investigate potential differences in cranio-cervical muscular activation among adolescents with different types of malocclusion. Methods: This study involved thirty-two adolescents aged 10-15 years, categorized into three groups based on Angle. Angle Class I/control group (n=10), Angle Class II (n=12), and Angle Class III (n=10). Surface electromyography (EMG) was utilized to evaluate the activation levels of the Masseter, Temporalis Anterior, Cervical Erector Spinae, Sternocleidomastoid, and Upper Trapezius muscles. Measurements were obtained during mandibular rest, maximum clenching, and chewing tasks. Results: The surface EMG activity of the Upper Trapezius muscle exhibited significant elevation in participants with Class III malocclusions relative to the other groups (p&lt;0.05). While cranio-cervical muscle activities tended to be higher in the groups of Angle Class II and Class III in comparison to the Angle Class I, these differences did not achieve statistical significance, with the exception of the Upper Trapezius muscle (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate a link between malocclusion types and modified muscle activation patterns in the cranio-cervical region, specifically involving the Upper Trapezius muscle. Insights into cranio-cervical muscle activity can enhance the comprehensive evaluation of malocclusion effects and provide valuable guidance for orthodontic and rehabilitation interventions.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Trapezius Muscle EMG Activity in Relation to Stress and Meditation

Introduction: This study analyzes the efficacy of trapezius muscle electromyography (EMG) in discerning mental states, namely stress and meditation. Methods: Fifteen healthy participants were monitored to assess their physiological responses to mental stressors and meditation. Sensors were affixed to both the right and left trapezius muscles to capture EMG signals, while simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) was conducted to validate cognitive states. Results: Our analysis of various EMG features, considering frequency ranges and sensor positioning, revealed significant changes in trapezius muscle activity during stress and meditation. Notably, low-frequency EMG features facilitated enhanced stress detection. For accurate stress identification, sensor configurations can be limited to the right trapezius muscle. Furthermore, the introduction of a novel method for determining asymmetry in EMG features suggests that applying sensors on bilateral trapezius muscles can improve the detection of mental states. Conclusion: This research presents a promising avenue for efficient cognitive state monitoring through compact and convenient sensing.

Forward Head Posture and Its Effect on Muscle Activation

Forward head posture (FHP), which is defined as a forward displacement of the head on the cervical spine, is a common postural disorder. It is suggested that this malalignment alters the loads on the spine, affects the length-tension relationship in muscles, and changes muscle activation. Therefore, the aim of this review is to investigate the results of studies on the examination of the changes exerted by FHP on muscle activation. Although there are many methods used to assess FHP, there is no standard clinical method for accurate measurement of this angle. Photographic measurement is the most widely used, valid, and reliable assessment method. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) is the most widely used value to assess FHP in photographic measurements. A CVA of less than 48-50° is defined as FHP, although there are differences regarding the norm value of the CVA. There are many studies on the assessment of differences in the activation of the neck and shoulder muscles by making FHP and non-FHP classifications according to the CVA to show the changes in muscle activation in individuals with FHP. Although many studies have shown increased sternocleidomastoideus and upper trapezius activation, there are also others indicating no difference. Similar conflicting results exist for the lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. Although there are conflicting results regarding muscle activation in studies, it seems likely that muscle activation is altered in individuals with FHP. It may be recommended that physiotherapists conduct interventions by considering these differences in muscle activation in individuals with FHP.

Assessment of an arm-support exoskeleton on physical demands, task performance, and usability during simulated agricultural tasks

This laboratory-based study aimed to determine whether an arm-support exoskeleton (ASE) would be an effective intervention to reduce the physical strain associated with manual agricultural work. Twenty-four (gender-balanced) participants performed pruning and harvesting tasks (at four different heights: knee, elbow, shoulder, and overhead), lifting/lowering, and Timed Up & Go (TUG) tasks with and without an ASE. During these tasks, muscle activity (in the upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, biceps brachii, and erector spinae), task completion time, perceived exertion, and usability were assessed. The results indicated a significant reduction (31.7%–60.2%) in muscle activity, particularly in the upper trapezius and anterior deltoid, when using the ASE during tasks at shoulder work height or above. However, there was an observed increase in muscle strain in the erector spinae, suggesting potential risk to the lower back. Given these findings, a more rigorous evaluation of ASEs in agricultural tasks should be pursued before implementing exoskeletons in agricultural tasks to avoid unintended health hazards. Relevance to industryA relatively new application of exoskeleton technology, extensively studied in fields like rehabilitation, manufacturing, and the military, is its use in agriculture. This study details the physical requirements of specific tasks to offer insights into the challenges that exoskeleton technologies for agriculture may encounter.