Side-effects and adverse events of a shoulder- and back-support exoskeleton in workers: A systematic review.

Autor: Kranenborg SE; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Human Movement Science, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands., Greve C; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Human Movement Science, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands. Electronic address: c.greve@umcg.nl., Reneman MF; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands., Roossien CC; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Human Movement Science, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Applied ergonomics [Appl Ergon] 2023 Sep; Vol. 111, pp. 104042. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 May 03.
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104042
Abstrakt: Introduction: While the biomechanical effects of exoskeletons are well studied, research about potential side-effects and adverse events are limited. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the side-effects and adverse events on shoulder- and back-support exoskeletons during work tasks.
Methods: Four in-field studies and 32 laboratory studies were included in this review, reporting on n = 18 shoulder exoskeletons, n = 9 back exoskeletons, n = 1 full body with a supernumerary arm, and n = 1 combination of shoulder and back exoskeleton.
Results: The most frequent side-effect reported is discomfort (n = 30), followed by a limited usability of the exoskeleton (n = 16). Other identified side-effects and adverse events were changes in muscle activity, mobility, task performance, balance and posture, neurovascular supply, gait parameters and precision. An incorrect fit of the exoskeleton and the decreased degrees of freedom are most often reported as causes of these side-effects. Two studies did not find any side-effects. This review also showed that there are differences in the occurrence of side-effects in gender, age, and physical fitness. Most studies (89%) were conducted in a laboratory setting. Most studies (97%) measured short-term effects only. Psychological and social side-effects or adverse events were not reported. Side-effects and adverse events for active exoskeletons were understudied (n = 4).
Conclusion: It was concluded that the evidence for side-effects and adverse events is limited. If available, it mainly consists of reports of mild discomfort and limited usability. Generalisation is limited because studies were conducted in lab settings and measured short term only, and most participants were young male workers.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
(Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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