Phys. Ther. Korea 2024; 31(1): 1-7
Published online April 20, 2024
https://doi.org/10.12674/ptk.2024.31.1.1
© Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy
Hee-Eun Ahn1 , PT, MSc, Tae-Lim Yoon2
, PT, MA
1Physical Therapy Section, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Transportation Rehabilitation Hospital, Yangpyeong,
2Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Medical Science, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Korea
Correspondence to: Tae-Lim Yoon
E-mail: free0829@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1718-2205
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Background: Using wearable passive back-support exoskeletons in workplace has attracted attention as devices that support the posture of workers, enhance their physical capabilities, and reduce physical risk factors. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton on the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks at various heights.
Methods: Twenty healthy adult males were selected as subjects. Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the activity of the erector spinae muscles while performing lifting tasks at three distinct heights (30, 40, and 50 cm), with and without the application of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton. EMG data were gathered before and after the application of the orthosis.
Results: The use of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton resulted in a significant decrease in muscle activity when lifting a 10 kg object from heights of 30 and 40 cm (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in muscle activity when lifting from a height of 50 cm compared with that at lower heights (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The use of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton led to a decrease in the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks, irrespective of the object's height. Our results suggest that the orthosis we tested may help decrease risk of lower back injuries during lifting.
Keywords: Back Muscles, Braces, Electromyography, Lifting
Phys. Ther. Korea 2024; 31(1): 1-7
Published online April 20, 2024 https://doi.org/10.12674/ptk.2024.31.1.1
Copyright © Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy.
Hee-Eun Ahn1 , PT, MSc, Tae-Lim Yoon2
, PT, MA
1Physical Therapy Section, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Transportation Rehabilitation Hospital, Yangpyeong,
2Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Medical Science, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Korea
Correspondence to:Tae-Lim Yoon
E-mail: free0829@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1718-2205
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Background: Using wearable passive back-support exoskeletons in workplace has attracted attention as devices that support the posture of workers, enhance their physical capabilities, and reduce physical risk factors. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton on the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks at various heights.
Methods: Twenty healthy adult males were selected as subjects. Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the activity of the erector spinae muscles while performing lifting tasks at three distinct heights (30, 40, and 50 cm), with and without the application of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton. EMG data were gathered before and after the application of the orthosis.
Results: The use of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton resulted in a significant decrease in muscle activity when lifting a 10 kg object from heights of 30 and 40 cm (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in muscle activity when lifting from a height of 50 cm compared with that at lower heights (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The use of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton led to a decrease in the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks, irrespective of the object's height. Our results suggest that the orthosis we tested may help decrease risk of lower back injuries during lifting.
Keywords: Back Muscles, Braces, Electromyography, Lifting
Table 1 . Changes according to the presence or absence of a Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton at a height of 30 cm from the ground.
Variable | Wearable lumbar orthosis | p-value | |
---|---|---|---|
Without suit X | With suit X | ||
Lt. TES (%MVIC) | 126.0 ± 48.66 | 102.20 ± 41.48 | 0.001* |
Rt. TES (%MVIC) | 114.36 ± 37.36 | 93.79 ± 31 | 0.001* |
Lt. LES (%MVIC) | 124.76 ± 39.82 | 101.70 ± 35.93 | 0.001* |
Rt. LES (%MVIC) | 143.20 ± 53.62 | 113.6 ± 47.67 | 0.001* |
Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Lt., left; Rt., right; TES, thoracic erector spinae; LES, lumbar erector spinae; %MVIC, percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contractions. *p < 0.05..
Table 2 . Changes according to the presence or absence of a Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton at a height of 40 cm from the ground.
Variable | Wearable lumbar orthosis | p-value | |
---|---|---|---|
Without suit X | With suit X | ||
Lt. TES (%MVIC) | 118.13 ± 41.48 | 96.08 ± 35.84 | 0.001* |
Rt. TES (%MVIC) | 116.68 ± 37.26 | 94.56 ± 37.53 | 0.003* |
Lt. LES (%MVIC) | 131.83 ± 53.56 | 106.50 ± 46.50 | 0.006* |
Rt. LES (%MVIC) | 150.28 ± 53.50 | 118.37 ± 44.55 | 0.001* |
Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Lt., left; Rt., right; TES, thoracic erector spinae; LES, lumbar erector spinae; %MVIC, percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contractions. *p < 0.05..
Table 3 . Changes according to the presence or absence of a Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton at a height of 50 cm from the ground.
Variable | Wearable lumbar orthosis | p-value | |
---|---|---|---|
Without suit X | With suit X | ||
Lt. TES (%MVIC) | 104.84 ± 34.16 | 77.50 ± 27.25 | 0.001* |
Rt. TES (%MVIC) | 105.40 ± 36.93 | 77.66 ± 26.99 | 0.001* |
Lt. LES (%MVIC) | 123.37 ± 44.72 | 82.65 ± 28.50 | 0.001* |
Rt. LES (%MVIC) | 135.52 ± 52.76 | 104.78 ± 39.09 | 0.001* |
Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Lt., left; Rt., right; TES, thoracic erector spinae; LES, lumbar erector spinae; %MVIC, percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contractions. *p < 0.05..