The perceptual and biomechanical effects of scaling back exosuit assistance to changing task demands

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: March 29, 2025

Back exoskeletons are gaining attention for preventing occupational back injuries, but they can disrupt movement, a burden that risks abandonment. Enhanced adaptability is proposed to mitigate burdens, perceptual benefits less known. This study investigates the and biomechanical impacts of SLACK suit (non-assistive) controller versus three controllers with varying adaptability: Weight-Direction-Angle adaptive (WDA-ADPT) scales assistance based on weight boxes using chest-mounted camera machine learning algorithm, movement direction, trunk flexion angle, standard Direction-Angle (DA-ADPT) Angle (A-ADPT) controllers. Fifteen participants performed variable (2, 8, 14 kg) box-transfer task. WDA-ADPT achieved highest score (88%) across survey categories reduced peak extensor (BE) muscle amplitudes by 10.1%. DA-ADPT had slightly lower (76%) BE reduction (8.5%). A-ADPT induced hip restriction, which could explain lowest (55%) despite providing largest reductions in activity (17.3%). Reduced scores DA were explained too much or little actual task demands. These findings underscore scaling demands improves perception device's suitability.

Language: Английский

California Warehouse Industry Worker Injury Rates in the Occupational Health and Safety Administration's Injury Tracking Application, 2018–2023

American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 27, 2024

ABSTRACT Background Occupational health and safety surveillance in the US relies primarily on federal state administrative data sources which all have limitations created by underreporting different sampling frames. To begin closing gaps, 2019 Health Safety Administration began requiring many business establishments to submit injury illness Injury Tracking Application (ITA). We present an example use of these characterizing injuries California warehousing industry. Methods Yearly ITA for 2018–2023 were obtained cleaned exclude invalid records, resulting 3717 records from General Warehousing Storage (GWS, NAICS 493110) establishments. Annual rates total reportable cases days job transfer or restriction (DJTR) calculated. Results Total peaked 2021, with 5.87 per 100 workers. While subsequently declined, 2023 DJTR remained elevated over 2018 (3.21 vs. 1.84 workers). The primary analytical potential bias due underreporting, difficulty identifying warehouse Conclusion are a valuable addition existing sources, several similar those other datasets. findings consistently California's industry consistent previous research indicate that outreach enforcement efforts should be expanded protect

Language: Английский