Exoskeleton technology in nursing practice: assessing effectiveness, usability, and impact on nurses’ quality of work life, a narrative review

BMC Nursing, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 23(1)

Published: March 5, 2024

Abstract The use of exoskeletons in nursing practice has gained attention as a potential solution to address the physical demands and risks associated with profession. This narrative review examines effectiveness, usability, impact exoskeleton technology on nurses’ quality work life. focuses reduction strain fatigue, improved posture body mechanics, enhanced patient care, usability acceptance factors, broader effectiveness reducing fatigue among nurses is supported by evidence showing decreased muscle activation reduced forces exerted body. are critical considerations, including device comfort fit, ease integration into workflows, user experience training, compatibility environment, feedback for iterative design improvements. implementation positively life work-related injuries, improving well-being, enhancing job satisfaction, promoting psychological psychosocial benefits. Additionally, can lead care outcomes. Challenges future directions field include cost accessibility, adaptability specialties tasks, long-term durability maintenance, personal protective equipment, ethical considerations. Addressing these challenges considering research development efforts crucial successful practice, ultimately delivery.

Language: Английский

---

Occupational exoskeletons: Supporting diversity and inclusion goals with technology

Journal of Vocational Behavior, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 153, P. 104016 - 104016

Published: June 27, 2024

Language: Английский

---

Evaluating the Efficacy of a Passive Exoskeleton for Enhancing Ergonomics in Manufacturing

Applied Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(13), P. 5810 - 5810

Published: July 3, 2024

Manual material handling (MMH) significantly impacts worker health and productivity, often leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) primarily in the lower back. As a novel assistive technology, exoskeletons may serve as ergonomic tools mitigate these work-related MSDs. It is essential examine from users’ perspectives before their widespread implementation occupational settings. This study investigates effectiveness of passive back-support exoskeleton (BExo) reducing perceived physical exertion improving safety manufacturing context. Twenty-two college students were recruited perform MMH tasks controlled lab environment, both with without BExo, followed by completing survey questionnaire on various aspects BExo. Using ANOVA, analyzed biomechanical across body parts tasks. The findings indicate that BExo substantially alleviated discomfort low back, shoulders knees, thereby enhancing an posture fatigue. These results underscore potential boost workers’ efficiency, providing valuable insights for future strategies industrial

Language: Английский

---

Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders among bus drivers in South India: implications for health and safety

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 11

Published: March 19, 2025

Objectives. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated impairments among bus drivers in South India. The main research question is determine prevalence distribution MSDs assess impact these on their daily activities functioning. Methods. A supervised cross-sectional was conducted involving 390 qualified drivers. were assessed using a standardized Nordic questionnaire, resulting from measured various assessment techniques. Results. found that 65.8% self-reported experiencing MSDs, with highest lower back, followed by neck upper back regions. Prevalence relatively low elbow wrist most prevalent neck, shoulder, regions for individuals aged 29-39 years over 40 years. also revealed significantly affect activities, particularly Disability index scores indicated many experienced mild moderate disabilities. Conclusion. findings underscore necessity appropriate healthcare rehabilitation programs prevent manage

Language: Английский

---

Methodology and Challenges of Implementing Advanced Technological Solutions in Small and Medium Shipyards: The Case Study of the Mari4_YARD Project

Electronics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 14(8), P. 1597 - 1597

Published: April 15, 2025

Small to medium-sized shipyards play a crucial role in the European naval industry. However, globalization of technology has increased competition, posing significant challenges shipyards, particularly domestic markets for short sea, work, and inland vessels. Many shipyard operations still rely on manual, labor-intensive tasks performed by highly skilled operators. In response, adoption new tools is essential enhance efficiency competitiveness. This paper presents methodology developing human-centric portfolio advanced technologies tailored environments, covering processes such as shipbuilding, retrofitting, outfitting, maintenance. The proposed technological solutions, which have achieved high readiness levels, include 3D modeling digitalization, robotics, augmented virtual reality, occupational exoskeletons. Key findings from real-scale demonstrations are discussed, along with major development implementation challenges. Finally, best practices recommendations provided support both developers seeking fully tested end users aiming seamless adoption.

Language: Английский

---

Integrating exoskeletons in the construction sector: a systematic review of empirical evaluation tools and future directions

Engineering Construction & Architectural Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 30, 2024

Purpose This study aims to evaluate and synthesize literature on exoskeleton implementation in the construction industry understand their current applications, existing research approaches identify critical areas for future investigation. Through a comprehensive analysis of empirical studies, seeks establish clear roadmap advancing adoption work. Design/methodology/approach conducts systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. By searching relevant databases applying predefined inclusion criteria, focused studies that effectiveness acceptance exoskeletons construction. Both objective parameters (EMG data, Kinematic analysis, heart rate) subjective (user comfort, perceived exertion, usability surveys) were analyzed assess how impactful are among workers. Findings The identified 236 publications, which 36 included, revealing several insights: (1) A significant reliance conducted controlled environments, accounting 77.78% studies. (2) limited representation actual workers, mainly non-construction worker volunteers, may affect practical relevance findings. (3) gap exists standardized evaluation protocols, with researchers using varying assessment methods hinder cross-study comparisons. (4) Predominantly short-term nature These findings highlight need more real-world testing, frameworks longitudinal Originality/value contributes original insights into deployment sector, particularly highlighting industry's direct, situ engagement It suggests should prioritize long-term, onsite achieve understanding exoskeletons’ impacts, thus supporting development targeted intervention strategies reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)

Language: Английский

---

Evaluating Efficacy of Passive Occupational Exoskeleton for Enhancing Ergonomic Outcomes in Manufacturing

Published: May 17, 2024

Manual material handling (MMH) significantly impacts worker health and productivity, often leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) primarily in the lower back. As a novel assistive technology, exoskeletons may serve as ergonomic tools mitigate these work-related MSDs. It is essential examine from users’ perspectives before their widespread implementation occupational settings. This study investigates effectiveness of passive back-support exoskeleton (BExo) reducing perceived physical exertion improving safety manufacturing context. Twenty-two college students were recruited perform MMH tasks controlled lab environment, both with without BExo, followed by completing survey questionnaire on various aspects BExo. Using ANOVA, analyzed biomechanical across body parts tasks. The findings indicate that BExo substantially alleviates discomfort low back, shoulders knees, thereby, enhancing posture fatigue. These results underscore potential boost workers’ efficiency, providing valuable insights for future strategies industrial setting.

Language: Английский

---

Evaluating Exoskeletons for WMSD Prevention: A Systematic Review of Applications and Ergonomic Approach in Occupational Settings

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 21(12), P. 1695 - 1695

Published: Dec. 19, 2024

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of studies investigating the impact occupational exoskeletons on work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors. The primary objective is to examine methodologies used assess effectiveness these devices across various tasks. A systematic was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, covering published between 2014 and 2024. total 49 were included, identified through searches in Scopus Web Science databases, with search string launched August identifies growing body research passive active exoskeletons, notable focus laboratory-based evaluations. results indicate that direct measurement self-report methods are preferred approaches domains. Ergonomic limitations user discomfort remain concerns some cases. findings this may influence stakeholders by providing insights into potential benefits adopting improving workplace ergonomics reduce WMSD risks. Additionally, identification assessment will be valuable for validating use technologies workplace. concludes recommendations future research, emphasizing need more real-world assessments improved exoskeleton designs enhance comfort efficacy.

Language: Английский

---

Technologies Facilitating the Integration of Employees with Disabilities in the Manufacturing Industry: Identification and Assessment of Potential

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

This work aims to identify and evaluate potential of the technologies that support employees with various disabilities working in manufacturing industry. Technologies can facilitate integration increase efficiency people have been identified a review scientific grey literature, including online reports offers from technology providers. Then, help experts, feasibility implementing industry types was assessed. To assessment by first all, description included research prepared, then experts were asked rate each on scale 1 10 terms its for implementation The results are presented aggregate form (median, minimum maximum, mean standard deviation). allowed most promising disabilities. supporting specific also summarized, thus identifying not sufficiently supported technologies. theoretical contribution paper is highlight importance innovative technological solutions increasing In this way, fills gap regarding lack comprehensive analysis only disabilities, but ensure expected effectiveness their work. practical demonstrates any disability be at least two available technologies, motor Moreover, indicates that, general, willing implement hearing loss disability. originality study reflected presentation opinions representing industrial processing companies.

Language: Английский

---

Investigating Kinematics and Electromyography Changes in Manual Handling Tasks with an Active Lumbar Exoskeleton

Biomechanics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 4(2), P. 357 - 368

Published: June 4, 2024

Companies are becoming increasingly aware of the health their employees and now integrating exoskeleton solutions for both prevention job maintenance. However, effect using exoskeletons is still an open question. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate impact active lumbar its passive belt on trunk kinematics muscle activity instrumented motion analysis. Twenty-three healthy subjects volunteered perform three handlings a 5 kg load (free lifting, squat transfer) under different experimental conditions. The “Control” condition was when subject did not wear any device, “Belt” wore only part exoskeleton, “Exo” exoskeleton. Based Rapid Upper Limb Assessment scale, reduced time spent in angles that were considered dangerous back, according ergonomic evaluations. Furthermore, handling sessions, it observed modify abdominal–lumbar region.

Language: Английский

---