Biodynamic Modeling and Analysis of Human-Exoskeleton Interactions in Simulated Patient Handling Tasks

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Human-Exoskeleton Interaction
• Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention in Healthcare

Background:

• Exoskeleton technology offers potential to reduce musculoskeletal disorders from manual and patient handling.
• Advanced subject-specific models are needed to understand complex human-exoskeleton dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate human-exoskeleton biodynamics during patient handling using subject-specific modeling.
• To analyze the biomechanical effects of exoskeleton use on healthcare workers.

Main Methods:

• Twelve healthy participants performed simulated patient handling tasks with and without an exoskeleton.
• Full-body motion and ground reaction forces were captured for subject-specific model construction.
• Biodynamic response variables were analyzed to assess exoskeleton impact, with validation via load-lifting trials.

Main Results:

• Exoskeleton use significantly reduced peak lumbar flexion moment (19.7%-27.2%) but increased lumbar motion (26.4%-47.8%).
• Shoulder joint moments and motions were similarly affected during symmetric tasks.
• Peak motions were significantly reduced for other body joints.

Conclusions:

• Validated subject-specific biodynamic models show exoskeletons lessen peak loading on lumbar and shoulder joints.
• Exoskeletons redistribute motion, increasing it in prime mover joints while decreasing it in others.
• Findings support development of customized exoskeletons for safer patient handling.