Effects of different implementation approaches on the acceptability of a passive exoskeleton for workplace health...

The aim of this intervention study was to examine the effects of two different implementation approaches of a passive, upper-limb exoskeleton (MATE-XT®) on the acceptability of the exoskeleton by participants and participants' health in a workplace health promotion setting. Participants were assigned to one of two groups and underwent either an exoskeleton application training (AT, N = 9) or standardized briefing (SB, N = 9) over a period of 4 weeks. Outcomes of interest, i.e., acceptability of the exoskeleton and participants' health, were assessed using the Technology Usage Inventory and the Short-Form 12 Health Survey before, immediately after, and approximately one year after the 4-week implementation period. Wearing time was tracked over the 4-week implementation period. AT participants reported significantly higher usefulness and usability, greater curiosity, reduced skepticism, and had a higher wearing time in the last two weeks of the implementation. In addition, they perceived the exoskeleton as more useful, and reported higher physical health outcomes than SB participants. At one-year-follow-up, AT participants continued to perceive the exoskeleton as more valuable.