Evaluating back-support exoskeletons in simulated construction-relevant tasks: Effects on task completion time and...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Human Factors Engineering
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Back-support exoskeletons (BSEs) are emerging technologies to mitigate physical strain in occupational settings.
• Limited research exists on the efficacy of various BSE designs in construction, particularly concerning worker experience levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of different BSE designs during construction tasks.
• To investigate how worker experience (novice vs. experienced) influences BSE effectiveness and usability.

Main Methods:

• Forty participants (20 novices, 20 experienced) performed simulated construction tasks under a no-BSE condition and with three different BSEs (tested with support on/off).
• Task completion time and subjective perceptions of usability, effort, discomfort, and movement restriction were measured.

Main Results:

• BSE use generally increased task completion time, perceived discomfort, and interference, with mixed effects on perceived physical effort.
• Rigid BSEs significantly increased perceived movement restriction; soft exosuits did not.
• Task completion time and usability perceptions showed some differences between novice and experienced workers, but no single BSE design was universally superior.

Conclusions:

• BSEs present a complex trade-off between potential support and increased task time and discomfort in construction.
• The effectiveness and usability of BSEs are task-specific and can be influenced by worker experience.
• Further research is warranted, especially for novice workers, with careful consideration of specific outcomes and BSE designs.