Passive back- and arm-support exoskeletons have effects on physical demands and user perceptions in simulated manual...

Back-support (BSE) and arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs) can reduce physical demands during occupational tasks, yet their effectiveness in manual mining tasks remains unknown. We evaluated two BSEs (HeroWear, Laevo Flex) and two ASEs (EVO, Paexo Shoulder) in two lab-based studies (n = 18 each), each including a no-exoskeleton condition. The BSE study involved simulated cable hanging/installation, core box lifting, and overhead wire-mesh installation; the ASE study included these tasks plus overhead drilling. Both BSEs significantly reduced peak trunk extensor activity during lifting (∼15-30%) and overhead installation (∼9-21%), although perceptions differed: HeroWear reduced upper-back exertion, whereas Laevo Flex increased waist/hip discomfort. Paexo Shoulder significantly reduced total shoulder-muscle activity during cable hanging (∼23%), core box lifting (∼22%), and wire-mesh installation (∼24%), while EVO yielded significant reductions during wire-mesh installation (∼17%). Both ASEs reduced perceived exertion across most body regions with minimal discomfort. Importantly, both BSE and ASE benefits were generally consistent across task-specific conditions, suggesting that their effectiveness is robust across varying task demands. Despite their potential for musculoskeletal disorder prevention, field evaluation is recommended.