Evaluation of a passive low-back support exoskeleton (Ergo-Vest) for manual waste collection

Abstract

The purpose of study was to determine the biomechanical, physiological, and subjective effect of a Passive Exoskeleton device (called Ergo-Vest) among 20 waste collectors in the working environment. Compression force and moment on L4/L5 related to 400 critical postures of the participants were estimated using the 3DSSPP software. The heart rate and energy expenditure are measured as the physiological strain using the Polar RS400 Heart Rate Monitor. Borg scale perceived exertion, system usability scale, and ergonomic design indicators of the device were collected as the subjective parameters. Compression force and moment on L4/L5 disc were decreased when the Ergo-Vest was utilised. There was no significant difference in energy expenditure and heart rate with and without the device. The workers' perceived physical exertion was decreased while using the Ergo-Vest. From the perspective of end users, the usability and ergonomic design features of the Ergo-Vest was acceptable.

Practitioner summary: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is high among the Iranian waste collectors. To mitigate this occupational problem, the effect of a passive exoskeleton for lower-back support (Ergo-Vest) was investigated on the workers' spine loading, physiological parameters, and perceived physical exertion. The result shows spine force reduction and lower subjective responses.

Keywords:

• Compression force on L4/L5 disc
• energy expenditure
• passive exoskeleton
• perceived physical exertion
• waste collector

Acknowledgements

We are thankful to the waste collectors who participated in the present study. The authors wish to acknowledge the HSE team from Shiraz municipality solid waste management organization for the great cooperation.

Disclosure statement

The authors, Dr. Mansour Ziaei and Dr. Alireza Choobineh, have patented the Ergo-Vest through Iranian patent office and might financially take advantage of the results of this study. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences under Grant number 1396-01-04-14503.