Exoskeleton Device clinical trials

The Effect of a Novel Passive Shoulder Exoskeleton During Industrial Work

After designing a first prototype of next generation industrial exoskeleton, the system should be evaluated in laboratory conditions. In order to evaluate the passive shoulder exoskeleton, designed to assist workers, a protocol is developed in which parts of industrial work is simulated. The results of this evaluation will serve as input for the next iterative design process/cycle of the prototype. In this study 15 subjects will be recruited. During a 3.5h lab visit, each subject will perform three identical experimental trials; one trial without exoskeleton, one trial with a commercially available exoskeleton and one with the newly developed prototype. To avoid sequence bias, the order of the trials will be randomized (counterbalanced). The protocol consists of 6 tasks, always performed in the same sequence; lifting 5 kg 5 times from hip height to overhead height, completing a wiring task overhead (90 sec), 6 minutes walking, 6 min lifting from hip to overhead height (10 kg), 6 min lifting from ground to hip level (10 kg) and drilling for 30 sec with a force of 60N (±20 N). Before each task, 5 min of rest will be provided, and the subject will receive 10 min of rest in between different experimental trials. Electrocardiographic data, chest expansion and skin temperature will be monitored through a belt (Equivital, AD Instruments). An ergospirometric device (K5, Cosmed) will be used to gather gas exchange data, and (non-invasive) EMG electrodes will be applied to collect muscle activity data during the trials (Cometa). IMUs will be applied to the subjects' extremities to analyse the movement pattern (Technaid). Furthermore, questionnaires will be filled out to assess the subjective experience (Rating of Perceived Exertion, Sustained Usability Scale, Local Discomfort Scale).