Evaluation of a passive back-support exoskeleton in bed-to-chair patient handling tasks
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study assessed the impact of a passive back-support exoskeleton (Laevo V2.5; Laevo, Netherlands) on trunk and hip postures, lower back muscle activity and heart rate during four common patient handling tasks: task 1, lying to sitting; task 2, sitting to standing; task 3, standing to sitting; task 4, bed-to-wheelchair transfer. Eight participants performed these tasks with and without the exoskeleton. Significant reductions (19%; p < 0.05) in erector spinae muscle activity were observed during tasks 2 and 4. Moreover, peak bilateral hip flexion angles decreased by up to 29° across tasks, with a notable decrease in median hip flexion angles in three tasks, except for task 3. These findings suggest that the exoskeleton may offer benefits in reducing lower back muscular strain during certain patient transfer tasks, indicating its potential utility in healthcare settings. Further research is needed to fully assess its effectiveness and practicality in improving patient-handling techniques.
Source: Figshare
Authors: Zheng, Liying, Sekhar, Chandra, Alluri, Varma, Hawke, Ashley L., Hwang, Jaejin
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6902345512
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: