Influence of a passive back support exoskeleton on simulated patient bed bathing: results of an exploratory study

Abstract

Low-back pain is a major concern among healthcare workers. One cause is the frequent adoption of repetitive forward bent postures in their daily activities. Occupational exoskeletons have the potential to assist workers in such situations. However, their efficacy is largely task-dependent, and their biomechanical benefit in the healthcare sector has rarely been evaluated. The present study investigates the effects of a passive back support exoskeleton in a simulated patient bed bathing task. Nine participants performed the task on a medical manikin, with and without the exoskeleton. Results show that working with the exoskeleton induced a significantly larger trunk forward flexion, by 13 deg in average. Due to this postural change, using the exoskeleton did not affect substantially the muscular and cardiovascular demands nor the perceived effort. These results illustrate that postural changes induced by exoskeleton use, whether voluntary or not, should be considered carefully since they may cancel out biomechanical benefits expected from the assistance.

Exoskeleton technology in nursing practice: assessing effectiveness, usability, and impact on nurses’ quality of work life, a narrative review

“…Exoskeletons need to be comfortable for nurses to wear for extended periods [ 31 , 32 ]. Factors such as device weight, adjustability, and ergonomic design play a crucial role in ensuring comfort.…”

“…Exoskeletons may also have psychological and psychosocial benefits for nurses [ 31 , 33 ]. By reducing physical strain and fatigue, these devices can contribute to a reduction in stress levels and an overall improvement in psychological well-being.…”