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Chan YS, Teo YX, Gouwanda D, Nurzaman SG, Gopalai AA. Simulation of passive exotendon assistive device for agricultural harvesting task. Phys Eng Sci Med 2023; 46:1375-1386. [PMID: 37493930 DOI: 10.1007/s13246-023-01305-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
This study proposes and investigates the feasibility of the passive assistive device to assist agricultural harvesting task and reduce the Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) risk of harvesters using computational musculoskeletal modelling and simulations. Several passive assistive devices comprised of elastic exotendon, which acts in parallel with different back muscles (rectus abdominis, longissimus, and iliocostalis), were designed and modelled. These passive assistive devices were integrated individually into the musculoskeletal model to provide passive support for the harvesting task. The muscle activation, muscle force, and joint moment were computed with biomechanical simulations for unassisted and assisted motions. The simulation results demonstrated that passive assistive devices reduced muscle activation, muscle force, and joint moment, particularly when the devices were attached to the iliocostalis and rectus abdominis. It was also discovered that assisting the longissimus muscle can alleviate the workload by distributing a portion of it to the rectus abdominis. The findings in this study support the feasibility of adopting passive assistive devices to reduce the MSD risk of the harvesters during agricultural harvesting. These findings can provide valuable insights to the engineers and designers of physical assistive devices on which muscle(s) to assist during agricultural harvesting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yon Sin Chan
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yu Xuan Teo
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Darwin Gouwanda
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia & Monash Industry Palm Oil Research Platform, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 , Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Surya Girinatha Nurzaman
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia & Monash Industry Palm Oil Research Platform, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 , Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alpha Agape Gopalai
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia & Monash Industry Palm Oil Research Platform, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 , Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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Kranenborg SE, Greve C, Reneman MF, Roossien CC. Side-effects and adverse events of a shoulder- and back-support exoskeleton in workers: A systematic review. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 111:104042. [PMID: 37146320 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While the biomechanical effects of exoskeletons are well studied, research about potential side-effects and adverse events are limited. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the side-effects and adverse events on shoulder- and back-support exoskeletons during work tasks. METHODS Four in-field studies and 32 laboratory studies were included in this review, reporting on n = 18 shoulder exoskeletons, n = 9 back exoskeletons, n = 1 full body with a supernumerary arm, and n = 1 combination of shoulder and back exoskeleton. RESULTS The most frequent side-effect reported is discomfort (n = 30), followed by a limited usability of the exoskeleton (n = 16). Other identified side-effects and adverse events were changes in muscle activity, mobility, task performance, balance and posture, neurovascular supply, gait parameters and precision. An incorrect fit of the exoskeleton and the decreased degrees of freedom are most often reported as causes of these side-effects. Two studies did not find any side-effects. This review also showed that there are differences in the occurrence of side-effects in gender, age, and physical fitness. Most studies (89%) were conducted in a laboratory setting. Most studies (97%) measured short-term effects only. Psychological and social side-effects or adverse events were not reported. Side-effects and adverse events for active exoskeletons were understudied (n = 4). CONCLUSION It was concluded that the evidence for side-effects and adverse events is limited. If available, it mainly consists of reports of mild discomfort and limited usability. Generalisation is limited because studies were conducted in lab settings and measured short term only, and most participants were young male workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Kranenborg
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Human Movement Science, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - C Greve
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Human Movement Science, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - M F Reneman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - C C Roossien
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Human Movement Science, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Pacifico I, Aprigliano F, Parri A, Cannillo G, Melandri I, Sabatini AM, Violante FS, Molteni F, Giovacchini F, Vitiello N, Crea S. Evaluation of a spring-loaded upper-limb exoskeleton in cleaning activities. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 106:103877. [PMID: 36095895 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the past few years, companies have started considering the adoption of upper-limb occupational exoskeletons as a solution to reduce the health and cost issues associated with work-related shoulder overuse injuries. Most of the previous research studies have evaluated the efficacy of these devices in laboratories by measuring the reduction in muscle exertion resulting from device use in stereotyped tasks and controlled conditions. However, to date, uncertainties exist about generalizing laboratory results to more realistic conditions of use. The current study aims to investigate the in-field efficacy (through electromyography and perceived exertion), usability, and acceptance of a commercial spring-loaded upper-limb exoskeleton in cleaning job activities. The operators were required to maintain prolonged overhead postures while holding and moving a pole equipped with tools for window and ceiling cleaning. Compared to the normal working condition, the exoskeleton significantly reduced the total shoulder muscle activity (∼17%), the activity of the anterior deltoid (∼26%), medial deltoid (∼28%), and upper trapezius (∼24%). With the exoskeleton, the operators perceived reduced global effort (∼17%) as well as a reduced local effort in the shoulder (∼18%), arm (∼22%), upper back (∼14%), and lower back (∼16%). The beneficial effect of the exoskeleton and its suitability in cleaning settings are corroborated by the acceptance and usability scores assigned by operators, which averaged ∼5.5 out of 7 points. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to present an experience of exoskeleton use in cleaning contexts. The outcomes of this research invite further studies to test occupational exoskeletons in various realistic applications to foster scientific-grounded ergonomic evaluations and encourage the informed adoption of the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Parri
- IUVO S.r.l., Via Puglie 9, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giusi Cannillo
- Formula Servizi, Via Monteverdi, 31, 47122, Forlì, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Maria Sabatini
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Violante
- Division of Occupational Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna.Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Franco Molteni
- Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Valduce Hospital, Via N. Sauro 17, 23845, Costa Masnaga, Lecco, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Vitiello
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy; Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 50143, Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Crea
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy; Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 50143, Florence, Italy.
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Tatar V, Yazicioglu O, Ayvaz B. A novel risk assessment model for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in tea harvesting workers. JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT & FUZZY SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3233/jifs-222652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational health problems in agriculture workers due to repetitive and excessive force movement activities involved in their job processes. The Fine-Kinney method has been commonly used as a quantitative evaluation method in risk assessment studies. Classically, the risk value via Fine–Kinney is calculated by the mathematical multiplication irrespective of the degree of importance of each risk parameter (probability (P), exposure (E), and consequence (C)). Hence, a novel risk management model was proposed based on integrating Fine-Kinney and spherical fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS. First, each risk parameter is weighted using the spherical fuzzy AHP (SF-AHP). Second, the spherical fuzzy TOPSIS (SF-TOPSIS) method is used for hazard ranking. The proposed model is applied to evaluate risks in tea harvesting workers for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to test the proposed model. Finally, we compare the proposed model’s applicability and effectiveness with the spherical fuzzy COmbinative Distance-based ASsessment (SF-CODAS) method based on Fine-Kinney. The ranking similarity between the proposed Fine-Kinney-based SF-TOPSIS and SF-CODAS methods is checked by applying Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, in which 92% of rankings are matched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veysel Tatar
- Istanbul Commerce University, Institute of Science and Technology, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Osman Yazicioglu
- Istanbul Commerce University, Faculty of Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Berk Ayvaz
- Istanbul Commerce University, Faculty of Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Copper AW, Scharfbillig R, Nguyen TP, Collins C. Identifying lower limb problems and the types of safety footwear worn in the Australian wine industry: a cross-sectional survey. J Foot Ankle Res 2021; 14:58. [PMID: 34844650 PMCID: PMC8628050 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-021-00495-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Australian wine industry is a valuable part of the wider Australian economy worth approximately A$45 billion annually and employs 163,790 people either full time or part time. Australian agricultural industries are amongst the nation's most dangerous workplaces with joint, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries being commonplace along with wounds, lacerations and musculoskeletal diseases. It is therefore important to try and minimise the risk of injuries to workers. The aims of this study were to (1) identify whether lower limb problems occur in the Australian wine industry and (2) identify the types of safety footwear worn. METHODS Participants were recruited from the Australian wine industry. The study was a cross-sectional anonymous survey of 82 questions with n = 207 respondents. Questions related to job role performed, types of lower limb problems experienced, level of pain, restriction of activities, types of footwear worn, general health and physical health. RESULTS The main working roles were winery (73.4%), vineyard (52.2%), laboratory (39.6%), cellar door (32.4%) and office (8.2%), with 63.3% of participants working in more than one role. Lower back pain was the most commonly reported problem at 56% followed by foot pain (36.7%), knee pain (24.6%), leg pain (21.3%), ankle pain (17.9%), hip pain (15.5%), toe pain (13%) and heel pain (11.1%). The most popular footwear used by participants were elastic sided safety boots, followed by high cut lace up safety boots with side zip. Overall, although the pain experienced was moderate, it did not impact the workers ability to perform their duties and the majority self-reported as being in very good general and physical health. CONCLUSION To date no data have been published on the types of lower limb problems or the types of safety footwear worn in the Australian wine industry. This study is the first to demonstrate that elastic sided safety boots were the most popular amongst respondents and that lower limb problems occur with workers. Therefore, further research into the safety footwear used in the Australian wine industry is needed to better support workers health while working in their varied roles and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Willem Copper
- Department of Wine Science and Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide. PMB 1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia.
| | - Rolf Scharfbillig
- School of Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
| | - Thuy Phuong Nguyen
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Cassandra Collins
- Department of Wine Science and Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide. PMB 1, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia
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