Biomechanical Evaluation of the Effect of Three Trunk Support Exoskeletons on Spine Loading During Lifting

To evaluate the biomechanical effect of exoskeletons during lifting, three studies were performed to compare spine compression during lifting without and with three exoskeletons (Laevo, Robo-Mate, SPEXOR). In these studies, participants (11, 10 and 10, respectively) lifted boxes (10, 15 and 10 kg, respectively) from ankle height. Spine compression reductions ranged from minor changes in the first exoskeleton to 17% and 14% reductions in the second and third exoskeleton, respectively. Lumbar flexion was increased by the first exoskeleton while it was reduced by the second and unaffected by the third. Effects of exoskeletons on spine compression were affected by support moments, reductions in lifting speed and subtle changes in lifting style. Modifications of design and control could help to improve the timing and magnitude of support of exoskeletons during lifting.