Upper-Body Exoskeleton Impact During Stair Climbing

Being aware of upper-body exoskeleton impact during stair climbing can prevent future injuries. This session explores the impact of an upper-body passive exoskeleton on biomechanical and physiological parameters during stair climbing with a load, addressing the challenge of manual material handling in various industries. It's critically important due to the prevalence of strain injuries and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among workers performing heavy lifting, emphasizing the need for effective technological interventions. This study aims to assess the exoskeleton's influence on heart rate, muscle activity, and kinematics, contributing evidence to its potential as a mitigative tool against work-related injuries. The session will include a presentation of the methodology involving 30 participants, results indicating the exoskeleton's effectiveness in reducing muscle activity and physical effort considering sex differences, and a discussion on the implications for occupational health. This information is crucial for industries seeking to enhance worker safety and productivity through innovative solutions.