Browsing by Author "Smets, Marty"
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- Effects of an arm-support exoskeleton on perceived work intensity and musculoskeletal discomfort: An 18-month field study in automotive assemblyKim, Sunwook; Nussbaum, Maury A.; Smets, Marty; Ranganathan, Shyam (Wiley, 2021-08-06)Background: Exoskeleton (EXO) technologies are a promising ergonomic intervention to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, with efficacy supported by laboratory- and field-based studies. However, there is a lack of field-based evidence on long-term effects of EXO use on physical demands. Methods: A longitudinal, controlled research design was used to examine the effects of arm-support exoskeleton (ASE) use on perceived physical demands during overhead work at nine automotive manufacturing facilities. Data were collected at five milestones (baseline and at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months) using questionnaires. Linear mixed models were used to understand the effects of ASE use on perceived work intensity and musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD). Analyses were based on a total of 41 participants in the EXO group and 83 in a control group. Results: Across facilities, perceived work intensity and MSD scores did not differ significantly between the EXO and control groups. In some facilities, however, neck and shoulder MSD scores in the EXO group decreased over time. Wrist MSD scores in the EXO group in some facilities remained unchanged, while those scores increased in the control group over time. Upper arm and low back MSD scores were comparable between the experimental groups. Conclusion: Longitudinal effects of ASE use on perceived physical demands were not found, though some suggestive results were evident. This lack of consistent findings is discussed, particularly supporting the need for systematic and evidence-based ASE implementation approaches in the field that can guide the optimal selection of a job for ASE use.
- Effects of Arm-Support Exoskeletons on Kinematics and Subjective Assessments During a Static TaskOjelade, Aanuoluwapo; Kelson, Denean D.; Srinivasan, Divya D.; Kim, Sunwook S.; Smets, Marty; Nussbaum, Maury A. (Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 2021-09)
- Subjective Assessments of Arm-Support Exoskeletons During Simulated Static and Dynamic Overhead TasksMorris, Wallace; Kim, Sunwook; Ojelade, Aanuoluwapo; Srinivasan, Divya; Smets, Marty; Nussbaum, Maury A. (SAGE, 2022-10-11)
- Subjective Assessments of Arm-Support Exoskeletons During Simulated Static and Dynamic Overhead TasksMorris, Wallace; Kim, Sunwook; Ojelade, Aanuoluwapo; Srinivasan, Divya; Smets, Marty; Nussbaum, Maury A. (SAGE Publications, 2022-10-27)
- Three Passive Arm-Support Exoskeletons have Inconsistent Effects on Muscle Activity, Posture, and Perceived Exertion During Diverse Simulated Pseudo-Static Overhead Work TasksOjelade, Aanuoluwapo; Morris, Wallace; Kim, Sunwook; Kelson, Denean; Srinivasan, Divya; Smets, Marty; Nussbaum, Maury A. (Elsevier, 2023-07-01)Arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs) are an emerging technology with the potential to reduce physical demands during diverse tasks, especially overhead work. However, limited information is available about the effects of different ASE designs during overhead work with diverse task demands. Eighteen participants (gender-balanced) performed lab-based simulations of a pseudo-static overhead task. This task was performed in six different conditions (3 work heights × 2 hand force directions), with each of three ASEs and in a control condition (i.e., no ASE). Using ASEs generally reduced the median activity of several shoulder muscles (by ∼12–60%), changed working postures, and decreased perceived exertion in several body regions. Such effects, though, were often task-dependent and differed between the ASEs. Our results support earlier evidence of the beneficial effects of ASEs for overhead work but emphasize that: 1) these effects depend on the task demands and ASE design and 2) none of the ASE designs tested was clearly superior across the tasks simulated.
- Usability and user acceptance of an arm-support exoskeleton in automotive assembly: Results of a long-term field evaluationKim, Sunwook; Nussbaum, Maury A.; Smets, Marty (SAGE, 2021-09-01)
- Usability, User Acceptance, and Health Outcomes of Arm-support Exoskeleton Use in Automotive Assembly: An 18-month Field StudyKim, Sunwook; Nussbaum, Maury A.; Smets, Marty (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2022-03-01)OBJECTIVE: Examine arm-support exoskeleton (ASE) user experience over time, identify factors contributing to ASE intention-to-use, and explore whether ASE use may influence the number of medical visits. METHODS: An 18-month, longitudinal study with ASE (n = 65) and control groups (n = 133) completed at nine automotive manufacturing facilities. RESULTS: Responses to six usability questions were rather consistent over time. ASE use perceived effective in reducing physical demands on the shoulders, neck, and back. Perceived job performance, and overall fit and comfort, appeared to be key determinants for ASE intention-to-use. Based on medical visits among both groups, ASE use may decrease the likelihood of such visits. CONCLUSIONS: These field results support the potential of ASEs as a beneficial ergonomic intervention, but also highlight needs for further research on ASE designs, factors driving intention-to-use, and health outcomes.