Shoulder kinematics during cyclic overhead work are affected by a passive arm support exoskeleton
研究了不同扭矩水平的被动式手臂支撑外骨骼对循环性高空钻孔任务中上臂运动学的影响，发现最大扭矩可显著降低加速度峰值，同时改变手臂姿势。
PURPOSE: We investigated the influence of passive arm-support exoskeleton (ASE) with different levels of torque (50, 75, and 100%) on upper arm osteokinematics. METHODS: Twenty participants completed a cyclic overhead drilling task with and without ASE. Task duration, joint angles, and angular acceleration peaks were analyzed during ascent and descent phases of the dominant upper arm. RESULTS: Maximum ASE torque was associated with decreased peak acceleration during ascent (32.2%; SD 17.8; p < 0.001) and descent phases (38.8%; SD 17.8; p < 0.001). Task duration remained consistent. Increased torque led to a more flexed (7.2°; SD 5.5; p > 0.001) and internally rotated arm posture (17.6°; SD 12.1; p < 0.001), with minimal changes in arm abduction. CONCLUSION: The small arm accelerations and changes in osteokinematics we observed, support the use of this ASE, even while performing overhead cyclic tasks with the highest level of support.