Effects of Lumbar-Assist Exoskeleton and Lifting Strap On Low Back Biomechanical Demands and Usability During Ground-level Patient Handling

Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering

Department

Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering and Engineering Management

First Advisor

Sang Hyeon Kang, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Tycho K. Fredericks, Ph.D., CPE

Third Advisor

Lee J. Wells, Ph.D.

Keywords

Ergonomics, exoskeleton, patient handling

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Abstract Only

Restricted to Campus until

5-1-2028

Abstract

This study evaluated two passive back-support exoskeletons (BSEs) and a patient handling strap during three patient-handling phases: flip, sit-up, and shoulder-drag. Twelve participants completed each combination of exoskeleton use (rigid (IX Back Air), soft (APEX2), or no BSE) and patient-handling strap (with or without) while trunk muscle activation, passive extensor moment, and subjective responses (perceived exertion/usability) were recorded. Results revealed that during the flip phase, only the exoskeleton demonstrated a significant main effect. In this phase, the rigid exoskeleton reduced erector spinae activation by 32.05%, while the soft exoskeleton reduced lumbar passive moment by up to 31.22%. In the sit-up and shoulder-drag phases, only the strap demonstrated a significant effect across multiple muscle groups, and the passive extensor moment. Subjective measurements confirmed that both the exoskeleton and lifting strap reduced perceived exertion (Borg scale), with participants reporting greater relief when using either device compared to the no-suit condition. The rigid exoskeleton was preferred for mobility and pressure, while SUS ratings remained unaffected, indicating that biomechanical benefits are experienced, but device-specific usability is constrained by physical design limitations.

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