Assessing the Efficacy of Passive Exoskeletons for Construction Work: Lab-Based Study

Status unconfirmed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Healthy

In brief

This project aims to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of four types of commercial Back support exoskeletons (BSEs) for concrete work tasks. BSEs are external wearable devices designed to reduce physical demands on the back by providing assistive moments to body joints to support muscles. There is considerable evidence to suggest such exoskeletons reduce the risks of back injuries for workers performing repetitive tasks. However, since the effects of using BSEs in concrete work tasks are still unknown, evidence-based information regarding effectiveness, productivity impact, and safety risks is required to help industries adopt BSEs as an ergonomic intervention.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT04567797

Run by

University of Arizona

People needed

25

Starts

2020-10-01

Expected to finish

2021-01-01

Last updated by the study team

2020-09-29

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be able to walk and/or lift heavy objects without pain/discomfort.

You may not qualify if…

• Have prior back/neck injuries or chronic pain in the last 6 months.
• Have a pacemakers.
• Have breast implants.
• Have removed the axillary lymph nodes.
• Pregnant women.
• Using blood thinning medications.
• Participants must consult a physician prior to participating this study if any of the following occurred before or during use: Inguinal hernia, hernia, knee injury hip/knee prosthesis, hyperextended knee, recent surgery, skin disease/injury, scars, inflammation, skin reddening.

Where it is running

• Smart Life in Motion (SLIM) Lab — Tucson, Arizona, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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