Ehsan Garosi, Adel Mazloumi, Amir Homayoun Jafari, Ahmadreza Keihani, Ali Sharifnezhad, Mansour Shamsipour, Ramin Kordi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: The use of exoskeletons as a new ergonomics intervention to reduce musculoskeletal disorders risk factors and increase human performance has emerged in the fourth-generation industrial revolution. The aim of this study was to assess the cervical exoskeleton effect on the neck and shoulder muscles electrical activity.
Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 14 male participants were asked to perform the simulated overhead work with and without using the cervical exoskeleton at two neck postural angles randomly. During the task, electromyography of the target muscles in the neck and shoulders was recorded. In addition, at the end of each task, participants completed a perceived discomfort questionnaire. Electromyographic signals were processed with Matlab 2017b software and the level of the electrical activity of the target muscles was normalized to the maximum muscle activity. Data analysis was performed using Random intercept mix model in STATA 14 software.
Results: Mean perceived discomfort in the neck and shoulders regions significantly reduced by the exoskeleton device, but there was no statistically significant difference in other areas. Also, the mean activity level of sternocleidomastoid and splenius capitis muscles on the right and left was significantly decreased during the use of the cervical exoskeleton. However, this difference showed a significant increase in trapezius muscles.
Conclusion: The use of the neck exoskeleton was associated with a reduction of muscle electrical activity and the perceived discomfort in the neck area. These results may be related to transferring neck and head weight by the exoskeleton retaining jack during the neck extension to other areas of the body. The exoskeleton design did not provide support for the shoulder and arm area, which explains the reason for the non-significant results in the shoulder area. Using the exoskeleton with the additional support in shoulder area could be considered as an ergonomic intervention in such overhead works.
Zutiqa Aqmar Yazuli, Putri Anis Syahira Mohamad Jamil, Nur Athirah Diyana Mohammad Yusof, Karmegam Karuppiah, Enoch Kumar Perimal, Hassan Sadeghi Naeini, Sivasankar Sambasivam, Puvanasvaran A. Perumal,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: The manufacturing, service professions, and other occupations commonly require their employees to spend more than 2 hours of their workday in an upright position which can potentially cause temporary or permanent health effects. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of anti-fatigue mats on leg muscle discomfort and muscle activity due to prolonged standing.
Material and Methods: A total of 100 workers were involved in the study. The control and experimental group stood for 2 hours in a controlled room with or without the anti-fatigue mat while sorting an assortment of mixed items. Borg’s scale questionnaire and EMG signals were used to monitor the muscle discomfort and activity of the respondents.
Results: The discomfort ratings and muscle activity in the experimental group were always at lower levels compared to the control group, which meant there was a reduction in mean perceived exertion rating for the knees, calves, and feet, i.e., 1.8, 2.5 and 2.6, respectively. The results showed that there was a statistically significant (P < 0.001) difference in the Borg’s scale of discomfort ratings and leg muscle activity between both groups.
Conclusion: The anti-fatigue mat can have a positive effect in preventing muscle discomfort and reduce muscle activity among the respondents during prolonged standing.
