Evaluation of A Passive Back-Support Exoskeleton in Bed-to-Chair Patient Handling Tasks

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a passive back-support exoskeleton on the physical demands of caregivers during bed-to-chair patient handling tasks. Eight participants (5 males and 3 females) performed 4 different patient handling tasks, including 1) lying to sitting, 2) sitting to standing, 3) standing to sitting, and 4) bed to wheelchair transfer with and without the exoskeleton. In certain bed-to-chair patient handling tasks, the exoskeleton (Laevo V2.5) was found to significantly reduce the peak and median values of the hip flexion angles and muscle activities of erector spinae compared to no exoskeleton. The effect of the exoskeleton was task-dependent. The exoskeleton caused a greater reduction of the erector spinae muscle activities of symmetric exertions than the asymmetric exertions. With the exoskeleton, participants adjusted their patient handling strategies by decreasing the hip flexion but increasing the trunk extension. There was a lack of significant changes in the heart rate with the exoskeleton. The results suggest that back-support exoskeletons could play a role in reducing the muscular demand of the low back during certain bed-to-chair patient handling tasks. However, further research would be needed to fully assess its effectiveness and practicality in improving patient-handling techniques.