Proof of Concept of a 3 DoF Passive Exoskeleton for Reducing Low Back Musculoskeletal Disorder

Abstract

An exoskeleton is a mechatronic system to enhance the physical and sensory aspects of a person when assisting with a particular task. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimate that musculoskeletal disorders due to low back pain are the global burden of work-related diseases and injuries. The occupational ergonomic risk factors stratified by country, sex, age, and industrial sector or occupation are exertion of force, demanding posture, repetitiveness, hand-arm vibration, lifting, kneeling and/or bending, and climbing. In Peru, industries with forced activities have low work performance due to fatigue and physical effort. It is estimated that between 70% and 80% present episodes of the low back, knee, and lower limb tendon pain in their professional life. The research was carried out to reduce the musculoskeletal disorders of low back pain in maneuvering personnel of shipyard companies, to develop a 3DoF hip exoskeleton prototype to reduce the musculoskeletal disorder in operators between 30 and 40 years of age of the Sima company. DQP and CEA methodologies are applied to filter and organize statistical data of mixed research and correlational level. Lotus diagram, mind map, bibliometric analysis, equation search, and international and national antecedents will also be carried out.