Two passive back-support exoskeleton (BSE) designs were assessed in terms of muscular activity, energy expenditure, joint kinematics, and subjective responses. Eighteen participants (gender-balanced) completed repetitive lifting tasks in nine different conditions, involving symmetric and asymmetric postures and using two BSEs (along with no BSE as a control condition). Wearing both BSEs significantly reduced peak levels of trunk extensor muscle activity (by ~9–20%) and reduced energy expenditure (by ~8–14%). Such reductions, though, were more pronounced in the symmetric conditions and differed between the two BSEs tested. Participants reported lower perceived exertion using either BSE yet raised concerns regarding localized discomfort. Minimal changes in lifting behaviors were evident when using either BSE, and use of both BSEs led to generally positive usability ratings. While these results are promising regarding the occupational use of BSEs, future work is recommended to consider inter-individual differences to accommodate diverse user needs and preferences.

在肌肉活动，能量消耗，关节运动学和主观反应方面评估了两种被动背支撑外骨骼（BSE）设计。18名参与者（性别平衡）在9种不同的条件下完成了重复的举重任务，涉及对称和不对称的姿势，并使用了两个BSE（以及没有BSE作为控制条件）。穿着这两种疯牛病可显着降低躯干伸肌活动的峰值水平（降低约9–20％）并减少能量消耗（降低约8-14％）。但是，这种降低在对称条件下更为明显，并且在两个测试的BSE之间有所不同。参与者报告说，使用任一疯牛病后感觉到的劳累降低，但引起了对局部不适的担忧。使用任一BSE时，举升行为的最小变化都很明显，两种BSE的使用总体上使可用性评级为正。虽然这些结果在疯牛病的职业使用方面是令人鼓舞的，但建议未来的工作考虑个体之间的差异，以适应不同的用户需求和喜好。